Jinger with a J

JINGER WITH A “J”

L. T. Rashard

® www.loose-id.com

Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

***** This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable.

Jinger with a “J” L. T. Rashard This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com

Copyright © August 2007 by L. T. Rashard All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978-1-59632-526-5 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Lynne Anderson Cover Artist: Cover Anne Cain

www.loose-id.com

Chapter One

Jinger smiled as the instant message box flashed across her screen.

M2ConstantineCorp: Howdy neighbor. M2ConstantineCorp: Are you ready for me Ms. Jinger with a “J”? Jingerj: You know that I am. Jingerj: You wanna come to me or do I come to you? M2ConstantineCorp: You know I love it when you come. Jingerj: Vice versa boss. How about this, we come at the Jingerj: same time and meet in front of accounting. M2ConstantineCorp: I’m leaving now, meet you there.

Jinger left her desk in a hurry, making her way down the hall with a manila envelope carefully tucked under her arm. She couldn’t wait to see him, even if it was just to deliver the acquisition papers he needed. Hell, she’d deliver a paper napkin to his desk if it meant seeing him. She was in lust with Martin Constantine. Straightening her clothes and running her hand through her hair, Jinger plastered her “knock ’em dead” smile on her face. She knew she looked nice in her office attire. The cream

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linen pants and taupe sleeveless silk shirt complemented her chocolate hair, dark brown eyes, and golden complexion. Walking quickly down the halls, she made it in front of Angelina Costas’s office, the head of the accountant department, and the third most powerful person at Constantine, Inc. Standing outside Angelina’s door, she heard a horde of angry cuss words leave the woman’s mouth as she slammed the phone against its base. Angelina looked up to see Jinger staring through the glass window. Feeling awkward at being caught eavesdropping, Jinger smiled at Angelina and waved at her. Angelina didn’t return the pleasantries, but rather turned her head down toward her computer monitor and started typing. “Wanna make a bet my cousin has done something to piss her off?” She smelled him, that expensive cologne, before he had even whispered into her ear. She smiled to herself right before she turned around to face her future babies’ daddy. Or so

she hoped. “I’m sure none of you fine Constantine men have the capabilities of pissing anyone off for very long. All you have to do is flash that sexy smile of yours and bat them pretty eyes, and any woman will just melt at your feet.” She watched him blush, which made her cream her panties. Thank God for panty liners. She moved closer to him as he put his palm on the wall in front of her, arm extended. He stared into her eyes as she looked up at him. “Care to test that theory?” He inclined his head to her. She gave him a cool glare. “Do I care to have you piss me off so that you can bat them pretty eyes at me in order to see if I’ll forgive you?” She smiled sweetly at him. “I’ll pass.” He moved in closer, invading her personal space. His breath smelled minty and fresh. It whisked her cheek like a soft caress. Not like the sour coffee and ass smell that emanated from her ex-husband Brian’s mouth. No, everything about Martin Constantine was cool.

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His mouth was so near hers she thought that he was going to kiss her, but he just whispered lightly into her ear, “I’d do anything to get into your good graces, darlin’. Even piss you off.” She leaned infinitesimally closer. “All you have to do is ask. I’m all yours.” “Sweetheart, can I be in your --” The clearing of a throat interrupted what Martin was going to say. He turned around to see an angry Angelina Costas staring at them. “I would like to remind you two that we are at work, not at a club. Cut the public displays of affection before I’m forced to write the both of you up. And I would hate to do that to Jinger, since her work here is so valuable.” Neither missed the sarcasm in her voice, or the fact that she insinuated Martin’s work wasn’t valuable. Immediately they separated, and Jinger missed his presence. She could have clawed Angelina’s eyes out for the disruption. “Don’t be jealous, Angelina. I’m sure there’s a Constantine out there for you… one who isn’t otherwise attached?” The words dripped sweetly off Martin’s tongue. “Bese mi culo.” Angelina spurted the words to him. Jinger, who had grown up in a Spanish-speaking household, was shocked to hear the vulgarity spew out of Angelina’s mouth. Jinger watched him give Angelina a crooked smile. “I’m not kissing your ass.” He winked at Jinger. “However, there’s another ass I’m trying real hard to kiss. I doubt if she’ll like me kissing yours too.” Turning his head back toward Angelina, he added, “Besides, I’m sure Michael would kick my ass if I were to even entertain thoughts of kissing yours.” He turned to face Jinger, dismissing Angelina. “I’ll see you later.” He winked at her and walked off down the hallway.

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“Mrs. Constantine would like to see you in her office immediately,” Angelina told Jinger in a stern voice. Jinger plastered on a phony smile for the bitter woman as she walked past her to the executive wing of Constantine, Inc.

***** Jinger knocked on the door and waited to be acknowledged. When Nina Constantine shouted a brisk “Come in,” she opened the door and walked inside the large office. She watched with admiration. Nina was multitasking as usual, pacing the hardwood floors while barking orders into her Bluetooth chip, all the while making changes on some documents she had in her hands. She never missed a beat. She motioned with her head for Jinger to sit down in the chair across from her desk. “No, you tell that fucking idiot if it’s a fight he wants, then he’ll get it. He’s messed with the right one. I promise to bury my foot so far in his ass, he’ll be burping Choo for years!” There was a brief pause before she started again. “No, Adrian, I will not fold, bend, or compromise on this one. His fat lazy ass is out. He can whine to your father and mother all he wants, but I’m not going to change my mind.” Another pause. “Fuck him. Let’s take it to court. Enough about him; I have more pressing business to attend to.” He must have asked “what business,” because Nina started fussing again. “I have to deal with the fact that you got me pregnant again.” Another pause, but this time it was longer. Jinger was really getting an earful and she wondered if she should leave. She looked around, thinking that she might busy herself with something so it wouldn’t be so obvious that she was deeply engrossed in her boss’s conversation; although, if you asked her, the exchange between husband and wife could have waited until Nina had gotten home. Oh well, all was normal at Constantine, Inc. It wouldn’t be a typical day without some sort of drama. “Look, Adrian, you may want a football team of kids, but I don’t. This is the last time and I mean it. If you get me pregnant again, I’m giving you a vasectomy myself.” A pause. “Yeah. Yeah. I love you too.” She disconnected her line.

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She sat in her seat and folded her arms, giving Jinger a bright smile. “Human Resources tells me that your divorce is final.” What does my divorce have to do with anything? Nosy

bitch. “I know that you’re probably wondering why I would be interested in this type of information, but I do have my reasons.” “Which are?” “You know that we’ve been doing some corporate restructuring, right?” Jinger knew exactly what Nina was talking about. When she became CEO of Constantine, Inc., she started downsizing what she called “company pork,” those individuals and expenses that were not generating revenues and were costing the company a lot of money. She also switched personnel to different departments to better suit their qualifications. There were some promotions and some demotions, and some outright firings and forced retirements. Jinger herself had been affected by this corporate restructuring already. The position she wanted had been given to one of her coworkers who, in her mind, didn’t deserve the position as much as she did. “Yes, ma’am, I am aware of it.” “Well, one of the things that I have been preparing for is a merger between the graphics department and the drafting department. I’ve been keeping a really close eye on you ever since you came to Constantine, Inc., and I have to say, you have impressed me one hundred percent. That’s no easy feat. I want you as the department head of this merger. You will answer to Angelina Costas and me only.” Jinger was having a hard time listening to Nina, her mind jumping with excitement over the news. “…needed to make sure that you were divorced before I gave you your salary raise. I didn’t want your sneaky ex-husband having claims to your pay dirt after the slimy shit he pulled. That’s the reason for the delay in promotion. You will have a significant increase in responsibilities, so the pay is to accommodate your new position.” Nina handed her a

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package, which Jinger opened immediately. The information on the cover sheet made her eyes bulge. Her bonus was bigger than her annual salary. Her pay was… This couldn’t be right. She looked up at Nina, amazed. “This salary can’t be right.” She passed the papers back to Nina with shaky hands. “Yes, it’s correct,” Handing back the papers to her, she noticed that Nina seemed oblivious to her expression. “Your position is effective immediately. You can move your things into Mr. Williams’s office. You will be scheduled for leadership training and management classes, effective tomorrow. You will be paid for these classes. You need to find yourself a secretary. Get one with experience. You may hire one yourself, contingent that he or she is qualified for the job, or you may contact Human Resources and have them send someone up to you pronto.” “Thank you. Thank you very much.” Jinger wanted to laugh and cry, but she tamed her emotions, wanting to continue making a good impression on Nina. “One more thing.” Nina looked her in the eye. “This is your job. Don’t let anyone force you to lose it. You are deserving of this position, so don’t let petty jealousy, a bitter ex, or even romance get in the way of this remarkable opportunity. Is that understood? It’s just a word of advice from one woman to another.” Nina smiled at her. “Thank you. I’ll take your advice to heart and mind.” Jinger stood and extended her hand. Nina shook it. “I truly am excited, and thank you very much, ma’am. And by the way, congratulations on your good news. You’re expecting again, right?” She watched the woman roll her eyes and shake her head. Too late, she hoped she hadn’t stuck her foot in her mouth. “Yeah, I am knocked up again,” Nina said. “Junior is just turning two, and Adrianna is seven going on thirty, so I would appreciate it if we could get this daycare built ASAP.” With

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that, Nina was back on the phone again, speaking into her Bluetooth mic. That was Jinger’s cue to leave. “One sec,” Nina said into the phone. Then she looked at Jinger and said, “Angelina Costas and I sometimes do lunch at the Cedar Gardens. You’re welcome to join us sometime. I’ll have my secretary call you later this week.” She smiled and went back to her telephone conversation.

***** Jinger couldn’t wait to tell Martin the news. She power walked her way to his office, only stopping to knock on his door. “Come in,” the deep, slightly accented voice chimed. She walked into the office and closed the door behind her. “And to what do I owe this honor?” He leaned back in his chair, audacious in his obvious assessment of her. “I am the new executive in charge of both the drafting and the graphics department.” She saw the excitement in his eyes as he got up and walked toward her. “Well, hell, this is cause for a celebration! May I take you out to lunch to celebrate?” She watched as he stood over her, looking down into her eyes. “I’d love to go to lunch with you. Just let me know what time.” She closed her eyes as the she felt his thumb brush across her bottom lip. “I really like you,” Martin admitted, sliding his thumb down her chin. “I like you a lot.” “I like you too.” She smiled, darting her tongue out to wet his finger. “You wanna come over and eat dinner at my apartment tonight?” “I sure do.” He flashed her a megawatt smile.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Splash! The floodgates are open and I’ve just pooled at his feet. “What do I bring?” he was asking. “Handcuffs.”

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There. Knocked the smile right off his face. Then he gave her a lopsided grin.

Put a fork in me. I’m done! “How about I bring some wine with the handcuffs.” He winked. “I’d like that. How does six work for you?” “Just fine. What’s for dinner?” “Does it matter?” “Not really. I’d eat just about anything you’d want me to.” Thank God for greatly padded bras and panty liners, because Martin would have gotten high beamed and whipped creamed after that statement. “How does a Southwestern salad and filet mignon sound? And for dessert, how about some fresh berries dipped in both white and milk chocolate?” She added huskiness to her voice and he moved up to her. “Baby, you really do know the way to a man’s heart.” She looked up as Martin came even closer to her. At five foot eight, she was close to his height, which was around six feet. “Don’t be late.” She turned to leave, but couldn’t resist glancing back. She smiled when she saw that he was still watching her as she walked away.

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Chapter Two

Jinger pulled on her snug-fitting tank top and smiled in the full-length mirror. “Looking good, mommy,” she said to her reflection as she turned around and ran her hands over her form-fitting jeans. She was leggy, and the slender cut of the jeans showcased her lean, slim thighs and tight, rounded ass, thanks to the hours she dedicated three times a week to spin class. She ran her hands up the sides of her tank top, admiring the fit of the fabric hugging her upper torso, accentuating her large rack. She ran a hand through her mediumlength brown, curly hair, loving the way the natural tresses cascaded around her face. Long, thick eyelashes surrounded her large, slanted eyes. She looked like the woman on that channel who traveled to exotic places while having a wild time and lots of fun -- Brook something or other. At least that’s who everyone kept telling her she looked like. Jinger wasn’t sure of how true that was, but she could see a few similarities. The ringing of the doorbell brought Jinger out of her thoughts. She smiled at Martin’s early arrival; bet he couldn’t wait to see her. She opened the door wide and immediately regretted it. “Hi, sweetheart.” Her ex-husband, Brian, nudged past her. “I’m not your sweetheart, and what the hell do you want?”

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“I just came over here to talk with you. How are you doing?” She watched in horror as he gazed at her, lust in his light hazel eyes. “I’m doing well, but I have company coming over, so you’ll need to leave.” She took hold of his upper arm to escort him right back out the door. He stopped steps away from the door, halting her progress. “Baby. Hear me out. I just want five minutes of your time. That’s all I’m asking.” He turned around and looked into her brown eyes. “Look. We didn’t part on good terms and I really don’t care to hear what you have to say. I am expecting company any minute now, and I don’t want any confrontations with you and my date. If you want to talk with me, you need to call me. Don’t come over to my apartment unannounced anymore, or this civility we have toward each other will be gone real quick. Now leave.” She roughly ushered him out of her apartment and shoved the door shut on him. After the slimy underhanded shit he pulled, he had a lot of fucking nerve to come around here asking for anything besides an ass kicking -- the rat bastard. Sighing loudly, she went to the kitchen and preheated her Foreman grill. As it was heating up, she seasoned her steaks and started on her salad. Twenty minutes later, she was taking the breadsticks out of the oven when her doorbell rang. God, please don’t let it be

dickhead again. “Who is it?” she asked this time, not wanting to take a chance of it being her ex or any other unwanted guest. She would call maintenance on Monday and have them install a peephole in her new door. She’d had to get a loaner door when she’d kicked Brian through the original one after learning that her husband had slept with her best friend. She’d finish paying the fee this pay period, then she could get the standard door that came with the apartment. “Martin.” She heard his sexy voice and quickly unlocked the bolts.

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Wow, he looks good! That was the only thought she could manage as the door swung open to reveal him, clad casually in faded camouflage cargo shorts, a tattooed screen-print Tshirt, and sultan-tongued sandals. He gave her an “I’ll have you by the end of the night” smile. His brown hair was wet and curly from a shower, giving him a boyish charm, in contrast with everything else about him that screamed “MAN!” Jinger flashed her own “fuck me and I’ll fuck you back” smile at him. “Come in, said the spider to the fly,” she commented seductively as Martin walked past her, a bottle of wine in his hand. She walked behind him as he placed the wine into the refrigerator. She watched as he turned around and, seemingly as an afterthought, reached into his pocket, pulling out a set of handcuffs. “Where do I put these?” He posed the question as if it were normal dinner conversation. Maybe in Constantineland it was. Shit. “In the bedroom.” She answered him just as calmly. He walked past her and headed to her bedroom. He knew where it was since his apartment’s layout mirrored hers.

Awww, suckie now, I’m going to get to try out my new bed and mattresses tonight. “Uh huh, go Jinger. Go Jinger, it’s your birthday,” she chanted quietly to herself as she broke out into an impromptu dance…the cabbage patch. Stopping her happy dance before he came back and busted her, she stepped into the kitchen to prepare the plates and prep her fruit for the fondue pot. She laid some peppermint sticks down on the tray of fruit for their dipping pleasure. “Your room looks nice,” he said as he joined her in the kitchen. She handed him the plates as she went to the refrigerator to retrieve the bottle of wine. “Is there anything else you want me to take to the table?” “Nope, that’s it.” She balanced the wine and the dessert tray in her hands as she walked them to the table.

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Sitting down on the chair directly opposite him, she smiled, taking in his beautiful features. She hadn’t noticed that he had cut into his meat until the juicy piece of filet mignon was at her lips. He wanted to feed her. Well, didn’t that beat all? She opened her mouth and accepted the delectable loin. She slid her lips on the fork as she slowly pulled her mouth away from the utensil. Chewing her food slowly, she closed her eyes as she enjoyed the buttery taste of the meat. “You have the sexiest chew,” he told her when she opened her eyes to find him watching her, lips parted. “Thank you.” She blushed, cut into her meat and fed him the same way he had fed her. “This is good.” He smiled and chewed. “This is real good. I may have to make you my wife.” He winked at her. “You’ll be waiting for eternity, because I am not getting married again… ever.” She spoke matter-of-factly. “I’m crushed!” He threw his hands over his chest in mock pain, pretending that she’d wounded his heart. “I had plans on marrying you. Don’t go breaking my heart like that, darlin’.” “You’d break my heart in a New York minute,” she told him playfully. “There are a lot of things I’d do to you, but breaking your heart isn’t one of them.” He said it seriously -- too seriously for Jinger’s comfort. “Now, Mr. Constantine,” Jinger said in a shrewd voice. “I am aware of many a female heart you have broken in the years I’ve been at Constantine, Inc. I doubt if I’m any different from Sally Sue and everyone else you’ve dated and then dumped.” “They couldn’t keep my interest.” He shrugged arrogantly. “I’m the most boring person you know. I doubt if I’ll be able to keep your interest. Especially if Ms. ‘Call me Your Highness’, couldn’t keep it.” She watched as he turned red at

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her knowledge of the pet name his ex-girlfriend insisted that he call her in bed, which she couldn’t have helped overhearing -- numerous times. “Any woman who’s not afraid to bat her husband when she finds out he’s cheating will never bore me.” He smiled seductively. “Especially when she can make said husband pray to the Almighty when she’s riding him.” He winked at her as if he knew that she was silently begging God to yank her out of this world, because she really wanted to disappear at that moment. Damn their thin apartment walls. She’d brought it up first, but still. “Wow, you sure can turn red.” He smiled at her again. “Yeah, it often happens when someone brings up unwanted sexual situations.” “Don’t try to play shy now. I’d love for you to have me praying to the Almighty. You can ride me to anywhere.” “When do you want me to ride you?” Though subtlety wasn’t her strong suit, she was still shocked at her boldness. “Now.” He looked right into her eyes. As he stood up, his phone rang. She watched as he took it out of his pocket and looked at it before answering. “What?” He sounded agitated. Jinger kept eating, wondering what in the hell she was doing. “I’m next door at Jinger’s apartment.” A pause. “Yeah, I’ll be over there in a second --” He didn’t get to finish before there was a knock on Jinger’s door. “Damn. I’m sorry, baby, it’s my cousin.” He apologized before going to answer the door. Adrian Constantine stood at her threshold. “Come on in.” Jinger stood up to welcome her boss and the other CEO of Constantine, Inc. Adrian was one of the handsomest men on earth. He exuded male sexuality in an “old money” sense. In the few years that she’d been working at Constantine, Inc., she’d never seen him in anything other than a suit, and she’d lived next door to him for three years before he and his wife moved out and gave Martin the apartment.

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Adrian smiled apologetically at Jinger as he strode into her apartment. “I’m sorry to interrupt your dinner.” He turned to Martin, who was giving him an impatient look. “I need you to go to Val d’Aosta. Michael will meet you in Saint Vincent.” The frustration was obvious in Martin’s face. “When do I leave?” “Immediately.” Adrian turned to Jinger. “Excuse me, Jinger. I must speak with my cousin for a moment… And by the way, congratulations on your promotion. It is well deserved.”

Adrian pulled Martin into a huddle. “There is an emergency,” he said in a low voice. “Alberta has tried to commit suicide, Paulo is nowhere to be found, and Michael doesn’t need to worry about the company right now, especially with the investigation going on. We don’t need Paulo going through Constantine International’s books trying to ‘fix’ things.” Martin knew that Paulo, his uncle, was stealing from Constantine International, which was the reason he had been booted out. Michael, his son, had replaced him. His aunt Alberta, Paulo’s wife and Michael’s mother, was bipolar, as well as a drunk and a barbiturates user, and she needed to be watched constantly. He didn’t envy Michael, who’d had to assume the role of caretaker early in life. He knew his cousin would need all the help he could get, so, with minor regret, Martin agreed. “Give me about an hour, and I’ll be ready to go.” “Thanks. I appreciate it. You’ll be there for about three weeks. I’ll fly in to relieve you after that. Michael doesn’t need the stress of having to deal with this along with whatever other issues he has going on in his personal life,” Adrian remarked, and again, Martin agreed. He looked back at Jinger, who seemed subdued as she picked up the dinner plates. He turned back to his cousin. “Why will you be coming out there in three weeks to relieve me?”

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“I know you’ll be wanting to come back stateside. Stephanio will be in California indefinitely. My father will strangle Paulo if I send him to Italy. I wouldn’t trust Angelou to do shit but to make matters worse. The last thing that Michael needs now is to worry about the company.” Martin agreed with Adrian, but he knew he was capable of handling things on his own. “Nina’s pregnant again, and since I’m unattached, I’ll handle things overseas until everything is straightened out,” he said, and saw the admiration in Adrian’s eyes. “You know that I can run things with minimal changes. “Also, I’ll be sending Angelina Costas over there.” Martin started to object, but Adrian stopped him. “He needs her, and I won’t deny him this.” Adrian spoke with a finality that forced Martin to keep to himself any comment he might have made. “I hope you know what you’re doing.” “I hope so too, Martin.” Adrian stepped away from him and back toward the door. “I’m sorry for interrupting your evening, Jinger. It was nice seeing you again.” Adrian smiled as he opened the door and stepped out. “No problem, Adrian. You have a good one,” she said. Martin walked over to her and leaned his head in close to hers; their foreheads touched. “I need to leave for Italy tonight. I’ll be over there for at least three weeks,” he murmured, looking into her eyes. “Do you have time to finish dinner?” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “What about dessert?” In response, he encircled her waist. “This is the only thing I have time for.” Without another word, he brought his lips down on hers in a gentle caress. Jinger stretched out her own tongue to meet his. He playfully sucked on it and bit her bottom lip before deepening the kiss. Rubbing his hands up and down her back and across her firm bottom, he lifted her up, and she encircled his waist with her legs. He leaned her up against the sink, tipping his

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head away from hers, finally breaking the kiss. “I hate leaving like this, but if I don’t go now, I won’t be able to go, and my family needs me right now.” He sighed heavily. “Duty calls. I understand.” The level of sympathy she demonstrated at his sudden departure made him proud. She wasn’t a demanding person, and accepted his reasons without hassle. She clearly understood how important family was to him. “You’re the best. I promise to make it up to you,” he assured her. She unwrapped her legs from around his waist and leaned against the counter. “I’ll miss you while you’re gone,” she admitted shyly as she went over to finish clearing the table. He walked up to her and took the dishes from her. “Plug your webcam in. I’ll take mine, and we’ll talk to one another each day.” His voice deepened. “We’ll have cyber and phone sex until I get back. Then we’ll make love for real.” “You’re such a freak. But I’m gonna do it, I’m game.” She smiled warmly at him and he smiled back. “I better go then.” He gave her a quick kiss, then left.

Jinger with a “J”

Chapter Three

M2ConstantineCorp: What time will you be home? The instant message flashed across her screen. She eagerly typed her response.

Jingerj: Well hello to you too stranger. M2ConstantineCorp: Sorry about that. I’m just anxious to see you. Jingerj: Jonesing for me already? It’s barely been 48 hours M2ConstantineCorp: yeah, I’m jonesing to see that sexy little body M2ConstantineCorp: of yours. Tell someone you gotta go home. M2ConstantineCorp: An emergency has come up

If you make

M2ConstantineCorp: me beg, I’ll make you beg Jingerj: I’m a freak, I might like you making me beg…Master. M2ConstantineCorp:

Hurry home and that’s an order!

Jingerj: I’m on my way home…Master

She quickly closed her computer and started gathering her things to go.

*****

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Jinger hurried home and took a shower. She immediately put on black lacy underwear and bra, and topped it with a silk kimono-style robe. Making sure that all her doors were locked and her blinds were closed, she rushed over to her computer and flopped into the chair. The computer was already set and her webcam was on. She logged on to her instant message account, ignoring all the other pop-ups as she did, and clicked on Martin’s personal e-mail. She clicked on the cam icon. He was already set. “Hey baby,” she said as his face and then body appeared on the webcam. “Refocus your camera so that I can see what you’re wearing,” he told her. There was a slight delay in his message, making his speech echo. Lifting the head of the camera, she adjusted it, then backed away, giving him access to view her entire body. “Nice,” he said. “Thank you. So, how was your day?” she asked, sitting back down at the computer desk. She watched him sigh before his voice came over the speakers. “It was okay. I’m tired.” She could hear the fatigue in his voice. “Poor baby. When you come home, I’ll make you feel all better.” She pouted into the camera. “You can make me feel better now by showing me your tits.” He winked at her. Laughing, she raised her breasts up slightly as she looked into the camera. Running her fingers across the lace of her bra, she cupped them, lifting them closer to the lens, before letting them go and moving to the straps, which she sensually eased off her shoulders. She slowly removed her kimono and laid it on the back of the chair, then unhooked the back of her bra, freeing her breasts and taking the constricting material off completely, letting it fall down on her lap.

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“Beautiful.” Martin’s voice was husky. “Hold them up to the camera as if you’re offering me a taste.” She did as he demanded, sitting upright and cupping her breasts to the camera. “Now rub your nipples.” She did as he commanded. Taking both her nipples into her fingers, she rubbed them into pebbles as he watched. Becoming more daring, she licked the golden honey top part of her breasts as she rubbed the nipples hard. “Yeah, baby, like that,” he said. The feeling of pleasure writhed through her body, sending electrical jolts to her woman’s core. She groaned at the feelings she was invoking in herself. “I want to see you touch yourself, baby. I want to see you masturbate for me.” She continued to watch him on the monitor as she stood up. Adjusting the stand that held her computer, she backed away from the chair and moved the computer and the stand to the side of her bed. “Back it away some, honey, and turn on the lamp.” Moving over to the lamp, she turned it on, and then moved the computer desk backwards a few inches before reclining on her bed. “Can you see me now?” she asked, lying on top of her bed. “Perfect.” Sitting into a squat, she spread her legs wide. Lifting up her breasts, she darted out her tongue and feasted on her own hard nipples, closing her eyes to better enjoy the sensations. “You are beautiful.” She heard his raspy voice gently flow out of the speakers, an imaginary caress coming over her body.

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“Open your legs wider,” she heard him command. “I want you to dip your fingers into your hot, juicy pussy.” Opening her eyes, she watched him watch her. Sitting still in his chair, he stared at her with a brooding look, watching her patiently. Methodically and purposefully, she glided her hands down her body to the waist of her lacy boy-shorts panties. “Take them off slowly,” he urged, his voice husky with arousal. Hooking her two index fingers on the sides of her panties, she wiggled her hips as she pulled them down slowly, revealing her smooth, waxed mound. Lying down flat on the bed, she deliberately pulled her panties down her legs, off her feet, and onto the floor. “Do you have a toy?” “Yes.” “Get your toy. I want to see you pleasure yourself.” Sliding over to the end table, she reached into the drawer and pulled out a large, thick black dildo, and a tube of lubricant. “You dream of a big black dick?” Jinger heard Martin ask. Moving closer to the microphone, she spoke into it. “I dream of a big cock sliding into me, owning me, controlling me, making me come until I am in complete submission.” Slowly backing away, she knelt and sat back on her legs in the middle of the bed and brought it up to her mouth, inserting the rubbery shaft between her full lips. Closing her mouth around the silicone member, she thrust it down her throat, relaxing her esophagus to take the large, thick cock deeply.

Martin sat forward in his chair as she swallowed the dildo down her throat. His cock jumped and then stood to attention as he watched her. He had already been hard for her when she’d started her striptease, looking like an underwear model in her panties and bra.

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His heart raced and he knew he was in trouble. He knew that when he finally fucked her, that would be all she wrote. She swallowed like a fucking pro; she could probably take his huge cock, which, for her, would be no easy feat, considering his size and girth. He watched as she carefully withdrew the phony cock out of her mouth and lay back on the bed, spreading her legs wide. “I want to see it go in,” he told her gruffly. She turned so that her wet channel was facing the webcam, giving him a view of her juices seeping out of her pussy. She was deliciously wet. He watched as she ran the dildo across her mouth, down her concave belly, and over her smooth mound, stopping at the entrance to her core. As she opened her legs wider, he gasped as she thrust the cock into her pussy. She slowly plunged it into her vagina, then quickly sped up the pace. He watched with an aroused envy as she rammed the glistening cock in and out of her body. He wanted it to be his cock that made her moan with pleasure and made her cunt so wet and juicy. Whipping out his stiff cock from his underwear, he massaged it with slow, deliberate strokes as he watched her on the computer monitor. He studied the monitor closely, memorizing in detail how beautiful her body looked. Her mound was sleek, devoid of hair, her body trim, her breasts firm and full. She arched her back as she pleasured herself, thrusting the cock back and forth in her wet opening. “Come for me,” he ordered roughly as he stroked his own swollen dick rigorously. Withdrawing the dildo from her wet channel, she let it roll onto the floor as she dipped her hands into her hot cunt, spreading her pussy lips and rubbing her nub with her now saturated fingers. From the look of heated passion on her face, and the way her body writhed in ecstasy, he could see that the edges of orgasm tickled, quickly grew, and finally claimed her, the feeling so intense it was as if an explosion had gone off inside her.

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“Ah -- Martin. Fuck!” She cried out as wave after wave of sensations hit her. “Shit. Fuck. Aw, damn.” Martin groaned as he came. He knew he looked a sight with his legs sprawled out on his chair, his dick in his hand, shooting cum everywhere. He grabbed the towel on the floor next to him, cleaning himself up. “That was fucking amazing,” he told her when he caught his wind. “Yes, it was.” He watched as she picked up her dildo and placed it on her end table. “I need a shower. I’ll be back in a few.” Taking her underthings and kimono with her, she walked away from the monitor.

I can’t believe I did that! Jinger scolded herself. I fucked myself in front of my neighbor and coworker. I am nothing more than a horny whore! She stepped into the shower and washed her body slowly, wondering what she should do next.

She was amazing! He was a man who liked sexy women; however, there was something about Jinger that really blew his mind. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on her. And when he did, he wasn’t going to let her go. Getting up and going over to the restroom, he washed himself up, then came back to sit on the chair. He patiently waited for her to come back to the computer monitor so that they could discuss their future.

Jinger put on a new pair of panties and a T-shirt before sitting back in front of the computer monitor. She smiled into the camera and waved to him.

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“So,” she started awkwardly. “We had cybersex before we had the real thing. And I have to admit, it was pretty awesome.” “You were amazing, Jinger.” His voice sounded smooth, even through the speakers. “I want you so bad.” He came closer to the monitor and then sat back down. “So,” she added cautiously, “do we talk about the weather, now that we’ve got our carnal needs satisfied?” “No, we talk about how spreading your legs for me over the Internet makes you feel. We talk about how you made me come just by watching you. You tell me how you like to be fucked, and then we’ll talk about you coming to see me so that I can fuck you senseless…” “That’s a lot of talking for one night. How about we sign off and continue this conversation tomorrow?” “You’re right, but leave your camera on so that I can watch you.” “That’s creepy, but I’ll do it.”

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Chapter Four

“How was your day at work?” the velvety voice asked Jinger through the phone before she could even get out a breathless “hello.” She had just walked into her house when she heard the phone ring. Running over to answer the call, she was delighted to hear it was Martin. “It was hard, long, and without you there, somewhat unbearable,” she playfully complained. “I really need someone to come over and rub my poor aching feet.” “If I were there, I would do more than rub your feet.” Martin’s voice sounded husky. “And I’d let you rub more than my feet,” Jinger replied, kicking off her shoes and sitting down on her sofa. “I would let you rub me down from my head to my feet.” Feeling bold, she continued. “And if you’re good, I’d even let you suck on them.” “And I would suck on all ten of your tiny digits, right before I licked my way up your legs, right into your hot little cunt.” “You are so nasty.” “And you like it.” “I love it.”

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Sighing breathlessly, she paused before asking, “So when are you coming back home?” He had been overseas for a couple of weeks, and although nightly Internet sex was exciting, she couldn’t wait to feel him inside of her. “I don’t know.” A knock at her front door had her distracted. “Hold on a minute, someone’s at the door.” Hurrying toward the door, she yelled, “Hold your horses,” right before she swung it open. “Oh my God!” she yelled as she jumped up at Martin, her arms and legs encircling his neck and waist as she kissed him passionately. He held her up by the waist, walking her back into the apartment as he kicked the door closed and headed to the bedroom. Jinger remembered the phone and turned it off as she ended the kiss. He had already hung up his phone and placed it into his pocket as he carried her. “What are you doing here?” she asked, amazed, as Martin deposited her on the bed. He stood over her with flowers in his left hand. She hadn’t noticed them when she opened the door. “First, these are for you.” He handed her the vase containing the flowers. “Why, thank you, kind sir.” She put them on the end table, then started to undress herself. Following her lead, he started taking off his clothes as well. “You are some kind of beautiful, darlin’.” Having already discarded his shirt, he kicked off his shoes and pulled down his jeans and underwear, leaving her gawking at his toned nude body. “What are you supposed to do with that?” she asked in a shocked, almost panicked voice as she eyed his gargantuan cock. Smiling, he looked into her face as he leaned into her, causing her to lie back on the bed.

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“I’m going to fit all of this cock into your hot pussy, and when I’m not so needy, I’m gonna fit it into your mouth. I plan on fucking that sweet cleavage of yours, and eventually your tight little ass. When I’m done with you, you won’t have a hole, opening, or crevice that hasn’t been thoroughly fucked.” He smiled down at her. “That’s what I’m gonna do with this.” He held his large erection in his hands. “You gotta be kidding me if you think you’re going to fuck me up the ass with that thing. I’d sooner take my chances with the top end of a baseball bat.” “You’ll take me, because you can, and you’ll love it, because I said so.” He gave her a mock menacing stare. She shivered at the thought of taking his big cock anywhere other than her creamy wet vagina, and even that was a risk. She was sure that she was going to be one of those women in the hospital getting stitches for being stretched too far after fucking. But this was one risk she was willing to take.

Take one for the team! Her inner voice cheered her on. “Hell, yeah. Let’s do this.” She wrapped her legs around his waist, trying to draw him closer to her. “I need to put on a condom,” he reminded her as he sat up, unwinding himself from her legs. Grabbing hold of his jeans, which had been discarded next to his feet, he went into the front pocket and pulled out a handful of condoms. He quickly opened a gold wrapper, sheathing himself to the hilt.

A tight fit, Jinger noticed, and smiled. She had never been with a man whose cock was so large before, but she was sure that she could take it. He said she could. And she would like it. He said she would. Lying back on the bed, she spread her legs wide so that he could enter her more easily. She waited a moment before looking up at him. He hadn’t moved. He was gazing at her outstretched pussy with a serious expression on his face. “You’re limber,” he stated.

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“Fifteen years of gymnastics, five years as a burlesque dancer to pay for college. I probably have moves you’ve never seen.” She extended her legs wider, wrapping her legs around her shoulders and across her neck, exposing her already wet pussy and anus. Watching his eyes glaze over in lust made Jinger’s heart soar with joy. “Don’t move,” he ordered. He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to the end of the bed. She gasped as he took her breast in his mouth. “You are so hot, and your body is amazing. I’m going to worship it, right after I fuck it.” His words were barely clear as he mumbled them into her breast. Her back arched as he licked his tongue down her breast, navel, and down further to her smooth, waxed mons. Taking both hands to her pussy, he spread her labia wide and licked the budded flesh of her clit, lapping at it enthusiastically. The tongue strokes started out quick and punishing, then, as he relaxed his rhythm with painstakingly slow licks, they nearly made her mad with need. Closing her eyes and tilting her head back, Jinger welcomed the pleasure that Martin was giving her. She felt him take long strokes at the folds of her pussy, grazing his teeth along her mound. His tongue flattened as it teased over her clit, just before placing the bud into his mouth and gently suckling on it. He moved down to her pussy opening, licking it, spearing her hole with his tongue. “Ah. Fuck yeah. Eat it baby,” she moaned as his tongue impaled her cunt. He rubbed her clit as he sank his tongue into her, causing her to come fast and hard. He tried desperately to lap up the nectar she spilled. “Are your legs tired?” he asked as he got up from between them. He wiped the juices off his face, but not before she saw the evidence of her explosion.

I should die of shame; but hell, he’s the one who likes to feast off pussy.

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“I’m okay.” She watched him hold his dick in his hand and slide it into her pussy a few luscious, excruciating inches at a time. “You’re fucking tight,” he growled as he fed her his cock. She closed her eyes as he moved in closer to her, feeding her more cock. “Shit. I can’t take anymore. I’m so full.” “You will take it. You’ll love it. You understand me?” His words came out husky as he plunged the last few inches of his dick inside of her, causing her to gasp. Once inside her, he stopped. She was grateful that he allotted her some moments to adjust to his size. Moving slowly, he pulled out, and then pushed back into her. The joy she was feeling overwhelmed her. He filled her body with every thrust he maneuvered. Unwrapping her legs from around her head, she perched them astride his body as he pounded her. “Slide off the bed and bend over,” he commanded gruffly. When he stopped pummeling her, she slid off of the bed and leaned her elbows onto the mattress. She felt him part her ass cheeks, and then the hard thrust of his cock into her hot pussy. “Fuck.” “Ah.” They yelled together when he was sheathed in her to the hilt. Putting his hands on her shoulders for leverage, he pounded inside her tight channel. She was sure the clapping of his balls against her body could be heard outside, but it served to arouse her more. She had no inhibitions where this man was concerned, and he was going to make every sexual fantasy of hers come true. “Choke me,” she begged as he pounded into her. She felt him pause, then one strong hand went around her throat and squeezed lightly and the other hand wrapped around her small waist. She felt him grow harder, his thrusts becoming harder as the squeeze around her throat became a little tighter.

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The panic of asphyxiation had her coming harder than ever before. Her body convulsed, and she immediately felt the hand move from around her throat. “Oh yes. Baby,” she mewled hoarsely as she lingeringly fell on the bed. Grabbing her by the hips, he drove into her, his strokes becoming hasty and hard as he tunneled deeper into her. “Shit, baby, I’m gonna come,” he groaned. Acting on instinct, Jinger turned around as she pulled away from him, jerked off the condom and replaced it with her hot, waiting mouth. Sucking her cheeks in, she took as much of him into her mouth and throat as she could. Running her tongue along the underside of his cock, she tasted the rubbery flavor of the condom just moments before he released a primal roar and burst his milky fluid into her mouth. She lapped at his cum with gusto. He fell forward onto the bed, his cock still sheathed in her warm mouth. She released him, moving up onto the bed beside him. His face was turned away from hers as he fought to catch his breath.

Lord, please don’t let him think I’m a freak, she prayed silently. She had never felt comfortable enough to expose her kinkier side. Brian was the type of man who adored vanilla sex. She’d given him head often enough; however, his pussy eating skills left a lot to be desired. And the one time they’d had anal sex, it was both messy and painful. Not an experience she’d want to repeat. She’d never felt comfortable exploring her sexuality with Brian. The one time she’d hinted at a propensity for kinkier sex, he tried to bring in another woman. How he confused a little choking and biting with a ménage a trois, she’d never know. She learned after that to keep her fantasies to herself and her battery operated boyfriend.

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The silence was deafening. She refused to feel ashamed of expressing her wants. She’d held herself back for one man, and now she’d be damned if she would allow anyone to make her feel freakish and ashamed. She moved to get up off the bed when his strong arm wrapped around her midsection, obstructing her attempt to leave. “Just give me a minute to collect my thoughts.” His rough voice startled her for a second. “I’m on my way to the restroom.” “You’re trying to run away from me. I won’t let you. I just need to catch my breath and reminisce over what just happened. It’s not every day a woman turns me into a whimpering bitch.” He turned his head toward her and smiled, making her heart flutter in delight. “You weren’t a whimpering bitch. You were a whipped bitch.” “Laugh all you want to. I’ll have you whimpering before you know it.” He tickled her into a panting frenzy before he made sweet love to her again.

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Chapter Five

“How long are you here for?” Jinger’s body was sore from the marathon lovemaking session that she and Martin had participated in all night long. It was a quarter to nine in the morning, and they were still in bed. “I’m supposed to leave tomorrow, but I’ll wait until Monday to leave.” “Aw, damn. I only have you for a few days? I better make good use of you.” She grabbed his cock in her hand and began to massage it, feeling it grow and harden. “Umm. That feels like heaven, baby. Keep doing it.” She watched as he closed his eyes and let out a satisfied moan. Wetting her lips at the anticipation of tasting him again, Jinger was startled and disappointed when she heard a knock on her front door. “Shit,” she said automatically. “Are you expecting anyone?” Martin asked casually, but she knew that he wasn’t ready for her to leave the bed. Not yet. Sitting up on the bed, she slid off and grabbed her silk robe at the end of the post. She rarely had visitors, and had no clue as to who was at her door. “Who is it?” “Brian. I need to speak with you.”

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Why now, Lord? She’d been about to give her current man a great blowjob, when her ex-husband came a-knocking. The quintessential mood killer. She cracked the door ajar, keeping him from entering her apartment. She could see it in his face -- the admiration and appreciation he held toward her. She knew she was smoking. Money did have its advantages. The fact that she was able to afford spa treatments, and was now able to visit the salon weekly, had done miracles for her complexion and hair. Hell, she even no longer had to waste her time shaving the two chinchillas over her eyes, because now she had her eyebrows professionally arched. In addition, she utilized the gym at her apartment complex daily, and had begun eating healthier. She reeked of success and money, but mostly she glowed from having peace in her life. Her hard-won serenity radiated from the inside out, and she knew it. “May I come in?” Brian asked, moving forward into the door frame. “Sorry, I have company. Call me if you want to make an appointment to see me, but I’ve told you before, do not come around here unannounced.” “You’re not dressed. Who do you have over?” “Me.” The cold answer came from behind her. Martin, bare from the waist up, opened the door wide, allowing Brian to see them both. “What are you doing over here, Constantine? You live next door. Isn’t this the wrong apartment you’re sleeping at?” Brian took advantage of the open door and walked into the apartment, past both her and Martin. He stood in the middle of her living room. Jinger shut the door, then walked over to stand in front of Brian, Martin following behind her protectively. “What do you want?” she snapped. “What’s he doing here?” asked Brian. “Don’t worry about it.” “What does it look like?” Martin interjected, sarcasm heavy in his tone. “I need to talk with you privately,” Brian said, addressing Jinger only.

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Although he and Martin were the same height, Brian seemed so much shorter than Martin. Martin stood tall with confidence, while Brian slouched. She watched in aggravation as the men glared each other down until Brian looked away, his gaze connecting with hers. “Can’t you call me about this…preferably later?” she asked. “How long have the two of you been fucking?” “Wow. That is really none of your business.” “It is if we were married.” “Two things wrong with that supposition. One, we’re not married any more. Two, isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?” He had his fucking nerve, questioning her about fidelity. She marched over to the door and held it open. “’Bye, Brian. I really don’t have time for this. You’re lucky that I’ve been so thoroughly fucked by Martin that I’m in a good mood, or else I’d take a bat to your sorry ass again.” “And this time I’d let her finish the job,” Martin added. Jinger gave a small, humorless laugh. When she had found out that Brian and Jennifer, her ex-best friend, were having an affair -- which may have resulted in Jennifer’s pregnancy -- she had beaten Brian up. Martin, hearing the commotion from next door, had come in just as Jinger was going for Brian’s head with a bat. He’d stopped her before she could do any major damage --or get in any real trouble. The last thing she needed was a record with a domestic violence charge. “Just go while you can.” “I’m sorry,” Brian blurted out. He reached for Jinger’s hand, but she moved away from his grasp. Martin stepped between them. “You can either walk out of here, or you can get carried out of here; the choice is yours.” The coldness with which Martin delivered the ultimatum was chilling. If she cared at all, she would have been frightened for Brian.

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Brian got the message and headed out the door. “I’ll call you.” “Don’t bother. You’ve spoken your peace,” Martin said. “’Bye, Brian,” she repeated, giving him a genuine smile of deep satisfaction. Revenge truly was sweet. “Now that your bumbling ex is gone, we can pick up where we left off.” Martin moved up on her, wrapping his arm around her waist, his other hand nudging her forward, bending her over the couch. She untied her robe, shrugged it off, and let it fall to the floor. She heard his jeans drop immediately after. Martin slid his tongue from the crease of her behind up to the valley of her neck, gripping her breasts as he ground his hard length between her smooth butt cheeks. “This ass is mine too, and soon I’m going to claim it,” he informed her quietly as he nipped at her ear. Jinger closed her eyes, relishing the sensations flowing through her. He wanted to please her. He wanted to claim her, and she wanted to be claimed. If he wanted to take her anally, then damn it, she would let him. She held her breath in anticipation. She was surprised as he pushed his thick member forward into her hot channel, slapping her ass as he sheathed himself to the hilt into her wet cunt. “What was that for?” she asked, looking back at him. “Marrying that bonehead.” “You need to spank it for that matter,” she teased, then winced when a succession of slaps hit her behind. She felt him harden even further, and desire filled her to the core.

The reddening handprints against her golden ass cheeks were stimulating. He was relieved to feel her juicy pussy gush over his erect penis as he glided in and out of her, slapping against her sweet ass.

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Leaning forward, he cupped her breasts and tweaked her nipples. She moaned as he bit into her neck, sending visible shivers down her arms. His movements increased until he was pounding desperately inside of her. “Oh. My. Oh my. Oh my. Ooooo,” she panted. He watched as her fingers dug into the cushions of the couch. The grip he had on her hips tightened as he felt himself beginning to climax. “Pinch your nipples.” She obeyed his strained command, immediately plucking at her nipples. He reached around and pinched her clit as he bit into the crease of her neck. He felt her spasm and release as he swiftly pulled out of her, erupting on her back. “Shit, fuck, and damnation. Your pussy’s good.” He breathed down her neck. “You gotta get on some kind of birth control, because I sure as hell want to come all inside of you.” She arched her back toward him, moving like a cat. Then it dawned on him. She really

does move like a cat. The way she walks, the movements of her body, so fluid and effortless -- smooth as silk. This was his she-cat. No. This was his pussy, in every sense of the word. He smiled at all of the fun he could have with Jinger. She was one incredible woman. Definitely a keeper.

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Chapter Six

“I can’t believe that Adrian sanctioned this.” Angelina addressed Nina angrily. “Who the hell talks like that? ‘I can’t believe Adrian sanctioned this,’” Nina taunted. This was Jinger’s third time here with the women, and she quickly realized that this was where all of the important decisions were made. Angelina and Nina conspired about the state of Constantine, Inc. before presenting any information to the board, husband, or anyone else. This was also the place where they hashed out any differences they may have had about what was going on in the company. “I’m sorry if you feel this way, but we really need you over there. Paulo had many loyal workers who were willing to jeopardize their careers and even suffer some jail time to make sure that his name is cleared. Some would even go so far as to sabotage. I won’t let your unresolved personal feelings for Michael get in the way of business. Understood?” Match point. Nina won this round. Angelina sighed, conceding defeat. “When will I need to go, and for how long?” Angelina’s concession struck Jinger as strange -- she usually fought until she got her own way. Unless she didn’t really mind going to Val d’Aosta. Was she trying to lead them on about her feelings for Michael?

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“You’ll be over there for six weeks. You’ll need to be ready by next week.” “Shit. You don’t give a girl much time to make plans, do you?” Angelina said, shoving a piece of baked eggplant Parmesan into her mouth. “That’s one of the reasons you make the big bucks. You’re able to just jump up and go on a moment’s notice.” Nina wiggled her eyebrows at Angelina, who returned a menacing glare. “You’re getting fat,” Angelina shot back at Nina, who gave her a look of indifference. “I’m pregnant.” “Again?” “Fuck you.” “When would you have time? You’re too busy fucking Adrian.” “You have jokes. Ha ha. I’m having twins, Twiggy.” “You’ll never get your figure back after those bigheaded twins pop out. You have them ten-pound babies, don’t you?” Nina’s first two children were very healthy in weight. Although their daughter Adrianna was thin now, she had been a healthy size until last year. Adrian Jr., whom they called A.J., was still healthy and plump. He hadn’t yet lost his baby weight. Both children were beautiful. Adrianna and Adrian Jr. had their dad’s coloring and eyes, but their mother’s features. Jinger thought she would have a football team of kids too, if they looked like Nina’s children. Interrupting her thoughts, Nina turned to Jinger and smiled cheekily. “I’m sending you to Rota, Spain.” “For what?” Jinger asked, surprised. Martin was going to be back home next week, and after his being away for so long they were anticipating their reunion. No way Nina could do this to her. Not now. “We’ve scored a lucrative military contract over there. I’ll need a layout of the property because I want to build a small office on the base there. You’ll be gone initially for two

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weeks. Eventually, I’ll want you there for at least three months working with the contractors once the project gets underway. You’ll be working with Martin for the most part. I’m sure that’ll make you happy.” Jinger couldn’t help the smile that crept onto her face. She’d be with Martin, in Spain.

Hell, yeah! “She’s just trying to make us like her, Jinger. Nina wants us barefoot, pregnant, and in the office while being married to a damned Constantine. I’m not falling for it. Misery loves company,” Angelina shot at her. “Please. You’ve been a miserable bitch since you and Michael broke up, so don’t give me that shit. If I had a motive, which I don’t, I’d be trying to get you overseas to save your sorry ass from a lifetime of spinsterhood, and making everyone else’s life miserable.”

God save me from ever being like these crazy women, Jinger prayed silently. They were still bickering when the check came. It was her turn to pay. Fucking extravagant

bitches. Two hundred dollars for lunch! She pulled out her credit card to pay when Angelina noticed that she was paying with her personal credit card and stopped her. “Use your company card; we’ve discussed business…for the most part.” “Ah. Okay. Cool.” Jinger figured the tip, noting that Nina had been the lone patron at the table who’d wanted dessert. Angelina was right. She was starting to fill out, but pregnancy looked beautiful on her. “…the bad thing about being pregnant is that I’m always horny.” Nina’s comment shocked Jinger, who had been in her own world. She’d missed the conversation at hand. “And you’re always gaseous,” Angelina added. “You’re such a bitter bitch. I am not gaseous.” Nina belched immediately as if to prove Angelina’s point. “You’re such an uncouth bitch.” Angelina scrunched up her nose in disgust.

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“I can’t wait for your evil ass to get pregnant. I can’t wait to see how your body changes.” “I, for one, hope she gets nicer.” Jinger spoke out instantaneously. “And what’s that supposed to mean?” Angelina glared at her. “I’m very nice.” “Yes, you are, until someone gets you angry. Then psycho woman emerges.” Angelina started talking to Jinger in rapid Spanish, in which Jinger answered back just as pointedly. “My Spanish isn’t all that good, so you’ll have to relay to me what you’ve said. I keep forgetting that you speak Spanish too, Jinger,” Nina said. “Angelina was just spouting about how great it is to work for such a landmark company, even if she has to put up with you. Constantine, Inc. is a great place to work, especially for women and people of color.” She dared Angelina to contradict her. So she’d paraphrased their conversation. Nina didn’t need to know Angelina had called her a ballbreaking bitch, and if it wasn’t for the money and the power, Angelina would be long gone. “That’s cool. I am proud to see so much diversity at the workplace, especially among the management positions. Do you know that Constantine, Inc. has employed more women in executive positions than any other company here on the Gulf Coast? And we are fast becoming the global leader in computer marketing. This deserves a cheer, doesn’t it, ladies?” The women held up their water glasses and toasted each other. “To being in charge, having it all, and being the best at it. Cheers!”

***** That evening when Jinger got home, she stepped into her usual routine of taking off her work clothes and fixing herself something to eat. A shower soon followed her dinner. After her shower, she sat comfortably in front of her computer monitor and camera, where she and Martin communicated.

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They discussed business. They made an excellent team, each keeping the other updated on current happenings. The evening always ended up with Jinger performing a sexy burlesque dance for him, incorporating masturbation into her routine. Each night they came hard, each yearning for the feel of the other. Lying on the bed, exhausted from a gratifying orgasm, she watched the monitor as Martin pulled his underwear back up around his waist. “We’re going to keep the video on in your house 24/7, and I want to set up a video camera so that we can watch ourselves.” “I’d love to watch you in action, fucking me. But we’ll have to decide who’ll have possession of the video, and what we’ll do with it.” Although her inhibitions were damned near nil, she didn’t want anyone seeing her in a compromising position, especially if they could use it to exploit either him or her. She didn’t want to take that particular risk. “I know what you’re thinking: what if it gets into the wrong hands. I got it covered. I’ll give you the DVD every night and you may do with it as you wish. I just want to see us from time to time. Actually, we can watch it together.” “That’ll work,” she agreed easily. Knowing that the video would be in her possession gave her a sense of comfort.

***** The next few days proved to be exhausting. Jinger set up plans, sat through grueling meetings, and prepared for her upcoming project. Martin’s schedule was just as harsh, or possibly even more extreme. When she got home from work, she saw from the camera images that he was already asleep in his hotel room. Her heavy workload didn’t forestall unwelcome intrusions, however. Midway through the week, she received a call from Jennifer, who was in mania mode again.

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“Are you fucking Brian?” she asked without preamble when Jinger answered the phone. “Fuck you, bitch. Don’t ever call my job again!” Jinger shot back at her and slammed the phone down. “Trouble in paradise?” The charming voice sounded from the door frame. Jinger immediately walked up to Martin as he stepped inside her door. He was dressed in a dark three-piece suit and a red tie. His hair was cut short and stylish. He looked every inch the corporate mogul that he was, and she was proud that he was her man. Crossing into the entry, he closed the door behind him. Jinger wrapped her arms around his waist, giving him a deep kiss. “Someone can walk in at anytime,” Jinger mumbled against his lips. “I don’t care.” “That’s because you have employment for life. The rest of us are disposable.” She pulled away from him and walked back over to her desk and sat down. She watched him take a seat across from her. “I’m tired, hungry, and horny. What time will you be home?” “I’m here until six tonight. You have four hours to satisfy your other needs, because when I get over there, I’m gonna let you fuck me, anywhere. Got it?” She winked at him. Smiling, he got up and kissed her cheek, then left. Jinger worked diligently and rapidly, finishing up the day’s work a couple of hours earlier than expected. She drove to the grocery store and picked up some food, drinks, and desserts from the deli. She made it to her house at five on the dot. Showering in what she was sure was Olympic record time, Jinger dressed in a pair of shorts and a thin-strapped tank top. She went over to Martin’s apartment, letting herself in with the key he had given her.

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His apartment was neat. He had neglected to unpack his belongings from this last trip; his suitcase and bags were still at the door. He still wore his suit, sans the jacket, which was discarded on the end of the bed. He looked cute lying there asleep. Stripping off her clothes, she laid down next to him, wrapping her arms around him.

***** Jinger awoke to the feel of Martin planting kisses down her body. “Umm. You need to eat before we make love.” She arched her back and craned her neck to see his head disappear into the junction of her parted legs. She grabbed his hair in response as his lips made contact with her pussy. “Your snatch smells delicious.” She felt him inhale her sent. She bit her bottom lip in embarrassment as he tasted her feminine bud. Fingering her folds expertly, he stretched her pussy wide to accommodate his tongue strokes. “Umm. You eat pussy so good.” She moaned as he speared his tongue into her wet opening. Gyrating her hips into his face, she felt her heart rate begin to quicken. She started to pant as he moved his mouth back up to her clit and sucked it, lapped at it, and teased it mercilessly. “Lord. Gawwd. Shit!” She exploded, her orgasm hitting her hard, rocking her to her core. She was oblivious to Martin ripping open a condom wrapper and sheathing himself before he was on top of her. He entered her swiftly, causing her to gasp in bliss as he began to thrust. “You have the best pussy on earth.” He rocked inside of her, filling her so completely she became wanton with need. “It’s your pussy if you want it. I’ll do anything you want me to.” “You promise?” he panted, pumping vigorously into her.

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Nodding her head, she gasped, “Yes. I’d do anything you want me to.” In that moment, she surrendered everything to him, including her heart. She prayed that when all was said and done, she’d still have it intact. “I want you to love me. Love me the way that I love you.” She looked into his eyes, surprised at his declaration. “I am so crazy in love with you, I don’t know if I’m coming or going.” Stopping, he buried his head in her neck, breathing hard. He held still against her and she cradled him, caressing his back, their bodies slick with their combined sweat. “I trust you, Martin. But I’m scared,” she admitted. Acknowledging her love for him was going to be crucial to the process of moving on. She was ready to take the next step in their relationship. Mentally. Emotionally. Sexually. “Martin?” “Yeah, baby?” The softness of his breath whispered against her neck, sweet counterpoint to the girth of his dick deep within her body, still hard and pulsing. “I want you to take me. Anally. I want to experience every pleasure you can give me.” She felt his cock grow even harder inside of her. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to rush you into anything.” When she nodded, he switched their positions so that she was on top of him, his cock still buried in her hot pussy. “I’ll need to get some lube and another condom. Would you like to be on top so that you can have control?” She was touched by his concern. Taking this step was important, and she knew that he would proceed with care and with caution. He slid her off of him as he went into the bathroom with the lubrication in his hand. He rummaged through his pants for another condom and fit it on himself. “I want you to control this. I trust you,” she said, crawling onto her hands and knees, positioning herself in front of him.

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She heard his intake of breath before his hands cupped her cheeks and spread her wide. Letting go of one globe, she felt him spread the lube at the crack of her hole. The cool texture of the jelly on her skin had her digging her fingers into the sheets. “You gotta relax,” he instructed her, spreading the lubrication on the inside of her puckered hole, making sure she was adequately sodden. Once he was satisfied with how saturated she was, he lubed the condom also. “Relax, baby, I’ll be gentle,” he whispered into her ear as he fed the first inches of his cock into her tight anal core. She reflexively tensed at the intrusion, then willed herself to relax and to open to him. This is Martin. He pushed himself in until his balls rested against the back of her pussy. Although the fit was extremely tight, there was none of the pain that she had experienced with Brian. She noticed he hadn’t moved since filling her to the hilt. “Umm.” She moaned as she grew accustomed to his cock. “You can give it to me. Do it slow, and then you can work your way up.” She closed her eyes as she felt him gently slide in and out of her. His thrusts were so sensual and painfully sweet, she knew she couldn’t last long, and neither could he, if the swelling in her ass was anything to go by. “Faster,” she panted, coming close to climaxing. He obliged by driving into her, his strokes becoming harder, faster, and more powerful. Her ass was on fire with the pounding he was giving her. His thrusts plowed into her with intention -- he was claiming her. This was his ass. “Harder. Fuck me. Make me your bitch!” she shouted. “Fuck me like you mean it!” Taking her by the shoulders, he plowed into her with such powerful strokes she saw stars. Her body trembled, and she came instantaneously. “Fuck me,” she heard him growl as he came.

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Brian sat on Jinger’s bed, glued to the computer monitor, watching his ex-wife being thoroughly fucked by their neighbor. He had come over to her apartment, hoping that she was still at work, so that he could snoop through her things. Then he’d noticed the computer monitor on and that she was lying down in someone else’s bed. He had to admit that Martin took real good care of her sexually. He gave her a fucking like they had never shared in their five years of marriage. Hell, he didn’t think that his prudish wife had it in her to be so spontaneous in the bedroom. She was beautiful in all of her rapture. Brian knew that he had to get her back; he wanted from her what she had just given freely to a stranger, for in his book, Martin was a stranger. Slipping out of her bedroom, he left her apartment as quietly as he came.

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Chapter Seven

“So where have you been lately?” Angelou asked Martin when he joined him for lunch. “I’ve been busy with work and stuff. Why?” He knew his family was curious about his reasons for being absent from the party life as of late. Martin had always been a playboy and was aware of his reputation. But Jinger had changed all of that. She was the only woman he wanted. “Stuff. As in Jinger Miller?” The smile on his lips was telling. “I have to admit, I look forward to spending all of my free time with her. She’s…” He paused, searching for the right word, then continued. “She’s amazing. I think I’m going to ask her to marry me.” “Fuck. These women are turning you all into pansies. First Adrian, then Michael. Now you. Jungle fever is rampant in our family.” Although Angelou’s comments may have sounded crass, Martin understood his cousin’s curiosity because both he and Angelou had witnessed how Adrian and Nina’s relationship had almost divided the family and devastated Constantine, Inc. “You still have some good years ahead of you. Don’t do this, man. Why would you want to get married now?”

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Martin sensed the disgust in his cousin’s tone. Having been best friends since they were in the cradle, Martin knew that Angelou would be jealous of his relationship with Jinger. “I can’t do that. She’s the one, and I’m tired of playing the field. Jinger is the woman for me. I love her, and one day she’s going to be my wife.” “Shit. It’s that serious? I guess there isn’t much to say,” Angelou said with a hint of sadness. “You can always say ‘congratulations.’” “Hell, you’re not engaged yet. Why would I do that?” “Because I’ve found that special someone. You’ll understand what I’m talking about when you find your special someone.” “Congratulations on finding Jinger. May you two be happy.” Angelou toasted him, clinking the tip of his glass against Martin’s.

***** Jinger checked her cell phone when she came out of her weekly staff meeting with Nina and Angelina. Ten missed messages. Looked like they were all from Brian. “Jinger, the boys want to come and see you.” Message one. “Jinger. Call me when you get this message. It’s urgent.” Message two. “Jinger, it’s me. You want to go out tonight? My treat. Holla back.” Her sister Kishona had called. “I’m on my way over to your job. I need to talk with you.” Brian again. Damn. He was coming to the office. Fuck! She didn’t want any confrontations between them at her job. She rang his phone as she headed back to her office. The ringing of her office phone as she neared the door ushered in a wave of anguish as Jinger turned the corner. There sat Brian and his two sons, Brandon and Brett. The boys

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immediately ran to Jinger and hugged her. Bending down on one knee, she sank to kid level and embraced them in a warm hug. “Hey guys. I’ve missed you!” The tears welled up in her eyes. She hadn’t been able to see Brian’s kids since the night he left, and that had been almost a year ago. Nevertheless, she’d still sent the boys gifts and called them on occasion. One of the saddest things about Brian’s affair was that Brandon and Brett had to suffer. She had been a part of their lives since Brett had been one year old, and Brandon had been two. Now they were almost seven and eight. Rubbing her hands through their hair, she kissed each boy on the cheek. “Wow, you guys are getting big!” she exclaimed. They had grown at least a couple of inches each since she had last seen them. Brandon was thinning out, although he was still a big boy. “I’m in the first grade, and my teacher is really nice. She’s gonna give me a gift for the math program,” Brett informed her, flashing a gap-toothed smile. Jinger looked at Brian questioningly. “He’s going into a gifted program for math,” Brian clarified. “Ah.” She looked back down at Brett. “I’m not surprised. You’ve always been a pretty smart little boy.” “Too bad he can’t read that well,” Brandon mumbled. “Leave me alone. I can too read,” Brett whined. “Can not.” “Can too.” “Boys! Calm down,” she told them. She knew that Brett was having problems with reading, but the tutoring he needed cost forty-five dollars an hour, more than what they had been able to afford when she and Brian were married. She looked Brett in the eyes as she spoke to him. “You are one smart cookie. We’ll hire someone to help you with your reading.”

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“Why am I like this?” “Like what? Extra smart?” “No, why can’t I read like everyone else?” Jinger’s heart melted for him. “Honey. There’s nothing wrong with you.” Standing up, she took Brett’s hand as she walked to her desk. She sat him on her lap. “You see, you’re a genius.” “Yeah, right.” Brandon rolled his eyes. “Quiet!” Brian told Brandon, looking with admiration at how well Jinger handled Brett. “Anyway. You are extra smart. Here, let me show you.” She took out a piece of paper and quickly sketched the human brain. “Okay, this is your brain. Here is where you see, smell, hear, taste.” She continued to sketch, pulling out colored pencils from her desk. “Now, imagine your brain having a filter. It accepts things that are needed, or what it thinks is important, and bypasses, or filters out, the things that it thinks aren’t important.” She drew a filter with different colored spots and wiggly lines to clarify her point. “Okay. You grasp so much knowledge in math and other subjects that your mind filters out reading. So what a tutor will teach you to do, is how to --” She drew an image of the word “reading” filtering through to the brain. “-- filter reading into your brain. You’re smart, so it’ll be easy.” The boy’s eyes lit up with comprehension. “See, your brain is so smart, it’s trying to kick stuff out of it,” she assured him, giving him a big hug and a kiss on his cheek. “I told you I wasn’t dumb.” Brett stuck his tongue out at his brother. “So how are you doing, kiddo?” she asked Brandon. She opened up her other arm so she could welcome him onto her lap also.

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“I’m doing okay. I like your office.” She watched him look around in wonder. “Guess what?” “What?” “I even have my own secretary, and she’s nice too.” “Where is she?” “Out at lunch.” “Is Ms. Constantine’s daughter here today?” Brandon had a massive crush on Adrianna, Nina’s daughter, since the first time he’d seen her. He had been six at the time. “Yes she is, but she’s real busy right now.” “Listen, I wanted to talk with you about something important.” Brian looked uncomfortable. He walked closer to the trio, and Brandon walked away from Jinger’s embrace. He wandered over to one of the office chairs and sat down. “I need a favor.” “What is it?” Gone was the genuine affection in her voice, since she wasn’t talking to the boys any more. Now her tone was laden with suspicion and distrust. “It’s my weekend to have the boys, and I need to go out of town. Molly isn’t reachable, and I was wondering if you could keep them until tomorrow?” Jinger’s nose pulsated as it did every time she was forced to keep her composure. This slimy, nasty, low-down motherfucker had the nerve to pull this shit in front of his kids. It would serve him right if she told him no, but she was so happy to see the kids that they both knew she wouldn’t. Plastering on a smile, she conceded. “I’d love to have the boys stay the night with me.” The relief was apparent in his face. “You’re a lifesaver, Jinger. I’ll have the kids at your place by seven.”

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Jinger turned to face Brandon and Brett, warmth once again in her expression. “Listen, boys, will you do me a favor and sit right here while I talk with your dad outside? And how would you all like to go car racing at Fast Lanes?” “We’d love to go!” Brandon cheered. “Yeah!” Brett’s eyes lit up. “Okay now, I need you two to be good boys for me while I talk to your dad.” “We will, Jinger.” Brian walked out with Jinger, who closed the door to her office after them. She lambasted him the moment the door was closed. “You’re a slimy sack of shit, Brian. Why didn’t you bring them to Jennifer’s house?” “I’m leaving Jennifer. Besides, the boys don’t like her anyway. They said that she was mean to them. She called Brett stupid.” “And you’re still with her?” Putting her hands on her hips, she started walking them back to the lobby. “You two are unbelievable. She calls your sons derogatory names, and you don’t do shit about it? You are so pathetic; I have absolutely no respect for you. And what has Molly said about this? I hope she kicked her ass.” Brian looked embarrassed. “The boys aren’t allowed to be around Jennifer, and Molly tried to fight her on several occasions. Thank God I was present to stop her.”

Good. The bitch Molly was maternal if nothing else. “Molly should have kicked your ass too. I bet you two aren’t screwing around now.” She watched the surprised look come over his face. “Yeah, I knew about her, even before I found out about Jennifer.” She smiled smugly at him. “I’ve even blogged about it, about us. Check out my site. You always thought that you were fooling me, but you weren’t. I decided how much and then no more. So don’t think that you can use your kids as pawns to manipulate me, because it’ll hurt both them and me when I cut off all contact. I won’t have

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it. I love them, but for real, they aren’t my children and I will not let you use them to get what you want out of me.” “I’m --” “Save it. I’ll keep them tonight, but you need to break it to them that they won’t be spending time with me anymore.” She saw the defeated look in Brian’s face. “Now, Brett needs a tutor. Get me the name of the center, and I’ll pay the tutor for two years.” Surprise registered in his face. “It must be nice to have a rich boyfriend.” His snide remark wasn’t lost on Jinger. “It’s very nice having a rich boyfriend, especially one who is good to me. He really takes care of me.” “From the looks of your new office, it’s obvious that he does.” Jinger glared at him. Let the stupid bastard think what he wants. I don’t need to defend

myself to anyone, least of all him. “Is everything all right?” Jinger hadn’t heard Martin walk up, but now he was standing right next her, giving Brian an angry look. She turned to him and placed her palm on his chest. “Hey, honey. I’m doing well. Brian brought the kids around to spend the night with me, so I’ll have houseguests. We’re going to Fast Lanes. Want to come with us?” Now both men looked angry. “Um…sure, why not?” Martin agreed reluctantly. “Okay, that’s settled. Brian, have the boys at my house after six.” Just that quickly, she dismissed them, heading back to her office to check on the boys.

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Martin walked up to Brian and looked him right in the eyes. “I know what you’re trying to do, and it won’t work. She’s mine, and you’ll never get her back. Understand?” “We’ll see about that,” Brian answered smugly. “Yeah, we’ll see.” “Dad.” “Dad.” Both Brandon and Brett ran into the lobby area to their father. “You’re ready to go?” he asked them. Jinger followed behind the children, eyeing the two men suspiciously. “I’ll see you tonight, Jinger,” Brian remarked before he left. “We’ll see you tonight,” Jinger gave Brian a false smile, turned, and went back into her office with Martin right behind her. “So, what was that about?” Martin asked. She could tell that he was irritated. “Dickhead needed a babysitter for tonight.” “And you agreed?” Now he was really irritated. “Yes, I agreed. I let him know that he couldn’t manipulate me by using the children anymore, or else they would be the ones to get their feelings hurt. But for tonight, I don’t mind doing this one favor. Those boys are so sweet and I love them to death. Otherwise I’d tell Brian to go to hell.” She was pleased to see a smile reach his face. “So we’re going to Fast Lanes tonight?” “Yeah.” “Cool. I haven’t been there since I was thirteen.” “It’ll be fun.”

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Chapter Eight

“I’ll carry him to the car.” Martin picked Brett up and carried him in his arms. The boy was tired and could barely keep his eyes open. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome.” “So. Are the two of you going to get married?” Brandon asked as they stopped at Martin’s SUV. The question threw Jinger off guard, and she stumbled. “That’s none of your business,” Jinger scolded him. “Well, it is since he’s gonna be kinda like my stepfather if you guys do.” “No, he won’t.” “Yes, he will. You’re my stepmom, right? You said that just because you and Dad divorced, that I’m still like your son. That I’m your stepson, and that’ll never change.” She heard the panic in his voice. She didn’t know what to do. “Sure, I’d love to be your stepdad, Brandon. You and your brother are good kids. We’ll just have to bug Jinger until she marries me, okay?”

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Oh, no, he didn’t just say that. “Is that a proposal?” she asked as he opened up the car door, sat Brett down in the seat, and fastened him in the booster. Brandon climbed in and fastened his seat belt himself. “It can be.” Martin answered her after he closed the side passenger door. He stood in front of her, looking down into her eyes. “I’d marry you tomorrow if you wanted to.” “Wow. You’re going way too fast. Hell, we haven’t met each other’s parents, and I’m a big believer in living in sin before marriage.” “We can do that too. Just know that I want a commitment.” “So do I.” She jumped into his waiting arms and kissed him. “We better get the boys back to your apartment,” Martin said when they broke off the kiss. “You’re right. But we have a whole lot to talk about.” She eased back from his arms, and they got into the car and drove home. Both boys were asleep by the time they arrived at Jinger’s apartment. She carried Brett, while Martin carried Brandon to the spare bedroom. Closing the door behind them, they went into the living room and turned on the electric fireplace. “This is romantic.” She snuggled up to him as they sat on the sofa and watched the fire. “I have a question for you.” “What?” “Why didn’t you and Brian have any kids? Despite his being a dickhead, he seems to have pretty good kids.” “He didn’t want to have any more children, and we couldn’t afford them, with him paying an arm and a leg for spousal and child support.”

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“Ah,” was all he said for a few seconds before adding, “and you were okay with that? Is that why you’re so close to Brandon and Brett?” “No. I’ve always wanted children, and to be honest, the boys and I aren’t as close as I’d like us to be.” “How is that? You all seem pretty close to me.” “Yeah, now. Or when Molly and Brian needed me to do something for the kids. But any other time, Brian threw up in my face the fact that they weren’t my children, and I am to stay out of their ‘family business.’ So I respect both Brian’s and Molly’s wishes and do my part in trying not to cause trouble. I’d hate for them to keep the kids from seeing me. It’ll hurt both me and the children.” “It’s sad that they use the children’s love to control you.” She sighed, knowing that he spoke the truth, and the sad part about it was, she’d let them. His next question surprised her. “What do you want from this relationship?” Martin asked, his voice and demeanor matter-of-fact.

He’s not pulling any punches. “I want love, compassion, friendship, and honesty.” “And what don’t you want?” “I don’t want us rushing into something that will leave us bitter. I have too much to lose in this.” “I won’t hurt you, darlin’. You gotta believe me.” “I want to, but I can’t be sure that what we have will last forever. Starting over isn’t an option for me, Martin. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. I’ll lose everything if this relationship doesn’t work out.” The hurt that lay naked on his face upset Jinger to no end. He was a good man, but gambling on love wasn’t a risk she was sure that she was willing to take at this early stage of their relationship. Especially not so soon after getting a divorce. And always in the back of

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her mind were Nina’s words warning her not to let anything or anyone get in the way of her success, especially when she had so much to lose. Martin had a job for life. Hers wasn’t as secure. “I’m not asking you to give up everything, Jinger. I’m just hoping that you’ll give us a chance.” “I am giving us a chance. I just need to take it slow.” “How slow, Jinger? I want a relationship, and eventually, more.” His declaration panicked her. Waving her hands in frustration, she exclaimed. “You are moving too fast for me, Martin. I just got out of a bad relationship. I want you as my lover and my friend. Anything else is asking too much. I hope that you can understand.” “You want to take it slow, then fine.” He got up from the couch and headed to the door. “Let me know when you’re ready.” Angrily, he shut the door behind him. “Shit. I really blew it this time, didn’t I?” Jinger swore quietly. Emotionally and physically exhausted, she walked into her bedroom to prepare for bed. She stripped off her clothes and went to take a quick shower. Emerging naked from her bathroom with a defeated look on her face and her head hanging down, she forgot that her webcam was still on, and that Martin was watching her pace back and forth.

Jinger was the sexiest woman he’d ever laid his eyes on. Martin watched, via the webcam, as Jinger dressed for bed. She’d put on a tiny T-shirt and matching low-riding, hiphugging panties. He ached physically, watching her climb into bed. She was beautiful, and he wanted her badly. He wasn’t used to being refused. He was used to women pulling out all the stops to be with him. Rejection was a hard pill to swallow, but he wouldn’t give up. Sighing, he put on his pajama bottoms, a T-shirt, and sandals, then left his apartment and went next door.

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Jinger opened the door on the fifth knock. She suspected that it was Martin, but she asked, “Who is it?” just to make sure. “Me.” His voice sounded deep. Unlocking the chain, she opened the door. “May I come in?” he asked. She wanted him to come in -- needed him to come in. He looked so handsome, even with the look of desperation upon his face. Moving to the side, she allowed him into her apartment. “I don’t want to --” He kissed her hard, interrupting her statement. She opened her mouth and his tongue slipped in. Tilting his head to the side, he deepened the kiss. She brought her arms up around his neck, surrendering to the feel of his passion. God, she loved him. Backing her up against the wall, he lifted her up, wrapping her legs around his waist as he kissed her passionately. Jinger made haste with removing his shirt. “The boys,” she whispered. “Let’s move this to the bedroom.”

She felt secure as Martin moved her from the wall, careful not to drop her, as he locked the front door behind him. He then walked them into her bedroom, closing and locking the bedroom door. He moved to her chair, where he sat down with her on his lap. He couldn’t resist grabbing her ass -- it looked so delectable in her panties. “Get up and take your panties off.” “Yes, master.” She climbed off him seductively. He watched as she slowly, methodically, slipped out of her panties. Watching her was nearly painful for him. He lusted -- no, he hungered -- for her. Once her panties were off, she dropped to her knees in front of him, hands behind her back, legs spread apart in a submissive position. Martin, surprised by her gesture, sat up to the edge of his seat. She looked up, and then focused her gaze back down to the floor. He

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needed no more persuasion. She was surrendering everything to him, and he would make damn sure that she would never regret her decision. Taking his hands and running them through her ringlets, he tilted her head toward him. “Suck me,” he demanded. Seeing her in a submissive stance had him hard as a rock. He stood up and pulled down his pants. His penis pointed thick and hard in her face. He watched as she wet her lips before embedding her face in his crotch. She licked his sac before engulfing the entire case in her mouth. With a gentle suck, she released it and began to lick his cock. Her tongue ran the length of him, occasionally darting in and out of the little hole, as she licked up the dollop of pre-cum that was seeping out of it. “Shit.” He gasped when she grabbed hold of the base of his cock and swallowed it whole with one deft movement. She slowly, painstakingly, withdrew her mouth before dropping her jaw and swallowing him again. He threw back his head in ecstasy. She increased her strokes. The slurping sounds, the bobbing of her head as she sucked him off, and the incredible sensations rushing through his body almost had him ready to come.

“Stop!” he ordered. She immediately halted her stroke and slid him out of her mouth, looking up at him. Sitting back down on the chair, he helped her onto his lap. He spread his legs open as she draped her legs across his, her hands guiding his dick to enter her pussy as she seated herself on top of him. “Oh, baby, you feel so good.” Jinger’s eyelids fluttered shut as she was overcome with sensation. Martin grabbed a firm hold of her buttocks and plunged her down on his cock, increasing the force each time she rocked down on him.

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“I want to see your tits.” His desperate plea had Jinger tossing off her T-shirt as she moved on top of him. As her breasts sprang free into his face, his cock jerked within her pussy and he ground even deeper into her. Lifting her up, he moved to the end of the bed. Although they were standing, Jinger never stopped riding him. Leaning her back against the post of the bed, he pounded into her hard. “Oh God, you’re killing me,” she panted. She wrapped her arms around the post as Martin buried himself deep inside of her. “Please. Please. I’m coming,” she begged, her words bordering on incoherent. He smacked her ass cheeks with both hands, and she felt her release coat his dick. “Then come.” “Ahhh!” She let out a scream, leaning forward and wrapping her entire body around his as he continued to pound inside of her. He came with a powerful grunt, his hands still on her cheeks. She would have hand print bruises, she was sure. “We need a shower,” she whispered in his ear.

***** “I’ve never had anyone wash me,” Jinger said to Martin. They were lying in bed, and she was still dazed over the shower they had shared. Although she had showered with her ex-husband, this was different. Martin had washed her hair, her body, and her soul. His fingers had caressed her skin as he lathered and bathed her. He was gentle; his touch was soft, smooth. Despite the heated sex they’d shared, never before had someone touched her so intimately.

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And after he was finished washing them, he carried her to the bed and tucked her in.

Lord God, let this be real, she prayed. “I love you, Jinger,” she heard him tell her right before she fell asleep.

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Chapter Nine

“And Martin is super cool, Dad. He even said that we could be his stepkids if we could convince Jinger to marry him. How neat is that?” Brett chatted endlessly as Jinger gathered up the boys to leave. They were taking home some new clothes, since she had taken them shopping earlier that morning. She noticed the angry look Brian had given her. He was obviously annoyed at Brandon’s comment. Oh well. “I want to talk with you privately,” he told her. “Boys, go to the bedroom and make sure that you have everything. I need to speak with your father for a minute.” She gave the boys a strained smile. “Here we go. Dad’s starting another fight.” Brandon rolled his eyes. “What did you say?” Brian asked angrily. Jinger stepped in front of the boys, ready to protect them if he decided to lash out at his sons. True, they were his kids; as far as she knew, he had never hit them. However, she wasn’t taking any chances. “What?” He looked at her strangely, as she stood protectively in front of the kids. “Nothing.” Brandon rolled his eyes and headed for the bedroom, with Brett following right behind him.

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“Don’t do that.” Brian glared at her. “Do what?” Putting her hands on her hips, she glowered back at him. “Try to protect your children when I believe that they may be in danger?” “They’re my kids. Their mother and I will protect them,” he argued back. “Yeah, you did a great fucking job protecting them when Jennifer was calling them names.” She stepped closer and glared at him, her face mere centimeters from his. “You know what…fuck you. Next time you need a babysitter for the boys, hire one. I refuse to let you keep shoving it in my face that they are yours and Molly’s children. Hell, all I ever wanted was to love them and you use that against me at every possible turn. I won’t have it. Have Brett’s tutor bill me, but that’s it. I’m through.” She couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in her eyes. She hated to do this to the boys, but she needed closure. “Jinger, I --” “Leave.” “I’m sorry.” “I said leave!” she shouted. Brian gave her a defeated look before calling out to the boys. Brett and Brandon both cried, each giving her a hug. “I love you,” she told them as she hugged them. “I love you too,” they each told her, almost in unison. “Will we ever see you again?” Brandon asked, a hiccup escaping him. “Of course you will.” She felt bad at the way things were ending. “Hey, how about this? You can call here anytime, okay?” She hoped that, by talking to them whenever they wanted to talk, the transition out of their lives would be easier. “Okay. We’ll call you,” Brandon promised. “I love you two. Y’all are my handsome dudes.” She smiled at them and stood up.

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“You take care of yourself,” Brian told her. “Yeah, you too,” she said disdainfully. She watched as the trio walked out of her apartment. She was sad to see the boys go. Being a part of their lives for so long, and then being suddenly jerked away from them was almost torture. They were good boys. But they weren’t her children, and they didn’t need a substitute mother. Jinger walked into her kitchen and began to clean it up. She would hit the guest bathroom and the spare bedroom later. With Martin staking his claim on her as deeply as he had, she had a lot to think about. She’d always found that the best way to clear her thoughts was to clean. While cleaning, she weighed her options. She was convinced that pursing a relationship with Martin was a good idea; however, she would proceed with caution. Despite -- or perhaps because of -- her feelings, she had to. She had finished up the second bathroom and was headed for her shower when she heard voices outside of her apartment. One of them was Martin’s. Even from here, he sounded pissed. Not caring that she was eavesdropping on his conversation, Jinger went to the living room, leaned her ear closer to the window, and listened. “I thought I meant something more to you. That’s what you told me, Martin,” she heard the feminine voice plead. It was Lisa, Martin’s last girlfriend -- Ms. “Her Highness.”

She’s back! Jinger panicked. Moving even closer to the window, she was sure they’d see the blinds moving if they happened to look over. However, being inconspicuous at this point was out of the question. “I told you before that it’s over. I’m not trying to hurt you, but this relationship has run its course.” She heard the door open before he entered his apartment. Lisa followed, because the arguing continued.

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Jinger ran into her bedroom and over to her computer monitor and logged in. Though it was unlikely, she might witness some of the action via the webcam. The thin walls of the complex were finally going to be a blessing. Usually she cursed the overpriced apartment with the ultra-thin walls, but not today. “You’re fucking someone else, aren’t you?” Jinger heard Lisa demand. They must still be in the living room, as there were no visuals on the webcam. “Don’t do this to yourself. It’s over. It’s been over. Now leave.” “I don’t want to. I can make you love me again.” “I’ve never loved you,” she heard Martin tell her. Jinger closed her eyes and scrunched her face in mock pain. That was a hard blow. “You loved me every time you fucked me.” “That was lust. Learn the difference.” “Whatever.” She heard the woman sob. “I would have done anything for you. I still will do anything for you, Martin. What did I do wrong?” Jinger heard the desperation in the woman’s voice. She felt sorry for her, and decided that no matter how hard she fell for Martin, she would never be in Lisa’s position. Ever! “You’re a nice woman. You’ll meet someone else. I’m just not in love with you. I --” He hesitated. “I’m not going to argue with you any more, Lisa. You’ll find someone else, I’m sure, but it’s over between us.” Silence. For a moment there was nothing but utter silence. “Fuck you!” Jinger heard Lisa yell as she slammed his door so loud that it shook both apartments. “I hate you!” Jinger could hear her sobbing as she raced toward the parking lot. Jinger ran next door to Martin’s apartment when she was sure that Lisa had driven away. She knocked and yelled, “Martin, it’s me, Jinger,” through the door. A moment later he opened the door. He looked tired and defeated. His hair was unruly, and he was in his Tshirt and slacks. She must have caught him undressing.

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Moving to the side, he let her come in. “I take it you heard Lisa.” He walked past her to his bedroom. His work shirt lay discarded on the chair, his shoes kicked off to the side of the bed. “Yeah. I heard most of it.” She circled around him as he took off his pants.

Damn, he looks good in his briefs. She sat down on his bed and watched him pick up his discarded clothes and place them in a hamper. He’s neat. We can cohabitate; another gold star for Martin. “You look really good in your briefs,” she told him, and winked when he turned to her and smiled. “Thank you very much.” He climbed into the bed, and beckoned for her to follow. “How was work today?” He grunted. “God, Nina is impossible. I’m surprised you weren’t dragged into the meeting this morning.” Closing his eyes, he bent his head from side to side, making a popping sound with his neck. Martin had been commanded to come in for a mandatory weekend meeting, and had been pissed about it. “I leave for Rota on Monday, so she’s not bothering me.” “Well, you know she made the rest of us come in, and she cracked her whip.” Although he was tired, she didn’t get the impression that he really minded Nina’s attitude. Both Nina and Adrian had really changed Constantine, Inc. into one of the most lucrative companies in the country. “Do you like working for Nina?” Jinger asked. She’d noticed that, although Martin and Nina bickered, mostly out of jest, he had never really complained about her. “I love working for Nina. She’s the best thing to have happened to Constantine, Inc. Actually, she’s the best thing to have happened to my family.” His comment almost made Jinger jealous. “She’s been able to make us mega rich and influential. Constantine, Inc. is where it is because of her, no doubt. But even more than that, she’s been able to do away

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with a lot of bigotry that’s plagued my family for generations. And on top of all that, she’s made my cousin happy, and they have produced an heir for the future. She’s overcome a whole lot and emerged victorious. I have to say, I really do admire her a lot.” His words eased the little green monster trying to emerge. After all, Jinger admired Nina for the same reasons. Martin played with Jinger’s back, his fingertips caressing her spine. “So. What happened with Lisa?” “Nothing much. I’m sure you heard what happened.” “Not all of it, I’m sure, so fill me in.” She looked down at him and saw him tense. “I pulled up to the parking lot. She was there, said that she wanted to talk.” He kept his voice nonchalant. “She walked me to my apartment, saying how much she loved me and how she wanted us to be together again. I told her that it was over. She got angry, had a tantrum, and left.” He and Jinger looked each other in the eyes. “Why did it end?” She couldn’t help it. She had to know. “Because I got bored with her.”

Shit. Fuck and damnation! He actually said he got tired of Lisa. “How long were the two of you together?” She felt a lump in her throat. “About eight months, maybe a year.” “And how long were you with the woman before her?” She needed to know what his dating history was. She’d always wondered, and now was as good a time as any to ask. “Umm…I’d say about four months.” He folded his arms across his chest and looked up to the ceiling. “The one before that was two years -- she and I were actually talking about marriage. Before that, I was in a succession of short-term relationships, not lasting more than six months.”

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“And you want me to throw caution to the wind and take a chance on losing my heart over a man whose longest relationship is two years?” She got up from the bed. “I don’t think so.” She watched as he sat up from the bed, a hurt expression on his face. “Don’t judge me, Jinger. You married young and stayed married despite the shit your asshole of a husband put you through. I love women and I make no apologies about that. Each woman that I’ve been involved with knew the deal. I never lied or gave them false promises of forever.” “You’ve led me to believe that we could have forever!” she countered. “Because I believe that we can.” “Why?” she asked cautiously. “I’ve seen the women you’ve dated in the past; lawyers, models, airheads, punk rockers, all types of women from every walk of life. I’m sorry, but I refuse to believe I’m so special that I can tame you in no time flat. I’m no different from any other woman.” “You’re smart, feisty, funny, stubborn, independent, and you can cook. Everything that I want in a woman. Well, thanks for enlightening me, because I had thought that you were different from all the others. Lock the door behind you when you go.” There was an icy chill to his gaze as he said the words. That was it. He had dismissed her, just that easily. She left silently, not looking back, afraid of what she might see in his eyes, ashamed of her actions and his response to her.

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Chapter Ten

Two weeks later Jinger was glad to be at home. Rota was nice, but it had been lonely. She’d missed Martin like crazy the time she had been away. They had called each other on occasion, but it had been mostly about business. She knew that they were both holding back, both willing to accept a mundane existence to preserve their hearts. Opening the door to her apartment, she stepped in and noticed that nothing had changed. She went from room to room opening up the windows before unpacking and washing her laundry. After she’d finished with her chores, she took a shower. When she came out of the bathroom, she checked her messages, making a mental note to return her mother’s call first thing tomorrow. Jet-lagged, she immediately fell asleep.

***** The ringing of the phone invaded her subconscious. Still groggy, she let out an unladylike curse and grabbed the receiver. “What?”

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“Wow. You’re bitchy this morning,” her sister Kishona shot back. Jinger sat up in the bed and smiled. “Hey, Peanut. How are you doing?” “Pretty good. And you?” She grunted and turned over on her side before answering. “I’m doing pretty good. How is everyone?” “Mom and Dad are fine. Jason is doing well, and of course, I’m doing fine.” “Are you on your way to work?” “Nope, I’m on the night shift now. I’m just getting off work.” Her sister was a nurse, and her work schedule often varied, not allowing them a lot of time to hang out, especially since they were both single and dating -- at least, her sister was still dating. “Hey, I’m about to go catch some Z’s. Here’s Mom. Love you.” “Love you, too.” She heard the receiver being handed over to her mother. “Hey, baby. You made it back home. Praise God.” “Hi, Mom. How are you doing?” “Fine.” “How’s Dad?” She asked about her stepfather, knowing he had been sick with the flu the last time she had talked with her mother. “He’s doing great. We’re all doing fine.” “That’s good. I’m glad to hear that.” “I’m having a Christmas dinner, and I want you to bring your friend, that Constantine fella.”

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Shit and damnation. She didn’t want to invite Martin anywhere, with the two of them practically broken up. Though this may be what she needed to win him back. Lord knew she missed him dearly. “I’ll try, but he may have other plans. He has a large family, you know.” “I’m sure he does, but if you two are serious about one another, you’ll compromise, and make things work out.” She just bet her mother had a deeper meaning. “Okay, I’ll run it by him,” Jinger promised. “All right, hon. You take care. I won’t take no for an answer. I want to see you both Christmas Day. Six sharp. Okay?” “Okay, Mom. I love you.” “Love you too, baby.” They each hung up. Jinger stared at the phone, her stomach in knots. “Now I need to ask Martin for a date.” She sighed.

***** Martin looked down at his watch again. Ten forty-five. She would be home by now. But instead of being inside of his woman, he was here at a bar -- listening to grown men bicker and complain like bitches. The sound of his cousin’s voice brought Martin’s thoughts back to the topic being discussed. “I’ve never seen you date a black woman for longer than two months. Why is that?” Angelou was asking Chris, a fellow coworker, and the only African-American in the group. “That’s not a fair assessment.” Chris sipped his beer. “I’m an equal opportunity lover. I don’t begrudge myself of any race. But hell, you Constantine men are taking all of the sisters anyway. I have to get what I can.”

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Martin, Stephanio, and Adrian smiled at one another, all having dated women of color themselves. Angelou wasn’t giving up on his quest to find out the appeal of interracial dating. “What about Tamara? She’s beautiful, smart, and has a job.” He added all of the qualities that Chris had said were missing about the other women he had named. “Yeah, and when she spoke, the whole fucking projects fell out of her mouth.” Everyone laughed at that statement, except Stephanio, who looked confused. “The whole projects fell out?” he asked. “I don’t understand this statement.” “It means that when she speaks, she’s common.” “Oh. Like ghetto,” Stephanio said. Martin noticed that since being in the United States these several years, his English had gotten significantly better. “So it doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that she called you a minute man with a biting fetish and a bad habit of spewing your seed on one’s feet?” Angelou asked, and he watched Chris’s light brown features pale immediately. “The bitch told you that?” “Why does she have to be a bitch?” Adrian asked. “Because she’s a liar,” Chris growled. “Okay, she’s a liar.” Angelou smirked. “I believe her, and apparently so does everyone else.” “What do you mean?” Chris looked nervous. “It’s a known fact that you can’t please a woman unless you’re acting kinky. That’s why women are turning you down left and right.” “Tamara is clever. I’ll give her that.” Chris pulled out his cell phone and started dialing. “Hey, I forgot to show you all this.” Adrian stood up and pulled out his wallet. He passed around a crude photo image. “It’s the twins,” he announced proudly as the photo was passed around. He eyed the picture once more before putting it back into his wallet.

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“Wow. You and Nina are reproducing at a record pace,” Angelou chided. “How many more children are you two planning to have, anyway?” Martin asked. He watched as Adrian blanched momentarily before answering. “This will be the last time she gets pregnant.” “Whose decision was this?” Stephanio asked. “We’ve agreed together.” “Is that right?” Stephanio probed, suspicious. “Yes, that’s right.” “So you would be against Nina getting pregnant again?” “If I want to keep my manhood I will be.” The men erupted in laughter, except for Chris, who was arguing feverishly over the phone. “I’m about to go.” Martin stood up, excusing himself. He laid two twenty-dollar bills out on the table, his portion of the bill and tip. “All right. Catch you later.” Angelou stood up and hugged him. Stephanio and Adrian shook his hand, then hugged him too. Chris shook his hand automatically, though his attention was on cursing Tamara out over the phone. Martin left the bar in a hurry. He missed Jinger and he wanted to make things work, no matter what it took to get her back. He knocked on Jinger’s door several times before letting himself in. She had given him a key to her apartment so he could keep an eye on things while she was gone, and he hadn’t returned it yet. The apartment was silent, but it was cold. She must have opened a window. He walked to her bedroom and stopped when he saw her sound asleep, her laptop lying next to her on the bed. He noticed she wore earphones, which were hooked up to her computer.

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She was beautiful, everything he wanted in a woman, but she still didn’t trust him completely. Not with matters of the heart, and that deeply hurt him. He wondered how long he would have to pay for her ex-husband’s mistakes. Disrobing slowly, he laid his clothes down on the chair in the corner of her room. “Jinger.” He lounged beside her, running his fingertips softly through her hair. She stirred, but continued to sleep. She provided him a tempting sight as she raised her arms above her head. The small tank top she was wearing rose to show the underside of her breast. “Baby, wake up,” Martin coaxed her. She opened her eyes and sat up immediately. He placed a calming hand over her stomach to try to halt her. “It’s me, sweetheart. I wanted to check up on you.” “So why are you in my bed?” She checked him out with a long glare. “Undressed, for that matter.” “I saw you and I wanted to be near you. I’ve missed you.” She glared at him, but in a heartbeat, she softened toward him. “I missed you too.” She took the headphones off and turned toward him. He looked down at her computer. “What are you listening to?” “Marilyn Lee.” “I haven’t heard of her. What does she sing?” “No, it’s an ebook. I’m listening to one of her stories.” She proffered the headphones and he placed them on his own ears. He listened as the mechanical voice read a salacious sex scene, getting him hard in the process. “There’s a love scene in this book we have got to try.” He took off the headset and rested the computer back on the computer stand. “Wait a minute, chief. We need to discuss ‘us’ before we make love.” Holding up her hand between them, she stopped his advances.

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“What about us?” “I want you to understand that although we may have sex, I’m not committing to a relationship right now. You are still on probation.” This bit of news seemed to stop his roaming hands for a second as he thought about her comment. “I’ll go as fast or as slow as you need me to go for now. You are…” The hands that were on her abdomen were moving up. “…the only thing that matters to me right now, and I will not give up on us.” A stalemate. He wasn’t going to give up his stance and neither would she. For today they had a truce. Just for today.

His hand rested lazily on Jinger’s breast as he moved his fingers lightly over her nipple, feeling it harden. Leaning his face into her ear, he whispered, “Did you miss me the way I’ve missed you?” “Yes.” He heard her breathing increase rapidly until she was almost panting. He rewarded her honesty with a soft kiss to her lips as he moved his hand from her turgid nipple, over her rib cage, down to the flat of her stomach and further down to her vagina. He felt her move her hands to his hair. “No. Keep your hands above your head.” The order came out as a low growl. He pushed the puffy folds of her pussy open as he fingered her hot, now wet, box. His mouth covered hers in a heated kiss as his fingers played her labia. She let out a moan as his tongue worked the inside of her mouth, plunging in and out in an insistent rhythm. “Oh, baby, please,” she begged, her fingers twisting together in an attempt to keep her arms above her head.

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“Please what?” His voice was husky as he slid his tongue from her mouth, down her throat, and to her cleavage. He bit into the downy skin of the upper side of her breast. “Please what?” he asked again. “Please make me come. I need you inside of me. I’ve missed you.” Taking his cock into his hand, he slid the thick flesh up and down her pussy while sucking hard on her taut nipple. Her moans of pleasure were driving him crazy. Taking his hard cock, beading with pre-ejaculate, he moistened her pussy every time he trailed it down her passage. “Baby. You feel so fucking good. I want more.” She looked him right in the eye as she breathlessly declared her need to him. But he needed to savor her. She needed to realize what she was giving up because of her fears. He wanted to reassure her of what she really meant to him, how much he really needed her. He licked her nipple, watching it glisten with his saliva. “Please. Give it to me,” she begged. Seeing this beautiful, independent woman actually beg for him -- for him! -- was his undoing. Grabbing her breast, he plunged into her cunt with the ferocity of a man on a mission. She was so tight. Martin closed his eyes and relished the sensations came over him. Shit. She

felt good. Sitting back, partially out of her, he watched how beautiful they were together. His honey pale skin against her darker golden skin was beautiful. With her lush curves, she was all woman. Taking her hips into his hands and lifting her off of the bed, he pulled her further onto his arousal. He slammed deeply into her, never taking his eyes off their joining. “Fuck, baby, you got the best pussy.” Taking his thumb into his mouth, he licked his finger, then reached down to massage her clit. He closed his eyes when she squeezed her muscles around him. He felt the moisture over his dick just before her vagina started to contract around him.

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“Ohhh. Yes. Baby, don’t stop,” she mewled, drawing out the last word. Her hands were no longer clasped above her head; they were now digging into the soft down of the bed sheets and mattress. His control snapped. Releasing her hips, he came down on top of her as her hips hit the mattress. They were still joined together. Jinger wrapped her long legs around his waist as he plunged hard into her.

He was trying to kill her! His weapon of choice…his cock. Jinger was sure of it. He felt so good inside of her. Nothing and no one could compare. He moved in and out of her and she felt heaven as he mastered her body, giving it everything she wanted and needed. Sometimes words weren’t enough. Not when lovemaking was this good. Not when her soul was being claimed. No. When lovemaking is this intense, all you can do is cry. And cry she did. He pounded into her as she held him close, wrapping her arms and legs around him tightly. Moments later, he came with a loud groan, spilling his seed into her. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of him on her…his smell…. the way that he tasted… she committed this moment to memory. “I love you, Jinger, ” Martin said, looking deep into her eyes. “You…” she started. Sighing, he moved off her. “I just want you to know how I feel about you.” “I love you too.” She said it quietly. She watched as happiness filled his eyes. Her declaration of love made him happy. His declaration of love made her panic. “Are you okay?” Martin asked. Lying on his side, he gathered her closer to him. He watched as the tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m fine.” She smiled and rolled into his embrace.

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Chapter Eleven

After her trip, Jinger took a few days off from work to get rested. Martin had stayed with her until this morning, when he had to go in to work. He had wanted to call in, but she insisted that he go ahead. She needed some space. Now that all of the cards were on the table and she was sure of how he felt, she was ready to proceed with caution. She still felt anxiety at the thought of being seriously involved with someone who had the capabilities and resources to impact her future as much as he could. Jinger was deep in thought when she heard voices outside her apartment, then the unmistakable rattle of someone trying the front door. Remembering the bat she had in the bedroom closet that she’d purchased for church softball -- and for protection -- she picked up her cell phone and quickly dialed 911 as she went into her closet and closed the door. “Nine-one-one operator, what’s your emergency?” “Someone’s breaking into my apartment.” Jinger quietly gave her address and closed the phone. Through the panel opening in her closet door, she could make out the figure. It sounded as if the intruder was at her computer. “You’re sure they’re broken up for good?” That voice -- it was Brian! What the hell was he doing breaking into her apartment?

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“From what I understand, they are,” said another man. She recognized that voice too. It was Larry, the maintenance guy. He is so fired! “She got back in last week. She didn’t even call to tell me. Ungrateful bitch,” Brian complained. “Well, if they had been together, they’d probably have made another video of it. I’d check the DVD on the computer.” “You know that the entire time I was with Jinger, she was never this adventurous. Hell, had I known she was a freak, I probably would have stayed faithful to her.” There was a momentary pause. “Naw,” both men said simultaneously, then laughed. Jinger was beyond angry. How dare these slimeballs paw through her things and comment on her sex life? Silently, she opened the closet door, the bat firmly in her grip. The astonished expressions on their faces were almost comical. “What the fuck are you two doing in my apartment, Brian?” “I better go.” Larry tried to leave, shame evident in his face. “Oh no, baby, don’t go on my account.” She opened up her cell phone and autodialed the manager’s office. “I need the manager to 211-A, now. I have two burglars in my apartment, and one of them is on staff.” The leasing agent assured her that the manager would be notified immediately. She also promised Jinger that she would contact the duty officer on call at the apartment complex. “So how long have you been invading my privacy, Brian? How long have you been watching me?” She felt her meltdown coming. “You have a lot of fucking nerve. You are so lucky that I don’t bat your ass.” Her heavy breathing increased, as did her fury. “You left me…for my best friend, no less. Got that bitch pregnant. Divorced me!” She was pointing the

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bat in his face, the rounded end coming close to his eye. “You then violate me because you can no longer have me. You are such a dickhead!” “And you.” She turned to Larry, aiming the bat at his head. Larry looked as if he was about to take off when she swung the bat at him, stopping mere inches from his skull. She watched as his eyes closed tight, his dark face losing some of its rich color. “Move, and I’ll use your head for batting practice. I promise.” “She’ll do it,” Brian warned. “Try me, please,” Jinger snarled. From his stillness, it was clear that Larry was afraid to move. Good. “Sit on the bed, boys. Relax. The po po’s should be here any minute. In the meantime, we’re going to get acquainted. Very well acquainted. Go on, have a seat, Brian. Oh, and boys, how you answer my questions determines how acquainted you’ll get with my bat. Is that understood?” She swung the bat at their heads again. Both men hastily agreed. “Brian, I’m guessing that Larry let you into my apartment. Was he the only one stupid enough to do so, or are there others helping you?” “He’s the only one who has helped me.” Looking over at Larry, who had started to break down and cry, she asked, “And why would you do a stupid thing like letting him into my apartment? You’re in a world of trouble. And for what?” She just watched as he cried harder. She almost felt sorry for him…almost. “I…he…” “He was doing me a favor,” Brian interjected. “And I paid him some money. He has a family. Please don’t make him pay for my mistake,” Brian begged. “Oh. He’s completely innocent? Don’t think so. You should have thought about his family before inviting him to help you perform a criminal act. You weren’t thinking of his family then, and neither was he, so why should I?”

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“I know that. But you’re better than me. You’re better than us both.” “You got that shit right, but it’s out of my hands now. You shoulda thought about the consequences before your unlawful entry into my apartment. The both of you will be sorry.” She heard the knock on her door. “Wait here,” she ordered, then went to answer it. The apartment manager stood at her door. Sheila was her name; Jinger didn’t particularly like the woman, as she’d always had a nasty attitude whenever Jinger had called up to the office with a service call. Now she stood there in her doorway with the usual irritated look on her face. “You have an emergency?” Sheila brushed past Jinger to enter the apartment. “Your staff broke into my house at my ex-husband’s request.” Yeah, now what, bitch! The woman halted in mid-stride, the color quickly leaving her face. “This is quite an accusation. My staff would never --” “In my bedroom.” Jinger cut her off and led the way to her bedroom. Jinger almost laughed when she heard Sheila’s gasp at seeing Larry and Brian. “Please tell me that there has been some kind of misunderstanding,” Sheila said, striding over to Larry. “Oh, no, there is no misunderstanding. And from the conversation that I heard, these two have been frequenting my bedroom often.” She gave them a disgusted look. “Fucking perverts.” There was another knock, and Jinger left to open the door. She heard Sheila going off on Larry. This time it was the police, to take her statement, and arrest both Larry and Brian. “Don’t drop the soap, bitch,” she yelled out to them as the cops put the two men in separate squad cars. As the police cars drove out of the apartment complex, Martin’s car pulled into the parking space next to where she stood.

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He got out of the car. “What happened?” “That son of a bitch Brian and Larry, the maintenance guy, were breaking into my apartment and watching us have sex on my computer.” She breathed heavily, trying hard not to cry. She watched as he closed his car door and walked over to her. He put one hand on his hip and the other wrapped around the base of his neck. Jinger felt his frustration. “Shit, Jin. I’m sorry about this.” “Let’s go inside.” She took his hand and they walked back to her place. “Can you believe this shit?” Jinger sat down on the chair as Martin took a seat across from her on the sofa. “No, I can’t believe this. Damn. I wonder how long he’s been spying on you?” “Spying on us. He watched our after work lovemaking sessions on the Internet, while we were at your apartment.” “What! He could have easily gotten caught. Did he not notice that you were home?” “He doesn’t know what type of car I drive now, I guess. At any rate, his stupid ass is going to jail, and I’m going to look for a lawyer so that I can sue this place. I can’t believe Larry. But first, I need to call a realtor because I refuse to spend another night here.” She got up and grabbed her telephone off of its base and the phone book off her counter. “Is there anything I can help with?” Martin walked up behind her and started to rub her shoulders. “Can I stay with you until I get my own place? I think it’s time for me to purchase a home.” “Want to purchase one together?” She couldn’t help but notice the hopeful tone in his voice. “Please, Martin. Not right now, love, I hope you understand, but I have to take this one step at a time.”

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“Fine.” She heard the strain in his voice despite his concession, but she ignored it as she opened the phone book and started to make her phone calls.

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Chapter Twelve

Martin was angry and upset the day Jinger decided to move out of her apartment and move in with her parents. He had hoped that they could cohabitate, but she had other plans. She wanted her space, so he gave it to her. He just didn’t like it. So when she’d come to his office today and invited him to Christmas dinner at her parents’ home, he jumped at the opportunity. He was headed over there now. To his surprise, they didn’t live too far from Adrian and Nina. He pulled up to the two-story beach house. The outside of the residence was festively decorated, and he could hear the music blaring from within. He knocked loudly on the door. A woman -- who looked just like his Jinger, except her skin tone was much darker -answered the door with a warm smile. “Hi, I’m Martin Constantine.” He returned the young woman’s smile and hers broadened, showing dimples similar to Jinger’s. “Come on in, cutie. I’m Kishona, Jinger’s sister.” She welcomed him in. “Jinger’s in the kitchen.” He followed her as they bypassed curious friends and relatives. There were a lot of people in such a limited amount of space, Martin thought.

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Walking into the kitchen, Kishona announced his arrival. “Guess what Santa just delivered?” He watched as Jinger turned from the stove with a tray of holiday cookies in her gloved hand. A smile crossed her beautiful face. “Hi there. You must be Martin.” A small, dark Polynesian woman walked up to him to shake his hand. Martin grasped the woman’s hand. Jinger placed the cookies on the cooling rack and walked over to them. “Martin, this beautiful woman here is my mother, Patricia. Mom, this is Martin.” He greeted her as Jinger continued the introductions. “This is my dad, Marcus. Marcus, this is Martin.” Martin shook his hand and smiled. She definitely looked like her mother, he thought as he took in the appearance of the older man. Her father was short, black, and very unattractive. “This is my brother Jason.” Martin looked down at her younger brother. He, too, looked like his mother, except he was fairer than his other family members, but had the same curly hair. “Hey, man. How are you doing?” Jason gave him a handshake and a pat on the back. “I’m doing pretty good. And you?” “Pretty good. Can’t complain.” “You’ve met my little sister Peanut.” “Kishona,” Kishona corrected. “You’ve met my little bratty sister Kishona already,” Jinger taunted. “But I wouldn’t mind a hug,” Kishona said as she winked at him with a mischievous smile on her face. “You are such a flirt,” her mother scolded playfully.

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“I get it from watching you, Mom.” He watched as Kishona and Patricia traded a light banter of insults with one another. “I have to get ready for work. It was nice meeting you, Martin.” Kishona bid goodbye to everyone in the room. “Nice meeting you too,” he told her as she left the kitchen. He conversed with Jinger’s family as she sat out more food for the guests in the living room. He learned a lot about her family in the fifteen minutes that she had been occupied. Patricia was Mexican, Asian, and Native Hawaiian; Jinger’s biological father, who had died when she was a young girl, had been African-American and Jewish. “So that’s why we refer to Jinger as my ‘gumbo baby’. She has so many mixes in her bloodline,” her mother was saying.

No wonder Jinger didn’t look anything like Marcus. “Oh, Lord, Ma, not the gumbo story again.” Jinger came back with an empty tray in her hand. Martin grabbed her arm, wanting some of her attention as she placed the tray into the sink. “Baby, I’ll get the dishes. And stop serving food. These people will never leave if you don’t,” Patricia told Jinger. She turned to Martin and gave him a wink. “Spend some time with Martin. He’s not here to see any of us. I can handle everything else.” Not wanting her to have an excuse to ignore him further, Martin took Jinger’s hand in his, leading her back out toward the front door.

***** Jinger and Martin walked hand in hand on the beach. There was a gentle breeze blowing, but the weather was nice. There were lights on the beach that stopped at the sand, leaving the ocean dim, the moon reflecting on the water. They walked a quarter mile in silence.

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“How are you doing?” he finally asked. “I’m doing well. And you?” Holding his head upwards, he paused before answering her. “I’m doing pretty good.” “I’m almost ready to move into my house.” He noted the excitement in her voice as she made the statement. “I’m happy for you.” And he really was. He just wasn’t happy for them. He didn’t want it to be a “her” or a “him.” He wanted it to be a “them.” But, knowing that she had to be ready, he kept his desire to himself. “You’ll be my first house guest.” He grunted. “What?” “Nothing.” “No, Martin, what’s on your mind?” She had stopped walking, and so did he. He wasn’t going to let go of her hand for any reason. “I just feel as if we’re falling back into the friend zone again. I don’t see why we can’t move in together.” “Because I don’t want to. Martin. I have issues of trust that I need to deal with before I embark on another serious relationship. I have something to prove to myself.” He started to speak, but she cut him off. “I love you, but let’s face it, I’ve been in love before and look where it’s gotten me.” “Stop comparing me to him, Jinger.” Martin started to get angry. “I’m not comparing you to Brian, Martin. You can hurt me much worse than he ever could, believe me.” “I’m not going to hurt you,” he hissed through gritted teeth.

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“You may not intentionally. But what if you tire of me eventually? Huh? What am I supposed to do then? I’ll be worse off than I ever was with Brian. I have to weigh my options before I make this decision.” He noted the plea in her voice, but he was too angry to let her off the hook. “You know, it’s always an excuse with you. You’re either getting over your ex, or don’t want to risk your precious job, and now you don’t want to risk me hurting you.” He had released her hand and faced her, staring into her eyes. One hand was on his hip, while the other hand pointed at her accusingly. “Your problem is that you don’t want to take a risk at love. Okay. I get it. You played, you lost, so what? We all have fancied ourselves being in love at one time or another. We all have made mistakes. But grow the fuck up, Jinger. You took a risk on that bonehead ex-husband of yours. Why can’t you gamble on me?” “Fuck you, Martin! It’s so easy to sit in judgment of me since you’ve never really devoted yourself to a real relationship. You don’t know what hell I’ve been through in the name of love. And I won’t go through that heartache again. Not even for you. I’m just watching out for my heart.” “You’re just being selfish. You look out for you and no one else. You’re not the only one with something to lose in all of this. You know what?” “Martin --” “Don’t bother. I’ll give you miles and miles of space. It’s over.” He walked away from her startled gasp. “By the way --” He pulled a box from his jacket pocket. “-- I was going to ask you to be my wife. You know, to prove to you how serious I was.” He tossed the box in her direction, immediately turning away from her, not caring if she caught the damned ring or not. He was angry with himself, he was angry with her, he was angry at the world. But at least now he had closure. There would be no more sitting around waiting for her. After tonight, he was moving on.

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Chapter Thirteen

Jinger looked across the table at Jennifer. She had been her best friend since Mrs. McFarland’s seventh grade class. That is, until she found out that she had betrayed her by sleeping with Brian, last year. Gone were the golden locks, pretty face, and nice figure. Jennifer was looking bad with her stringy, dishwater-blonde hair, strained face, and overweight body. She looked a hot

damned mess, Jinger thought. She looked over at the baby and almost laughed again. The baby was certainly not her ex-husband’s. Brian Jr., named after her ex, was clearly biracial. Obviously she was messing with Miguel Hernandez, without a condom, because the baby looked just like him. “I know that you’ve been with Brian.” Jennifer sounded irritated. “And I know that you’ve been with Miguel, but that’s neither here nor there. And why in the hell would I want to be with him after I beat his ass, put him in jail, and most of all, after knowing that he’s been with you? You’re like…” She took a moment to consider. “…community property.” She got up to leave when Jennifer grabbed her arm. “No. Wait.” Her desperate tone halted Jinger’s exit. “I need to know. I deserve to know.”

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Jinger sat back down and stared at her. “You have a lot of fucking nerve issuing demands. Now he’s fucking someone else and you have the audacity to get mad.” She leaned over and spoke quietly through gritted teeth. “You have been fucking other women’s men since you were thirteen years old. Now that it’s happening to you, you want to act hurt. If Brian is fucking someone else, and he probably is, it’s nothing less than what you deserve. Maybe next time you’re tempted to sleep with someone else’s man, you’ll think twice. And FYI, if he is sleeping with someone else, it’s more than likely his first wife. According to her, they’ve never stopped sleeping with one another.” Jinger saw the shock register on Jennifer’s face. She should have felt sorry for her old friend, but she didn’t. She actually felt a bit of relief. Satisfaction. Because no matter how much Brian’s betrayal hurt, Jennifer’s treachery was like a shot through the heart. She’d loved her friend more. She had known her longer, been through far more with her. “I hate you,” Jennifer’s venom spewed out of her. “I’m sure you do. You are so jealous of me, you can’t even see straight. While you thought you were getting a ‘prize’ by stealing Brian away, the only thing you’ve succeeded in getting is a ‘surprise.’ Well, enjoy. I hope he learned something the short while he was in jail. Good riddance, and have a good one.” She got up to leave the table. “He loves me, you know!” Jennifer called after her. Stopping, Jinger turned around and faced her. “You keep telling yourself that. Maybe it’ll ring true. ’Bye.” Jinger turned around and left, thankful that she left the relationship with a lesson learned and her heart intact. With a feeling of euphoria encompassing her body, Jinger got into her car and immediately dialed Martin. He answered on the third ring. “Please don’t hang up.” She could hear the desperation in her voice.

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“What?” he asked angrily. “I’m stubborn, short-tempered, and occasionally hot-tempered. But I love you. I love you more than anything on earth, and all I want to do is to make you as happy as you make me. I want to grow old with you. I want to have your babies. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to be your wife. Please --” “Jinger. I have to call you back,” he interrupted. A sob slipped from her throat. “I understand. I --” She stumbled over the words. “I won’t bother you again.” She hung up the phone, started her car, and headed for home with tears running down her face.

“Mr. Nigel, I’ll have to cut this meeting short. That was an emergency at home,” Martin explained to his client. He was overjoyed with Jinger’s phone call. She wanted to have his babies, she wanted to be his wife! Her words kept buzzing around in his head. Cleaning up his desk, he ushered Nigel out of his office with a promise to consider his ideas for a contract. Work would have to wait. He needed to go and get his woman. Martin made it to Jinger’s house just moments before she’d arrived. He could see that she was upset, and all he wanted to do was make it better for her. She stopped when she saw him at her door. The large eyes and tear-drenched face were telling. “I was in the middle of a meeting when you called, but I came as soon as possible,” he explained. Walking over to her, he took her keys out of her hands, turned around, and opened the door to her house. Holding the door open, he walked in after her, closing the door and locking it immediately after. “I love you,” they blurted out simultaneously. “You still love me?” she asked him. “After everything I’ve put you through?”

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“I love you. Unconditionally, and I don’t want to live without you.” He stepped closer to her, wrapping her arms around her waist when they came together. “I’m not afraid anymore. I want it all. Is your proposal still good?” she asked. She’d do anything for him to take her back. She wanted him to love her the way he once loved her. “I was always here for you, baby. You just needed to come to terms with your past. I am not Brian and I’m glad you realize that now. I love you.” He picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, closing the door behind them. He took off her clothes gently, as if unwrapping a precious gift, a contrast to the way he unceremoniously disrobed himself. Climbing on the bed, he lay down next to her. “You are beautiful to me, and tonight I’m going to make sweet love to you.” He kissed her face, taking her lips with his for a deep and passionate lip-lock. “I love you,” she declared, tears running down her face. He tasted the saltiness as he kissed her. “I know, baby.” He moved on the top of her, positioning himself to enter her as she spread her legs. He was about to enter her when the glare of the handcuffs caught his attention. He remembered that he had left the handcuffs chained to her bed when he’d first come into her bedroom. All this time, and they had never used them. “Raise your arms above your head,” he ordered, and she obeyed him immediately. Sitting up on his haunches, straddling her, he took her left hand and fastened it to the bedpost with the cuff, and then he fastened her right wrist to the other bedpost. He smiled down at her, laying his body lengthwise on top of hers as he started to kiss her lips, her neck, and her breasts. His tongue flicked the nipple, watching it become pebble-hard. Jinger spread her legs wider, bending them so that he was nestled in the warmth of her body.

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“You are so beautiful.” A deep thrust into her had him almost ready to come on the spot. The clinking of the handcuffs against the bedpost rang in his ears. He slowly pulled out of her, needing to see himself driving into her. His dick getting lost in her loving channel was poetry. “I want to touch you.” “Shhh. Let me love you like this, baby. Do you like it?” he asked as he stabbed into her deeper with his dick. “I love everything you do to me,” she moaned. He raked his fingers softly down her torso, overwhelming her body with sensations. He felt the moment she climaxed. Her vaginal walls contracted around him, encompassing his cock in a vise grip. He couldn’t hold out any longer. With a feral groan, he shot his release into her. His explosion was so overwhelming, he saw stars through his haze of light-headedness. He rested his body on hers until he was able to control his breathing and the room stopped spinning. Once in control, he unlocked the handcuffs and rolled off her. Taking her wrists in his hands, he gently massaged them. “You take care of me so well.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders once he was finished rubbing her wrists. “I’m your man. I’m supposed to.” “I’ll take care of you too.” A pregnant pause, and he realized that whatever she was about to say next was going to be a doozy. “I really meant it when I said that I wanted to be the mother of your children, as well as your wife.” “And I plan on making you my wife, and having children with you. I just want to give you some time. You’ve been married since you were twenty; you’ve been in a relationship since you were seventeen. If you want to take it slow, I will understand, I love you enough to wait. We can have a long engagement.” Kissing her lips, he felt her smile.

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“Thank you. I’ve waited my whole life for you. I won’t make you wait long. Maybe next year we can have a Christmas wedding. It’s my favorite holiday.” “I’d love to have a Christmas wedding! Just tell me where and when, and I’m there.” “I love you, Martin.” “I love you too, Jinger with a ‘J’.”

L. T. Rashard I was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and raised in Alamogordo, New Mexico. (go Tigers!) I've lived in various States across the country, and I still believe the United States is the best place in the world to live. I was in the Navy for four years (Go Navy). I am married with 3 children. I love writing and hearing from readers. You can email me at [email protected]