No Limits

NO LIMITS An Ellora’s Cave Publication, May 2004 Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc. PO Box 787 Hudson, OH 44236-0787 ISBN MS Reader (LIT) ISBN # 1-84360-860-X Other available formats (no ISBNs are assigned): Adobe (PDF), Rocketbook (RB), Mobipocket (PRC) & HTML NO LIMITS © 2004 S.L. CARPENTER & SAHARA KELLY ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. They are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously. Edited by Briana St. James. Cover art by Scott Carpenter.

PARTNERS IN PASSION: NO LIMITS S.L. Carpenter & Sahara Kelly

S.L. Carpenter & Sahara Kelly

Chapter 1 Click. Click, click. Darkness spread over the large room as Jodi snapped off the overhead fluorescent lights. It was late and she was damned hot and tired. Casually she lifted the back of her short skirt and rested her bare buttocks up against the chilly front of the industrial-sized fridge. The shock of the cold steel was a pleasure to her overheated flesh, and she blessed her thong for exposing so much of her butt to the cooling surface. Most chefs liked the traditional “uniform” of white pants and jacket, but not Jodi Preston. She kept the white, but in a T-shirt, and the rest of her uniform was usually a denim mini-skirt and heeled sandals. A huge apron swathed her during work hours, but now she was free to let the cool air dry her sweaty body. Getting up at five every day to prepare her elegant specialties and working nonstop to keep the food coming for a steady stream of satisfied customers, was physically demanding and mentally draining. Looking around her, Jodi knew it was all worth it. The small spotlights set beneath the large cabinets reflected puddles of light from the gleaming countertops, polished to a high shine and empty now, waiting for the next day’s creations. The air thrummed softly as the music from the bar next door seeped through the closed deli and echoed Jodi’s heartbeat. “The Mating Place” was doing great business these days, and adding “The Eating Place” to the empty facility adjoining it had been one of her sister’s better ideas. So had nabbing that delicious hunk of man who owned it. Jodi grinned to herself as she peeled her backside away from the cool steel to fold a towel over the handle of a massive stove. Justin certainly deserved the description “droolworthy”, and Jodi was constantly amazed that her reserved and elegant sister Eleanor had managed to seduce him into lifetime bondage. Her grin turned wry as she contemplated her mental Freudian slip. Relationships equating to bondage. Marriage equating to bondage. She shrugged. Good luck to them. They seemed happy, and God knew they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

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She opened a storage cupboard and ran a knowledgeable eye over the contents. The tray of petit fours she’d baked earlier was cooling nicely and would be ready for decoration in the morning. The scent of baking lingered in the air, and Jodi sniffed, taking enormous pleasure in the fragrance of baking, mixed with the aroma of cleaning products. It was a smell unique to the world of the restaurateur, and it defined Jodi’s life right now. A slight sound from the shadows near the door made her jump. The only light came from the small countertops, and she wondered for a moment if she’d imagined it. But no, there it was again. A footstep. Coming nearer. Her heartbeat picked up a little at the knowledge that she was quite alone in the kitchen, and although the bar was crowded, the level of noise inside would probably cover any sounds she made. She casually moved her hand within reach of one of the several large knives that were laid out with surgical precision on a special shelf. Slowly the steps neared her, and the low light revealed a pair of scuffed cowboy boots protruding from the ends of a pair of dark jeans. Jodi’s eyes narrowed and her fingers twitched over the knife. “You got something I want,” growled a rough voice. He neared her, and her eyes flickered over the open cotton shirt that revealed a hard chest and a well-rippled set of abs. The top snap of his jeans was unbuttoned and a very healthy bulge stretched the fly beneath. “I do?” Her answer was firm and challenging, even though she was backed up against the countertop and could go no further. “Yeah.” He stepped fully into the light. “Well, shit, Frank. I’d given up on you an hour ago.” Jodi’s hand moved away from the knives and a new kind of excitement rippled over her. “Sorry. Got held up working late. But I’m here now…” His eyes had darkened and he closed the distance between them with a last step. “And I still want what you got.” “So maybe you can have it. Or then again, maybe not.” Jodi relished this game and bit down a grin as Frank unzipped his fly and let his cock spring out. No namby-pamby briefs for this guy. Commando all the way. “Oh there’s no maybe about it, babe,” he said. “I’m getting it whether you want to give it or not.”

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Jodi was getting hot all over again, but this time she didn’t need a cold fridge door against her buttocks. She needed that healthy piece of meat Frank was brandishing. Her body was shivering, her moisture leaking through her thong, and she licked her lips. “You think so?” “I know so.” He flicked a nipple through the soft T-shirt and the practically nonexistent silk bra. “These are telling me so.” Jodi tipped her head back and looked up at him. “So quit wasting time, and take it.” Frank’s brown eyes gleamed as he stripped her shirt and fumbled with her bra clasp. In seconds she was naked from the waist up, and he was helping himself to Jodi’s special dessert. She leaned forward into him as he sucked her breast harshly into his mouth, pulling her nipple with his tongue and bringing a flood of pleasure to her pussy. This was just what she needed at the end of a long day. And perhaps this time… Frank pulled her hips towards him and shoved her skirt up to her waist, stepping close enough to touch her with his cock. “Nice.” His hands tugged away her thong and nearly ripped it as he jerked it from beneath her hips. “Watch the damn underwear, asshole. It cost a fortune.” “Fuck the underwear. It’s in the way. Don’t know why you bother. I want this.” He plunged two fingers into Jodi’s soaking pussy and made her moan as he moved them around, spreading her juices and teasing her deep inside. Damn, that felt good. She widened her thighs, ready for him as he slid his hands beneath her. Then she froze. “Frank. You’re forgetting something.” Her tone was sharp, and Frank paused. “Shit. You goin’ on about condoms again?” Jodi squelched down an irrational urge to scream at him. “Yeah.” Her eyes flickered to the knives on the counter. “You know the rules. Use one or lose it.” “C’mon, babe. We’ve been doing this for God knows how long. I’m good, you know that.” Frank’s plea fell on deaf ears. “Doesn’t matter how good you are. No glove…no love.” “But you’re on the Pill, right? It’s not like you’re gonna get pregnant. And like I said, I’m healthy. And I trust you when you say you are.” “You want it? You can have it. But my rules—my way.” Frank sighed and reached into his pocket for a foil packet. Then he shoved his jeans all the way down to his ankles and sheathed himself. “The sword is now safe. Happy?” His tone implied he was anything but.

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“Better.” He pulled her back against him and rubbed the head of his cock around her pussy, spreading her juices through her neatly trimmed hair. “Oh yeah, much better.” She let her legs pull him closer still and closed her eyes as his hardness pushed deep inside her. Frank grunted with pleasure and began the slow thrusts that he did so well. “Mmm, just like your desserts. Feels great going down.” Her breasts rubbed against the hot skin of his chest and his shirt flapped around her as their bodies met and melded. His hands were biting into her buttocks, pulling her into his body and onto his cock. She let her own hands slide down his back and beneath his shirt, feeling the flex and movement of his muscles as he fucked her. Sparing a glance at his face, she saw his eyes were closed and his mouth open a little now as he lost himself in her body. She enjoyed this dance, this unique activity that sent tremors of excitement through her, and she couldn’t have picked a better fuck-buddy than Frank. Uninterested in anything but her body, he made no demands on her time or her attention, but was always available and hard whenever the urge struck her. And it seemed to be striking her more and more often these days. Perhaps it was hormones or something. Frank’s skin was getting damp beneath her hands, and his breath was starting to roughen as he hissed through clenched teeth. The countertop was growing slick beneath her and she too was sweating. A pleasant glow warmed her insides as the stainless steel cooled her outsides. “Come on, babe, come on.” Frank’s tone was harsh as his thrusts increased in speed. Jodi obligingly moaned a little. These little moments were fun, no doubt about it. And it was pretty damn cool to be fucked like this in one’s own kitchen. For a second she glimpsed their reflection in the shiny glass front of a cupboard. Two bodies, pounding against each other, Frank’s ass tight and hard and her legs locked behind him. A quick thrill swept over her as she absorbed the scene, and her breath caught. Perhaps this time… Frank plunged a hand between them, pushing against her body. “Damn it, you bitch. Come for me. Come with me. Damn you feel so fucking good. Mmmmm, sweet, mmm, sweet pussy.”

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Jodi stifled a sigh. She was wet, ready, and enjoying the feel of Frank’s body and Frank’s cock. But once again, that elusive “something” wasn’t going to happen. But clearly it was going to happen to Frank. His breath quickened to short bursts of air. He groaned and shouted and shuddered as he came, his cock flexing and pulsing inside Jodi’s slick passage as he emptied himself into her. For effect, Jodi moaned and wriggled a bit and practiced her Kegel exercises, tightening and loosening her inner muscles in a facsimile of orgasm. “Good girl.” Frank sighed and leaned his head on her shoulder as his spasms eased. “Sorry babe, you are so fucking hot. You drive me crazy.” Jodi resisted the urge to give him a motherly pat. He was, after all, giving her what she told herself she needed, and doing so without making any demands on her whatsoever. Yep, Frank was the perfect fuck-buddy. As they rested in each other’s arms, Jodi’s eyes wandered around her kitchen, once again busy with her thoughts for the next day’s menu and preparation schedule. Suddenly a flash of movement caught her eye. The small side door to the storage room she shared with the bar next door was ajar. Someone was watching them.

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Chapter 2 Wearily, Jodi closed the restaurant door and locked it tight. Shit, it had been a very long day. She was tired to the bone, couldn’t remember when she’d eaten last, and was probably still too wired with sexual energy to sleep. The sounds from next door lured her and she wandered into “The Mating Place” just before closing time. Stepping up to the bar, she sat on her regular stool and flexed her shoulders. The music was deafening, a loud Linkin Park song thumped from the speakers surrounding the dance floor and video screen. The few remaining people were drinking and dancing, and showing no signs of giving up any time soon. Of course, they hadn’t been on their feet since God knew when. Marcus stood behind the bar and glanced casually down at Jodi, who waved her hand to get his attention. At over six foot, Marcus was above average height and “toned and trim” were words that fit him nicely. His dark brown hair was wavy and hung over his brooding black eyes. It was no wonder women flirted and teased him when he worked. The “strong silent type” described him perfectly. Waving again, Jodi tried to get his attention. “Fucking A. Can’t even get a drink anymore.” Jodi swiveled on her stool to watch the dance floor and felt a tap on her shoulder. “Hey sexy, can I buy you a drink?” The standard preppie un-stud smiled as Jodi leaned back against the bar. She was stretched backwards a little, and the man loosened his collar while staring at her tight body. Turning to face him, Jodi glared into his eyes. Just what she frickin’ needed. Biff had dumped Muffy and was on the prowl. A gnawing burn filled her heart. “You know what I could go for?” Gulping the man shook his head side to side. Jodi stood up in front of him, knowing her nipples were hard and protruding though the sheer fabric of her blouse. Licking her lips she breathed just above a whisper, “I would LOOOOOVE a Screaming Orgasm. You think you can get me one of those, honey?” Looking up from her lips, the man banged his hand on the bar. “Bartender, bartender. Can you come down here please?” The man’s eyes returned to Jodi’s mouth as she bit her bottom lip. She knew her lipstick was accentuating the shape, and she managed a pout. The man’s thoughts were very obviously about those lips and how they’d feel wrapped around his probably semi-erect cock. 9

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Jodi was smoldering. The unsatisfied fire from left over from Frank’s lovemaking had coupled with a need to know who had watched them. Thinking she’d been observed, secretly, silently, had sent a thrill through her that she’d no business feeling. Guilt mixed with arousal. It was a deadly combination. Marcus stood in front of Jodi and the man. “I’d like a draft and get the lady a Screaming Orgasm.” “A Screaming Orgasm huh? Like she’d get one from you.” Marcus grinned as he turned away to get the drinks. “That was rude,” the man said, doing his best macho act. “I’d kick his ass, but don’t want to make a scene.” An unimpressive chest puffed out beneath an expensive shirt. Jodi smirked and sat up on her barstool. She caught a glimpse behind the bar, and suddenly she was oblivious to everything but watching Marcus bend over to get some Amaretto. His jeans tightened around his abdomen and the darkness of a tattoo on his back peeked from below his shirt as he leaned down. Jodi sighed and fought boredom as the man next to her jabbered on about his life. All she wanted was a free drink, a warm bed and some comfortable shoes. Her highheeled sandals dangled from her feet as she swung her legs. “Hey, where’s those drinks?” the man demanded. Marcus turned, raising his finger. “Just one second. Had to change the draft pump. Didn’t want to give you a beer full of suds.” Marcus filled the beer to the rim and motioned to the suited-up preppie-stud. The stud motioned back curiously and Marcus smoothly slid the beer down the bar. The man automatically reached his hand out—and missed. The beer ricocheted off his fingers and christened his silk suit. Thoroughly. Jodi turned her head and tried to stifle her burst of laughter. Marcus walked up and set Jodi’s drink on a napkin, looking at the man standing, dripping wet, in front of his bar. “Hey, you missed. You’re getting my floor all wet. Here’s a napkin—clean yourself up man.” Marcus watched as he tried to clean himself off. The man squished off towards the men’s room. Marcus looked at Jodi and smirked. Jodi shook her head, smiling from ear to ear. “Nice shot, Marcus. You’re getting really good at that.” Jodi held her hand up and Marcus high-fived her, turning to walk away. “Don’t go. Have a drink with me.” She wasn’t begging, but at least his company would be better than the drip-drying idiot. “Oh no, you don’t. Last time I had drinks with you I was so drunk I almost passed out and you were laughing at me.” Marcus walked back along the bar and grabbed the empty bottles, tossing them into the recycling can. “You weren’t drunk,” laughed Jodi. “You’d just been for a physical and were pumped full of shots for stuff, as I remember.” 10

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He glanced up and grinned. “Oh God, yeah. You’re right. Tetanus, flu shot, blood tests…I felt like I’d been attacked by a porcupine. And you made me drink something awful with fruit juice in it.” “Hey. I was trying to balance your sugars and your electrolytes. I was just looking out for you.” Marcus let his gaze linger on Jodi, and she felt all squiggly inside for a second or two. “I know. I appreciate it.” Hiding her confusion, she casually looked around the bar. “So how did those tests come out anyway? Your doc give you a clean bill of health? Extra vitamins to survive this?” She nodded at the regular evening chaos. “I’m a hundred percent healthy, Jodi.” The squiggle was back. It must be something in those dark eyes. Or the fact that she was so damned tired. “That’s good.” She closed her eyes. “Oh shit.. I forgot to dump the trash from the restaurant. And I need to take the leftover pastries to my refrigerator upstairs.” Jodi disgustedly downed her drink in one swallow and gasped when the alcohol hit her. “Wow. That’s not a drink for the faint of heart.” She slid off her stool and staggered a little, catching her balance by grabbing on to the brass edge in front of her. “Here…Jodi, let me help you. Mike can handle the bar for a bit.” Marcus signaled the other bartender. “Thanks, Marcus. My feet are killing me and damn that drink is making me woozy. It’s gone straight to my knees. What the hell was in that thing?” Jodi flushed as Marcus touched her shoulder. His hands were cool against the heat of her flesh, and for a split second, Jodi could sense Marcus staring at her. The fine hairs on her neck stood on end as some instant electricity sparked between them. He hesitated, then moved his hand down her back. The trail left a slow chill down her spine and a sudden twinge between her legs. “I’d better help you upstairs. You’re all hot…um, and I…well I want to make sure you get in okay.” Jodi frowned. She never, ever, let men come up to her apartment. It was one of her cardinal rules. But right at this moment, she really wasn’t feeling steady on her feet and, after all, Marcus worked for Justin. They were friends. They’d shared some laughs and a couple of drinks. He seemed okay and had never tried to make a pass or flirt. The unusual thought that she should be bothered by that flashed through her mind. For one thing, why hadn’t he ever tried anything? For another thing, what was in that black leather bag he’d just grabbed? He always seemed to have it near him. Still…he was basically harmless, she supposed, and she could use a little babying right about now.

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Their steps took them along an inner wall of the building to her loft above the restaurant. After a hurried trip to find her wayward supplies and dispose of the trash, Marcus held the cool pink boxes of pastries carefully, and Jodi’s mouth watered as she watched Marcus walk up the stairs in front of her. But it wasn’t the scent of the food that was making her drool. She prided herself on her control, but she certainly could, and did, appreciate a nice ass on a man. She knew if they took care of themselves physically, then logically they were better in bed. They were also better at moving crap around if she decided to redecorate . . .again. The tattoo on Marcus’s back peeked out under his shirt, and the black inking made Jodi curious. Curious about the design, the size and curious about how it would taste if she drew over it with her tongue. She blinked. “Here, let me get the door.” She slipped by him on the small landing in front of her door, keys at the ready. Whether by accident or design, Jodi’s breasts brushed Marcus’s back and she sucked in a quick breath, her head suddenly swimming with…something. She reached out blindly—and grabbed his hip.

***** The hot presence of her hand caused a sudden tingle. Her breasts were brushing along the lower part of his shoulder blades and Marcus closed his eyes, breathing in her perfumed scent. This is the boss’s sister-in-law, stay calm, stay calm. Down boy. Catching himself muttering, Marcus cleared his mind and opened his eyes. Jodi fumbled with the door for a second and Marcus watched her breasts sway as she unlocked the door. The thought of the soft flesh made his mouth water and he reminded himself again of who she was. “Come on in,” she said, opening the door, “Just set those boxes on the table, I’ll put them away.” Marcus set his burden down on the entry table and looked around the small loft apartment, leaving his bag on the floor by the door. “Go ahead and sit down. I’ll put this stuff away. Can I get you something to drink or anything?” Jodi picked up one of the boxes and headed towards the kitchen area. “No, I’m fine, thanks. Nice place you have here.” Marcus stood in the living room and looked around. A stark scene met his eyes. The room was huge, soaring to high bare ceilings and painted almost entirely white. Several skylights would fill the room with sunshine

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during the day. The unfinished walls were brick, several large pipes ran the length of the wide beams, and the dazzle as Jodi turned on a few lights was quite amazing. It was modern, daring, and not what he’d expected. The kitchen was open to the rest of the apartment, the only walls enclosing what he suspected was the bathroom. Her bed was almost hidden by a waterfall of white sheer stuff strung on a rod across one end of the room. He looked around curiously. Almost every surface was bare. No magazines lay half-open on the single coffee table. There were no trinkets or dust-catchers cluttering up the surface of her bookcase. There were books, but not many. Some CDs. A small sound system, which looked expensive, took up one shelf. There was no television. There was, in fact, nothing to tell him anything about the woman who lived in such simplicity. Nothing but an assortment of brilliantly colored pillows, scattered like the remains of a seriously deranged peacock on her couch. Marcus was intrigued. He noticed two framed photos hanging side by side on the blank whiteness of her walls. “Holy crap! Those are Ansel Adams prints. Where’d you find these?” Marcus stepped closer to the framed black and white pictures “Damn, these are signed too.” “Yeah, I saw them at an art gallery in New York. Couldn’t resist them.” Jodi stood next to Marcus sipping a freshly poured glass of something bubbly. She held it to her chest and stared at the pictures with him. “I love the way he uses contrast to set a mood.” She pulled one foot behind the other and rubbed her calf with the top of it in a gesture that seemed almost nervous. “I like his work. Mine has more of a dark feel to it than this.” Marcus turned towards Jodi. She was now barefoot and her head reached his shoulder. Her hair smelled of that herbal fragrance from her shampoo and he breathed it in. Marcus hesitated. He didn’t speak much about his hobby. It was a very personal and discreet interest that he rarely shared. “Your work? You mean you take photographs? Landscapes and stuff?” “Um…do you have all the pastries put away? I don’t want to keep you from things.” He changed the subject. His photographs were an artistic outlet. They weren’t the types to show in art houses, they weren’t the types shown in magazines. To him, his photos were his personal eye into someone’s soul. He didn’t mind taking pictures for friends but the standard family pictures didn’t turn him on. He liked the more intimate settings. With only a certain few people. “Yeah, it’s all put away. I’m just going to kick back and listen to some music and probably soak my feet. They’re killing me.”

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Marcus looked over to her beige chair and the matching ottoman in front of it, and then looked back to Jodi. “They really hurt? You know I can help you with that…” Her expression changed. He could read it very clearly. Ah, the “move”. I knew he was finally going to try something. He ignored it. “Go sit down and I’ll massage your feet for you. I learned how to do it a long time ago in Germany.” Marcus put his hand on the small of her back and led her to the chair watching her backside sway beneath her skirt. A nice ass runs in this family, for sure.

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Chapter 3 Jodi dropped into the chair like a heap of rocks. She was exhausted, sore and still, if she was honest with herself, a little horny. She looked up at Marcus as he sat on the ottoman in front of her. His legs were apart and she instinctively dropped her eyes to his groin. He reached down and grasped her calf in his hand. Jodi suddenly warmed again. In a few more personal areas. “You see, you wear those high heels all the time and they force all the weight to the front of your foot.” He stroked his hands gently down her ankles to her feet. “That tickles.” Jodi smiled, then sipped her drink. The scent of ginger swirled around them. “What’s that?” He nodded at her glass. “Ginger beer. Not…” She held up one finger. “Not ginger ale. Not that flavored fizzy water shit. This is ginger beer. It’s got a much stronger flavor, not quite as much fizz, and it’s really popular in Europe. I got addicted to the damn stuff and after that alcohol, I needed something settling. You want one? I’ll get you one if you’d like…” Marcus shook his head, and set her other foot on the ottoman in front of him. “Just sit. Hmm, you must have done ballet. You have elegant feet and strong toes.” Marcus stroked his thumb along the inner folds of her toes, one by one, bending them forward. “Dammit—” Marcus raised an eyebrow and looked around. “What?” Jodi asked. “You’re doing fine”. “I need something wet on my…here, let me see your glass.” Marcus reached forward burying Jodi’s foot firmly against his straightened cock in his pants. Now something else was getting wet, as in the space between her legs, which was becoming aroused and moist. Her foot rested against Marcus’s cock. She could feel it. Her first reaction was to wiggle her toes. Noooo, I can’t. But shit, I want to. She toyed with her wickedly delightful thoughts and noticed his cock was longer then her foot. And he wasn’t fully aroused. But she sure as hell was getting there. Marcus spilled a small splash of her drink into his palms and rubbed them together. “There, that’s better.” Grasping her foot, Marcus rubbed his slick, moistened hands along the base and ball of her foot. His expert touch loosened all her tight muscles and eased her soreness. With large circular movements, his thumbs rubbed all the aches out of her tired feet. Her skin warmed beneath his hands. 15

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A teeny red warning light flickered to life in Jodi’s head. It had been one hell of a night. Frank had left her unfulfilled. Again. A shot of some lethal combination of alcohol had left her dizzy, and now…now Marcus was touching her. The movement of his thumbs shot tingles up her legs to between her thighs and Jodi lay back unable to stop a soft moan from escaping her mouth. She tumbled into pleasurable relaxation while Marcus caressed her foot, and she imagined him caressing the flesh between the folds of her pussy. She reminded herself to feel surprised later on that babying could be so arousing. Right now, she just wanted to enjoy it. Instinctively, she parted her legs. Ever so slightly. Just enough to ease the fire with a shot of cool air. She wondered if Marcus would gaze along her legs to between her thighs. Perhaps he would see a glimmer of light from the wetness of her bare flesh. She hadn’t put her underwear back on and sure enough, Marcus was becoming aroused. Jodi could feel him swell a little beneath her foot. Peeking through her half-closed eyes, she saw Marcus looking at her pussy. Her skin tingled. Marcus began a deliberate caress of the top of her foot and around to the ankle. He seemed lost in the scent of her arousal and the gingery bounty of the drink. He kissed her foot. Jodi suddenly began to burn as heat shot through her veins. Marcus closed his eyes and began to kiss and lick the top of Jodi’s foot. His tongue was wet and strong and her smooth skin felt each caress as his hand moved along the line of her leg to the flexing muscles of her calf. Jodi’s other foot now massaged the thickening length of his cock, still captive within his pants. The warning light blinked madly in her brain and a klaxon sounded red alert right beside it. This could become an erotic game that Jodi wasn’t sure she was ready to play. Since when had she become a sighing lump of contented flesh at the mere touch of a man’s hands? Since when had she permitted herself the luxury of being cosseted and massaged into a state of semi-congealed oatmeal pudding? And in her own apartment, no less. She had just had her sex allotment for the evening with Frank. And this wasn’t anything like that. She experienced a pure spontaneous flash of passion. She was being seduced by Marcus. And she was starting to get frightened that she might just like it. Too much. Kissing the tender flesh of her ankle, Marcus asked “Does your foot feel better?” Jodi fought for the right words to wrench control of this situation back into her hands, where it belonged. “Well, yes…” Okay, not the solid statement she’d been hoping for, but it was a start.

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“Good. I’d better get back downstairs and start closing up the bar.” Marcus rolled the ottoman away and stood up. Jodi’s eyes couldn’t help lingering on the large protrusion in his pants. Marcus adjusted himself, picked up his bag, walked to the door and left.

***** “El, it’s me.” “Hi, Jodi.” Eleanor Preston Collins yawned into the phone, and Jodi smiled as she envisioned her sister on the other end of the line. “I didn’t wake you, did I?” “Nope. Justin’s not home yet. He wanted to finish up the monthly receipts, and then he was going to run the day’s take over to the bank. And you know I can’t sleep when he’s not here.” “Riiiight.” Jodi drawled out the word with amusement. The fact that Eleanor had changed from an uptight, fussy professional woman to a sex-crazed wanton wife never failed to amuse her. Of course, the delectable Justin Collins could probably have thawed an iceberg, let alone Eleanor. For a microsecond, Jodi let a small flicker of hope run through her. Perhaps some day she’d have someone like Justin in her life… She squelched it immediately. Her goals were set, her life mapped out. There was simply no room for absurd yearnings. “What’s up, hon? Everything okay?” Jodi sighed. “Yeah. Busy day. Plenty of customers, though, which makes the time fly by.” Eleanor’s husky chuckle filled the phone. “Sooo? You don’t usually call just to tell me that it was a busy day.” “I don’t?” “Nope. Spill it, kid.” Jodi sighed again. Sisters could be a bitch at times. They knew each other waaaay too well. “I had a question.” “Shoot.” “What do you know about that guy Marcus? The bartender?” “Ooooh?” Eleanor’s voice smoothly rose into the question. “No ‘ooooh?’—just a simple question, for chrissake.” Jodi bit her lip. Frickin’ sisters. “Okay, sorry.” Jodi could hear Eleanor as she settled into whatever it was she was sitting on. “Hmm. Marcus.” Silence followed.

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“Eleanor…” Eleanor chuckled again. “Okay, just teasing you. Sorry. Well, honestly, I don’t know that much. He keeps himself to himself, you know?” Jodi nodded then realized she was on the phone. “Yeah.” “I do know Justin likes him. That’s something. He’s not one to pay a guy compliments, especially after the way Dave let him down.” “Hmm.” Jodi considered that. “So do you know anything about him?” “Like his vitals? He’s very good looking…” Jodi snorted. “Hell, I could figure that one out by myself.” Eleanor laughed. “Oh, you did notice, huh?” “So did every other woman within a twelve square mile vicinity. Which brings another question to mind…do you think he’s gay?” “Gay?” Eleanor squawked into the phone. “Gay? Where the hell did that come from?” Jodi fidgeted. How could she tell her sister that she figured the guy was gay because he’d been staring up her skirt, developed a hard-on the size of Florida, licked her foot—and left. Left her high and…well, certainly not dry. “Uhh…I don’t know? Just that he never seems to do anything about the women who are all over him. I never see him meeting up with one after work, or dating one…he’s very quiet around them. And another thing…” “If you’re gonna tell me he sings Broadway show tunes while he mixes drinks, then don’t. You’ll destroy my illusions for ever.” Jodi couldn’t help laughing. “No, not that. He’s got a bag. A black leather bag. It’s certainly not a purse, in any way, shape or form. But he carries it around everywhere. What’s with that?” “That? Oh, that’s just his camera.” “His camera?” Jodi’s thoughts whirled back to her earlier conversation with Marcus. “Damn. He does do photography. He mentioned something about it, but then he distracted me, and I forgot it.” There was a pregnant pause. “He distracted you?” Jodi hurried on. “So are his photos any good?” This time Eleanor was quiet. “Yes,” she answered at last. “I think they’re very good indeed.” “You’ve seen some?” “Yep.” “Where?” Eleanor was being rather quiet, and Jodi wondered about her sister’s reticence. “Oh, that reminds me, Jo…” Eleanor’s words rushed from the earpiece. “Justin wants to chat with you soon about some new promo for the restaurant. He’s had a 18

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super idea for an ad in the Sunday paper…using his photo and yours as managers. Adding the personal touch, you know?” Jodi wrinkled her nose. “Urgh. You know I look like shit in photos, El…c’mon, there has to be some other way.” “He seems pretty set on it. And I have to agree with him…it’s a cool promotional idea, and personalizes both places. Gives the readers someone to identify with, you know?” Jodi sighed. “And once he gets his mind stuck on something, there’s no moving him, right?” “Right.” “But I don’t have any decent photos…” The wail contained the essence of womanhood. The one that sniveled over a butt that was too large, breasts that were too small, skin that wasn’t as flawless as a perfect Georgia peach, and hair that refused to behave like a shampoo ad. “Let Justin worry about that. He’ll figure something out.” “Crap. All I want to do is cook, okay?” “I know, love,” soothed Eleanor. “But this is part and parcel of the restaurant business.” “I just want to make my little dishes, feed people, take their money, get filthy rich and retire to some nice home on a hillside in Maine.” “Jodi?” Lost in her fantasy, Jodi was slow to reply. “Um…yeah?” “How come there isn’t a man in that dream of yours?” Her snort came fast. “Who needs one? I don’t.” Eleanor was quiet for a moment. “I used to think that too. Then I met Justin.” “Yeah, well, he is unique, I’ll give you that. And you two have…something special.” “Don’t you want that ‘something special’ too?” Jodi squirmed. Eleanor was getting into touchy territory. “Nope. Don’t want it, don’t need it. I have enough trouble figuring out my recipes and keeping them fresh. I have neither the time nor the inclination to go through all that emotional shit, thank you very much.” She paused. “I like my life the way it is, El. I have the restaurant, I have Frank for when I need certain itches scratched, and I have you and Justin for family dinners as necessary.” “And Mom and Dad, don’t forget them.” Eleanor’s voice was mildly chiding. “Right. Of course. How could I forget? Of course, the fact that they haven’t spoken to me since I opened the restaurant doesn’t really matter, does it?” Eleanor sighed. “I know. Mom would be by to visit if she could, but Dad…” “Yeah, Dad. We’re just a disappointment to him all around, aren’t we?” 19

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Eleanor had no answer. Jodi knew there wasn’t one. Vale Preston had set a course for his daughter’s lives and, rebelling against his control, neither had followed it. Consequently, the Preston family had slowly dissolved the bonds of closeness and become a vague impersonal interaction at Christmas. Cards were exchanged, but that was about it. “Well,” Eleanor’s voice was practical. “You told me once to let it go, so I’ll return the favor. Let it go.” Jodi chuckled. “My own words come back to haunt me, huh?” “Yep. So. About Marcus.” “Marcus? What about Marcus?” “You’re the one who wanted to know about him…” Eleanor was probably not going to let this whole thing go, and Jodi began to wonder if she’d made a huge mistake even mentioning the damn guy’s name. “Look, I was just curious, that’s all. And I figured being the boss’s wife…” “Speak of the devil…” Sounds of muttered conversation and some rather sloppy, icky, kissy sounds emanated from the phone in Jodi’s hands. She wrinkled her nose. “Uh, guys? Guys? Don’t do that while I’m on the phone, okay?” Justin’s low laugh was followed by a giggle from Eleanor. “Sorry sweetie. Okay, gotta go.” “Yeah, no kidding.” Jodi pursed her lips. “So go…I’ll see you soon.” “You betcha, hon. Goodnight.” “Night.” Jodi hung up her phone and slipped down beneath her comforter. Try as she might to banish his image, Marcus returned to haunt her. His dark eyes, the way his hair had fallen over his forehead as he’d worked on her feet, and that real nice hardness she’d wiggled her toes against. And the sound of the door closing behind him as he’d calmly walked out on her. Fucking hell. What kind of guy walked out on a panty-less woman he’d just massaged into a heap of sizzling lust? Eleanor didn’t think he was gay, so that was one reason off the list. Maybe he just didn’t fancy her. With that rather discouraging thought uppermost in her mind, Jodi closed her eyes and slid off to sleep.

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Chapter 4 Downstairs, Marcus collected the empties as the bar slowly cleared, leaving a few small groups of people. There were some young college students out for a night of clubbing and partying, and at another table was a sort of convention. From the looks of it, they were huge supporters of the “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” show. Marcus leaned over to pick up a few bottles of vodka when he heard a voice make a “yummy” sound. That is a very deep voice for a woman. Marcus turned to see two men laughing behind him. “Hey guys, what’s up?” The bigger man smiled. “Hi, I’m Alfonzo. Eric and I wanted to know if we could get a bottle of White Zinfandel for our table?” He looked Marcus up and down with interest. “Now stop that. I hate it when you drink.” Eric hit Alfonzo on the shoulder like he was swatting a fly. And with about the limpest wrist Marcus had ever seen. “Sorry.” Eric giggled at Marcus. “He always gets horny when he drinks. Thanks, love.” Marcus shook his head. Good Lord, why me? Taking the bottle of wine to the table, Marcus found himself grinning. His thoughts were on Jodi and how he had actually kissed her feet. He’d kissed enough women’s asses but never really worshipped their feet. Of course, the view up her skirt had been luscious. He’d seen the outline of her pussy and the glimmer of moisture as he kissed her foot. While he’d licked and tasted the tang of the ginger, his mind had tasted the sweetness of the pink flesh between her legs. And he became aroused all over again. “Hey guys, this is on the house. Enjoy. We’re gonna be closing up in about fortyfive minutes.” Marcus smiled and turned away. He headed towards the bathroom, hearing a few “woohoos” and whistles from the guys. Marcus walked into the men’s room and stepped up to the sink. Turning the cold water on, he stared into the mirror. He was tired and damn if he didn’t look tense. He needed something. He needed…to pee. He cupped some water in his hands and splashed his face. The cold water refreshed him and small droplets fell to his chest. Turning to the urinal, Marcus unfastened his pants and stood in the missionary male urinating position. Looking straight down.

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“You okay, big guy? Sorry to get you all worked up for nothing. I…well… you know.” With a noticeable bob of the head, Marcus knew Oscar understood. Marcus closed his eyes and mumbled. “Next time, Oscar. Next time.” “Oscar? You named yours Oscar?” Marcus recognized that voice. It was Alfonzo. Oh shit, he was now in between the two gay guys and the topic was the name of his dick. “So who named yours? A girlfriend or something?” Eric peeked over the partition. Oh what the hell. “Yeah, my ex-girlfriend named him Oscar because she said he was always a grouch.” Marcus found himself smiling at the thought of talking about his dick to two guys. Alfonzo piped up. “Well Eric and I named each other’s. I call his M&M, ‘cause it melts in your mouth, not in your hands.” Alfonzo winked over to Eric and Marcus suddenly felt ill. “Yeah, and I named his Willy Wonka.” Eric paused dramatically. “Because it’s like an everlasting gobstopper—you can suck it and suck it and it never gets smaller.” Zzzzzzzzzzzzip. “Later, guys”. Marcus didn’t even notice his red boxers caught in his zipper.

***** “Hello, Marcus.” A tall and exquisitely beautiful woman stood next to the bar, looking down at the red fabric as it dangled from the front of his pants. Slightly stunned and a little annoyed, he stared at her. “Hello, Vanessa. How did you find me?” Marcus fixed his zipper and stood in front of the statuesque blonde. Her hair was perfect, her designer clothes fit her like a silk glove and her legs went up for miles. A totally normal woman. And she sent a chill down his spine that had nothing to do with pleasure. “Aww, not even a hug for your wife?” “Ex-wife. We’ve been divorced for almost a year now.” Marcus walked past her and made a beeline for the bar. “Oh, come on, baby, that’s the past. Pour me a drink and let’s talk. You know what I like.” Her sultry voice sank into his deeply scarred heart. “Okay, okay. Let me get you a glass of champagne.” He knew what she liked, all right. And it hadn’t been him. “Mmmm. Got any strawberries?” Vanessa leaned over the bar.

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Marcus tried to remain controlled and not let his emotions overwhelm him. This was his ex-wife. And he was damned glad of it, too. She was one mistake he’d left in his past. Or so he’d thought. “See you later. Take care of Oscar.” Alfonzo waved as he and his friends left, hand in hand. Marcus waved back and poured the champagne as Mike locked up the bar behind the last customers. “Mmm, I remember Oscar. How is the big guy these days?” Vanessa sipped the tall flute of bubbly and pursed her full red lips while staring into Marcus’ eyes. “How’d they know about Oscar?” “I met them in the bathroom. Oscar and I were talking.” Marcus knew how stupid his last comment sounded. “Oh? You swinging the other way now, baby? That would be a damn shame for us girls.” “At least you don’t see those guys dropping fucking everything to go to New York with some fucking magazine photographer!” His anger was evident in his tone and the veins throbbing in his neck. “You said ‘fucking’ twice in that sentence. You must really be pissed.” She paused, looking back up at him. He glanced over to the other bartender. “Mike, I’m out of here. See you tomorrow.” Marcus turned away to grab his black bag and leave. “Where are you staying, Vanessa?” “Your place. I didn’t have time to get a hotel. I figured it’s the least you could do for your wife.” Vanessa set her drink down and picked up her purse. “That’s ex-wife,” Marcus replied coldly.

***** Jodi was just putting a fresh pot of water into the coffee maker when her cell phone rang. “Hello?” “Hi, Jodi, it’s Justin.” “Hey, Justin. How ya doin’?” She pushed her hair back behind her ear and hit the “Brew” button. The scent of fresh perked coffee seeped into the restaurant once more. It was the fourth pot that morning. “Good. You busy?” “Not right now. The coffee crew has pretty much thinned out and it’ll be a while yet before the lunch rush hits. What can I do for you?” “Make me a rich man.” His laugh followed, making Jodi smile.

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“Hey, I gave you my sister, what more do you want?” “True. And I guess she mentioned our promo idea…you know, the ad in the paper?” “Yeah. She mentioned it.” Damn. He’s not gonna give up on this. “Well, she also thought that a nicely designed sign on the sidewalk during open hours would be a good tie-in. Duplicate the photos in the ad and stick in some fancy stuff about menus and upcoming bands…stuff like that.” “Oh. Another of Eleanor’s bright ideas?” “Umm…you don’t sound a hundred percent enthusiastic.” Jodi sighed. “It’s the photo thing, Justin. I like the idea, but do you have to put my damn picture up there? It’s different for you, you’re cute…” And that was the understatement of the year. It was Justin’s turn to sigh. “Look, just go with it for Eleanor’s sake, will you? She wants to do the graphics so bad she can taste it, she’s telling me her ideas every minute of the day even in the shower, for chrissake.” “Justin.” Jodi interrupted him. “TMI, honey.” “Sorry. But you know how she is when she gets one of these things stuck in her mind…” “Yeah, I know. But honest to God, I don’t have a decent photo. My passport one was taken years ago.” “Well, I had a thought about that. You know Marcus?” Jodi blinked. “Yeah?” “Well, he’s a good photographer. He’ll do it, and keep the costs down too.” “Oh.” This was interesting. From foot massager to formal photographer. Seems there was no end to this guy’s talents. “So if you wanna catch him, maybe later when he comes in, just chat with him about it and see if you can set something up? I’ll be over sometime this afternoon, but I’m not sure when, and there’s a hell of a lead time for these things with the papers.” Jodi bowed before the inevitable. “Sure, Justin. I’ll talk to Marcus.” Even if he is gay. Eleanor might be wrong. “That’s my girl. I’ll see you later. Bye.” Jodi closed her cell phone and tidied up the last of the croissants, not really seeing what she was doing. Marcus was a damn puzzle that had bugged the back of her mind all morning, and every time she tried to figure him out, nothing worked. She pulled out the small tray of profiterôles, and her cream dispenser. She had about two dozen of the little pastries that needed filling and arranging in the refrigerated display.

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She arranged her tools on her work counter, pushing a platter of cheese and spinach puff pastries to one side. They would also be offered to the lunchtime crowd, and were really popular. A second tray of the flaky munchies was waiting in the huge fridge, just in case. As she filled the dispenser with heavy cream and slipped in the gas cartridge, Jodi’s mind worked over the whole subject of Marcus. She squeezed the fluffy mixture from the slender spout through the layers of pastry until it just oozed out, and swirled the last drip artistically up and over the top. It was a routine activity, and one that left her mind free to wander. And it wandered straight to Marcus. He was one good-looking hunk of guy. The women that eyed him would have agreed, she had no doubt. He had all the necessary attributes, good shoulders, nice hair, cute ass…so what was it with him? No dating the tootsies who gave him the come-on on a nightly basis, no girlfriend, and no action when she’d flashed him while he was kissing her damn foot. Shit. The guy had to be gay. Which was a frickin’ shame, because Jodi sensed that he’d be pretty damn good in the sack, too. At least if the way he’d touched her last night was any indication. Her mind replayed their “massage”, and she couldn’t help a little shiver as she recalled the heat of his lips as he’d kissed her ankle. She’d been around, had her share of men, and nobody had ever kissed her ankle like that before. It was…weird. No, not weird, it was…fuck. What was it? “Honey?” Jodi jumped, squirting a dollop of cream onto the floor. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” A middle-aged woman was leaning over the counter, watching Jodi. “I was just wondering if I could get a refill on my coffee?” “Oh sure, right away…” Jodi quickly poured the woman a fresh cup and passed it over the counter. “Bless you, dear. Gotta have that second cup.” Jodi smiled at her. “I know what you mean. I’m on my fifth.” “Oh, that’s what it is.” The woman grinned. “Sorry?” “Well, honey, it’s either the caffeine or you’ve got some man on your mind.” She nodded at the tray next to Jodi’s whipped cream. “Because unless you have some real crazy recipes tucked away someplace, I don’t think whipped cream goes too well with cheese and spinach.” Dismayed, Jodi looked at the trays. Sure enough, she’d filled all the profiterôles and half the goddamn savory snacks with whipped cream.

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Chapter 5 The lunchtime crowd was back at work when Jodi finally finished up her chores. Business was good…a steady crowd of regulars, the occasional noontime giggle-fest of secretaries and moms with strollers, and plenty of I-need-to-grab-one-of-those passersby. Fortunately, she’d had enough of the cheese pastries to cover the demand, and she was still shaking her head over her absent-mindedness as she slipped off her apron and checked the clock. It was a little after three, and she wondered if Marcus had arrived yet. The bar didn’t open until later, but there was usually someone around. Stock had to be checked and replenished, and everything set up for the night to come. She quietly slipped through the closed doors that separated the bar from the restaurant. It was silent in here, eerily so, since this was a place made for noise and the sound of people having fun. Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked through the room, past the upturned chairs and towards the bar. “Hello? Anyone home?” Mike’s head popped up from underneath the bar. “Hey, Jodi.” “Mike. Hi. Uh… I was wondering if Marcus had come in yet?” “Nope.” Mike was obviously in his usual talkative mood. Hoookay. “Do you expect him?” “Sometime, yeah.” Can I pry conversation out of you with a melon-baller? “Any idea of when that time might be?” “Dunno. He was here late last night.” “Oh?” Jodi couldn’t help the drawl in her words. “Yeah. Left with some real good-looking babe. Tall, blonde, legs up to her…er…she sure was something. Looked like one of those fashion models from some catalogue or…or…well, you know.” Swell. Now he gets chatty. “Really. A regular at the bar, is she?” “Nope. Never seen her before. And believe me, I’d remember her.” “Ah.” “Yeah. They went off together. After closing. She had champagne too. Real class act, you know?” Mike leaned on the bar. “She had curves on her that wouldn’t quit. And

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one of those slick pouty mouths that makes a guy want to…” He glanced up and noticed Jodi. She knew her expression was probably not encouraging. “Sorry. So. Anyway. He’s not here yet.” Embarrassed, he ducked back down behind the bar. Jodi turned and headed back towards the restaurant. For some reason her teeth were clenched. She was pissed at herself for even wasting two seconds wondering about who the blonde bimbo was. She couldn’t care less. So Marcus had gone from her ankles to some blonde’s pouty lips. Who gave a shit? She’d gone from being fucked by Frank to having her feet licked. She was the last one who should have cared. She reached for the doors and paused as they opened onto the bright and busy restaurant. A memory flooded her mind. Not these doors…the other ones. She backed away and walked past the bar into the shadows of the storage area. It was dark and quiet, and the tiny strips of light flaring from one side clearly delineated the door that also connected the two establishments. Softly, she turned the knob and eased it towards her. Yes. Here. With little effort, Jodi positioned herself to see into the kitchen. Her eyes wandered over the equipment, her workers busy at their jobs, and the countertop bright in the daylight. She closed her eyes for a second and mentally pictured the way it had looked last night. Dark, lit only by the spotlights beneath the cabinets, and her, half-naked, sitting with Frank between her thighs. This was where he had stood. Watching. What could he have seen? She imagined the scene. Her bare back. Yes…that would have been clear the lights would have reflected up on her. Frank’s face? Probably. If he’d moved. And hell, he’d moved all right. Funnily enough, the thought of Frank fucking her didn’t turn her on at all. But when she started wondering about who had watched, she got damp. And started to sweat. Justin? Nah. He had Eleanor. And Jodi was pretty damn sure any fantasies he had were taken care of at home. Mike? Possibly. But she knew he liked to flirt with the college girls and they flirted right back. He’d probably have been too busy making plans of his own with one of them to spend time silently observing someone else fucking. Her mind leaped to the obvious suspect. Marcus. Oh God.

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A shiver crossed her spine, like someone walking on her grave. Now her panties were really feeling the effects. Had he watched? What had he been thinking? Could he have noticed that she didn’t…hadn’t…oh fuck. Those dark eyes of his. They seemed to probe inside her someplace, and she remembered the heat that had burned there for scant moments last night. And she remembered that luscious hardness beneath her foot. Jodi burned. Half aroused heat and half anger. That fucking asshole. If it had been Marcus, then why the hell hadn’t he said something, done something, when he’d had her foot in his hand and her pussy inches from his damn nose? Gay thing aside, now he probably thought she was some kind of slut. Jesus frickin’ Christ. And he’d gone off with some blonde. It pissed her off. He pissed her off. The fact that he pissed her off pissed her off even more. She’d spent several years making sure that no man ever had the power to piss her off like this. Never again. And here she was, doing something she thought she’d managed to avoid. Getting furious over a man. Shit on a shingle. She was going to stay far away from that dark and brooding lump of confusing masculinity. As far away as possible. Not speak to him, not acknowledge his existence and duck if his shadow came anywhere near her. Then she remembered. She had to get him to take her goddamned head shot for Justin’s ad. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

***** An hour later, anger firmly under control, Jodi stalked back into the bar. Marcus was sorting bottles, checking contents and doing bartender-like things. Good. That’s just what she needed to remember. He was a bartender. No more, no less. “Yo, Marcus.” He stood and turned his head towards her. Fuck. There he went with that hot-eye thing again. She narrowed her own and ignored it. “I need a word?” He nodded. “Sure.” She leaned on the bar. “Justin’s got some wild-assed idea about promo for this place and the restaurant combined. He said to talk to you about getting a head shot.” “Of you?” No, asshole. Of the Speaker of the House. “Yes, of me.” “How are your feet today?”

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The question threw her completely off-stride. “Uh…good. Thanks. Your…what you did last night…it helped. Uh. So thanks.” “I can take your photo. No problem.” Shit. Maybe there was a language barrier here. Or perhaps her busy day had disconnected some brain cells. This guy just didn’t seem to talk in a straight line. Or maybe she wasn’t hearing him in a straight line. “Well…good.” It wasn’t often Jodi found herself stumped for conversation, but Marcus was proving to be too damn good at it. “So, uh…just let me know whenever.” She turned away. “How about now?” “Now?” “Why not? I’m only a few minutes away. We can take my car. You’re on a break, yes?” “Yes, but…but…” Jodi’s hand went automatically to her hair. “I’m working today, in case you hadn’t noticed. Like no cool hairdo or fresh makeup? We want to sell these places, not scare people away.” She tried for humor. “Not a problem.” Was there an answering twinkle in his eyes? She couldn’t fucking tell. She snorted. “Buddy, if you can turn this,” She waved her hand at her face. “Into something that’ll draw customers, then you truly must be a magician with a camera in your hand.” A slow smile curved his lips. Shit. The guy knew how to grin all right. That little expression went straight to her pussy. Which purred right back at it, snuggled down, licked its lips and prepared to be stroked. She tightened her thighs and glared at him. “No magic involved, Jodi. Just film, and lighting. The camera never lies.” He reached for his bag and his keys. “Back in a bit, Mike,” he called. “Okay.” A voice came from beneath the bar. Mike must live there, thought Jodi, as she watched Marcus walk towards her. She didn’t really care where Mike lived, but it was something to keep her mind off the six-plus-feet of manhood that was walking towards her. She swallowed. “Uh, okay then.” I am certifiably nuts. Jodi allowed Marcus to open the door to the bar and lead her outside to his car. As she slid into the front seat, she wondered if she had just lost her mind. Supposing he was an axe-murderer or a serial killer or something. He started the engine and the sounds of the classic rock group UFO blared from his speakers. Smiling he reached over and turned the volume down. Okay. She wasn’t real sure, but she didn’t think axe-murderers listened to UFO. Come to think of it, she had no idea what axe-murderers did listen to. Her thoughts were rambling and she fought with them for control. 29

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Jodi Preston was not a woman to let a man scramble her brains. Jodi Preston was not a woman to let a man get into her gut. Jodi Preston was strong, in control of her life, and picked her own men. Marcus soooo wasn’t one of them. “So, Marcus.” She turned to him. “You wanna fuck, or what?”

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Chapter 6 “Not now…I have a headache,” Marcus replied. He smiled and looked over at Jodi’s expression, wondering if she could read his thoughts. Hell yeah, let’s pull over and do it in the back seat regardless of messing up the upholstery. Jodi leaned over and rolled the window down. The cool wind rushed through her hair and Marcus couldn’t help but look at her. Eyes closed, pleasant grin on her face, hair blowing wild. He was becoming mesmerized. “Marcus?” Jodi spoke as she opened her eyes. “You just ran a red light.” “Huh? Oh crap.” Marcus quickly looked to see if any cops were around. No siren sounded, and he sighed with relief. “You know something, Jodi?” Marcus’s voice was thoughtful. “You are a beautiful woman. I’m surprised you never took up modeling in Paris.” Her face gave away her thoughts for once. Like I’ve never heard that line before. Pulling up in front of a warehouse, Jodi looked around for Marcus’s apartment complex. Instead Marcus got out of his car, grabbed his black bag from the back and slammed the door shut. He stood beside the car and opened Jodi’s door. “Come on up—I live above the warehouse.” The street was old, the buildings worn down and a distinct aroma of car exhaust filled the air. The thumping sound of music bounced through the street as a low rider cruised by, slowing for the stop sign. A Hispanic guy leaned out the passenger window and made kissing sounds towards Jodi. “Hey Marcus man, who dat fiiiiine bitch you’s with? Damn dude, everytime I see you there’s a fine woman with you. Check out that bitch’s ass. Dayyyyum.” Marcus smiled, crossed to the shiny midnight blue Impala and hit knuckles with the guy. “It’s my boss’s sister-in-law. Have to take some pictures of her.” “Don’t be holdin’ out on me, dude. I wanna see those. Dayum, that woman is hot. She has an ass on her, mmm…mmm.” Marcus pulled back. “Take it easy Chili.” The loud thumping was turned back on as he drove away. “Chili?” Jodi asked the question as Marcus led her to the door.

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“Yeah, he’s a pretty cool guy. His mom makes the best damn Chili Verde you’ll ever taste. She nicknamed him that. He kinda watches over things for me. I took pictures at his sister’s wedding last March.” Opening the door, Marcus held it in a gentlemanly gesture for Jodi to walk in front of him up the stairs. He also wanted a good view of what Chili had talked about. That fine ass.

***** “Turn right at the top.” Marcus’s voice sounded from behind Jodi as she cautiously made her way upwards. The stairwell was in bad need of paint and the lights flickered above them. The rail was loose and the stairs creaked while Jodi held on to the railing. In a way it reminded her of Paris. Which explained her hesitation, and the smell. Perhaps it explained why she’d chosen her own apartment, also high above the world. Perhaps it was also something she really didn’t want to think about at this particular moment. She was only too aware of the man behind her. He’d parried her offhand comment in the car with cool humor. Maybe he really didn’t want to fuck her. Perhaps she didn’t appeal to him at all. A rather depressing thought. Marcus stepped past her at the top of the stairs and unlocked his door. Jodi stepped inside and was amazed at the size of the place. It was a huge open space the size of the warehouse below it. The kitchen and bathroom were to one side and a large four-poster brass bed sat in the middle of the room. Against one brick wall was a gas fireplace and a small bar. Jodi sniffed. Food. Take-out. Chinese maybe? Yes. Definitely Chinese. Along with a hint of something else. A subtle but distinctive fragrance. Jodi’s nostrils flared as she breathed in slowly, her chef’s “nose” filtering out and identifying the scents. It was…perfume. Obsession perhaps, or something like that. Rich and musky, and certainly stronger than anything Jodi would wear. Okay. Some woman? Or the other possibility—Marcus was gay. What a frickin’ shame. But then again, it would explain why she couldn’t turn him on. Biting back her disappointment, she shrugged to herself and continued her exploration of his home. There was a very comfortable-looking couch with a couple of blankets and a pillow on it next to a loveseat. Mahogany end tables cornered the living room area and antique lamps stood on them. A massive flat-screen TV hung on another wall next to a surround-sound stereo set.

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The windows were mostly covered and there were two areas surrounded by large lights. One had sheets and various colored backdrops hanging from the ceiling. The other had a black curtain behind it and a mattress covered in black silk on the floor. “Go ahead and sit down. You want something to drink? There’s sodas or anything else there in the bar. Help yourself—I’ll go set the lights up and stuff.” Marcus walked over to the smaller area with the various backdrops. Jodi stepped over to the bar, opened the fridge and grabbed some bottled water. She looked at the bookshelves, noticing a varied array of photos of people she assumed were his family. On the table in front of the couch were a few large binders with black covers. She sat down, setting her water carefully on a coaster, and leaned back into the fluffy couch. The binders were quietly calling her name. Christ, it was awful being curious. Okay. Nosy. She was just plain nosy. She’d had very few gay friends in Paris, and wanted to know more. How did they live? What did they think about? How did they view women when they’d rather ogle a man? Jodi gave in to her inner demons and reached to the table for the top binder. The book was heavy on her knees as she opened it. Suddenly she sat upright, looking at the photo album before her. A swift warmth crept through her blood and her face flushed. She was looking at erotic black and white photos. Jodi couldn’t pull away from them. They were beautiful, dark, emotional pictures of a nude woman. This was more then just a collection of naked pictures, this was art. And it aroused her. The pages were full of sensational photographs capturing this woman’s soul. In some of them, the model had covered her face, or it had been cropped to conceal her features. But Jodi could tell these pictures had been taken by someone that admired her beauty, her body, and the sensuality of her form. It wasn’t just sex. Marcus? “Sorry about the messy couch—I was sleeping here last night. I see you found one of my portfolios. Those were some photos I took a while ago. I was looking through them recently. What do you think?” Marcus seemed unsure of her reaction. “Marcus, these are . . .well, sexy. This woman is gorgeous. And the black and white really sets the mood. My God, they are—good.” Jodi was spellbound by each new photo she discovered. Some were a simple contrast of light and shadow. Here on a breast, there on the slope of a woman’s buttock. Others were more complex, almost fierce in the sensuality that blazed from the glossy pages. They were erotic, yes, and arousing, hell yes. But they were also unspeakably beautiful. The final photo was of a woman sleeping. Jodi found that the tears of arousal between her thighs were echoed by the sting of tears in her eyes as she stared at it.

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The woman’s hand lay on her breasts, hiding one, revealing the other. Her face was turned slightly away from the camera, allowing the shadows to highlight her spectacular profile. Her skin seemed awash in softness, her nipple relaxed. Her lips were slightly parted, and Jodi could have sworn she saw the woman’s chest rise and fall with her breaths. It was shatteringly sensual, intimately personal, and it stopped Jodi’s heart for a few moments. “I mean it, Marcus.” Somewhere Jodi found her voice again. “These are beyond fabulous.” “Thank you. Those were taken a while ago. The woman’s name is Vanessa. The camera loved her.” Marcus said no more, simply picked up the book and walked toward the bookshelf to put it away. Jodi picked up another picture album off the table and opened it. These were pictures of a male and female torso in different stages of undress. There were no faces at all in this album, just their bodies. Turning the pages, Jodi’s body became warmer as her blood heated. “This guy, wow, this guy is a hunk. Look at those muscles on his stomach.” With a finger, Jodi traced the outline of the man’s abs. Marcus had caught the light perfectly, allowing it to shadow the dips and valleys and glisten off the skin of his model. His lipsmackingly gorgeous model. Shit. If this was the guy Marcus was dating, then hell. No wonder Jodi didn’t interest him. “Whoa. This guy must make his girlfriend reeeeaaaallly happy. Do you have his number?” Transfixed by the images, she slowly turned the pages and gazed at the dramatic, erotic photos. Holy crap. Marcus was nothing short of brilliant. This series of photos took a man and a woman, separate and distinct, and over the course of the shoot blended them, merged them into the lovers they so clearly were. From the first touch of the man’s hand on the woman’s spine, to the intimate pressing of bodies, it was a song, a hymn to the progress of a sexual relationship. And a loving sexual relationship too, by the looks of it. Jodi ached. She ached to be touched like that. To have someone see her body as worthy of caressing, of posing so carefully that it would appear to be a work of art. Sure, she was fuckable. She was attractive on a sexual level. That was no problem. But this? This was different. This was another level of sensuality that Jodi had never experienced. Had never, up until now, imagined had existed, let alone seen in black and white nine-by-twelve glossies.

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The last picture was of the man standing, holding a woman’s hands on his abdomen as she knelt, nude, before him. It was colorized and Jodi stared at the long locks of red hair cascading down the woman’s back. “Holy shit. . .that’s Eleanor! I’d know that mop of hair anywhere. And that’s Justin? Damn. Now I know why she married him.” Jodi’s mouth was agape. “I needed some models for a project I was working on. I asked them and after a few days they agreed as long as it wasn’t their faces. Your sister is lovely, absolutely stunning. Justin is a beautiful specimen. Muscular, handsome, a really good-looking man.” Marcus stared at the pages and turned them backwards as he admired them. “Marcus,” Jodi paused. “Are you gay?” She had to ask. Had to know if that light in Marcus’s eyes was for the art he’d produced or the luscious body Justin clearly possessed. Exactly why she had to know was a puzzle. But something, some urge, was driving her to find out. Some niggling little itch inside her brain, and some rather moist flesh between her legs, was driving her to ask. There was a great big question mark hanging over this guy. And Jodi hated questions. She much preferred knowing all the answers. And preferably two weeks before they were needed. Laughing, Marcus shook his head and walked to the small area with the stool and lights set up. “You crack me up, Jodi. Come over here and let’s get these pictures taken.” Fuck it. That was a non-answer if ever I heard one. Jodi raised her eyebrow and cursed under her breath. Marcus was obviously unwilling to open up to her. Okay. She could understand that, if his sexuality was in question. But if he was straight…then why the fuck wasn’t he responding to her? Especially since her body was responding to him. She followed him to the stool and sat down. “Okay. These are simple promo head shots. Just sit comfortably and let me set the lights.” Marcus adjusted the umbrella lights, his camera slung around his neck. And Jodi watched him. Her brain cataloged his lean body, muscles moving as he arranged the setup to his liking. He was certainly built attractively. And her foot could verify the fact that he was the proud possessor of a very nice cock. She’d aroused him once. But he’d done nothing about it. Could she arouse him again? Should she? Why the hell did she want to, anyway? What the fuck was this…man as prey? Woman as predator? The itch in Jodi’s brain got worse as the heat between her thighs built. She wanted Marcus.

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Screw it. Gay or not, she wanted this man. Sure, a quick fuck would be nice, but Jodi had a sneaking suspicion that there would be more to it than that. She wanted to get inside him. To make him shout and writhe and let go. She wanted him to notice her, as a woman, as a sexual object, as a lover…Christ. What was she thinking? A wave of fury at herself swamped her thoughts. She’d promised herself never again to allow a man to occupy any more of her time than absolutely necessary. Hence fuck-buddy Frank. Forgotten as soon as he was out of sight. How dare Marcus do this to her? Running her hands through her hair, she straightened on the stool, and stared into the lens of the camera. Fuck you, Marcus.

***** Jodi’s face filled Marcus’ mind as he looked through the lens at her beauty. There was a dark burn to her. Something buried beneath a superficial skin. Hiding from people. Marcus kept flashing the pictures as she sat motionless. She would smile a little as he asked her to, but her eyes drew him in. He was being hypnotized by the depth of her gaze. He knelt down straight in front of her. Jodi leaned forward slightly and focused her stare directly into the camera and at Marcus. Her mouth opened and she wet her red lips with the tip of her tongue. She was opening up to him. Something began to fill Marcus’ body. His heart began to pound and a swelling rose in his pants as Jodi consumed his soul with her eyes. What was she doing to him? The camera had drawn her out a little and it was affecting him. She was beautiful, sexy, and Marcus could only think of taking her right there. He wanted to ravage her and release this growing pressure that threatened to devour him. Sweat beaded up on Marcus’s brow from the heat of Jodi’s straightforward stare. Marcus hadn’t felt this way in years and she wasn’t even naked.. The lights began flashing less and less as he looked into her face and beyond with the camera. Jodi was breathless. The rapid click-click of the shutter had unnerved her at first, but then she’d lost track of the equipment to focus on the man. The lights flickered around her, but she didn’t care. Something about the commanding air he’d assumed as soon as he’d raised the camera had changed him.

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He thought nothing of brushing a lock of her hair into place, his hand sure and insistent that he get it where he wanted it. He seemed unaffected when he moved her chin, the touch of his fingers burning her like a brand. He’d taken control. Of her. Of her image, of the light and shadows on her face. She’d become his willing slave, moving whichever way he directed, and blindly staring into the single eye that recorded each and every move she made. He and the camera had become one, an entity that had pried aside her carefully constructed veneer and was attempting to look beneath. She found herself on edge, uneasy, afraid that this…this thing…would become an eye into her soul. Afraid, yes. But tantalized too. Stimulated at the possibility of something… someone… seeing what no one else saw. The real Jodi Preston. The Jodi Preston who would have stripped naked and fucked Marcus blind without a blink. Right here. Right now. Right at this moment. While his camera clicked on, recording the images of sweaty limbs tangling and bodies sliding against each other as they posed for the most natural artwork of all. Sex. She burned. Marcus closed his eyes and lowered the camera. His hand shook and Jodi sensed an anxious feel to his body—a raggedness as he tried to calm himself. He raised his hand to his face. “We need to go Jodi. There’s just too many memor…never mind. I can’t do this. It’s just too hard.” The enormous bulge in his pants unconsciously affirmed his comment. His breathing was harsh, and Jodi noticed the tension in his muscles across his shoulders. What the fuck was holding him back? Thoughts raced through her mind, tripping over each other. None of them made sense. Was he responding to her as a woman? That hard mound down his thigh said maybe, but perhaps that was something that always happened to photographers? Was he turned off by her completely and thus uncomfortable with his hard-on? Did he have any idea that she’d like to strip him naked, lick him from head to foot and then retrace her steps several more times? With her fingers, her toes, and maybe an elbow or two? Did he have any idea she was so fucking turned on right now she could screw half the starting line-up of the local minor league baseball team, and still not be satisfied? Carefully, she eased herself off the stool, willing the flood of moisture to stay where it was and not embarrass her by puddling on the floor at her feet. Fuck, fuck, fuck. This session had raised a shitload more questions than Jodi had expected. And she was afraid of the answers to many of them. 37

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Why couldn’t he just screw her brains out and let her go on her merry way? Why couldn’t he be a regular guy?

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Chapter 7 The drive back was a silent torture. Marcus wanted to explain his sudden need to stop the photo session. He glanced over to her occasionally, looking for a perfect moment to pull over and just talk to her. Of course pulling over and jumping her in the backseat was another option that crossed his mind. Maybe introduce her to Oscar. “Here we are. Thanks for letting me take your…” Marcus’s words were cut short by Jodi opening the door and getting out hurriedly. With a grunt and a huff she slammed the car door rattling Marcus along with the chassis. He watched her walk back into the restaurant. Damn he loved her ass. Relax Oscar, false alarm. Marcus decided to check the stock for the weekend since he was here. He parked his car around the corner and went in the side door. “I’ve been feelin’ fine baby, trying to hold back this feelin’ for soooooo long, And if YOU feel like I feel baby, come on…WHOOOOO, come on, let’s get it on, waaaaaaahhhh baby, let’s get it on…” This is the worst karaoke I’ve ever heard. Marcus stepped through the roll-up door to be greeted by the sight of Justin wearing headphones and doing his best Marvin Gaye impersonation. It was horrible and Marcus couldn’t handle the sounds of Justin singing a classic off-key. Marcus looked around and saw a rat scurry down the alleyway to get away from the deafening screech of Justin’s voice. “I know, you know what I’m dreamin’ of…” Justin continued with the broomstick as his mike-stand. “GET IT ON, come on baby…” Marcus stood behind Justin, reached over to the small Walkman and turned the volume button all the way up. “Ahhhh, what the…” Justin was now off center stage and about ten shades of red. “Hey dude, what’s up?” Justin tried to regain his cool. “Thank God you weren’t trying to sing some Celine Dion or something. I would have had to put you out of your misery.” Marcus grinned. “Hey, Eleanor likes me to sing to her when I’m in the shower. She says I have a good voice.” Justin puffed his chest out.

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“That’s ‘cause she HAS to say that—she married you.” Marcus leaned over and began taking case counts along the storeroom wall. He organized the cases of liquor so he could take a quick inventory. “Dude, what are you doing here? I thought you said something about taking a bit of time off?” “I took Jodi’s pictures for your promo thing.” “Oh great, how did they turn out?” Justin was now a little more interested in the conversation. “I’ll have them in a few days. Need to develop them. It was hard though, dude, reminded me of…a bunch of stuff.” “You need a digital camera. Instant art!” Justin held his hands up like a picture frame. Marcus quickly put something in the frame. His middle finger. “I told you I like the real thing. Didn’t your pictures turn out fucking great? Oh, by the way, your sister-inlaw has seen your dick.” “She what?” Justin’s yell rattled the rafters. “Hey, she was at my place and found the photo album of you and Eleanor. She said something about ‘Poor Eleanor’, and ‘Look at that cute LITTLE thing’. You know, the things all women say to you.” Marcus smiled and turned away, walking toward the doorway. “You know, we always did need another bartender. One that isn’t a comedian on the side. Fuckin’ asshole!” Justin laughed and followed Marcus into the bar. “So come on, dude, spill. How was the picture shoot? She’s pretty sexy, huh? Kinda like her sister, just not with red hair.” Justin was poking Marcus’s back as they walked into the bar. “Did you nail her? Huh, huh, did ya? Huh? Did ya?” “Hey man. You know I didn’t. It got a little weird though. I mean she was so beautiful. She sucked me in with those eyes and…damn, I freaked out. It just reminded me of before when I got slammed by that model.” “Vanessa or something wasn’t it?” Justin parked on his regular stool at the end of the bar. “Yeah. Vanessa. Man, she fucked me over good. I mean I’m taking pictures of Jodi, right? She is HOT, and dude, she…man, she is a natural. Confident, sexy, dark—she is just hot.” Marcus grabbed a beer mug from under the bar and began filling it from the tap. “You said hot twice.” “Well she is. I don’t know what I was thinking anyway. She’s with that Frank guy. I saw them together one night. So she’s off-limits.” “You mean Dickhead Frank? That guy that tries to pick up all the women and has a $200 dollar bar tab?” Justin asked. “Yeah, I’ve seen him here a few times. But I don’t pay attention.” 40

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Justin shook his head. “That guy is a fuckin’ sleaze, dude. He’s always flirting with women at the club. I don’t say anything because I think Eleanor would rip his frickin’ head off.” Marcus found it hard to pay attention. His head was still filled with Jodi’s eyes burning into his mind. “Hey, shoot me down a beer.” He nodded and filled a tall glass full of dark malt. Just as he set it on the bar a sweet voice echoed into the room. “Hello? Oh, there you are, Marcus. I thought I saw your car parked in the alley. I wanted you to go to…Oh, hello. Who’s this?” Vanessa stood looking at Justin who stared back, mouth agape. “That’s Justin. He’s my boss. Justin, here’s your beer.” Marcus shot the glass down the bar and it careened off the rail and splashed over Justin’s pants as he stood drooling at Vanessa. “Nice shot.” She snickered. “You’re the girl on that calendar. The one in the wet T-shirt and blue thong bikini. July, I think, we had it hanging in the men’s room. Didn’t change that month until December.” Justin shook his arms, tossing beer around as he dripped. “Mmm, a man who pays attention to detail. You want me to autograph one for you?” Vanessa looked Justin up and down as she raised her eyebrow in a flirtatious way. “Later. I’ll bring him one. Let’s get out of here.” Marcus waved at Justin dripping and left through the front door. “Damn, what a first impression. I look like I peed my pants.”

***** “Jo, for God’s sake, sit down. You’re prowling around like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.” Eleanor watched her sister as she grinned at the old joke. “Sorry, El. Got a lot on my mind.” “No kidding. Who is he?” Jodi snorted, but sat back down at the table in Eleanor’s kitchen. Eleanor had been surprised but pleased to see her sister at her door, such drop-in visits being few and far between since Jodi had taken over “The Eating Place”. “Eleanor.” Jodi crossed her hands on the table. “I have to tell you something.” She stared at the gleaming Formica. “I saw Marcus’s photos.” Eleanor swallowed. “Oh dear.” She blushed bright red. “No, really, hon…they were beautiful. So beautiful…”

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Eleanor relaxed a little. “We did ask Marcus to keep them private.” “He did. I pried into his stuff when I was over there having those head shots taken. So it was all your fault in a roundabout way.” Jodi snickered. Eleanor sighed. This was going to be difficult. “Look, Jo…” “No, El, don’t explain. You don’t have to. I saw them. They were…you two…hell. I can’t find the words…” Eleanor wasn’t sure that she could either. How to explain to Jodi? How to convey the deep need she’d felt to preserve a moment in her life when everything was so perfect? Her man, her marriage, even her body…she’d come to terms with all of it and wanted to hold on to it with both hands. To have something, anything, that would catch time and stop it still. To be able to look at herself and see…what? Not the woman who’d hidden herself away behind a corporate image, but the woman who could surrender to the passion of a man. The man who lit a fire inside her that would never go out. The woman Justin saw. That’s what she’d wanted. To be able to see herself through his eyes. The eyes of a man who loved her for who she was. A sexy, sensual woman who could make him shudder and cry out, and then want to do it all over again. Eleanor shivered as her nipples tightened beneath her shirt. “Um…Eleanor?” “Sorry, what were you saying?” “Nothing, actually, but your expression was worth a thousand words.” Eleanor blushed again. “Look, you saw the photos. Okay. You’re not about to plaster them over the Internet, so—we’re family. No big deal.” “Well, it kind of, sort of, is.” “Is what?” “A big deal.” Jodi clasped and unclasped her hands. “Why? If Justin and I aren’t embarrassed about it? I mean, heck, we’re not about to use any of ‘em on our Christmas cards this year, but that doesn’t mean we’re not proud of them.” “No, no, you don’t understand.” Eleanor sighed and poured more tea. “So help me out here.” Silence fell for a moment, broken only by the soothing ticking of Eleanor’s clock. Then Jodi heaved in a breath. “I want photos like that too.” Eleanor blinked. And then blinked again. “Um. Like that?” “Yep.” “Naked pictures?” “Yep.” Eleanor struggled. “Pictures of you with no clothes on?”

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Jodi giggled. “That’s what ‘naked’ means, doesn’t it?” “With Justin?” “Shit no. Of course not.” Jodi paused. “Unless…do you think he’d go for it?” “Over my dead body.” Eleanor snapped out the answer without a second thought. Jodi laughed. “Silly thing. No, I don’t want Justin. He’s yours. All yours. I want…” Eleanor’s eyes narrowed. “It’s Marcus, isn’t it?” Jodi lifted her eyes to meet her sister’s. “I don’t know. Honestly. That’s the best answer I have right now.” Eleanor stared back. Jodi was telling the truth. She’d always been able to tell if her sister was lying, and she wasn’t now. “Why the confusion? You’ve always seemed very straightforward in your…your needs.” Jodi chewed her lower lip. “Look, it’s bad enough I’m attracted to a gay guy…” Eleanor chuckled. “Let me reassure you of one thing right now. Marcus is not gay.” “He’s not?” Eleanor smothered a grin. Holy shit, Jodi had it bad. Something Marcus had done had gotten under her sister’s skin. It was about time someone did too, to Eleanor’s way of thinking. “No. Definitely not. So…” Eleanor sipped her tea. “Now that you know that, care to tell me about what’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” Jodi was up and pacing once more. “He damn near ignores me, El. Or looks right through me. Then he’ll smile, and shit, that smile…it goes straight to my…my…” “Yeah, I get the picture.” Eleanor interrupted her. “So what’s the problem?” “I don’t know. There’s something about him that scares the crap out of me, and yet I can’t stop this stupid itch that’s telling me to go fuck him but good.” “Scares you?” Jodi turned away from Eleanor. “I don’t like getting involved, El.” “But…Frank…I thought…” Jodi snorted. “Frank? He’s a fuck-buddy. He comes over, we fuck, he comes—and goes. That’s it.” Eleanor tried to sort this statement out. “Wait a minute here. Wasn’t there something missing from that? ‘He comes?’ Um…aren’t you supposed to, as well?” Jodi turned back to Eleanor with an odd look on her face. “I’m what they call a nonorgasmic woman, El.” Eleanor nearly sprayed her tea over the table as she burst out laughing. “Honey, I don’t know who told you that, but they were full of shit.” Jodi winced. “I’m serious. I don’t…you know.” Eleanor slid into her best elder-sister mode. This wasn’t the time for scruples. “You mean you don’t orgasm during sex?”

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“Eleanor!” “Hell, Jodi. Time for straight talk here, I think. You seriously believe that you are a woman who can’t orgasm?” “Never have. Not with a man, anyway.” “Why the hell didn’t you tell me before?” Eleanor was half-outraged, half-aching for the pain she saw in her sister’s eyes. “Jeez, I dunno, El. Perhaps we just never had the right conversation. After all, it’s kinda hard to say, ‘yes, I’ll be serving vichyssoise next week at the restaurant, and oh, by the way, I can’t orgasm during sex.’” Eleanor subsided, muttering. “Besides, it doesn’t really matter, does it?” “Matter?” Eleanor’s redheaded temperament exploded. “Of course it damn well matters. Are you nuts?” Jodi shrugged. “Look, I can do it myself if I need to. Just takes some work, that’s all.” Eleanor gulped. “Okay. Let’s be rational about this. Is it a medical problem?” Jodi sighed and sat down again. “I did some research on the Internet. It seems that some women have a…a…thing…which retracts when aroused instead of swelling and protruding.” “Ah.” Eleanor nodded wisely. Her lips twitched. “A ‘thing’?” Jodi’s lips twitched. “Yes, a thing. You know frickin’ well what I’m talking about.” Both girls looked at each other. And exploded into laughter. Within seconds Eleanor was around the table hugging her sister tight. “Aw, honey, I wish you’d shared this with me.” Jodi hiccupped. “Look, it’s something I deal with. Not a huge interference in my life, okay?” Eleanor took her hand and led her into the living room, kicking Justin’s CD cases off the couch and settling them both side by side. “So there’s nothing wrong with you physically, just that you have…er…an innsey, rather than an outsey?” The giggling fit from that sentence lasted about four or five minutes. Jodi finally found her voice again. “No, I’m fine, El. Really I am. It’s just that for me, sex is…well…pleasant. That’s all. And I don’t like to get too involved with men, since I’m not about to go into all this with anyone. Least of all the guy I’m sleeping with.” “But why not? Surely if you give a guy an idea of what’s happening, he can work with you…help you…” Jodi snorted. “Guys aren’t like that, El.” “Some of them are.” “Well, perhaps I’ve just found the wrong ones.”

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“What about in Paris? Surely there, where there’s so much liberation and stuff…” Jodi’s face shuttered. “Paris? No.” Just like that the mood changed. From the laughing, slightly embarrassed sister, Jodi became the cool, guarded woman who looked at the world with eyes that challenged it. Eleanor wisely left it alone. “Well, getting back to the original question, why have Marcus take naked pictures of you?” “Because…” Jodi paused, lips pursed as she considered the question. “Because I want to know what I look like to a man. I want to know what he sees when he looks at me. I would like to see myself look beautiful.” “Jodi…you are—” “No, Eleanor, don’t say it. I’m your sister. You think I’m beautiful, I think you’re beautiful, yadda, yadda. This has to be different. This has to be…unique.”

***** And if anyone can do it, Marcus can. “Well, Marcus certainly has the talent for it,” said Eleanor. It was uncanny how she echoed Jodi’s very thoughts. “I know. I realized that after I saw his portfolios. He knows how to use light and shadow. How to pose a model to turn her from an ordinary woman into something…something quite special.” “Yeah, he sure did for me.” Eleanor grinned. “Didn’t have to do much for Justin though. Damn, that man just stands there and lets everyone else die of envy. Not a clue he’s doing it, either.” She sighed. “Well, I simply want some pictures of me, that’s all. It’s been bugging me since this afternoon. And finding him attractive, might make it easier to pose, you know?” “Sure.” Eleanor nodded wisely. “You’ll be more relaxed.” Yeah, right. “So. Do you think he’d do it?” This was the question that had so troubled Jodi. What if he said no? Eleanor sniffed. “I can’t imagine why he’d turn you down. Hell, the man’s got a pulse, right?” “More than a pulse,” grinned Jodi. Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “And you ask me if he’s gay?” “Well, hell. There are autonomic reflexes, you know. Just things that happen when a guy gets close to a woman, regardless of his sexual orientation.”

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“Right. If you say so.” Eleanor snickered. “Look, honey, all you have to do is ask him.” Jodi swallowed. “Yeah. Just ask him. ‘Hey dude, if I get naked, will you make magic with my body?’” “Um, Jodi? Is that what you want? Him to make magic with your body? Or him to take pictures of it?” Fuck. Freud strikes again. And damn her sharp-eared sister for catching it. “The pictures, of course. And perhaps…perhaps I’d like to see him sweat.” “So call him. Do it by phone. Easier that way.” Jodi grinned. Her ever-practical sister. “Good idea.” She leaned over and hugged Eleanor. “I think I will.” Eleanor reached for the phone. “But not from here. Uh uh. I’m not having you scripting my phone calls, thank you very much. I think Marcus is off tonight, so I’ll try and reach him when I get home.” She stood up. “You’ll let me know how you make out?” Eleanor followed Jodi to the door. “Maybe.” “Little pain.” Eleanor grinned. “Raggedy Anne,” teased back Jodi. Both laughed as their childhood names for each other slipped out naturally. “Thanks, Eleanor. Thanks for listening.” Jodi hugged her sister again. Eleanor might have been her sister-by-birth, but she was also truly a sister-by-heart. And she’d proved it again tonight. “Any time, honey. You know that. And Jodi? About the other thing? I just don’t think you’ve met the right man yet. Nature will take care of it…trust me.” Jodi waved goodbye. Nature. Yeah right. Nature had yet to make a man who could send her into that frenzy of pleasure. Who could make her backside clench and her insides spasm. Who even cared enough to try. A little voice whispered to her. Perhaps Marcus would care enough to try. She told the little voice to get lost. She had a phone call to make.

***** Jodi walked into the dim hallway between the bar and the restaurant. It was force of habit for her to check her kitchen before heading upstairs for the night, no matter that she’d already checked it earlier. She had a well-developed sense of responsibility about the place. 46

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In spite of the muffled music from the bar, there was silence around her, except— there…something…a cry? A groan? A sound from the darkness. Curious, she moved towards it. She could still hear the almost-whispering moans echoing through the small space and lying softly beneath the rhythmic thumping vibrating the air. Looks like Justin has a good band tonight. Jodi didn’t care much for the music but it had a great beat. Thump-thump, thumpthump—the bass sounded out her heartbeat as she stopped in front of the door to the little storeroom. She knew there wasn’t much in there, just a table, a couple of chairs and storage chests, but there was a light glowing through the small crack where the door was ajar. She shivered, perhaps from excitement, or maybe fear. She didn’t know. All she knew was that she had to look inside. Peeking silently past the door she saw a woman lower her head backwards, letting long strands of bleached blonde hair cascade over the edge of the table. A wide smile crossed her face. Fuck. Someone was getting laid. Torn between the urge to leave and the desire to stay, Jodi fought an inner battle with her conscience. She knew she should just quietly slide from the room and leave them to it. But something—some unacknowledged need—kept her rooted to the spot, her eyes on the couple inside. She didn’t know what made her stay. She just knew that she wanted to watch. It was wrong, it was probably perverted and it may well have been a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both, but she didn’t care. She let the scene wash through her and felt her blood pound in her ears. The woman’s eyes were closed and a muffled moan echoed from within her. The darkness in the hallway screened Jodi and she could clearly see the woman was halfnaked. An instant bolt of arousal hit her and made her ache deep inside. Frank and I would have looked like this. Jodi watched as the woman’s breasts were revealed. Her blouse parted and the black bra unsnapped. A man’s hand appeared and found her breast while the other hand had a firm grasp on her ass. Jodi could even make out a tuft of dark hair between her bent legs. Dead giveaway. Blondes really should shave if they want to pretend they’re real blondes. Jodi squelched the bitchy thought and choked back a giggle. A man was kneeling down between those legs. Curious, Jodi tried to see who it was, but didn’t dare open the door wider and get caught. Shit, this was so freaky. And so hot. Her nipples hardened and swelled as she watched the lovers.

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The woman shuddered and whimpered when the man growled. With a suckling sound he pulled his head up and a stream of saliva dripped from his lower lip. Holy fucking stud. It was Mike—the young assistant bartender. The quiet one who never spoke much. He sure had found his tongue tonight. “Damn, your pussy tastes sweet.” He growled the words, then licked her opening with a long swipe. Both of Mike’s hands groped at the woman’s firm breasts. The nipples were erect and swollen with excitement. “Mmm…I love taking my breaks with you, Amy.” “Me too.” She sighed and arched her back when Mike buried his face between her legs again. Her fingers tugged and pulled at Mike’s thick brown hair. “Mmm, damn—I wanna fuck you so bad tonight.” Mike mumbled something incoherently as he swayed his face back and forth between Amy’s parted thighs. Jodi’s breath came faster as the scene before her unfolded. With better lighting, she could have imagined herself watching some Internet triple-X site. She’d never made a habit of surfing them, and mostly deleted the email that offered them. So why was she getting wet watching this stuff? What was wrong with her? She had no idea. She just knew she couldn’t move away. She had to watch. The muscles in Amy’s legs and ass tightened and flexed with Mike’s deep groping and merciless nuzzling. Her fingers grabbed hard on Mike’s hair and she pulled him up over her. Mike kissed between her breasts. His mouth moved from side to side and he tugged at her nipples with his teeth. His weight rested on his strong bare forearms. A bead of sweat trickled down his face and glittered briefly in the dim light. “You wanna fuck, baby. I do too—I really want you bad.” Mike kissed Amy deeply. His tongue, probably still hot from her pussy, dangled from his wet lips and Amy bent forward, sucking it into her mouth. She looked desperate for his touch, feel and cock. Jodi was starting to share her desperation. Her panties were starting to feel the effects of her own pussy, which was weeping in sympathy for Amy’s. She leaned against the cold wooden doorjamb, resting her hot skin and relishing the sensation. “Oh hell, yes. Mmm—hurry—you’re on your break.” Amy pushed Mike away. He stepped back and began unfastening his jeans carefully around the protrusion tightening the fly. Amy hopped off the table and stepped to him. She knew what to do. Her mouth found Mike’s Adam’s apple at the exact same moment her hand found the button and zipper. “Damn, baby. Seems someone is a little excited. Does he want to come out and play?” Her fingers pulled the zipper down and she slipped her hand inside grasping the length she’d discovered. She gasped. “Oh God, he really does want to play.” “I can’t fucking take this, Amy…” Mike grabbed her hard and kissed her deeply. 48

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Jodi couldn’t fucking “take it” either. Pressing herself deeper into the shadows, but never losing sight of the couple on the table, Jodi slipped one of her own hands beneath her skirt and panties. She was wet, aching and empty. She let her fingers caress her own pussy lips as she watched—feeling guilty but excited. She probably needed serious psychological help, but right at this moment, her hand was all the help she had. She felt her moisture hot against her fingers as she delved into her own folds, searching…seeking that one place she knew would awaken the sleeping beast of arousal that lurked within her. She bit back a silent cry as she found it, and began the soft push-pull of her own body—a counterpoint to the couple she watched. Amy held Mike’s throbbing cock and pulled him forward with it like a dog on a leash. Resting her ass against the table she lifted one leg up, propping it on a chair as she looked up at Mike. “Well the playground’s right here. It’s a little wet but ready for you.” Her fingers rubbed across her pink flesh and pulled the lips apart. “Oh hell no…let’s do this…” Mike grabbed Amy’s waist and turned her around. Jodi sucked in a gasp and tried to smother the sound. Neither of the people in the room heard her, and she closed her eyes for a second as her nipples pebbled painfully against the hard wood of the doorjamb. She rubbed against it, like a cat in heat, letting the harsh abrasion of the wood arouse her even more. It sent shocks of fire down to her pussy and her clit began to ache from her own touch. She slipped her fingers into her own slick folds, keeping up the insistent and demanding pressure against that shy little nub that had become the focus of her world. Bending Amy over the table, Mike pressed her breasts down against the cool, slick surface. A wicked smile crossed her face. She obviously liked this side of Mike. A loud slap echoed through the room and a grimace crossed Amy’s face. Jodi’s eyes widened and her hand paused, surprise making her forget her own pleasure for a moment. “Damn, I love your ass. But I think it needs a little spanking. You’ve been such a bad girl.” Mike smirked and smacked her ass playfully, bringing a rosy flush to the bare cheeks. He grasped his cock and rubbed it against her. Amy squirmed a little and Mike seemed to know she was enjoying the play. He rested his cock along the split of her ass and moved his hips back and forth letting it ride along the crease. “Hmm, I’m not sure what to do with such a bad girl. She definitely needs to be punished for being so naughty.” Mike leaned forward over Amy and rested his weight on her back. Jodi had to strain her ears to hear his deep whisper. “You need a good, deep fucking and spanking for being so naughty. And you’re gonna get it.” Amy moaned at his words. The wetness of her pussy caught the light as it began to run along her inner thigh. This was a woman aroused and in need.

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Mike held her shoulders tight against the table with one hand and rubbed his cock around the opening to her pussy with the other. In mute invitation, Amy wiggled her ass, trying to get Mike to delve into her. She was breathing rapidly now, and Jodi didn’t need an instruction manual to realize that Amy was one screaming mass of need. With a grunt, Mike lunged his hard cock into Amy and she gasped as the fullness took her breath away. “Damn you are always so fucking tight, babe. Mmm, sweeeeet…” “It’s ‘cause you’re so big,” Amy giggled. “You always know what to say.” Mike smacked her ass again and began to hammer into her. He grunted and his breath seeped in and out from his tight lips. “Fuck…” He smacked her ass again. Jodi couldn’t have stopped watching if her life depended on it. The sound of Mike’s hand meeting Amy’s buttocks resounded in her own body. She’d never been spanked, but found herself wondering what Amy was feeling as the sting of the slaps combined with the touch of Mike’s cock. What would it be like? To have one’s body trembling on the brink of coming, and to have the feel and sound of a hard hand meeting smooth aroused flesh? To have a hot and hard cock rubbing the heat and seeking entrance? Jodi’s hand moved faster now, soaked in her own juices. It was a combination of arousal and fear of discovery, and it was erotically seductive. She shouldn’t be doing this. But she was. And she was enjoying doing something forbidden as much as anything else. It was as if something had broken free inside her and let the real Jodi appear. The sexual side of her. A side that Jodi had thought long gone. Her thighs were trembling a little now, and her hips thrusting forwards, always silently, making no sound as her fingers worked hard to stimulate nerve endings—start that upward spiral towards…bliss. A bliss that seemed reserved only for Jodi and her hand. Or her vibrator. Then, for one blinding second, she imagined Marcus’s head between her legs. Marcus’s tongue searching out those magic places, teasing them, stroking them, licking and suckling them. Marcus’s hands kneading her breasts. Marcus’s breath warm on the skin of her thighs and cool as it blew over the honey streaming from her cunt. Marcus’s eyes meeting hers as he tugged on her clit and drove her to the very edge of madness. Heedless of the couple fucking their brains out in the storage room, Jodi let herself go, falling into her fantasy with the image of Marcus and spreading the lips of her pussy wide for his mouth. Only a small part of her was left to watch Mike and Amy as they fucked with abandon.

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Amy’s eyes closed tight and her mouth opened wide. Her breathing echoed through the little room, rapid and shallow. “Oh God, Mike. Harder. Harder, baby, harder.” SMACK. Mike spanked her ass again and the hard pounding of their flesh echoed the distant rhythm of the music from the bar. Mike threw his head back and groaned. “Oh shit.” Amy’s fingers clenched the edge of the table as she rocked back and forth, jerking suddenly when Mike slammed against her reddened butt. Her fingertips turned white and her skin flushed hotly. Jodi knew Amy was coming. She just knew it, because she herself was shaking on the brink of her own orgasm. The muscles in Amy’s face tightened and twitched and she tried to stifle a deep moan. Mike slammed hard and deep into Amy with a matching groan. His legs buckled then straightened as he lifted her up on his cock. Jodi let go. Her body rocked with an earthquake of sensation. It mimicked Amy’s gasping shudders of pleasure, and Mike’s body shaking as he spurted his seed into her. They collapsed in a heap on the table, totally unaware that a third party had shared their orgasm. That even now, she was holding on tight to her pussy, letting it clench and release around her own fingers and gnawing on her lip to stop the sobs of ecstasy from bursting out of her lungs in great screams. That her knees were shaking, that her heart was pounding up into her throat, and sparks were shooting across her blurred gaze. That a pair of midnight eyes had haunted her and pushed her to her limits—and beyond. That Jodi Preston had accomplished something quite rare. And done it standing up, in a darkened hallway, while playing voyeur. She’d actually come. And she had Marcus to thank for it. Well, a fantasy of Marcus. Or a fantasy that had looked an awful lot like Marcus. Jodi frowned as she straightened her skirt and tiptoed quietly away from the door and the murmuring couple inside. This particular man had crept into her sexual fantasies like no one had before. And why had his presence so liberated her that she could find pleasure with nothing more than the touch of her own hand? This was very out of character. And not a little unsettling. And what was even worse was that now she had to go and talk to him on the phone, knowing at the back of her mind that she’d just mentally shoved his face between her legs and come in waves all over it. She sighed. Why was her life so fucking confusing?

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Chapter 8 So who the hell designed these frickin’ cell phone buttons? A midget with astigmatism? Jodi tipped back in her kitchen chair, totally ignoring the subconscious voice of her mother yelling “keep all four feet on the floor, please”, and tried to dial Marcus’s cell phone for the third time. She refused to believe she was nervous. Refused to accept the fact that she was doing anything other than call a photographer to schedule some photos. Refused to admit that she wanted to see heat in Marcus’s eyes again. Completely refused to even think about his face…and where she’d fantasized about it being. And what it did when it was there. No, no and no. And finally her fingers stopped refusing to work and she hit the right number. He answered immediately. “Hello. Marcus’s massage parlor. What’s your pleasure?” Jesus H. Leave it to a guy to come up with something like that. “Hi, Marcus? This is Jodi…” “Jodi who?” “Very funny, smartass. You know who.” Or at least Jodi hoped he did. If he didn’t, he was a dead man. “Ohhhhh. Jodi. Hello…” She knew he was smiling. She could hear it in his voice. Her gut tumbled at the thought of that particular curve to his lips. Shit. Stay on track here girl. “Look, I’m sorry to bother you…but…first off, I wanted to say thanks for taking those head shots.” “Hey, I’m always up for photographs and a head job is—always nice. I mean…well…you’re welcome.” Jodi snickered. “Yeah. Cute, Marcus. Real cute. It’s just that I know how much they meant to my sister and Justin and this promotional thing…so…thanks.” Okay. That wasn’t so bad. “Jodi—it was a pleasure. I’m sorry if I acted a little weird. The shoot brought back some memories—” Marcus paused. Jodi held her breath, not quite sure why, and felt reassured when his voice continued in the same even tone. “Well, that’s the past. You’re a natural. The camera loves you.”

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Me? The camera loves me? Hah. The camera loves Julia Roberts. Cindy Crawford. Some gorgeous babe with boobs out to Detroit and lips to match. Like that blonde lick of spit she’d heard about. Jodi mentally slapped herself. Just because a woman had legs that went on for miles, blonde hair, pouty lips and all the other things in the right places was no reason for other women to hate her. Hmmm. Okay, it was a damned good reason. So sue me. She tried to downplay Marcus’s comment. “Oh, I’m sure. Right. Nice line, by the way. But seriously here…I had another reason for calling…” “Well, say what you will, but you are beautiful.” Fucking hell. Jodi squirmed. She’d never been comfortable with compliments and especially not ones spoken in a deep voice that sounded sincere. Angry at herself for wanting to believe him, she was more abrupt than she meant to be. “Look, Marcus. Cut the crap, okay? I have no illusions. At least not in reality. But…that’s kind of why I called.” “Okay. Sorry. What’s up?” Here we go. Jodi took a breath. I can do this. “Well—this is kind of embarrassing.” She took another breath. “You know those photos you took of Justin and Eleanor?” “Yes.” “Well…I was wondering if you do that a lot? Or just for special friends?” She waited, wondering if he’d catch her gist. “I used to do quite a few. Lately it’s become more of a personal thing. Special people for special reasons. You know, just being comfortable and relaxed around the models. Why?” Jodi stared at nothing in particular as she carefully chose her next words. “Because…because I’d sort of like some pictures like that…taken of me. Would that be possible?” “Wouldn’t Eleanor get mad if you took naked photos with Justin?” Jodi expelled her indrawn breath on a laugh. “She threatened me with death. And you know she meant it…” Marcus’s answering chuckle echoed back through the phone. “So you want some photos of yourself. The erotic type?” Jodi swallowed. “Um—yeah. I guess. Just ones of me…you know…with no clothes on, maybe? Or something?” Marcus paused. Perhaps he was looking for the right words too. “Would you be comfortable with me there looking at you nude?”

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Good question. Jodi opted for honesty. “I don’t know. Would you be comfortable taking pictures like that? Of me? I know you’re a great photographer…no doubts there…” “Of course I’d be comfortable. I’d be looking at you like art.” Jodi snorted. “Right. Some art.” Jeez, photographers sure could be weird. “C’mon, Marcus…I need your bag of tricks here. I need good lighting, the right shadows…something that’ll make me look—beautiful. For once.” Oh boy. That was a little close to the bone for Jodi’s comfort. Something about talking to this man made her say…stuff. Things she didn’t usually say. His answer didn’t help. “Women. Obviously you haven’t looked in a mirror lately.” How did he know? Jodi only used one for the basics. Their reflection made her uncomfortable. It was too easy to get lost in them. To see…things she didn’t want to see. Once again, her honest thoughts popped out of her mouth, surprising her. “Mirrors tell the truth. I don’t want the truth. I want an illusion.” She heard Marcus’s sigh. He was probably rolling his eyes too, just like men everywhere did when faced with a woman’s insecurities. “I can see I won’t win this battle. So where do you want to do it?” Jodi rocked back onto all four legs of her kitchen chair with a thump. “Uhh…I take it this means yes—you’ll do it? Take my picture?” “Of course. I may be a bartender but I’m no fool.” Uh oh. Had she made her intentions clear? Was he reading more into this request than he should? Was he sensing her confusion? Fuck. “Look…Marcus. This isn’t—I mean—just because I’m going to get naked doesn’t mean that I…that we—oh, shit. You know what I’m trying to say here…” She could hear the grin in his voice. Damn him. He was enjoying her discomfort, the shithead. “Obviously you haven’t seen my fee.” Good. Humor. She could handle humor. “So I’ll probably have to max out my credit card. Uh…you do take credit cards, right?” She paused as a thought occurred to her. “Marcus? We haven’t discussed how much you charge for this…” His sexy laugh echoed into her ear. Damn. So who knew ears could sweat? “Well, money wasn’t my first thought—but you don’t have to pay me. Just sign a release and feed me.” “Well, hell. I can do that.” Jodi stopped as his words sunk in. “A release? What does that mean?” Good God above. If he thought… “I’m not going to see these shots plastered all over the Internet, am I?” She’d interrupted him. Marcus was already speaking over her whirling emotions. “If you want copies or things like that then you buy them.” She heaved a sigh of relief. “Oh, okay. For a minute there you had me nervous.” 54

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Marcus sounded slightly shocked. His denial was swift and immediate. “Nooooo. It’s just that if I ever do art shows again I’d like to be able to use them.” He was kidding. Her? Art shows? She snorted. “Right. In the comedy section.” His answer was immediate and amused. “Next to the Garfield and Morris the cat pictures in the pussy section.” Jodi choked back a giggle. “My, my. Very quick with the comeback, aren’t we?” She put a business-like edge into her voice. “Look, buddy—simple shots, you make me look good without my clothes on…I’ll pay your magician’s fee, since magic’s what it’ll take…and we’re set. Right?” Marcus sounded slightly offended. “I don’t joke too much about photos. I truly love taking them. I’d be honored to view you through my lens and open up the true beauty I see within you. As well as the splendor of your outer beauty.” He paused. “If you don’t like them, don’t pay me.” Jodi blinked. True beauty? This guy must need glasses. But it was a hell of a good line. “You’re damn smooth, I’ll give you that. I just want some photos I can put away someplace to remind me…that there was one time when…when I felt and looked like a woman should.” She gnawed her bottom lip. What the hell had made her say that? She was starting to sound like a woman full of screaming insecurities about her appearance. Which she was, of course, but fuck… Marcus was speaking again. “Then you’re making my job an easy one.” “Don’t say that yet. But you’re the guy with the camera. You know the tricks.” Marcus’s voice was soothing. “Just wear something comfortable. Be yourself, and I’ll do the rest.” “Well, hell, I think I can manage that.” Jodi absently twirled a lock of hair around her finger. “Uh…Marcus? I haven’t done this before. Obviously. Anything I should do beforehand? Like makeup and stuff?” “Like I said, just be yourself. Anything you want to wear, put on—take off. This is your expression of you. I’m just supplying the eyes to see you.” In spite of her bravado, a little chill coursed down Jodi’s spine. “That’s a scary thought. But I have to admit you did a fabulous job on Eleanor. And damn, if you can make her butt look that good, then I suppose I shouldn’t worry.” Marcus laughed. “She does have a nice butt. Justin kept insisting on photos of it. I swear he’s an ass man. In more ways than one.” Jodi cleared her throat. “Ahem. You know there are some things that sisters don’t discuss. Believe it or not.” And some things sisters really don’t want to know. “Anyway…you need your equipment and stuff, right? So I suppose I should come to your apartment?” “I can come to your place. You’ll be more comfortable. I probably won’t need a tripod. I tend to move around a lot.”

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Jodi ignored a sudden mental image of Marcus “moving around a lot”. On top of her. “Oh. Okay. Well, that’s fine I guess…my place will do. You know where I live…uh, sorry…stupid thing to say. Of course you do. Look…I don’t want to impose on you here…” Her thoughts unsettled her. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. “Relax. What day?” Well, frickin’ hell. It looked like she was stuck with it. “Whenever is good for you, I suppose. I’m done at the restaurant most nights sometime around eight or nine…but I know you’ve got a heavy workload…” “We’ll do it Friday.” Damn it all. If she didn’t know better she sure could have read a double meaning into that short sentence. She decided to ignore it. “Okay. Friday works for me. If you’re sure?” “Are you always this uptight?” “Only when I’m asking men to take pictures of me naked. In other words…no. This is…different.” This is you I’m asking. A guy who unsettles me in a lot of places I don’t want to think about. “I understand. Jodi—if you want this to work, you just have to trust me. Just let me in. I want to see the real you.” Jodi’s answer snapped from her mouth without thought. “No, you don’t. Neither do I. You know what I want to see. Someone who’s…perfect? Sensual? I don’t know…” She could have bitten off her tongue as soon as the words were out. “Then let me in. Give me the Jodi people don’t see. Show me what’s inside.” She closed her eyes. “I’m not sure I’ll know how to do that, to be honest, Marcus. But I figure anyone as talented as you with a camera, ought to have the best shot at it…” Humor. Go for humor. Get yourself off the hook, girl. “And no pun intended there…” She could have sworn she heard Marcus gulp. A laugh? Maybe. “I’ll give it my best shot…” “Thanks. Look I really appreciate this…I know it’s kind of a crazy thing to ask…” “No problem.” Sure. No problem for him. “So.” She swallowed. “I’ll see you Friday night then?” “Yep. About nine-thirty okay with you?” “Um, yeah. That’s good. Give me a chance to clean up after work. And…you want pizza or something?” Jodi’s mind smacked her. A chef offering take-out pizza. Fuck it. “PIZZZZAAAAAAAA, mmm…” Thank God. Jodi heaved a sigh of relief. Cooking boeuf bourguignon would have been completely beyond her if she was going to take her clothes off afterwards. “Okay. Pizza it is. We can call out. I have the local pizzeria on speed dial.” She giggled, partly with relief and partly with the absurdity of that comment. “I’ll see you then…bye.”

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She disconnected the call and stared at the phone for a moment or two. Half her brain was screaming with excitement, the other half screaming with sheer terror. Then she moved to her bureau and slowly started rummaging through her sexy French lingerie. What the fuck am I going to wear? She didn’t know that a few miles away, a man was taking a deep breath and holding his head between his hands. She couldn’t hear Marcus as he quietly asked himself an equally important question. “What the fuck am I doing?”

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Chapter 9 Jodi swallowed down her nerves. Friday had snuck up on her a lot quicker than she’d expected. To her disgust, she was shaking. Get a fucking grip, girl. Men have seen you naked before. Okay. So Marcus was going to take pictures. Big deal. He was good—he knew his way around a camera. She wouldn’t end up looking like the back end of a cow. She caught sight of herself in her mirror. Well, not unless cows usually wore blue silk lingerie, that is. She tugged at the shiny stuff. Perhaps this wasn’t the right thing to wear. It was her favorite camisole set, ice-blue, simple, falling to her hips from tiny ribbon straps. The matching panties were loose, just touching the tops of her legs and flaring out as she turned to check her butt. She loved silk. She loved the things Paris designers did with silk. She always had. Wearing silk next to her skin made her feel…womanly. And there’d been times in her past when she’d needed to feel exactly that way. Womanly. It seemed that tonight was another of those times. Oh hell. You’ll be taking it off soon, anyway. Fighting back a chill that was part excitement and part terror, Jodi carefully lit the candles she’d placed around her room. The tall ceiling was in shadow now, and she frowned. That was no good for photography. She snapped on several lights, blinking as the bright glare shone on her kitchen table. Well, hell. Marcus should know what he wanted. And I’m gonna make damn sure he gets an eyeful of it too. She ran her hairbrush through her hair one more totally unnecessary time, cursed and put the damn thing down. If he was late, she was really going to kill him. She was pissed off at him now, and pissed off at herself for not really knowing why she was pissed off at him. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Any more of this confusion and her ears would start to bleed. Slowly, she tamped down the fires inside her. She was going to have photographs taken of her naked body. It had been her choice. Her request. Marcus was coming to do what she had asked of him. That’s all. A knock on the door sent her six inches into the air. He was here.

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“Hi.” Oh good start. Jodi let Marcus in. He was all dark eyes and shoulders and she dragged her gaze from him long enough to close the door. She turned just in time to catch him swallow as he glanced at her outfit. Her fashion instincts high-fived themselves. “You look good.” Marcus said. He seemed quite calm as he set his black camera bag down. Her fashion instincts stopped celebrating and stared at each other uncertainly. Shit. Cool as cucumber. What was it gonna take to get to this guy? “Thanks.” “Okay. So are you going to take your clothes off now, or do you want me to do you like that?” Marcus glanced around, oblivious to the temper seething inside Jodi. Now? After she’d pulled out her most expensive designer lingerie in the hopes of bringing at least a bead of sweat to his brow? Sheesh. Not even a drip. Mr. Icebox must be dead from the neck up. Well, she’d show him a thing or two. To her surprise, Marcus snapped off the overhead lights. He moved a couple of candles, creating a ring of light around the room. Soft light, though, leaving the high ceiling in shadow. A shiver crossed Jodi’s skin. As she watched, he moved to her CD player, checked its contents, made a few funny faces then smiled and nodded, flicking the “On” switch. The mellow sounds of Carlos Santana’s guitar filled the room. He took his camera from its case, fiddled with a few knobs and dials, and then looked up at Jodi. “I’m ready.” Oh baby, so am I.

***** Jodi tossed her hair back over her shoulder and faced the camera, drawing in a breath. He was already shooting. The click of the shutter marked his movements. It seemed that Marcus did indeed like to move. He was all around her, first to one side then the other, catching her on film as her arm fell back to her side. She turned away from him, shaken for a moment by the thought of what she was about to do. He continued to shoot. She reached across her breasts and let one hand slip her strap down. It fell to her elbow. She glanced over her bare shoulder and licked her lips. The shutter whirred.

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She repeated the movement, allowing the other strap to fall, and taking the fragile silk with it to her waist. With a small wriggle, she dropped the top to the floor. Her back was still to the camera, but she knew Marcus had moved again. Where was he? She raised both her arms to the back of her head and tangled them in her hair, lifting it and turning her head, exposing the nape of her neck and stretching her shoulders as she did so. It felt…fabulous. The air was cool on her breasts, and she could feel her nipples beading up with excitement. The camera clicked again. She half turned, shy for a second or two, crossing her arms over her naked breasts, then letting one arm slide down, over the silk panties to her thigh. She was surprised at how warm her skin was. With a quick move, Jodi spun all the way around towards the camera and spread her arms wide like a dancer. Her breasts quivered to her heartbeat and the soft sounds of the guitar. She turned her head and let her hair fall forward across her cheek, hiding most of her face, but leaving her skin exposed to the candlelight. It was a moment of sensual madness—and Jodi liked it. Both hands fell to the front of her thighs and she drew them slowly upwards, catching on the loose silk panties. She let her fingers slide on her flesh beneath, higher towards her waist. The camera was off to one side now, although Jodi couldn’t quite remember when Marcus had moved there. She left one hand just beneath the blue silk, and let the other travel up, over her waist and towards her breast. She dragged it over herself, catching her nipple and bringing a gasp of surprise to her throat at how good it felt. Her head dropped back, and the camera caught the moment as Jodi’s hand caressed her own throat and stroked down again to the shadow between her breasts. Jodi started to feel…something. Something that made her want to go crazy. She flipped her hair over her face and leaned forward, tucking both thumbs into the waistband of her panties. Straightening slowly, she stared into the lens of Marcus’s camera through a veil of tangled hair—and slid her tongue slowly over her bottom lip. Then she pushed downwards with her hands. A fraction of an inch at a time. Her hips started to sway a little, keeping the soft beat of the music, and she let it take over her movements, sliding the panties down a little more each time. Where was he now? Behind her? Beside her? She didn’t know. It didn’t matter. She half turned and pushed down more, letting the panties rest on the curve of her buttocks and sliding one hand beneath them towards her pussy. Every millimeter of skin tingled beneath her fingertips. 60

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There was an electric current dancing on her nerve endings, and her nipples tightened almost painfully. She was getting turned on. And she wasn’t even naked. Yet. The sounds of the camera and the music blended into a symphony that provided the soundtrack to Jodi’s increasing arousal. Each brush of the silk against her body became the touch of a hundred tiny bristles, magnified by the sensations sweeping over her as she let herself go. With a final push, she freed the panties and let them pool at her feet. Instinctively, one hand fell to hide her pussy. She let it rest there for a moment, and closed her eyes, vaguely aware of the click of the camera. He’s there. He sees me. With one knee bent slightly, Jodi opened her eyes. Oh God. A candle reflected in the camera lens, blinding her for a moment, and shaking her free of her spell. What the fuck was she doing? She reached to the couch and grabbed a deep violet pillow, holding it in front of herself. But the touch of the pillow wasn’t comforting—it was stimulating. The second the rough fabric touched her nipples, Jodi gasped aloud. She moved the thing, unsure whether she liked the feeling or not. Now her breasts were bare, one corner of violet tapestry pushing up between them. The pressure was off her breasts, but this happened to be a pillow that featured prominent tassels at each point. One of which banged against her pussy. In exactly the right spot. Jodi moaned. She couldn’t stop it, even though she knew the shutter was clicking, capturing the throb of her pussy as the tassel teased it awake. Her hips thrust forward involuntarily, seeking more, searching, craving… needing… Jodi wrenched the pillow away and flung it at the camera and Marcus. She didn’t give a fuck if it hit him or not. Her heart thumped, her body trembled and she could feel the moisture gathering between her legs. Her blood was fire burning through her veins, pounding loudly in her ears—drowning out everything but the click of the shutter. She let her hands drift where they would, touching her skin in soft strokes. It was like her hands weren’t her hands but someone else’s…everywhere they caressed flared into life. She closed her eyes and lost herself. She became a stranger, someone who moved into positions that encouraged a sensual brush of the fingers, or perhaps the lick of a tongue. She turned to the side and let one hand run from her thigh up over one buttock to the small of her back. Pressing inwards, she arched, letting her hair fall down her spine and tickle her skin with silken strands. 61

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The other hand cupped a breast, lifting it a little, easing the weight that now felt so full and hot. Her nipple cried out and she answered its call, teasing it with thumb and forefinger, bringing a flood of juices to her pussy and a choke of pleasure to her throat. Her knees trembled and weakened, and for a second or two she felt like she might faint. The couch. She had to sit, lie, something…anything to take the weight off legs that were turning to jelly from her own touch and the click of his camera. Two quick steps and she was there. Thank the Lord. She eased herself down, willing her body to slide onto the cushions and not collapse. The fabric felt rough against her back, but at least she could stretch out, let her thighs part, and ease the heat between them with the cool air in the room. She lay full-length along the couch, and filled her lungs. Oh dear God. She’d never felt so…free. I am here. This is me.

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Chapter 10 Marcus prowled around the room like a wolf, moving silently but with purpose. The darkness was his shield and it made him more daring. He knew his eyes were hidden behind his camera. He also knew that if she were to look into them, he would lose control. For Marcus, this was his fantasy come true. He loved the look, the shine, the way light reacted with the female flesh. Jodi was affecting him again and he could see she was getting into this. But what was her limit? How far would she let him in? The thought came to him and hit him hard in the gut. I want—all the way in. He stood up and walked past the couch. “What’s wrong?” Jodi asked, panting lightly. “Need to change my lens. I want to get closer.” Marcus wasn’t kidding. He wanted to get so close he could smell the wetness brewing from the heat of her passion. Marcus took a long deep breath then turned back towards Jodi as she lay nude on the couch. He knelt and blew out a few of the candles, leaving only a flicker of orange and yellow light. The camera hung low around his neck and he leaned forward. “Jodi, you’ve shown me you’re comfortable with your body. And you’ve been posing beautifully.” His voice was just above a whisper. “Now show me what’s inside you. No poses, no fancy lights, no limits. Show me Jodi…show me.” His hand brushed her eyelids shut. Jodi fell into his spell. No limits. The words reached inside her and smashed into the wall she’d built so many years ago. She gasped as it shattered, leaving her shaking and aware of him. Goosebumps rose along her arms as he moved, as if every hair on her body was tracking him. She was on fire, not just her body now, but in her mind. He wasn’t seeing “femme gelée”—frozen woman. He wasn’t photographing the woman she’d come to believe she was. He was seeing her. The real Jodi. She swallowed past a lump in her throat and let a rush of pleasure flood her. She’d never felt this way, never felt so alive, or so aroused. No limits. Did he mean that? Did he want her to let go completely? Could she? Was it possible to step through the ruins of the last seven years and become what she’d buried so deep?

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A woman who could, really could, let herself go? Could she show him what she wanted? To be looked at as something other than just a convenience? To show him how she liked to be touched, how she needed to be aroused? Her mind whirled with new and vibrant emotions, like the colors in a wild and frenzied work of art. Deep reds of arousal fought with the sparkling blues of a new selfawareness, and the dark shadows of remembered pain were lightened by the vivid yellows of her desires. Her hand was drawn to her breast and she gently brushed the tip of her aroused nipple. She heard the clicking of the camera hasten and sensed Marcus beside her. His breathing seemed faster and it aroused her even more to know she was beginning to get to him. She didn’t need to see him. She began to feel him. He had asked her a question…given her an order. She knew her answer. Yes. She could show him. No limits. Marcus looked through his lens and focused close to her erect nipple rising from the smooth skin of her breast. The shutter closed quickly—he had caught a piece of her. “Just follow your feelings, Jodi…follow your feelings.” Her fingers walked down her ribs to her belly and with each inch the sounds of the camera would click off the steps. Marcus looked down and tried to catch his breath. Before him lay a sensual woman, begging to be taken. It had been a long time since he’d felt so flooded by desire…so full of need. He pulled the camera away from his face and rubbed his eyes with his hand. It’s just pictures—just pictures. He kept reassuring himself that it wasn’t more. Stepping to her head as it rested on the arm of the couch, he looked through the camera and saw her running her index finger along the wet flesh of her pussy. Click, click, click. Marcus could feel her hot breath inches away from his cock as he stood looking down, seeing Jodi’s eyes closed tight and her mouth open. Oscar saw the same thing and decided it was time to wake up and smell the pussy willow. Christ, I want him. Inside me. Jodi’s mind was filled with visions of Marcus insanely fucking her. His face filled her imagination, and she dared not open her eyes in case her fantasies became reality. Her finger became his cock and instead of the drawn-out simple pleasure of sex, it became more. Something that made her ache to finally reach her release. She was feeling the onslaught of the emotional and physical joys of an orgasm, long needed, too long denied. Marcus got on his knees beside her head and aimed the camera down her body. Jodi felt his breath along her shoulder and barely heard his murmur. “My God, Jodi, you are radiant.”

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Click, click, click. She sensed him as he moved to the other end of the couch and focused his camera on her fingers, now toying with the succulent, glistening flesh of her pussy. Click , click, click. Jodi finally opened her eyes and saw Marcus aiming the camera between her legs. She needed him to understand. With one hand, she kept up her rhythmic strokes, letting her fingers spread her moisture around, slick and hot. With the other, she began to pull. Just above her mound, pressing into the skin, she pulled upwards, stretching her folds, tugging her pussy lips apart and letting her secrets be revealed. She knew that deep inside those wet places her clit was lurking, hiding as it always did when she became aroused. Only this way did she stand a chance of coming. And she realized that tonight the chances were looking very good. Very good indeed. She parted her thighs even more, willing Marcus and his camera to understand what she was doing. She opened herself before him. Marcus lowered his camera, but never looked up to her eyes. He just breathed in the sweet scent of her sex. His hand grasped at his crotch and sweat broke out on his brow. She had him exactly where she’d wanted him, but it was a double-edged sword. He had her, too. Jodi moved her hand and almost came from the knowledge that he was drooling over her. Take me, you bastard. You know you want to. Come on, dammit. Jodi closed her eyes, convinced he was going to give in and fuck her right here, right now. She waited…and waited… Marcus lowered his head. He closed his eyes and moved around the couch. I can’t handle this anymore. He shoved the cameras into the bag savagely and cursed to himself as he headed toward the door. Torn in half by his heart. Time heals all wounds, but Marcus knew his had gone deep. Seeing Vanessa had opened it and caused it to bleed all over again. The hurt was still there, still…raw. Yet something told him that it was part of his past. Part of what made him the man he was today. That now Jodi was the woman he craved. Like a primal feast he wanted to devour her flesh. Her cool demeanor had driven him crazy—almost to the brink of insanity. And now… Holding the door handle, he took one last look at Jodi. She had risen from the couch and stood watching him, her face expressionless, but her eyes… He saw the smooth glistening skin, the slope of her legs to her hips, her nipples erect, screaming for his attention. 65

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Fuck it, I can’t handle this anymore. Marcus turned back into the room and closed the door tight behind him. Enough foreplay, this is a necessity. Staring into her eyes, Marcus wanted to invade her, body and soul. The straining hard-on in his pants was all the proof he needed. This wasn’t love, this wasn’t sex—it was pure uninhibited lust. He dropped his bag on the couch and peeled off his jacket, never taking his eyes from Jodi. Her body quivered, her thigh muscles hardened and he knew he was getting to her. He slipped out of his sneakers, kicking them away and continued stalking toward her. Jodi began to step backwards away from Marcus as he began to unfasten the button on his jeans. There were no words spoken. None were needed. They both knew what was going to happen and that the silence between them would soon be broken—by the screams of ecstasy. Jodi backed against the living room wall. The full moon glowed through the skylights, encasing her in beams of light. She looked like an angel. Pure, beautiful and mystifying. Except angels didn’t stand naked, licking their luscious red lips and with a fire between their legs so hot it scorched their skin and left their bodies aching for sex. Forcefully, Marcus pressed against her and her hot flesh burned into his. Their tongues tangled together in a merging destined to happen. Marcus’s eyes flickered shut. She tasted even more wonderful than he’d imagined. And this was only her mouth. He pulled back and bit her bottom lip, pulling at it. He wanted more. All the rules were thrown out the window. Marcus’s hands scorched up Jodi’s torso to her full breasts. He rubbed his thumbs roughly over her taut nipples bringing a deep moan from within Jodi. He kissed her cheek and around to her ear. He ran his tongue along the inner lobe and felt her weight sag against him as her legs weakened. Her hands were free and she began to use them as she grasped his cock through the fabric of his jeans. She stroked it firmly, with no hesitation. There would be no turning back. He stepped away a little and Jodi reached out and ripped his shirt open. The clattering of buttons echoed through the silence as they hit the floor. She sighed at the sight of his muscles rippling as he drew a breath. Marcus moved back to her, feeling her hot skin burn against his. He sucked on her neck and ground his pelvis into hers. Jodi panted and ran her fingers along the back of Marcus’s neck, through the ends of his hair. She smiled as the moonlight shone on her face and into her eyes.

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Marcus leaned over to get his wallet as he fought free of his jeans. His face followed the line of Jodi’s body to her chest. Her hands never left the back of his head as he suckled on her nipples, first one and then the other. He tried to be cool as he ripped open the protective wrapper on his security shield. He quickly learned what was meant by “childproof” and choked down a growl of frustration. His cock was begging to be freed and allowed to venture into this unexplored terrain. Oscar was as hard as granite. Finally getting the slippery condom from its confinement, he slid it down his shaft and stood back up. Marcus stared into Jodi’s eyes and grabbed her ass, lifting her up. As he leaned her against the wall the swollen head of his cock pressed against the dripping wet opening to her pussy. When he moved in to kiss her, he plunged into the warmth of her. With a groan Marcus finally let himself appreciate the beauty of her. This wasn’t a moment of deep meaningful experiences. It was a culmination of a teasing game they’d played and both of them would be the victor in this sex-match. Marcus began to pound into Jodi’s willing body with hard, deep thrusts and her breasts jiggled from the shockwaves of his vigorous hammering. She brushed her fingers over Marcus’ mouth. He leaned his head back and continued to plunge into her. The scent of her pussy was on her skin and it filled his nose as he tasted it on her fingers. I’m falling into the sex and it’s never been like this. Feelings of frantic desire swelled inside Jodi, making every sensation in her cunt more intense, more pleasurable. She lost track of everything—the wall behind her, where she was, even who she was. It was all about the sex. About Marcus, driving her higher and higher with each thrust of that thick cock of his. Stretching her, filling her, demanding—yes, demanding— that she match him, move for move. He wasn’t asking her to come, or telling her to come—he was demanding it, as if it was his right. The photo shoot, Jodi’s whirling thoughts as she explored her body for Marcus’s camera, everything had led up to this point. He was going deep inside her now, his body clashing against hers as they both sobbed for breath. It was happening. She let him take her weight, sliding her legs up the backs of his thighs and locking her ankles around his hips, trying to grind him higher, get him even deeper into her body. Her nails dug into his shoulders and she moaned as the air was forced from her lungs time and time again. Then it began.

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Jodi stiffened as a tingle started low in her spine and her buttocks hardened. Her heart stopped for long seconds. And she exploded on a scream. “Marcus.” Every nerve cell she possessed blew its fuse. She writhed against him, fighting to ride the waves of passion that rocked her. Her body was on overload, and her brain had given up trying to dial an emergency number and was now whimpering helplessly. All she could feel was her cunt, racking Marcus’s cock with violent spasms, holding him, releasing him and then grabbing him once more. “Marcus…” She shrieked again, but it could have been a mere whisper. She didn’t know. Whatever it was, he heard her. Hearing her calling his name only fueled his need. For some time, Marcus had desperately wanted to appreciate the feel of a woman again. This woman. But Jodi always seemed untouchable—out of his league, off limits…until now. Now he had her. He wanted to stay up all night, fucking her as if tomorrow didn’t exist. Marcus buckled as he felt the walls of Jodi’s pussy caress his rigid cock. His head leaned forward and he rested his sweating forehead against the hot flesh of her shoulder. Bending his knees, he rose up with a powerful thrust, lifting her high. The wet juices from her orgasm burned his tender skin. Feeling his balls tighten, he exploded with a shuddering fury. His cock flexed as he came over and over. All his pent-up desires and lust were freed and a rush of contentment soothed him. The time for concealment was over. It had been a necessity for him to hide behind his past and refuse to follow his purest desires. His desire to be with Jodi. Marcus struggled for breath and let his body begin to relax as Jodi loosened her grip around him. Her fingernails dragged against the skin on the back of his neck. Falling loose he sighed, craving to stay inside the warmth of her body. He knelt to pull on his pants. He figured now would be a good time to hit the restroom. Oscar flinched in agreement. Jodi slithered down the wall to the floor into a boneless heap. She was breathing hard and her skin was slick with sweat, like she’d just run several miles. He didn’t know what he expected, but it wasn’t her next words. “Marcus…you need to leave.” He blinked. “Are you sure you want me to go?” He knew he wanted more. “No, but leave anyway.” He stared into her eyes. Her expression was a strange mixture of fear, desire and— something else. Something he couldn’t quite understand. He tucked in his rubber-rain-

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coated friend and glanced between Jodi’s long legs, seeing a glistening moistness. “Damn. You are so fucking hot.” The words just spilled from his mouth. Her breath caught in her throat. “Just go. Get the fuck out of here. Please.” It was the “please” that got to him. Marcus silently gathered the rest of his scattered clothing and left.

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Chapter 11 “You what?” Eleanor’s voice sounded loudly through the phone, making Jodi wince. “I came, El. Honest to God. Shudders, twitches—what do they call it—spasms…the whole nine yards.” Jodi sat huddled in her bed with her phone against her ear. She could still smell Marcus and sex, and her body still glowed from the aftereffects of their “session”. “Well, that’s…wonderful, honey.” “No it’s not.” Jodi moaned and squished her eyelids together. “It’s soooo not.” “I don’t get it. You finally hit the heights with a guy and you’re not happy about it?” Jodi sighed. How the hell to explain it, when she wasn’t sure she understood it herself? “Eleanor. There’s something I need to tell you.” She paused, biting down on her lip. “About Paris.” “Okay? I’m listening.” God, this was so hard. “Something real bad happened to me early on in Paris.” She gulped back the memory. “Oh my God. Jodi.” Eleanor’s voice was harsh with fear. “You weren’t raped, were you?” “Jesus, no. Nothing like that…” Eleanor’s exhaled breath sounded loudly through the phone. “Damn, you scared me. Well, if it wasn’t anything like that, how bad could it be?” Jodi snorted. “It was about as bad as it could be for a kid of nineteen who thought she was in love. A kid who thought she was gonna get married. A kid who stood in the front of a church, only to hear her fiancé refuse to marry her because she…stunk in bed.” “Oh Christ. Jodi.” Eleanor’s voice was choked. “Honey, why didn’t you tell me?” “What’s to tell? I was an ass. A young ass. And stupid too. What the fuck did I know? It’s over, El. Water under the bridge.” It was Eleanor’s turn to snort. “Oh really?” “Yeah, really.” Jodi’s retort shot back immediately. “Honest, El. It’s in the past and not worth hashing out now. He was a jerk and I’m a lot better off without him. But it taught me one thing. Don’t bother giving anything to a man you don’t want to lose.” “Like your heart, for instance?” “Yep.”

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“Or your body?” “Hell, I’ve given that away often enough. No…that’s not the point.” Jodi paused. “Baby, it is the point, I’m thinking. Fucking is one thing, Jodi. Making love is something else.” There was silence for a few moments before Jodi answered. “Yeah. It is. And I’m scared that when I’m with Marcus…we’re…” “Making love?” “Possibly. I don’t know. I don’t seem to be able to keep him at a distance like I have with everyone else. He sees me, El. He touches me and makes me want to touch him back. To give…something…anything…I don’t know what. And I’m afraid of giving that something…to him or anyone.” Her laugh was bitter. “Stupid, isn’t it?” Eleanor’s response was immediate. “Jodi, if there’s one thing you’re not, it’s stupid. You’re one hell of a smart woman. You know what’s going on. You’re dealing with it. You’ve met a guy who has found the right buttons to push. But you still have the power to walk away, don’t you?” “Yeah, I guess…” “So,” continued Eleanor. “The question is, whether you want to?” “Jesus. I don’t know, Eleanor. I just don’t frickin’ know at this point. Half of me wants to run to South America, the other half wants to go back and beg him to fuck me again to see if it was real or just a figment of my imagination.” She forced a laugh. “And that’s about as honest as I can manage right now.” Eleanor thought for a moment. “Look, sweetheart. You don’t actually have to do anything right now. Why don’t you take some time, think it over, and then decide? Don’t forget there’s Marcus to consider as well. If he wants to run to South America or whatever. It’s all too new…very sudden, and you’re overwhelmed…” “…And sticky.” Eleanor laughed. “And sticky. Sticky is good.” “As always, big sister, you’re making sense. I do need some time. It’s all very…strange. Christ…” She rubbed her hand over her face. “I’m such a frickin’ coward.” “Nah. Not my sister. You’ve faced some rotten shit, babe, as Justin would say. You’ve come through it with flying colors. Just take some time and figure out what you want from this guy. Another session in bed with him…or…if it’s something more, what that something is.” Jodi sighed. Time. Yeah, she needed time. And perhaps Marcus did too. But damn, he made her ache for him. Both when he was inside her and when he was gone from her. It was confusing, a bit painful, and quite terrifying. Men. Can’t live with ‘em, can’t shoot ‘em. Jodi said goodnight to Eleanor and hung up the phone.

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***** The room was dimly lit. The yellow glow of the fire was all the scenery he needed. Marcus had called Jodi and asked her to come over. He left the door unlocked and lay on the couch staring at the dancing flames, waiting for her. After last night, he knew what he wanted. A woman so deep and so sensual. The fierce attraction between them was destiny. He was a passionate man, desperate to possess her. Hearing footsteps, Marcus rolled onto his back and saw Jodi’s face. Her dark hair hung over her eyes and she glanced across at the fire. Her teeth gleamed in the firelight and that wonderfully wicked smile crossed her face. The smile that awoke many parts of Marcus. Especially Oscar. Her demeanor was different somehow than it had been the night before. Then, she had pushed him away and seemed standoffish. She was hot, like the sun, but more afraid than the way she was acting now. At this moment she seemed like a woman on a mission. Cool, calculating and sensuous. Damn—she made Marcus horny. As he moved to sit up, Jodi rushed to hold him on the couch. Her hands pressed against his chest. She raised a finger to his mouth and made a sound. “Shhh.” She smiled at him. “You relax—this is my turn.” She gently caressed his lips with hers. Marcus was a dead man—except for his pounding heart and pulsing cock. Sinking back into the sofa cushions, Marcus surrendered. At first, Jodi just kissed the rough stubble of Marcus’ chin. Then her moist lips washed along the pulsing veins of his neck to his collarbone. He quickly became putty in Jodi’s soft hands. A whispery moan filled his ear when Jodi licked the outer ridge. A shudder of excitement crept down his spine and electrified his already iron-hard cock. If lightning were to hit, he had the appropriate lightning rod. Jodi’s hands fell to her sides and she untied the straps holding her jacket shut. Keeping his eyes closed, Marcus could only imagine what she wore beneath the thick fabric of the coat. A burning heat pressing against his abdomen answered the question as her breasts rested on his flexing muscles. Her lips traced the indentions of his chest finding his nipples and tugging them between her lips. Spinning in a blissful tornado of pleasure, Marcus started humming to himself. He loved being seduced by a sexy woman. What man wouldn’t? Jodi took her own sweet time. Marcus was a roadmap of sensitive areas and she was on the border of Mexico and headed for Tijuana. Ay Caramba—she tugged his buttons loose on the front of his jeans. Oscar was freed from the tightness of the fabric and swelled within the snug briefs. Jodi looked appreciatively at Marcus’s cock. “Dinnertime.” She licked her lips.

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Marcus was now helpless. All he could do was lie there, begging for her to release him from this torture of endless lust. He craved Jodi more than any other woman. Was it her wild blue eyes? The way she carried herself? That fine ass? Or the fact that she was now teasing the tip of his cock with her tongue? His money was on the latter excuse for the time being. She might not turn out to be Ms. Right, but she sure as hell was Ms. RIGHT NOW! The feeling of her tight lips encompassing the stiff, swollen head of his cock was enough to make Marcus’s buttocks clench. The muscles of his ass tightened and loosened with almost the uncontrollable urge to thrust upward, deeper into her throat. It might be a primal urge but he thought of it as a need. His pelvis rose and Marcus heard a “BRRRIIIINNNNGGG”. He lifted up again and “BRRRIIIINNNNGGG”. It was the fucking phone interrupting an absolutely orgasmic dream. Ignore it. He still felt the wetness of Jodi’s mouth sucking him in and out of her mouth. The warmth was comforting and second only to the feel of her pussy. Wait a moment…if I’m awake enough to hear the phone, how can I still feel her…? Opening his eyes, Marcus saw a blonde head bobbing between his thighs. A chill ran down his spine and he yelled. “Vanessa? What the fuck are you doing?” Letting Marcus free from her mouth, she sucked in a bit of drool. “Oh come on, baby. I just want a little of what I used to get all the time. It’s not like we haven’t had sex before.” For a brief moment Marcus hesitated. Oscar was too damn ready to rekindle the old flame. He usually was. But something held him back. “No. You fucked me over before.” Marcus struggled to pull his pants around his butt and Vanessa tried to pull them back down. “I’m not fool enough to let you do it again.” Marcus had a raging hard-on and even though this was a sure thing, he knew, deep inside, that Vanessa simply wanted to use him again. She had taken advantage of him for too long and too many times in the past. All the lies, the deceit, the sex. Well—okay. He’d never complained about her need for sex. But it had been her need for sex from another man that had damn near killed him. “Vanessa . . . NO. Not this time.” Marcus turned her down flat. He tugged his pants up over his cock and gingerly zipped up, caging his beast. “I remember a time when Oscar never said no. Two or three times a night and he never said no.” Vanessa paused. “She must be pretty special.” “What the hell are you talking about?”

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“Marcus, I may be a blonde, and a model, but I’m not stupid. I know when a man has another woman in his head.” She curled her lip. “You’re crazy. Just. . .oh shit, I’m late!” Marcus leaped up, seizing the time as an excellent excuse to leave. Quickly. This was one discussion he wanted to avoid having with his ex. Even if she was dressed in a silk shirt and no underwear. Grabbing his coat, Marcus opened the door and looked back at Vanessa. “I’m sorry. My head is fucked up and I won’t have anything else complicate it. I’ll be back later. Maybe we can grab some pizza or something. I don’t know…” The door closed and Marcus hung his head. As he drew in a deep breath, he knew he’d done the right thing. Oscar, on the other hand, wasn’t so sure.

***** For the fifth time, Marcus picked up the phone and painstakingly started dialing the number. Quickly he hung up. “Nope, nope, nope. I’ll let her call me. She’ll call. I know she will. She has to. I think she had fun the other night. What do you think, Oscar?” Oscar gently nudged his Levi’s, acknowledging Marcus’ question. “I thought so, too. I sure know I did.” Oscar thought about that. “I’m not used to getting kicked out by a woman after she buckles my back with an orgasm.” Marcus tried to rationalize his thoughts with excuses. Justin looked around the bar. “Who are you talking to, Marcus?” Surprised, Marcus turned to see Justin lugging a case of beer into the club. “Hey boss. You need some help?” “Boss? Not BOSSHOLE, DICKHEAD, LIMPDICK? Not used to being called Boss. What’s wrong?” Justin set the case down. “Oh…well…I wanted to have your sister come over to my place.” “My sister attends in college in California.” He frowned. “Wait a minute, she’s my little sis…what’re you talking about?” Justin looked awkwardly at Marcus. “No, stupid. Jodi. Sister-in-law.” “Ahhhh, Jodi huh?” Justin teased Marcus. “So, you wanna…you know…hide the salami? Get freaky? Pet the kitty? Set off your heat missile?” “Shut the fuck up, Justin. She’s your wife’s sister for chrissake.” Even though he knew Justin was teasing, he couldn’t help getting a little pissed. “Sorry dude. Just fuckin’ with your head. Jodi is a nice woman. A little ‘hands off’, maybe, but definitely a babe.” “Hands off?” Marcus glared back at Justin, wondering about his comment.

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“Yeah, you know. She hasn’t really gotten close to a guy. She’s had boyfriends and stuff, just nothing serious. Eleanor told me she doesn’t want to be tied down.” Marcus’s first thought was I wonder if she’d like being tied up? But he wasn’t the commitment type either right now. Maybe this was a good thing. It could make the awkward situation easier because he knew what happened had been just something instinctual. Wonderfully erotic, and the simple thought of it gave him a stir in his pants, but it had been just something spontaneous. He could call her now and remain calm. Why should he be nervous? He’d only seen her naked in her apartment with her body shining in the dim lights and the slick folds of her pussy glistening before his eyes. Just like any other woman. Except for the nudity and the rapidly accelerating pounding of his heart. She was toast and he was the butter.

***** Marcus’s hands were damp as he held the phone to his ear and waited for her to answer. “Hello?” “Umm, Jodi?” “Yeah, this is Jodi. Marcus?” At least she recognized his voice. “Yes. Er…I was wondering…no, that sounds stupid. Umm, would you like to come over to my place?” She paused. “Look, Marcus…I…I’m kinda glad you called. I need to apologize.” Marcus almost spoke over her words. “To look at the pictures.” Then what she’d just said sank in. “Apologize? For what?” “I just want you to know that I’m really sorry about the way I sort of kicked you out the other night.” He hadn’t expected this. What to say? I wish you hadn’t? “Well I should have, maybe shouldn’t have taken advantage of the situation. I mean you were all naked, and hot, and sexy and hot and…I’m rambling. And hot…” He heard her choke back a laugh. “Look…thanks for saying that. And thanks for…well, you know.” He couldn’t resist. “And hot.” She wasn’t going to respond to that one, though. She let it go. “You didn’t deserve to get thrown out on your ass without at least a word. But I have to tell you that I appreciated the way you didn’t make a big deal out of it.”

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A big deal? She hadn’t seen the pain on his face when he’d zipped up his pants. Shit. He was going to have to handle this carefully. “I didn’t mind being used. At least you didn’t have me clean the toilets or something.” A sexy giggle heated Marcus’s ear. “No, honey, that wasn’t the plumbing that got cleaned out.” Marcus sternly told himself to stay focused on the conversation. “Hmm, well if you ever need a plumber…I’m your man.” Forget Roto Rooter. “I’m just trying to say thank you for…taking advantage, and not taking advantage. If that makes any sense at all. And now I’m rambling. Sorry.” “What’s that? Oh, Oscar said he’s going to study plumbing whenever possible.” “Oscar?” Jodi sounded puzzled. “You’ve got a dog or something?” He smiled into the phone. “Never mind. Anyway, the reason I was calling was to see if you’d like to come and see the proof sheets of the photos so you can pick out the ones you like.” “You got them back already?” “Home developing. Just proof sheets to show the pictures roughly so we—I mean you—can pick ones you’d like enlarged.” And I can drool over them. “So, be honest with me…how’d they come out?” There was uncertainty in her voice. “Um…uhhh…” “That bad, huh?” Jodi laughed. “Marcus…don’t yank my chain here…” Well, fuck it. He’d go for honesty. “The ones on the couch? Breathtaking.” He heard her gulp. “Really?” You have no idea. “The face shots were nice but I have to tell you, the bodyscape photos were HOT. I said hot a lot, didn’t I?” “Uh, yeah, you did. But…let’s face it, you’re probably not the most impartial critic here…” He bit his lip. “Not after…well…you know.” “Especially not after…you know.” Good. They both knew about…you know. “Listen, Jodi. What happened—happened. I’m not gonna act all freaky with you. I mean it was nice…well…umm…fantastic, maybe fucking incredible or…er…what were we talking about?” “Marcus. Focus, okay?” Her voice snapped from the phone. “It was…nice.” She paused. Nice? It was so much more than fucking nice. “Oh.” “Well, more than nice. Okay. It was pretty mind-blowing.” Thank God for that. He wasn’t the only one whose eyeballs had rolled into the back of his skull. “I promise to be a gentleman, Jodi. We had a one-time, stress-relieving, ball-

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busting experience brought on by the raw sensuality of the moment. In other words, a one-night thing.” There was a long moment of silence from Jodi’s end. “Hey…you know I appreciate your saying that. It was fantastic, but man, it could get really complicated…” She trailed off. “Well, I work for your brother-in-law and I sure don’t want to ruffle any feathers.” And isn’t that the truth. It wasn’t feathers he wanted to ruffle. “Look, I don’t think this has anything to do with Justin, or Eleanor for that matter. It’s between us, okay? We’re consenting adults.” She sounded a little piqued. “Of course. My lips are sealed.” A wicked giggle surprised him. “They weren’t that night.” It was Marcus’s turn to gulp, but damned if he’d let her get away with saying something like that. “No. And neither were yours. Either pair.” She sucked in a huge breath of air and the receiver whistled. “Damn it, Marcus. I’m not used to this.” You got that right, sweetheart. “Me neither. It’s been a loooong time ever since…well it’s just been a while since I felt this attracted to someone. Love bites sometimes and it takes a while to heal.” “I hear you.” Her voice sounded a little odd. Marcus couldn’t decide if it was a laugh or a choke. But she carried on. “At the risk of sending your ego through the roof, I can’t remember the last time it was that good. BUT…as you said…one night.” “Really.” So his chest was puffing out. Big deal. “Well, I try.” “So, about the photos?” She was back to business. Shit. “What photos?” “The ones that started this craziness, you idiot!” Her laugh warmed his ear. “Ohhhh, yes. Look, I’ll probably be here until after eight so you can come by, or I can take you over there? It’s your call.” “Well, honey…” A sensual note crept into her voice, and Marcus braced himself. “I’m tempted to say you can take me anywhere, but since that’s not up for discussion, I think I’d rather see them at your place…I don’t want them traveling anywhere someone might accidentally see them, and I’m not sure what time I’ll be finished up here.” Marcus felt a smile curving his lips. ‘“Okay. I’ll leave my parking space open so you won’t have to walk. Just park where we did the other day.” “Great. Look…I really appreciate this. All of it. You’ve been very patient… and…well, I appreciate it. I’m repeating myself, aren’t I?” She chuckled. “Yep.” “I really don’t do that. Don’t know what’s the matter with me.” He had to end this. Before he said something he’d regret. “I’ll let you go. See you tonight.”

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“Sure. I’ll just drop by to see the shots, okay? Don’t want to take up too much of your time.” Marcus shook his head. “Yeah, being that I’m so busy…” “Well. Good. So—just a quick visit. In and out.” There was a silence followed by a sputtering sound as Jodi realized what she’d just said. Hell, I’m not gonna let that one go! “A quickie. Sure. But one time we’ll have to make it a longie.” “Uh, Marcus? Trust me on this. You don’t need any help in that department. Bye.” The phone went dead as she hung up quickly. Like so many women, she’d gotten in the last shot. At least for now. Soon…it would be his turn.

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Chapter 12 Jodi’s heart was pounding like a damned drum as she shoved her car into “park” and turned off the ignition. It was almost dark, but she’d found her way to Marcus’s with the instincts of a homing pigeon, and that fact made her less than comfortable. She shouldn’t be here. She shouldn’t be sweating a little at the thought of seeing him again. She’d avoided him quite nicely for the last couple of days, and almost completely avoided even thinking about him. Well, so maybe that wasn’t quite the truth. But she’d tried. Just as she was trying now to convince herself that she hadn’t come to his place for more…fun and games. She was here simply to look at the photos he’d taken. Of her. Naked. She groaned and rested her head on the steering wheel. She should just turn that damn key, start the car and drive home. Never look back, never think of his hard body against hers, never remember… Shit. This sooo wasn’t working. On the seat next to her lay a pink box, with four of her special éclairs tucked safely inside. A “thank you” present. Although what—exactly—she was thanking him for was up for discussion. The photos, yes. But she fully intended to pay him for those. The eye-rolling sex complete with the first orgasm she’d ever shared with a guy? How the hell did you thank someone for that? She doubted if a handful of light flaky pastries, drizzled in rich chocolate topping and filled with crème fraiche would actually be sufficient. But it was all she had. And she wasn’t about to tell him about the “first time” thing. God forbid a guy should ever think he’d done that. Might as well just crown him King of his World and be done with it. Talk about an ego boost. No, there were some secrets she’d keep. And tonight the other thing she’d keep would be her legs. Firmly together. No matter how much he did the “hot eye” thing, or loomed over her with those shoulders of his. Or how good he smelled. Or how enticing that bulge in his jeans might seem. Fuuuuck. Jodi pulled herself out of her sexual haze and bit down hard on her lower lip. She could control herself, dammit. This was going to be a test. She’d show herself and the world she could resist Marcus’s lure. She’d restore her faith in herself as an independent woman who could pick, choose, and throw away at her own whim.

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And if she felt like fucking him? Well, then, she’d do that too. She resolutely got out of the car and slammed the door shut. Then she cursed and moved to the passenger side, realizing she’d locked the frickin’ pastries inside. Gathering her bag and the box, she smoothed down her denim miniskirt, and wondered if she should have changed after all. Nope. She was here for business. Her skirt and T-shirt were plain, simple, and comfortable and sent a clear message. Jodi Preston, chef. Anything else might have sent a different message. Jodi Preston—sex wanted, apply within. Awkwardly, she carried her box up the stairs to Marcus’s loft. The door was closed and she could hear music coming from inside. So he was home. Ignoring her practical white cotton panties that were abrading suddenly sensitive flesh, she gathered every little bit of courage she possessed and raised her hand. Knock, knock, knock. Jodi smoothed her skirt and waited by the door patiently. The thumping of the music pulsed through the wood and muffled her knocking. She tapped again, but to no avail. Jiggling the knob she pushed Marcus’s door open. The loud blare of guitars echoed through her head as the sound of Evanescence filled the room. Jodi looked around seeing nothing but the messy bed and some clothes left in a trail down the hallway. If men put half the effort into keeping their apartments clean as they put money into stereo and TV equipment the world would be a cleaner place. It would also be a helluva lot quieter. Jodi heard a loud thud and peeked into the darkened area. There was a door halfopen and a light cloud of steam creeping out. Her curiosity drove her towards the door and she cautiously looked inside. Ooh Mama. A gorgeous, tight, man’s ass was staring back at her as he bent forward. A deliciously naked ass. Jodi raised her eyebrows and blinked at the black tattoo on Marcus’s back while he dried his legs and torso, still dripping wet from his shower. And she suddenly realized Marcus wasn’t the only thing dripping wet. She quietly adjusted her cotton panties and her nipples popped out of the front of her T-shirt like exclamation points. Hello! She relaxed and took a few moments of simple pleasure, watching Marcus’s wide shoulders and back, and the way his glistening muscles caught the light as he moved. Even his legs were damn near perfect. That ache began, low down between her legs. What to say? Touch me? Let me touch you? Can I lose myself with you for about a month or so? She compromised. “Nice tattoo.”

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Shocked, Marcus spun around, his wet hair flinging water droplets across the room and onto Jodi’s blouse. “You’re early. I was just…well, you know, I was all sweaty and…wanted to get cleaned up.” “Go ahead. I’ll just wait here.” She smiled as Marcus leaned over to grab his jeans. Her pussy twitched with remembered pleasure as he dropped his towel and Jodi saw him totally naked. God, he was soooo fine. Marcus turned away and stepped into his jeans, commando style. They were tight and the wetness of his skin made them fit him closer than wallpaper. A quick thought flashed through Jodi’s mind that Wranglers had probably never fit anyone quite as well as they did him. The company was missing out on a heaven-sent advertising opportunity. She snickered. “Be careful there when you zip up. Wouldn’t want you to leave teeth marks.” Marcus shook his head at her little joke as he turned to leave the bathroom, his shirtless frame almost filling the doorway. Jodi stepped away from him and returned the way she’d come, back into his living room. I’m afraid. Afraid of what he can do to me with just a look.

***** Marcus followed Jodi, watching the seductive sway of her ass. He breathed in her perfume as it filled the air around him. Fuck, she smells good. His mind blurred with arousal. He was a dead duck. “Let me grab a shirt so we can get comfortable.” “Don’t bother on my account,” she quipped. “You look just fine to me.” Something inside Marcus sizzled and popped, and for once, his control deserted him. “Jodi, I don’t want to play this game with you.” He knew his tone had changed and now he probably sounded mad. He didn’t care. It was time for some truths between them. “I’ve spent two fucking days trying to forget what happened the other night. But the harder I try, the harder it is to stop.” She was staring at him, an expression he couldn’t read on her face. Her blue eyes were wide and her mouth…damn, that mouth… The muscles of his neck tightened as a fury began to build within him. “I’ve wanted nothing more than to kick in your bedroom door and fuck you until I die from exhaustion. All this from one night of you posing for me, fucking me, and kicking me out. I can’t explain it—but I’m not going to deny it. So just stop teasing me and for chrissake let me know what the fuck I’m supposed to do.” It was a plea from his gut and he watched as it dawned on her he was no longer someone she could toy with and control. Did she have any clue that he could be the one she so desperately wanted that it made her heart skip—like it did his?

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***** Jodi battled to control this situation. She wouldn’t have her life plan altered by a man, especially a bartender. Even a drop-dead gorgeous, full of lust, intense hunk of a bartender. She couldn’t. She didn’t dare. She was afraid to take that leap…that jump into a place where nothing was certain, where it was all about feeling hot and needy. And possibly painful. “Marcus—not now. Not like this. I just…I think we made a mistake. We need to stop things now before they get out of hand.” Jodi knew she needed to go and moved to the door. If she stayed she would either hurt him, or let him in. Into places that even she was scared to look at. She looked down and turned the handle, pulling the door open. With a hard jerk, it slammed again and she looked up, seeing Marcus’s hands above her head. He was standing behind her with both arms pushing the door closed. His body brushed against her back. Hot breath blew along her neck as he whispered into her ear. “Don’t go. I can’t take this anymore.” Jodi lowered her head, his words cutting through the thick wall she had created around her emotions. Marcus had just melted it like it was butter and he had a hot knife. Swallowing back a sob, she pulled at the door again. With more force Marcus held it closed and pressed his now-rigid body against her. Still damp from his shower, she felt his heat burning her skin. He kissed her lightly behind her ear and she dropped her purse. “Oh fuck. You don’t know what that does to me.” Jodi’s knees weakened and her eyes closed. And it was no more than the truth. He didn’t know what he did to her. With his words and his touch and his lips… Marcus pressed against her body, molding himself to her. “I hope it makes you hot.” She leaned into the cool door. The ridge of his aroused cock strained against her lower back just above her ass. Her nipples ached as Marcus’s hands began to search her body, looking for the perfect spot. With a sure touch, he found it—beneath her skirt, just above the soaked lining of her worthless panties. Her clit was engorged and swollen and Marcus had no difficulty finding it with his thumb. That fact alone stunned Jodi as much as it excited her. He began rubbing it while kissing and licking the back of her neck. Chills chased themselves down her spine as Marcus kissed his way between her shoulders, holding her hip with one hand, rubbing the slick opening of her pussy with the other. Their arousal rose as Marcus became more vigorous with his probing finger. “For two days, all I could think about was you. Your face, your hair, your skin, the feel of your body as we fucked. It was intoxicating and I’m addicted to it.”

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Marcus bit the lobe of her ear making Jodi moan. “Just let me have you tonight. I need to get this out of my system before I go crazy.” With all his weight he leaned into Jodi. She arched forward smashing her breasts to the door as the flesh of her ass molded to his hips. Dear Lord, she wanted him. She wanted him sooo badly. This was new—this need, this overpowering desire for a man. Men had always come to her and she could shoo them away when she was done with them. That’s how it had worked. And she’d thought that was what she wanted. No entanglements, no hurt…no mess. But now she wanted Marcus. With a want that threatened to choke her. She wanted him inside her, around her, possessing her, taking her and…and…taking what she had to give. How did she know? The pounding of her heart told her, along with the tingle in her pussy and the sparks he was sending through her body. Marcus wanted her too. He tugged her shirt from the waistband of her skirt and felt the burning skin of her belly. The thickened shaft of his cock strained inside his jeans as he slipped his hands up inside her T-shirt, cupped her breasts within her bra, and pulled her against him. Jodi reached her arms over her head and ran her fingers through Marcus’s hair. Turning her head, their lips met and their tongues danced within each other’s mouths. No longer a duel to the death, Marcus found his own movements mirrored by hers. Her tongue found his and tangled with it, each giving and taking pleasure from the intimate joining. Unfastening the clasp on the front of her bra, Marcus freed Jodi’s breasts and caressed the hot flush of her skin. Her breasts were firm, the nipples tight from arousal and Marcus held them in his palms like a rare treasure as he kissed his way down her neck. The heat between them was becoming unbearable and Marcus was going insane with need. Pushing her skirt up to her waist, he stepped back and unfastened his pants. Like a missile, his cock sprang forward and he rested it against Jodi’s ass, letting it slide down to the crease of her legs, just barely touching the thin silk which barely covered the dripping lips of her pussy. Marcus prayed she wanted to feel him inside her again as much as he wanted to be there. Memories of her orgasm were fresh in his mind and wanting her this badly made them flare like the sun. She swayed her ass slightly, letting the head of his cock spread the labia apart beneath her panties. The pulse of her heartbeat drummed through her body to her throbbing clit. Jodi felt Marcus’s skin burn against the sheer fabric over her ass, but standing up wasn’t what she wanted. She wanted some deep fucking, and right now.

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No man had ever gotten to her like this. No man had ever made her feel like this. Like she was beautiful, desirable, sexy and free. Like he’d take everything she had to offer and return so much more. Like she could spend forever doing this with him and never stop. As if every touch was new, but familiar. He asked for nothing but what she offered. And he would give her back everything he had. It made her head spin and her breasts ache, and an emptiness began to weep inside her as the desire to be filled with this man grew bigger with every touch of his lips. Before she could say anything, Marcus reached down and picked her up. Like a little girl, she curled into his strong arms and breathed in his smell. His cock bobbed beneath her body as he carried her to the bed, surrounding her with his shower-fresh, aroused heat. Her senses swam as he gently lowered her onto the large mattress and the satin sheets kissed her skin like a thousand tiny mouths. She lay there, knowing she was ready to accept Marcus. For what he was and who he was. The man she wanted. He stood at the end of the bed and shucked off his jeans. She pulled her shirt up and off her head then slipped her arms from her loosened bra and tossed it at him. Marcus knelt on the bed and grabbed at her jean skirt. He unfastened the small button on the front and tugged at it. She raised her hips up and let him pulled it down her legs. His hands followed, caressing her skin along the way and finally tossing the skirt onto the nightstand where it knocked his alarm clock onto the floor with a clatter. The music turned on. “Nice one.” She giggled. Then wondered at herself. Laughter had never been part of sex for her before this moment. But with this man there was a sense of liberation in their closeness. She wasn’t tied to the notion that a great fuck was all it was about. He let her enjoy the experience. Laugh, smile, move as she wished when she wished. No, that was wrong. He didn’t let her…he encouraged her. Marcus leaped on top of Jodi and held his weight over her like he was doing pushups. The head of his cock teased the opening of her pussy and Jodi bit her lip at the pleasure of his hard arousal finding her wet and ready flesh. Without even thinking about it, she wiggled her hips and made him grin as his cock wobbled between her legs. She was losing herself in the joy they were sharing, but her common sense raised a little hand and distracted her momentarily. “No glove—no love, babe,” she said automatically. “They’re down here under the bed. One second.” Marcus slid down Jodi’s body, kissing her breasts and flicking his tongue over the very tips of her nipples, driving her insane with pleasure.

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Jodi closed her eyes as warmth filled her, and every muscle in her body responded. Marcus was delving inside her already wet pussy. With long deep swipes of his tongue he caressed her cunt from bottom to top. Each time he reached the top, he would grind his chin into her while keeping the moist pressure rubbing against her elusive clit. It certainly didn’t seem elusive to Marcus. Shivers ran up Jodi’s spine and damn near rattled her teeth each time he brushed that tingling hotspot. Her breasts craved attention and the need to touch them overcame her scruples, her inhibitions and her doubts. Grasping herself, Jodi let her mind imagine Marcus’s hands. Marcus’s fingers teasing her nipples, tugging and pulling them, and shocking her with the lightning bolts of sensation her movements sent directly to her cunt. Between her legs, Marcus had his hands full, firmly grasping her ass. His large palms cupped her smooth cheeks and he let his thumbs spread her pussy apart, revealing her secrets for his deeper exploration of her sex. “Mmm, you taste fuckin’ goooood,” he murmured. Jodi opened her eyes with difficulty and looked down her body to see Marcus’s tongue glisten above her pussy then dip back down. He was taking her over the edge. And she wanted to go. To let him take her wherever he wanted, show her whatever he wanted, and follow anywhere he led. She was willing…oh so willing. An orchestra ready for the conductor’s baton. Just show me where. Show me how. Let me do it. Be there with me when I reach it. Take that flight with me. The two of us. Together. He nuzzled and licked and slid his thumb just inside the opening of her pussy, gently easing the pressure down, tightening the tender flesh. Her clit now protruded outward and Marcus took full advantage, finding it and loving it with a fierce passion. His tongue lashed over it and he suckled and teased at it until the breath left her lungs in a gasp and her thighs shuddered. Helpless under his touch, Jodi began to buck and writhe on the bed. She squeezed her breasts in her hands and rolled the nipples between her fingers. She scarcely recognized her own voice as a growl was forced from her throat. “Oh God, I’m coming.” Marcus pulled back in an almost desperate move. “Goddamn, my cock is so fucking hard right now from this. You make me crazy.” He never stopped licking her, even though his hands fumbled for the condom. Never stopped driving her further and further up into a place she didn’t know. Turning her into a woman she didn’t know. Forcing her to accept the pleasure he could give her, to let her enjoy her own body’s responses and, once again, to let go. To let go of her past. Her doubts. Her confusion and her barriers. To let him in. Jodi’s shoulders pushed into the mattress and her feet dug in as she raised her hips to Marcus’s face. She was on the brink—it needed just one more thing to take her over…and Marcus had it.

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Only Marcus. He knelt up on the bed and grabbed Jodi’s raised body, accepting what she offered. With one thrust he sank himself deep into her pussy. He filled her. He completed her and made her whole. He was big, rock-hard, and the stretching released the coiled spring inside Jodi. Her mouth opened and she cried out as her body convulsed around his cock. Her hands scrabbled for something to hold on to as she fell into the heat between them, blinded by the tremors that washed from her cunt to her eyebrows and back again. Her breathing stopped, her brain froze, and every single part of her body shuddered and shook with the force of it. There were truly, finally, no limits. “Shit—you feel so fucking good. This is incredible.” Marcus’s voice was a whisper as Jodi fell back to the comfort of the bed with him tangled between her legs. His weight made her gasp for air and he pushed himself back up, rocking his pelvis back and forth in slow, hard thrusts. Jodi closed her eyes and slid her hands between their bodies, feeling the wetness of sweat dampening their skin. Her fingers caressed the flexing muscles of Marcus’s stomach as he picked up his pace and slammed harder into her. He moaned as his own passion took over, his hips pounding hard against her now, and claiming her, possessing her, filling so much more than just her cunt. Her legs jerked upward with each plunge and her breath seized as he took her along with him on his ride to his own climax. Pulling her legs up as high as possible, she felt Marcus’s balls slapping against her ass with each stroke. Stealing a quick glance from beneath eyelids almost too heavy to lift, Jodi watched. She watched Marcus as he strained his head upward, veins and muscles protruding from his neck as he groaned loudly. She watched this man as he took what she offered him. Gladly, and without hesitation, she shared with him. Gave to him. No limits. Jodi shook, feeling him with every nerve cell she possessed, as he throbbed within her and finally erupted. It was an amazingly satisfying moment—the release of inner desire, pent-up sexual tensions and the heat generated by the most basic of emotions. Something she hadn’t felt before…love. It scared the shit out of her.

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Chapter 13 Marcus woke himself up with a snort. He’d been sleeping so deeply he’d snored and was now on his back, naked, blanketless, and shivering a little as cool air passed over his body. For some reason, the draft seemed colder between his legs. He realized that something wet was caressing his semi-erect cock. He reached down and felt soft, thick hair. A warm mouth enveloped Oscar, who awoke rapidly. Even though he was sore from the night’s activities, the attention was appreciated. Very much. Memories of Jodi flooded into Marcus’s sleepy mind. Her scent surrounded him, her touch aroused him and he smiled. He didn’t know what time it was, and he didn’t care. His world narrowed down to her lips, her tongue and the loving she was giving him. Jodi’s hands rubbed along the smooth skin where his leg joined his hip. It was tender compared to the rugged muscles of his legs and stomach and he stifled a grunt as she hit a ticklish spot. Her mouth glided down over his cock, taking him deep, almost to the back of her throat. Marcus figured his moans were guiding her. Not that she needed any help, but what the hell. They felt good—she felt good. Fuck. The whole world felt good at this moment. Her fingers grazed a small rough area just above his hip. She’d discovered a scar. She let Marcus loose from the moistness of her mouth and kissed the area around the base of his cock, letting her tongue slide against his thickness. She traced nibbling licks up to his hip and looked at the mark. He knew what it was and how it would appear to her. A ragged line. Raised flesh, bumpy and straight. A scar. He wasn’t ready to explain it. “Come up here?” Marcus held out his arms. “Not just yet.” Jodi reached for the nightstand and grabbed a small object. The light was too dim in the room for Marcus to make out what it was. She stood up, wearing nothing but white. At some point she must have let herself into his closet and put on one of his shirts. It was open and Marcus could see the rosy tips of her nipples and the darkened patch of hair above her pussy. She was gorgeous. She raised her hand and a bright flash blinded him. He blinked. “Shit…what was that?” “You took pictures of me…I want some of you.” Jodi pointed to the camera on a tripod standing at the corner of the bed and aimed right at him.

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“Oh no, you don’t.” Marcus tried to get up only to flop back as Jodi jumped on top of him. “Lie down. This is what I want. You’re the only one who can give this to me.” She pushed him down firmly and lowered her head to his cock once more. As the light of the flash pulsed again, a quiet ember inside Jodi flickered to life. She knew her weakness, and Marcus had shown it to her. She had a latent streak of exhibitionism a mile wide and she was starting to enjoy it. Thanks to him. Thanks to his camera and thanks to the freedom he’d allowed her. No limits. With firm intent, Jodi took him between her lips and reveled at the taste and feel of him as he filled her mouth. Marcus moaned and pressed back into the bed. The camera flashed again. Inside Jodi the heat was building. The heat that came from the closeness of his body, the sensation of his cock sliding in and out of her mouth, and the little sighs and twitches her every move brought to the man beside her. She knew she was wet, her juices dampening her thighs and her pussy. Lying next to Marcus and suckling him, she squirmed and the movement didn’t go unnoticed. Marcus reached over and stroked the bare skin of her legs. Goose bumps rose along her flesh and Jodi caught herself stifling a moan deep in her throat as she continued to suck on his arousal, finding each nook and cranny with her tongue. The camera flashed once more. “Quit that, it tickles.” Jodi kissed the tip of his cock with a wicked smile. “Let’s make this a little more intimate…a party of two, I’m thinking…” Marcus grabbed Jodi’s leg and pulled it towards him. She slithered over him and let him position her right where he wanted her. Over his mouth. She stared at his cock as his breath fanned her cunt and her legs straddled his face. A shudder of excitement sent her internal thermometer past the red line, and her breasts ached as they grazed his stomach. Another flash from the camera illuminated their erotic coupling. She knew Marcus must be staring at her wet pussy lips. Was he thinking what she thought he was thinking? She hoped so. He was. “Mmm, breakfast of champions. I usually have cereal, but this will have to do.” He grabbed her ass and lowered her onto his mouth. In tandem with his movements, Jodi sucked Marcus into her mouth as he slid his tongue into her pussy. Her nipples were now exquisitely sensitive and her breasts were crushed against the hot flesh of his abdomen. The camera flashed again.

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Oh God. How she loved this. How she loved the amazing feel of the air on her back, her buttocks, her legs…the freedom to move and take what she pleased from the man beneath her. His face buried between her thighs, he was giving her as much as she could take, and she was returning it. With pleasure and delight. And the flashes from the camera lit up his slick cock as she licked her way around it, showing her its beauty and grace as she yearned for more. The knowledge that the mechanical eye of a piece of equipment was watching her—them—as they enjoyed their oral pleasure…well, it was beyond anything she’d experienced. Joy flooded her heart as swiftly as her juices flooded her cunt. She knew that from now on, from this night on, she’d have a new standard by which to measure passion. And desire. No more would it be bounded by her own restrictions. Her past, which had haunted her for so long, was fading into a bad memory. She was making new ones to replace it. No limits. Marcus ran his fingers along her ass and to the back of her pussy, now drenched with her juice and his saliva. He loved the taste of a woman. The slight tang of the latex condom left over from their earlier loving had quickly disappeared. His fingers were wet. His face was firmly embedded in her pussy, his tongue finding special places to investigate. He couldn’t help but notice that Jodi had stopped sucking his cock. Her hand still held tightly to it but her breath was panting and shallow. He was getting to her again. Oh yeah. “Oh fuck.” Jodi gasped the words, lying flat on top of his hot body. “Oh Marcus. Mmm. I don’t know how you’re doing that, but don’t stop.” With a growl Marcus munched on her pie. It wasn’t pumpkin, but cherry was good. Damn good in fact. His fingers ran along her ribs, softly exploring her body as his mind absorbed the wonderful flavors and scents that were Jodi. While his mouth devoured her and his hands caressed her, Jodi squeezed his cock, milking it and taking the breath from his lungs. Marcus dipped his finger along the back of her pussy again bringing another moan from her throat. He brushed his slippery finger up along the crease of her ass and gently toyed with the little ring of muscles he found there. No limits. A hard squeeze on Oscar followed his play and her grip eased as Jodi lost her focus. Marcus gently slipped his finger into her anus and with a slow circular motion sent jolts of pleasure up Jodi’s spine. “Marcus—don’t…I’m not sure…” This was a boundary Jodi had never crossed. There were things she’d never considered exploring and this was one of them. Why the hell should she? Up until now, sex had been no more than a mild diversion. A pleasant pastime.

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Up until now. Until the limits had disappeared. Maybe this was another inhibition that would fall into nothingness. Maybe it would be…interesting. She examined her responses. Her pounding heart and the instant throb of arousal told her it was more than interesting. It was more than…pleasant. It was…it was…unbelievable. She felt herself swelling like a wave as a flash lit up her world. Each time he rotated his finger around the tender opening it stretched a little more. His tongue had almost stopped stroking in and out of her since he was now concentrating all of his attention to her swollen clit. He sucked the tip into his mouth and let his tongue lick it lightly, driving her higher. An electric tingle tightened her buttocks. “Oh fuck this, I can’t take it. I want to feel your cock.” Jodi grabbed it again and sucked his length down her throat, determined to give him as much pleasure as she felt. Sucking hard, she held on as Marcus bucked his hips beneath her. There was nothing in the world that could stop them now. And Marcus seemed to know it. He certainly wasn’t about to stop his own game and he let his finger venture deeper into her. He arched his neck and slid his tongue deep inside her pussy. She was amazed she hadn’t drowned him with her juices. “No more torture.” Jodi lifted herself off Marcus, swiveling around on the bed and straddling him. She ran her fingers along the muscles of his chest and let the head of his cock tease her pussy. “Hey I’d better get something…” Jodi ignored him. This was her moment. The camera flashed, lighting her eyes and her heart. She knew she was safe, and deep inside she knew Marcus would keep her safe. The last of her limits disappeared. She let him in. Marcus’s voice faded away when Jodi lowered the moist, velvet walls of her pussy over his cock. Her body trembled as she lowered her fire onto him. His pulse pounded and his lungs struggled for air as Jodi eased herself down. He hadn’t felt a woman like this in so long. He knew some memories faded—but he’d remember this. His hands found her ass and he held firmly onto her flesh, giving that splendid Preston ass a typical Charmin squeeze. “Hang on cowboy, I’m going to ride.” Jodi smiled and leaned back against the muscles of her thighs. Marcus’s rigid cock was being pulled taut like it was caught in a vise. A hot, wet, silky vise. Jodi pulled her shirt all the way open and her breasts thrust out, pert and reaching for the stars. She was glorious. Shrugging it away from her shoulders, she showed neither modesty nor mercy as she began grinding her pussy against Marcus. The flash

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illuminated a vision of hot desire, his every dream and fantasy come to life and sitting on his cock. “Oh shit. I’m gonna die. But I’m gonna die happy.” Jodi’s hair hung over her face as she kissed his chest and then flew wild as she looked up at him. He could read her expression and it told him she was going to fuck him and enjoy it like never before. That she was enjoying feeling him naked inside her as much as he was enjoying being there. That she trusted him to know she was on the pill, and that she trusted him when he’d let slip the information that he was healthy. That she trusted him, period. And what a thing to see in a woman’s face. The juices from her pussy trickled down over Marcus’s balls and he felt himself swelling. “Oh damn. I pledge allegiance. To the flag…” “What the fuck are you talking about?” “I’m about to lose it. You feel so fucking good. Damn…mmm.” Jodi sat up and slipped one hand into her mouth. Keeping her eyes fixed on his, she slowly pulled it from between her lips and lowered it down her body to her mound. She pulled against her skin. Her clit was exposed and she started stroking her fingers delicately against it, around it and over it, sighing and shivering as she did so. “Oh shit, that’s…mmm. Come with me, Marcus? I want you to come with me.” “Let me think—okay.” Marcus reached up, grasping her breasts in his hands. The nipples poked between his fingers and he gently closed the gaps, lightly pinching them. Jodi threw her head back and gasped. Marcus felt the walls of her cunt begin to contract and clench around his cock. “I can’t hold it, Jodi. Oh fuck—I’m gonna explode.” The camera flashed. “Oh yes…yes…YESSSS.” As Marcus felt Jodi spasm, the throb of his heart merged with hers. Their bodies melded, their juices blended into one, and for one blinding moment, the camera captured the simple but inexplicable something that united them. A woman with her head thrown back, face contorted in a scream that released so much more than mere physical joy. A man with hips thrust upwards, fighting to sink his seed all the way into the soul of the woman above him, teeth bared in a grimace that was almost pain, so great was his pleasure. The camera clicked a final time and whirred, marking the end of the film. Neither Marcus nor Jodi cared. The camera had found its limits. For them there were none. Marcus’s cock spurted its last inside Jodi and made her giggle tiredly. She shivered and collapsed onto his chest.

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“You’re grinning.” She panted slightly, winded, as she rested on him. “Like a guy who’s eaten a dozen glazed donuts. At one sitting.” “Mmm. Oscar says thank you.” Marcus smiled and put his hands behind his head. “Oscar, huh? Well—Felix says you’re welcome.” She smiled back. “Felix the cat?” “No—Felix Unger. ‘Cause we sure as hell are an Odd Couple.”

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Chapter 14 Jodi’s internal alarm clock woke her from a sound sleep and she found herself confused and stiff. She was tangled in a mess of sheets and what felt like twenty-seven arms and legs. Blinking, she realized that there were not actually that many limbs, but there were definitely more than there should be in her bed. Come to think of it, this wasn’t her bed. And the arms that were casually squishing her breasts flat were male. Very male. And they were attached to something else that was very male. Marcus. She inhaled, breathing in his scent and the lingering fragrance of fabulous sex. With a slight smile she moved, only to see his alarm clock flashing pointedly at the wall from the floor beside the bed. It was upside down, its cord was wrapped around one corner, and it looked like she felt—well-fucked. It was also flashing a quite horrifying selection of digits. Shit. She was late. Slithering quietly from Marcus’s embrace, she glanced back at him. Fucking A. He was one fabulous man. Lean planes of muscle reflected the early morning light, his cock—Oscar—napped contentedly in a snug nest of hair, and even his morning stubble was sexy. He groaned as the mattress dipped slightly and then rose again with her movements as she stood up beside him. He rolled over onto his stomach, shoved a hand beneath his pillow and farted. Jodi rolled her eyes. Typical guy. With stealthy caution, she shrugged back into the few clothes she could find…where the fuck was her bra, anyway? Shit. She’d barely have time to shower as it was. Grabbing Marcus’s shirt, she slipped it on and delicately eased her panties up, shivering a little as they enclosed her heat. Heat that Marcus had fueled last night. Marcus raised his head. “Mrrmmm…hmmm…” “Sure, honey.” He snored. Jodi grinned. Not a morning person. She’d just bet both he and Oscar were morning people, but obviously not at this particular hour of the morning. And, dammit, she didn’t have the chance to stay and find out—she had a breakfast crowd to prepare for. “Marcus—I have to go, babe…” Jodi leaned towards him and whispered in his ear. “Mrrrmmm…hmmm….”

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“I’ll see you later.” You can count on it. Smiling at her sound-asleep lover, Jodi took one last gaze down the solid spine, and leaned over, lightly running her tongue over his tattoo. It looked oriental, black, perhaps a tribal something-or-other, she didn’t know. It tasted good, though—warm and sweet. Like Marcus. Like sex. Like…oh fuck. Obeying an impulse, she nipped his buttock gently with her teeth. “Mrrrmmm…hmmm…” “Yeah. I know. Me too.” As silently as she could, Jodi crept from the apartment and flew down to her car. She was going to have to break a few speed limits on the road and in her shower if she was going to meet her obligations and provide caffeine for her first customers of the day.

***** Marcus surfaced to consciousness slowly, and scratched his ass. He stretched, yawned and reached out—for Jodi. Jodi. She was gone. Fuck. A quick glimpse at the upside-down clock told him all too clearly why, although it took a few moments for him to realize that it wasn’t oh-three six but nine-thirty. It was late…late for her since she had to open the restaurant and he knew her day began at the crack of dawn. Dawn had apparently cracked, shattered, and already swept up the mess it had made to judge by the time. And he’d slept through the whole fucking thing. He untangled his feet from the sheets and hit the bathroom, feeling lost and empty. Oscar wasn’t happy either. “Sorry, buddy. I know. I wanted more too.” Marcus and Oscar exchanged man-todick glances. “She’s got obligations, ya know. Just because she’s gone doesn’t mean she doesn’t care about us. She proved that last night.” Oscar shivered a little as Marcus’s mind relived that moment when she’d slid down onto him, taking him in. Letting him in. They’d all shared something unique—him, Oscar and Jodi. Just thinking about it made Oscar twitch in anticipation. “Oh yeah. We’re gonna do it again. Bet your ass we’re gonna do it again.” Marcus paused. “Or should that be bet my ass?” He sighed. “I dunno.” One thing he did know. He’d found a special woman. A woman who had healed a lot of old wounds, old hurts—his finger slipped unconsciously to the scar on his hip. A woman who had opened up as he’d fucked her and let him give her something he wasn’t sure he’d ever give again. 94

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He shook his head and hit the shower. Too early for this shit. He needed a shave, some coffee and perhaps a bowl of cereal before dealing with it. If there was anything to deal with. Justin was okay with it. Jodi was happy with it. Oscar was ecstatic with it. Marcus sang in the shower. Loudly. Until he remembered something. Vanessa was due back in town tomorrow. Oh fuck.

***** Jodi’s day gave her little time to moon around with a grin on her face, which she found herself wanting to do more than once. Customers were hungry, thirsty and plentiful, and she blessed the God of Microwaves as she sinned mightily and nuked up some frozen pastries. It was an unpardonable affront to everything she’d ever been taught, but she hadn’t had time to whip up anything fresh, having gotten in to the restaurant and started the coffee just as the first customers arrived. Her prepared inventory had disappeared quickly, and she was going rapidly through her frozen stock. Additionally, she had a bridesmaid’s party to prepare for, which would take her well into the evening, after her doors had closed. Yes, it was going to be a long day. After a very long night. But damn, she felt fucking fine. Her lips curved up in a secret smile as she spared a thought for Marcus and what they’d done. Her breasts were sore, her thighs aching and the less said about the state of her underwear the better. Even a shower hadn’t managed to stop the moisture from flooding her at the remembrance of his mouth, his tongue…his… Jodi squirmed and grinned again, dazzling the elderly gentleman who was accepting a coffee from her. He left her a generous tip in the jar on top of the counter and ambled off, probably dreaming of his past too. As the day wore on, though, doubts crept in to Jodi’s mind on little quiet feet, disturbing her with their presence. Had he felt it? Had Marcus really felt what she’d felt? Did he understand the incredible heights she’d reached and what it had meant to her? That he’d fucked her to the edge of oblivion, pushed her over the edge, and she hadn’t been afraid because he was there with her? She cursed herself for leaving him asleep, but knew she’d had no other choice.

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Time and time again she reached for the phone, only to be interrupted by one thing or another, and eventually she gave up the attempt. What would she say anyway? Hi to Oscar? Why did men feel the need to name their cocks? Because they don’t want their decisions made by total strangers. She frowned. Was that all it was to him? Simple fun for Oscar? A straightforward fuck? Nah. It couldn’t be. Could it? Trying to juggle sexual analysis and make pastries at the same time was hard, and Jodi finally gave up on the first and concentrated on the second. If she didn’t get her shit together, all her finger rolls would end up looking like Oscar. She could wait for the analysis thing. She had a business to run first. A love affair to figure out second. As the day wound to a close, she was tempted to call Eleanor, but something held her back. Even when the last customer left, and she was alone, she didn’t reach for the phone. What could she say? I had fabulous sex with Marcus last night. Well, that was true. But Eleanor would dig and want more, and Jodi wasn’t sure of what her answers would be. Her sister would doubtless ask if Jodi had called Marcus or spoken with him since, and she hadn’t. There hadn’t been frickin’ time, and now he’d be at work. Next door. The music was already up and running, and he’d be standing behind the bar in that quiet way of his, eyes smoldering, shoulders wide… A flood of heat hit her and her juices moistened her thighs. Fuck. She was gonna have to start buying protective panties if this kept up. She had a job to do—a commitment to a bridal party. She was going to take care of that first. Then she’d go see Marcus. Look into his eyes and see what was what. See if there was an answering spark there to match the one that surged inside her whenever she allowed herself to remember… A sound startled her. Other than the muffled noise of the bar, the kitchen was silent, the main lights dimmed, and only those over the work area were on. Shadows surrounded Jodi as she raised her head and listened again. A footstep. Oh fuck. Frank. She frowned and swallowed as she realized there was nothing she wanted less right now. In fact, the thought of him touching her made her gut churn. She couldn’t. She just couldn’t. Not now. In that second, she realized how empty it had all been. She’d gotten nothing from Frank but companionship. And little enough of that. No friendship, no support, just a convenient cock. And more convenient for him than for her, since he never had managed to scratch the itch inside Jodi that had started her down that road anyway. 96

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How the hell was she going to tell him to get lost? Her skin chilled. She really didn’t know Frank. He was used to the games they played…the ones that had an edge to them. Would he believe her when she said no? He seemed fun on the surface, but she’d occasionally wondered if there was any more to him than the need to release himself inside her. Her mind created troubles and problems, and wandered around the topic, skittish and nervous, and all the while listening for the sound of another footfall in the shadows of her kitchen. Perhaps she’d imagined it—but no…there it was again. Oh shit. She was in trouble now. “I missed you this morning.” Marcus. Jodi sucked in a breath of relief. “I’m sorry…I tried to wake you…I had to…” She gestured at the table beside her. Marcus glanced over at the neat trays of pink petit fours, dozens of them, all neatly topped with a bow of purple frosting and a tiny little flower. “It’s for a bridal shower tomorrow, and today’s been hell on wheels…I…” “Shh.” He crossed the room and picked up her hand. Slowly he raised it to his mouth and licked off the frosting, curling his tongue around each finger and sucking it clean. Her gut churned and her pussy ached as his wet mouth caressed each sticky inch of her skin. His eyes closed as he savored the taste of the frosting and Jodi’s mouth watered as she watched. Oh God. This was…frickin’ erotic. And it was turning her on, big time. Like she needed any help in that department. The bowl of leftover frosting sat beside her, and she let images form in her mind. Wicked and wonderful images. “Does Oscar like sweets?” “I don’t know. I’ve never asked him.” Marcus paused, rubbing her little finger with his tongue. Shit. Did the man want to get himself raped or what? Jodi smiled. “How about we find out?”

***** Okay. He was definitely a dead man. The sight of her working intently over her food had turned him on. So he’d been half-hard all day just from the memories, but this had finished the job. He’d known she 97

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was busy, had deliberately left her alone as long as he could, but had given up fighting it when the urge to see her had made him pour a double shot of scotch into a glass and pass it to a guy who’d ordered a martini. There was only so much a man could take and he was almost there. Within seconds she’d pushed up his T-shirt and had his pants down to his knees. Oscar was waving hello, happy to see such a good friend again. Very happy. What was she doing? She reached for the bowl on the table and scooped out a little frosting. Slowly she transferred it to her tongue and kept her mouth wide, letting him see the pink stuff as it sat there, sweet and wet. Then she dropped to her knees. Oh yeah. He was a dead man. With infinite care, Jodi sucked his cock into her mouth, letting her tongue smooth the cool creamy frosting over him as she took him inside. Painting him with each caress, she swirled and flicked at him, just rubbing the thick vein beneath his cock with the tip of her tongue and then opening her lips to let his cock free. He was hot and cold, and shivering, and wanted her to do it again. “Oscar has a sweet tooth,” he growled. “Me too.” She mumbled the answer around his cock, making his balls shake. One hand slipped up between his legs and grasped Oscar firmly at the base…like he was going to go anywhere. With the other, she cradled the sac hanging solidly behind, and rolled the delicate flesh in her palms like marbles. They were hard enough to clunk, and Marcus was almost surprised when they didn’t. Jodi moved her mouth slickly over him, and he waited for the world to end. Her hair brushed his thighs, her tongue was reducing him to a helpless stuttering lump of need, and he was gonna come in about two seconds flat. “Jodi…” Her fragrance mixed with the scent of the frosting—strawberry or something—and he closed his eyes. Slowly she eased her mouth from him, giving Oscar a final loving lick. “Marcus…I want…” I want to not have a heart attack right here in front of this damn fridge. “Come home with me? Come upstairs?” Marcus opened his eyes and looked at her. Blue eyes blazed back, hot and ready and full of want. He pulled up his pants, fumbled with the snap—screw the zipper at this point, he’d never pull it up without doing some serious surgery on himself—and held out his hands. “Yes.”

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Chapter 15 Jodi’s mind was blurring as she reached for the lights, and as an afterthought, the bowl of frosting. She wasn’t done with this yet. Marcus was behind her, cock dangling from his pants, looking for all the world like a pervert…if perverts could be featured on the cover of “Magnificent Men Weekly”. She could damn near feel the burn of his eyes as he followed her quickly from the restaurant and up the stairs to her apartment. They were both breathing hard by the time she got the door shut behind them and clicked the lock, securing them into their own private space. She’d known sexual arousal with this man. She’d known orgasms with this man. But now she knew freedom too, and the mixture was more intoxicating than any cocktail he could have whipped up from his bar supplies. She was drunk with the excitement—the knowledge—of what could happen between them, and her eagerness to explore new territory. One that had no limits. Within seconds they were in each other’s arms, kissing with a fierceness that could have doubled as dental surgery. Their teeth clashed, their tongues fought a battle in which there was no loser, and their bodies strained together. Jodi knew Marcus was tasting the strawberry frosting and perhaps some of his own moisture in her mouth and just the though got her hot. Not to mention the fact that he was efficiently stripping her even as they kissed. Naked and aroused, with Oscar pressed hard against her, Jodi moaned. Marcus moaned too. Okay. Moaning was good. Moaning came from the gut, the empty place that was ready for its filling. She stumbled to the bed and somehow remembered the frosting. Oh yeah. This was going to be fun. “Lie down, Marcus.” She wrenched her mouth from his and pushed him back onto the sheets. He obeyed, watching her and smiling a little as she kicked herself free of her panties. Damn things. It was getting to the point where they were more of a nuisance than anything else. If this kept up, she might just as well dispense with them completely. In fact, clothing was starting to become optional in this whole affair, and Jodi realized with a shiver that she kind of liked the idea. Nakedness and Marcus’s eyes were a damn good mix.

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Easing herself up onto the bed, she straddled Marcus and rested her wet pussy on his belly. Oscar politely tapped her ass, just to remind her he was there. For the moment, she ignored him. “So Oscar likes sweets. How about you, Marcus? Do you like sweets?” She let her thighs squeeze his ribs a little as his dark eyes wandered over her breasts and down to her pussy. “Mmm. Especially hot ones.” Good answer. Jodi let a little wicked grin sneak onto her face. “Well, I hope you like strawberry.” She reached out to the bowl of frosting and gathered a small mound of the pink stuff onto two fingers. Never letting her eyes leave his, she lifted her ass a little. “Now. Here’s where you get to eat dessert. There’s only one rule. No hands. Let’s see how good you are with only your mouth.” Slowly, watching him every second, Jodi lowered her fingers and the frosting to her pussy, and began to smooth it over the swollen folds of flesh. He gulped as his eyes followed her hand. “Hmm. A little more perhaps…” She added more frosting, gently rubbing it over herself, spreading her pussy lips with her other hand, and shivering a little as the cool and slick stuff met the hot and slick flesh. Marcus licked his lips. “I’m hungry.” “Then eat. Eat me, Marcus.” She scooted up towards him. “But remember. No hands.” A few more wriggles, and Jodi was where she wanted to be. Over his mouth. Amazed at her own daring, she watched as Marcus lifted his head a little and got himself into the right position. She hadn’t freaked him out or grossed him out. He wanted this. And damn, she knew he was good at this. She spread the frosting a little more deeply, caressing her pussy and smearing the combination of lust and confection all over herself. She raised her fingers to her mouth, licking them slowly and sensually with long strokes of her tongue. She watched his face again, noting every expression, every flash of heat in his eyes. Once more, she touched herself, lingeringly this time, sinking her fingers inside a little and feeling her own heat. It was no greater than the burn she saw lighting the black gaze that was fixed on her. She withdrew her hand and lightly painted the moisture onto his lips. Your turn. He dragged her harshly to him, plastered his mouth to her cunt, and the lights in Jodi’s world flickered and exploded.

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***** “Mmmm…” Marcus mumbled with pleasure as his tongue dug deep into the sizzling mix of Jodi and strawberry frosting. Her juices were dripping onto his face, her scent was driving him insane, and the tangy fruit flavor was a treat to be savored. When he had a moment to appreciate it. Right now, he just wanted to eat her. Devour her, suck her into infinity and go along with her. He loved the taste of a woman tickling his tongue, flooding his nose, spreading across his face and into his brain. But the taste of this woman was something else again. More addictive than booze, and probably harder to kick than heroin, he surrendered, diving headfirst into it. And her. He teased and tortured her pussy lips, urging that shy clit out of its hiding place. Just as he found it, he left it again, thrusting deep into her cunt and rubbing his nose against the needy spot that made her sob for breath. Her weight rose and fell on him as he moved, and he learned from each sigh, each tightening of her muscles, what gave her the most pleasure. “Mmm…sweet…so sweet…” He hissed the words against her soft and soaking folds. Darting from her cunt to her clit in long strokes made her moan. Sucking her clit and flicking it with his tongue made her gasp. God only knew what she’d do if he sneezed. They’d probably both self-combust. “Fuck, you taste like heaven. Like strawberries. Like strawberry heaven.” He was babbling. He didn’t care, and neither did she. “Shit, Marcus…fuck me with your tongue. Ohhh…yeah…” She arched backwards, forcing her body even wider and closer to his mouth. He glanced up, past her mound and saw her breasts, nipples peaked hard, quivering as she panted. Her head was thrown back and the muscles in her neck were straining. She was close. He was close too. Oscar was super-sizing himself with the need to explode, and Marcus figured he wouldn’t be able to hold out for more than about two seconds if he kept this up. He peeled his mouth away from her and sucked in a breath. A breath of Jodi and strawberries and sex. “Fucking Christ, Jodi…I can’t hold on much longer…” His words seemed to penetrate the fog that surrounded her and she raised herself from his lips. Rapidly she slid her knees backwards, letting Oscar find his home. She slid her body over him, leaving a trail of moisture behind, then raised herself and positioned Oscar exactly where he wanted to be.

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Marcus swore he could hear Oscar echo his own sigh as she slid down, taking him fully into her silky sweet cunt. They froze for a moment, Jodi astride him, Marcus filling her, letting her ride his cock and adjusting to the incredible feel of them—mated, skin to skin, flesh to flesh, heat to heat and soul to soul. But it wasn’t enough. Marcus wanted more. More than this, more than anything…he wanted it all. Flexing his muscles, he raised his shoulders and pushed himself up into a sitting position, keeping Oscar buried inside Jodi’s cunt. “Cross your legs behind me,” he whispered. Jodi blinked, and struggled to free her legs, eventually managing to lock her ankles together behind Marcus’s butt. “Is this some kind of weird yoga thing?” She was in his lap now, still joined to him, but facing him, breast to chest, groin to pussy. He moved his head and licked her lips. “Dunno. But damn, it feels…mmm.” Oh God, it does. Jodi stared at him. At the dark eyes so close to hers now that she had to almost squint to focus on them. The heavy lids that shielded them when he blinked. The tumbled hair, the light stubble on his chin, the bead of sweat forming on one temple, and the sheen of moisture her body had left around his mouth. Her legs were stretched wide now, as wide as they could go without damaging something important, and every breath Marcus took rasped against her body in a thousand different places. She was in his lap, his legs crossed also, and they were clasped together in a position that truly merged them into one…a beast with two backs as some book or other had once described it. “Look at me Jodi…” His harsh grunt surprised her. “Don’t look away. Watch me. I’m gonna make you come. I want to see your eyes, your face…I want to be all the way inside you when you do. All the way.” Goddamn. If he got any further inside her, he could de-wax her ears while he was at it. But then she felt him move. Very slightly, he thrust forward with his hips. And her world narrowed down to Marcus’s eyes. And what the rest of him was doing became a part of it, but not the whole of it. His cock sank deeper than she believed was possible, and his groin pressed against her pussy, spread wide now by her position on his lap. He bucked a little, rubbing himself against her. She moaned and let her head drop back. “No.” His voice was sharp. “No. Don’t look away. Look at me.” Jodi obeyed. She could do nothing else.

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His movements were increasing in pace now, not powerful, but subtle, little thrusts that sent electric shocks through her cunt and up her spine. She looked at him, and fought the urge to close her eyes. It was building inside her now, that fuse had been lit and the detonator was working just fine. And there—in his gaze—she could see a matching flare. Her hips pushed forward, anxious to increase the friction between them, and his cock plunged again. She parted her lips and licked them, scarcely realizing what she was doing. Marcus held her closer, squashing her breasts against his chest, his movements against her nipples adding another bit of fuel to her inner fire. She sucked in a gasp as her body began that rush…that incredible last ten yards to the goal line. “M…M…Marcus…” “Yeah, babe, I know…come for me, Jodi…” He groaned out the words, squeezing her roughly to his body. “Come with me.” “Yesssss…” She couldn’t help the scream that exploded from her lungs as her body went into spasms, fed by the feel of Marcus’s cock as it erupted deep within her cunt. He grabbed her head and kissed her, opening their mouths wide and swallowing her cries, letting them mingle with his own shuddering gasps. It went on and on, great rolling waves of pleasure swamping them, binding them together, melding them into one quivering lump, until finally their bodies surrendered, limp and exhausted. They collapsed together onto the bed, Oscar sliding tiredly free from Jodi, sad to be on his own again, but content. Without a word, they reached for each other, and Jodi relaxed into Marcus’s arms.

***** The Tyrannosaurus Rex roared loudly and the cavemen ran for cover. The small caves were their only protection. Could they make it? The thunderous thumping of the dinosaur’s footsteps closed in on them. Marcus ran, scared and confused, into a vine-covered hole in the side of a mountain. He heard the large beast’s deafening roar swirl through his peanut-sized head. He waded deeper into the darkness of the damp cave. His bare, hairy feet sank into the smelly slime below him. He turned to see a light open from the cave entrance. In horror he stared at a hideous sight. A dinosaur-sized penis was entering the cave.

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Dear God. He had run into the vagina of a female dinosaur and was about to be drowned in dino-semen. “Ahhhhhhhh!” The sound of his own scream woke Marcus. “Fuck. No more eating the worm from the bottom of a tequila bottle for me. Shit.” Sitting up, he squinted against the morning light. He was alone, Jodi must have already gone to work and he felt lost. For a moment there was silence, then a deep rumbling of gas blurted from below, muffled by the mattress. Marcus sighed and then curled his nostrils as the stench rose. Throwing his feet off the edge of the bed he stretched his toes, yawned and scratched his balls. A very coordinated feat at this hour, seeing as it was scarcely ten o’clock. He smelled his armpits. His eyes blinked again. The mixture of morning breath, gas and armpit odor all made him realize one thing. “Shower time!” Marcus knew that the big difference between men and women went a great deal further than just simple anatomy. Unless you were one of the “Queer Eye” guys, there weren’t seven different shampoos with matching conditioners and rainbow colored floofy things dangling in the shower. No sir. Not for guys. He grabbed a towel. Standard issue, white, with an Embassy Suites logo proudly embroidered on it. Jodi obviously had picked up a few souvenirs from her travels. While Marcus soaped himself up, his thoughts wandered and the heat from the shower soothed him. A sigh of relaxation washed over him with the water. Contentment. A long lost feeling. He washed his body and a familiar voice began to talk to him. “Yo, dude. Um, this Jodi… is she…like—the ONE?” Oscar was his conscience. Like his fellow men, his penis ruled almost all his physical attractions. Oscar was different, though. He had heart. Jiminy Cricket in a flesh-toned suit. He answered his own question. “I don’t know. She’s really special. And it’s not just the sex stuff either.” Hell yeah! Oscar replied. Marcus’s thoughts wandered. A woman in a man’s shower is always a good idea. She will be beautiful amongst the scum, the grimy soap bar, and the discolored floor. If she’s there with him it’s even better. A man in a woman’s shower, alone, is scary. Marcus and Oscar discussed everything from the weather to the meaning of life. “I tell you, Oscar, you’re wrong. Pussy isn’t what gives Superman his special powers.” Frothing up the soap, Marcus decided to shave. He found a nice pink razor sitting pristinely on a ledge in the shower. It was dainty and shaped to fit in a smaller hand. Without thinking he scraped the edge of the razor along the lines of his face. He knew something was wrong when a few drips of blood fell on his wrist as he swept under his neck.

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Fuckin’ razor is a piece of crap! A burning sensation streaked across the skin of his cheeks and neck. He quickly washed his face under the warm water from the shower. It didn’t help. Fear rippled through him as the burning intensified. He hopped out of the shower, looked in the mirror and saw a few cuts and a reddened rash on his skin. Being a bachelor for so long, he’d forgotten what a woman’s leg hair could do to a razor. Something like peeling the top layer of skin off an apple. “Oh, shit, this is starting to hurt!” He rummaged through Jodi’s bottle-covered sink and picked up one that read “Sea Breeze”. This sounds soothing. He poured a healthy amount into his palm and slapped the sides of his neck. A blood-curdling scream echoed through the bathroom making the window rattle. Tears welled in Marcus’s eyes. His wet hair dangled over his forehead and he looked down at Oscar. “Don’t you dare laugh at me. I’ll do a little hair manicure down around you too.” Oscar quickly fell limp in a humble gesture. “Wimp.” Marcus laughed.

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Chapter 16 There was no two ways about it—Jodi was glowing. Her morning sped by, fueled with coffee and smiles, which were returned more often than not, regardless of the hour. The sun was shining like it did every day, but to Jodi it seemed brighter. The customers were the same as they were every day, but to Jodi they seemed friendlier. Yep. It was a good day. She’d had the most fabulous night in bed with the most fabulous lover, and she’d left him sound asleep in her bed looking…right. She, Jodi Preston, had a lover. A guy she lo…l…well, okay, she couldn’t quite get her thoughts around the “l” word yet, but she was getting there. She had no idea where it was all leading, but for this particular moment, she just didn’t care. She was too damn happy, and it was an odd feeling that threatened to choke her now and again. She hummed to herself as she cleaned up leftover coffee cups. “Hell, sweetie. You’re looking like the cat that ate the canary this morning.” Eleanor’s laughing voice sounded across the restaurant. Jodi grinned. She couldn’t help remembering Marcus’s face as he’d eaten his late night snack. Her. With frosting garnish. “I do, huh?” “Yep. No doubt at all. Good night, I take it?” Eleanor wiped down a table and pulled out a chair as Jodi poured two coffees and brought them over. “Oh, El…” Eleanor blinked. “That good?” “Oh, El.” “My, my.” Eleanor smiled as she sipped her coffee and then sighed with pleasure. “All this joy and coffee too. Things can’t get much better, can they?” “I have no idea. Right now I’m about three feet off the ground, okay? It’s stupid, I know, but…but…well, fuck it.” Eleanor reached out and touched Jodi’s hand. “Go with it, love. Enjoy it. Let that happiness loose. It’s pretty fantastic, isn’t it?” Jodi looked at Eleanor, so calm and collected. “Was it like this for you and Justin?” Her sister tilted her head. “How do you mean?” Jodi stirred her coffee. “I mean…like…your heart just wants to jump around all the time, and you find yourself grinning for no reason. Not being able to think about much of anything you should be doing, only about…” 106

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“Only about getting that man back into bed?” “Oh, El…” Eleanor laughed. “Honey, it was exactly like that. And worse for me, since I had no idea what I was doing when I got him there, either.” Jodi chuckled at that. “Oh come on, sis. I doubt that technique was an issue. Not with a guy like Justin.” “Oh no?” Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “Remind me to tell you about zucchinis someday.” “Zucchinis? I don’t get it.” “Probably a good thing. I haven’t eaten one since. I just can’t. Too personal.” She glanced over her shoulder. “And speaking of zucchinis, here’s my man in the flesh.” Both women watched Justin as he came strolling through the door to the restaurant, hands behind his back and wearing a huge smile. Their expressions differed slightly, Jodi watching him with feminine appreciation for the fine hunk of male he was, and Eleanor with a heat that Jodi couldn’t mistake. Not now. Not when that same heat was simmering down inside her. For Marcus. “He’s something, isn’t he?” Eleanor’s words slipped into the silence that had fallen between the two sisters. “Sure is. You’re one lucky lady, sweetie.” Completely oblivious of the adoration that was being lavished on him, Justin came over to the table. “Hey…my two favorite girls. Hi babe…” He tousled Jodi’s hair affectionately and then bent to give his wife a kiss. “Mornin’ again, honey…” No, technique wasn’t a problem. Not where Justin was concerned. Jodi rolled her eyes. “Shit, you two. Get a room. Wait. You’ve got a room. A whole house full of ‘em. Go home and use them. Don’t do that stuff here in public, okay?” Justin pulled back from his wife, and for a second, Jodi could have sworn Eleanor’s eyeballs were quivering. Well, at least now she knew the feeling. She grinned. “So what ya got there, big fella?” She motioned to his back where he was holding something. “Oh yeah…got something to show you.” With obvious pride, Justin produced a rather dog-eared calendar from behind his back. Eleanor and Jodi watched him. “You remember me saying I met this supermodel doll the other day in the bar? Marcus introduced us?” The silence was deafening, but Justin, in that way particular to men, didn’t notice it. “Weeelll…” He riffled through the pages with an enormous grin on his face and finally stopped, letting the calendar fall open to July. “Ta-Da!”

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Jodi gulped. There, in blazing blonde glory and not much else, was a woman. A couple of teeny tiny strips of fabric were attempting to cling to certain portions of her anatomy and failing dismally. It had probably been a blue bikini before someone had put it into the washer with hot water and the extended wear cycle, since it had obviously shrunk. A lot. Legs longer than humanly possible were spattered with sand and droplets of water, and a torso that undulated firmly up to magnificent breasts glistened in the sunshine. The woman’s nipples were hard little nubs poking through the sheer bikini top, if one could call it that, and finishing the picture was tousled blonde hair and a face that would have done justice to the finest portrait painter. Well fuck. Not noticing that his two “favorite girls” were now looking at him like he was something a cat had just barfed up, Justin chuckled. “And would you believe she signed it? To me?” Jodi leaned forward. Sure enough, there was a strong scrawl across the bottom of the photo. “To Justin. Anytime— anyplace, handsome! Love, Vanessa.” Jodi read the words aloud. “She can spell. Wonders will never cease.” Eleanor stared at the photo then at Justin. Then back at the photo again. “How nice.” Something about their silence finally percolated into Justin’s brain, and he lowered the calendar a bit awkwardly. “Well, it’s not everyday you get the chance to have a real live swimsuit model sign something for you, is it?” Two pairs of eyes studied him, and instinctively Justin’s hands dropped protectively over his crotch. “Uh. Well. I think I hear Mike calling. I’d better get back to the bar.” “Yes.” Eleanor’s answer was flat. “Good idea.” Jodi’s words were identically cool. “Oh Jodi…before I forget…” Justin cleared his throat. “Marcus was by…he said for you to drop over to his place later on. Something about some photos he’s got developed to show you?” “Thank you, Justin.” Jodi’s heart leaped. She knew what those photos were. The ones she’d taken of the two of them. Doing stuff. Fun stuff. She shifted on her chair. “Don’t let us keep you, dear.” Eleanor’s eyes were fixed on the calendar now hanging limply from Justin’s hand. “I’m sure you have lots to do.” “Aw…jeez…honey…” Justin made a move towards her, but a raised eyebrow halted him in his tracks. “Um, yeah. Okay. Later, sweetheart.” He gave a half-hearted wave and left the restaurant rather quickly. In another man it could have been called bolting, but fortunately, Justin could get away with it. 108

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Eleanor sighed. “Men. I’ll never understand them if I live to be a hundred.” “It’s all about the tits and the blonde hair, isn’t it?” Jodi’s voice was gloomy. “Guess so.” Eleanor puckered her lips. “She probably wasn’t a natural either.” “Ya think?” “Oh sure. That’s why she shaved, I’ll bet.” Eleanor’s mouth curled. “Mind you, wearing that bit of nothing, she’d have to, wouldn’t she?” “I dunno.” Jodi frowned. “I had a tough time getting past the legs and the ass she didn’t have.” Both women moved slightly on their “Preston” asses. They sighed and exchanged looks. “Jeez, El.” “Damn, Jodi…” And both burst into laughter. Jodi’s heart lifted. If Marcus could choose to spend the night with her, Jodi Preston, of the abundant ass, normal length legs and brown hair, instead of Miss Sweden, he must have it bad. And, come to think of it, so did she.

***** It had been a long time since Jodi had felt quite as unsure of herself as she did when she finally found time to go over to Marcus’s apartment. She wanted to see him, touch him, and reassure herself that she hadn’t imagined everything that had happened between them. She wanted to inhale his scent, lean against his chest, and say hi to Oscar if they had time. It was an odd mixture of excitement and nerves, and Jodi wasn’t sure she liked it— it was something that made her gut tingle in a pleasurable but disturbing way. She laughed at herself. She should probably try a dose of stomach medication. If it was l…l…the “l” word, it would stay. If it was indigestion, then it would be better she find out now before things went too far. If they hadn’t already. Hesitantly, she knocked on Marcus’s door and heard soft murmurs and light footsteps approaching. It opened and her jaw dropped. A tall, slender, drop-dead gorgeous blonde woman stared at her. “Hello?”

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There was no mistaking her. In spite of the fact she wore a Miami Dolphins jersey— didn’t she know she could be killed for not wearing a Patriots jersey around here?—and not much else, she was definitely Miss July. Vanessa. Minus the sand and the surf. “May I help you?” Her voice was distinctly cold and she looked Jodi up and down disdainfully. “I’m here to see Marcus. My name is Jodi and I’m a friend of his.” And I think I don’t like you very much. “So you’re Jodi.” Vanessa gave her a quick once over and smirked. “Marcus is a little busy in the shower. It’s the smell of sex, you know? It’s always bothered him…you know what I mean.” Vanessa stretched her arms behind her back as she yawned, shamelessly revealing no undergarments beneath the shirt. Eleanor had been right. She shaved her pussy. Jodi heard the faint sound of the shower over her thudding heartbeat, and in spite of herself, she found her fingers forming a fist. I could take this bitch. Easy. A red haze dimmed her eyesight for a few moments and she shook her head a little to rid it of the image of Marcus fucking this…this…disgustingly gorgeous big-breasted piece of slime. Where will I hide her dead, bloody corpse when I get done tearing her to shreds? “I certainly didn’t mean to disturb you.” Jodi’s words were cold, bitten off like broken icicles. Jodi’s heart was beginning to feel the same way. “Marcus has some proofs I need to review. You know, photographs? Oh, wait, of course. You know all about photographs, don’t you? I remember seeing you in some calendar or other.” She narrowed her eyes. “Of course, I wasn’t sure it was you. I thought you were younger. It’s amazing what they can do with airbrushes these days, isn’t it?” Vanessa stilled, eyes hard. “You can’t see Marcus right now. I told you he’s in the shower. I’ll tell him you came by, though. If I remember…he can be so distracting.” “Good of you. The name was Jodi.” Want me to carve it into your slutty, undersized ass? “Yeah, whatever.” Vanessa smirked again and slammed the door in her face. That bitch is toast.

***** Marcus fumbled with his keys at the door. “Damn lock. This is tougher to get into than a virgin’s prom dress.” He finally got it open and kicked the door wide, stepping in with both arms full of groceries. He set the bags down and began to empty them, putting things into the fridge and the cabinets. 110

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He jumped as he heard a loud laugh. Vanessa was closing the bathroom door and holding it shut. “You said it was okay to flush…it’s not my fault the water got cold!” She laughed again and ran from the door down the hall—and into Marcus. She gasped. “Oh, you’re home early. I thought you were going straight to work tonight since Mike called in sick?” Marcus frowned. “I changed my mind. What’s going on? What the hell you wearing a Dolphins shirt for? You know I’m a Patriots fan.” A deeper voice echoed down the hall and a man stepped into the hallway wearing unbuttoned jeans and pulling a gray T-shirt over his wet hair. “I swear you’re gonna get it Van…ness…uhhhh. Heeey— Marcus?” There was a moment of silence between the three people. Marcus finally spoke. “Hey, Mike. Guess you weren’t that sick, were you?” Some people are calm and have a silent sort of presence. Others are more reactive and tend to lash out when mad. Marcus knew at this particular moment he could go either way. He felt Vanessa’s hand on his arm as the muscles tensed, and she drew in a breath to try and explain herself out of a corner. Mike was staring at him, a mixture of terror and horror on his face. Marcus could feel his own expression turn into a snarl. “Shut up, Vanessa.” He barked out the command, effectively silencing her before she’d even begun her litany of excuses. He turned to Mike. “You remember that drunk cowboy that came into the club a few weeks ago? The one that grabbed Eleanor’s tits and ass as a dare?” Mike shifted uncomfortably. “Yeah. Justin and you fucked him up pretty bad.” He gulped loudly and stared at Marcus. The blood was pulsing furiously through Marcus’s veins and he could feel them throbbing around his throat and neck. He wondered how it would feel to strangle somebody. “Imagine if he had tried to fuck her.” There was a very long moment of silence. “Vanessa—I gotta go to work. See ya.” Mike ran quickly out the door with a speed that would have made a rabbit jealous. The woman beside him sighed. “Don’t be mad at him, Marcus. I picked him up. I went downtown shopping and recognized him from the club…” Vanessa looked down and her hair swung across her face. She pouted. “I was lonely. You’ve been completely ignoring me. I just…well, I was jealous.”

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She let her hands brush his arm. “You and I used to fuck all the time. I miss it. I miss you.” She moved closer, pressing her breasts against him, but amazingly, Marcus felt nothing. No stirring, no arousal…Oscar slumbered on. Whatever he’d once felt for Vanessa was over. Now he had nothing left but a healthy dose of contempt for a woman who could pick up a guy, bring him to her exhusband’s apartment and fuck him. He got a real bad taste in his mouth as he looked at her, but she kept on speaking to him. “Mike is cute and knows how to take care of a woman but he’s nothing like you are. But since I’ve come back…you don’t seem…it’s like you’re…” Vanessa stopped and thought for a second and a new expression flooded her eyes. “It’s that Jodi, isn’t it? You’re sleeping with her and…you sonofabitch. You’ve gone and fallen for her.” Marcus was silent. They’d been married long enough for Vanessa to know his mannerisms. Was it that obvious? Could this feeling that he had possibly be love? He’d kept his feelings under strict control since Vanessa had smashed his heart like a tomato, but now? Maybe he could finally let someone in again. “How do you know Jodi?” The question burned in his mind. “She was by here a while ago. She came looking for you. I never thought…shit, Marcus. She’s pretty, I’ll give you that, but fuck…” A sneer crossed her face. “She’s not a patch on me.” “What did you say to her, Vanessa? What did you do?” Marcus got a little agitated and a lot worried. He knew from previous experience that Vanessa and jealousy didn’t mix well. “Nothing, I just told her you were in the shower. I didn’t know who she was. I didn’t know what she was. If some chickie comes looking for you I’m not about to turn into your secretary or something.” Marcus struggled with his temper. “Dammit, Vanessa, every time I think my life is straightening out, you pop in and fuck it all up again. She’s a helluva lot more mature than you’ll ever be. And you know what the sad thing is? You’ll never understand it.” “Oh I understand it.” Vanessa smiled sarcastically. “You want in her pants. She’s something different, some fresh meat—a new challenge. I understand men, you know.” “You should. You’ve had enough experience using them.” Vanessa’s eyes shot to his, and she glared at him. For a moment, the veneer of beauty faded and in its place was a cold woman with anger radiating from every pore. “So what? I’m beautiful. I’m a model for chrissake.. I have a body that makes men hard just looking at my photo. It made you hard. A lot.” Marcus drew in a breath. “Yeah it did. But it wasn’t enough, was it? That’s your problem, Vanessa. For you it’s all about what’s on the outside. What you look like and how you can use that to get men to do anything you want.” He looked away. “And yeah, it worked.”

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She smirked and straightened her shoulders. “But…” He looked at her, meeting her eyes straight on. “It wasn’t enough. There was nothing but the sex. Good sex, and I made the mistake of thinking that it was love. But it wasn’t, and now I know the difference.” “Now? Now that you’ve found that…that…little cook? Was screwing her that good, Marcus? Better than what we had?” Marcus closed his eyes. Oh fuck. Enough was enough. “Vanessa, I don’t want to do this anymore. We’re done—finished. It’s over. These fights are just…well, stupid. You’d better pack your stuff and go. I’m going to go see if I can sort this mess out that you made. Just be gone when I get back.” He reached back to his wallet, pulled out a handful of bills and handed them to her. “This should cover a cab and a hotel. I can’t have you ruining my life again. Not when it’s just starting to come together.” He turned and headed toward the door. “Don’t expect me back,” she warned. “I don’t want you back,” he answered. And it was the truth. This was really goodbye. He waited for the knife-sharp agony that she’d always brought into his heart. For the first time, it wasn’t there. He smiled. “And take that Miami jersey with you. I can’t handle that ugly shirt in my house. It’ll jinx the Patriots.” Vanessa glanced at the money he’d shoved into her hand and then looked around the apartment. She pulled back and shrugged. “Fine. Whatever.” She ran her hands through her hair and raised her chin. “Time for me to take my own path and leave you and those memories behind. I should have realized it before. I know what I want, Marcus, I always have. And let’s face it, the sex was great, but you’re a mediocre photographer at best. I guess I’ll take a closer look at a couple of those West Coast offers. My future looks pretty damn good and I don’t need you in it.” Marcus bit back a comment defending his art. He’d had enough of her bullshit to last him a lifetime. He opened the door and stepped outside, wanting nothing more now than to get away from Vanessa. Her laugh stopped him. “It’s funny really. Photos brought us together, and now you’ve found someone else to focus your camera on. Honestly, Marcus. Sometime you ought to find a better way of getting women to fuck you.” He couldn’t resist it. He raised his hand. “Fine. Whatever.” And flipped her the bird. Marcus closed the door with a solid thunk on his ex-wife, his pain, and his past. Free at last. Now there was only Jodi and his future. And one totally bass-ackward mess to straighten out.

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Chapter 17 Jodi wiped down the perfectly clean countertop for the third time and cursed at herself as she threw the cloth into the trash. She’d driven back to the restaurant but couldn’t remember doing it. She’d handled the day’s work, delivered the pastries to the wedding shower party, and cleaned up after the place closed—and couldn’t remember doing any of it. She was torn between the urge to bake something, something that required a lot of hard intense effort, and the desire to find somewhere nice and comfortable where she could enjoy a moment to herself. And bawl like a baby. This was so fucking stupid. Her rational brain kept yelling at her. Get the facts. Don’t leap to conclusions. You’re not an asshole with a brain the size of an underdeveloped pea. Think. Her emotional brain was wringing its hands, reaching for tissues and sobbing like an idiot, when not looking into its mirror and seeing the inevitable comparison— someone who wasn’t six feet of blonde glamour. She found comfort in the routine of closing up the restaurant for the night, and thanked her lucky stars that Marcus hadn’t come in during what had been left of the business day. She’d been busy, preoccupied, and had barely been able to function with her own thoughts distracting her, let alone his presence. But now she was ready for him. She had to see him, ask him some very pertinent questions, and maybe make a few decisions about her life and her future. Did they have restaurants in the Himalayas? Could she cook Tibetan food? Did she have any recipes for “Yak au frommage”? Shut up, you idiot. Running away isn’t the answer. Sighing, Jodi leaned on the counter, stared at nothing in particular and allowed herself a few moments of total schizophrenia. Why not? Why can’t I run away? Because you don’t know the facts. You’re going on suppositions. Yeah. Like I suppose a big-breasted blonde with no underwear standing in Marcus’s doorway was the Avon lady. Did you actually see Marcus fucking her? Did I need to? Didn’t you? You only had her word for it. There was someone in the shower.

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Well, that’s another thing. She said Marcus hated the smell of sex. Goddamn it, he didn’t seem to when he was with you, did he? Um. No. See? See? See what? All I can see is legs and blonde hair and…and… Someone you’re not, right? Jodi snorted. Schizophrenic conversations were goddamned useless at times. They simply stated the obvious. Look, idiot. Don’t making any fucking stupid decisions about your life right now. Get the facts. Isn’t it worth it? Isn’t Marcus the most frickin’ fantastic thing that’s ever come along? Of course he is. Why do you think I’m talking to myself like some asshole who should be on serious medication right about now? So do the smart thing for once. Think with your head, not your crotch. It’s not my crotch that’s hurting. I know. It’s your heart. And you know why? Yes. Because I’m in love with the jerk. That final realization shook Jodi to her core. She’d gone and done it. She’d gone and fallen head over heels in love with a guy who could turn her on like nobody she’d ever imagined. A guy who’d taken her to her own limits and shown her how to leave them all behind. A guy who’d wanted to go with her as she ventured into new and exciting places. A guy who’d made her laugh, made her look at herself in a new way, and who hadn’t been afraid to share it all with her. To give to her as much as she was giving to him. Oh fuck. The coffee pot stared sympathetically at her as she prepared the next day’s offering. Mechanically she put coffee into the filter and water into the reservoir. It was a routine action and she did it routinely, since her thoughts were anything but routine. She was in love. Jesus H. Christ. What a fucking mess. One thing was clear. She really needed to talk to Marcus. And not with her body or her heart. She had to use her brains for this one, and find out exactly what the hell Miss Legs-a-Mile-Long was to him. Why he had a swimsuit model in his apartment. And what, if anything, was going on between them. And if the answer to that was “nothing”, then could she kill the blonde anyway and plead justifiable homicide? Maybe she could request a jury of short brunettes. They’d probably dismiss the charges and give her a medal. For services rendered to humanity. 115

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On that rather comforting thought, Jodi finished up her chores. It was time. Time to go find Marcus and figure out all the unanswered questions. Time to put aside the weepy part of her that just wanted to sit down someplace and go into one of those idiotic “declines” that romance heroines loved so much. Nope. Jodi wasn’t the sort to go into a “decline”, weepy or otherwise. She wanted facts, answers, and possibly a couple of very sharp knives, not to mention a good place to hide a body. Reaching to turn out the remaining lights, she heard a footstep on the kitchen floor. Oh fucking A and hallelujah. He’d come to find her. Marcus. She turned with a half-smile on her face. “Jesus. You must be psychic. I was just about to…” The words faded into silence and she froze. It wasn’t Marcus. It was Frank.

***** Darkness had fallen by the time Vanessa finally left Marcus’s apartment. She didn’t know he’d been waiting outside, and that was just fine with him. He wanted to reassure himself that she was gone. He also wanted the folder of photographs he’d left inside, and he admitted to himself that he was too much of a coward to go back in and get them until the place was empty. Sure, he didn’t want anything more to do with Vanessa. But he also refused to share those photos with anyone, and he knew damn well that his ex would be all over them like white on rice if she even got a whiff of them. And they were his. Just like Jodi was his. Oscar signaled his agreement by stirring slightly and stretching. “Easy, my friend. We’ll sort it all out. Honest. She may be mad, but I won’t let her hurt you.” As the lights of Vanessa’s cab disappeared, Marcus rushed back up the stairs, fumbled his way through the lock, and grabbed the folder from inside the kitchen cabinet. It was a good thing Vanessa never cooked. If she’d had a sudden craving for SpaghettiOs, he’d have been in deep shit. But they were safe, tucked neatly into their protective plastic sheets and filed reverently between the covers of the binder. Getting back into the car, Marcus couldn’t resist the urge to look at them once more.

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The head shots were first. Jodi. Fire in her eyes and a militant tilt to her chin. It was her “fuck you” mode, and Marcus was learning to recognize it as her defense against the world. She was lovely, her delicate features offset by the lift of an eyebrow, the shadow of the jaw line…just enough to lend something extra special to these portraits. Or perhaps he was the one looking at them differently now. He sighed and turned the pages, finding the ones of Jodi as she’d modeled for him. Nude. Oscar woke up a little more as he received some vibrant images from Marcus’s brain. Whirling hair, moist lips, breasts that cried out for sucking…she was all there. Sometimes coy, sometimes brazen, her body was screaming sex at him from every single shot. And the ones on the couch? Sweat began to trickle down Marcus’s spine as he turned to those photos. Here was another side to Jodi. The sensual side. Each pose revealed more of Jodi the woman. Her fingers, toying with her pussy, gleaming with her juices, and her eyes, watching the lens from underneath half-closed lids. Her thighs splayed open, she’d hidden nothing…offering herself to his camera. And him. And he’d taken her. Oh God, had he taken her. Both he and Oscar shivered as they remembered it. Hard and fast, up against the wall, mind-blowing and spine-buckling sex. “Shit, Oscar. Shit.” The last photos though…those were the ones that had taken Marcus’s breath from his lungs with a whoosh. The two of them, loving each other with every single ounce of passion and desire they had. And the camera had caught it all. As Marcus turned from photo to photo he realized that he was looking at something unique. It was a woman and a man having sex—orally, physically, in just about every way possible. But it was so much more. These pictures showed a man and a woman making love. With his critically artistic eye, Marcus adjusted shadows here and there, and blended images in his mind. But with his heart, Marcus stared at them. And let himself believe what they were telling him.

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The final picture captured the whole thing. Right there. Jodi riding him to her orgasm, head thrown back, face bare of pretense, defense or any other emotion save that of the ultimate pleasure. He barely recognized himself beneath her. Oh it was his body, his muscles taut as he lifted himself up into her, but he too looked nearly unrecognizable as he lost himself in the strange new universe that was her. Jodi. They had both let go at that moment. From their pasts, from the present, from anything and everything that had held them back. From loving. And that was really what it was all about. Marcus had lowered his barriers, and Jodi had stormed through like a whirlwind, finding a place in his heart. And her? She’d found something too. She’d found she had no limits when it came to her and Marcus. And he prayed she realized it for what it was. Perhaps it was time to go ask her. Assuming she didn’t try and carve Oscar up into slices first of course. Oscar was not too thrilled about that idea, and snuggled into warm white briefs. Vanessa might have fucked up some things, and said some things, but Marcus knew he could explain. He just hoped he didn’t need full body armor to do it. Justin had often joked about Eleanor’s temper. If it was a family trait then Marcus was probably going to need a whip and a chair before going into that kitchen. But fuck it. She was worth it. Whatever it took, she was his, and he’d make her realize it. Somehow. He started the car and headed back over to the club and the restaurant. Jodi would be just about finished up by now, and they’d have chance to talk quietly. Or if she was going to throw china around, at least she wouldn’t injure innocent bystanders. Marcus sighed. “I dunno, Oscar. Help me out here, buddy. How do I handle this?” Oscar, like the prick that he was, said nothing.

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Chapter 18 “Hey, Jodi-babe.” Frank’s voice rattled around the deserted kitchen. “Well. This is a surprise.” Jodi glanced around. Fuck it. She was alone, as Frank had doubtless known she would be. “So. You ready for some?” His hands went to his fly. “Uh, Frank? You know…it’s not the best night. It’s been a busy day…” “So what? Never stopped you before. And I wanna fuck your sweet cunt. Been thinking about it all day.” He fumbled with the snap on his jeans. “After all, it’s been a while. Figured you’d be ripe and ready for it by now.” “Frank, no. Not tonight.” Jodi drew in a breath. “Not anymore. Thanks. It’s been fun, but no.” “What do you mean ‘no’?” Frank sounded extremely pissed, smelled of alcohol and needed a shave. Jodi backed up. “I said no. Just get the fuck out of here. You’re drunk and, well, I’m not in any kind of mood for you tonight. Any night from now on, as a matter of fact.” “So what? It’s not like you ever are in the mood. You’re a great piece of ass but damned if I know why you won’t come. Thought I didn’t notice, didn’t ya? I reckon you’re frigid or something. But who gives a fuck? Works for me.” Jodi’s nervousness was replaced by a swamping wave of anger. She’d had just about enough. “If you knew what the hell you were doing I might have come, Frank. You can’t just stick it in and expect a woman to get off!” Frank’s lips thinned at her words. Clearly, they weren’t what he wanted to hear. His color rose. “Fuck that shit. Nobody else ever has any problem. It’s you. You’re one cold bitch.” Furious now, Jodi stared at him. “I don’t have time for this shit, Frank. I’ve got a man now. One who knows what he’s doing and who gives me what I need. Unlike you. I don’t need a limp-dicked fuck-buddy who thinks he’s God’s gift…” She caught herself up. Wrong thing to say. Never insult a man’s…manhood. Frank snarled. “You mean Marcus, don’t you? I saw you two the other night. Smiling at each other. All goo-goo eyed.” His mouth turned down in a sneer. “You’d rather have that faggot pussy bartender over a man like me?” Unwisely, Jodi let her anger and her passion answer for her. “He’s more of a man than you’ll ever know how to be, Frank.”

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The stinging pain shot through Jodi’s cheek as Frank struck her with his hand. For a moment she saw stars. That…fucker. He’d hit her. A fury like she’d never known boiled through her body, and she nearly choked on it. Without even realizing she’d done it, her hand fisted and she turned to swing at him. But Frank caught her arm and his strong hand twisted her wrist making her wince. “Get away from me, you fucking bastard. God. To think I let you touch me.” The pain in her arm was nothing next to the anger roiling around her brain. Again Frank smacked her face, and she spun around from the force of it, buckling when her stomach folded over the steel counter. He grabbed a handful of her hair and held her, face down, as he tore at her underwear. “I know what a bitch like you needs.” Oh God, he’s going to rape me. Filthy asshole. They’d fucked before. With both their consent. But now…now things were different. Jodi didn’t want Frank or Frank’s dick anywhere near her. This wouldn’t be consensual. This would be against everything she now knew she wanted, everything she now knew she could have. With Marcus. This would be rape, no doubt about it. She kicked out with her foot, hoping to connect with something…anything…that would deflect Frank from his goal. She felt his pants fall open and the rigid, unprotected tip of his cock, slightly oozing from the sick excitement of threatening her. Think, Jodi, think. Don’t let the anger make you stupid. She closed her eyes. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of being ready for him. Her whole body locked tight and her muscles clenched. She felt Frank poking around her ass with horrible aim. Jodi’s eyes watered as Frank squeezed her hair in his large hands. It felt like he was going to rip out every single strand by the root. This was it. A brutal act of unimaginable disgust. She froze, muscles tightly clenched, and waited. Nothing happened. Frank’s hold on her head loosened. Her eyes were tearing from the pull on her hair, and her vision blurred. All she heard was a deep whisper. “Move…and I’ll cut it off, asshole.” Struggling upright, Jodi turned to see Frank with his hands to the sides of his head. Between his legs his cock was hanging free—right next to a long, shiny knife. The blade gleamed in the dim light. Marcus’s voice was calm and he commanded Frank’s absolute attention. “Motherfucker, you’re lucky I don’t cut your dick off. Takes a big man to slap a woman around, doesn’t it? I’m sure in jail you’ll get your chance to be someone’s bitch.”

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Jodi looked at Marcus as he stared coldly at Frank and a chill rolled up her spine. His eyes were like angry pools of black steel. He slowly eased the knife away from Frank’s dangling cock. “I bet a faggot like you is enjoying holding something next to my dick… Fuckin’ pussy!” Frank’s bravado evaporated and he gulped loudly as Marcus rotated the knife in his hand. Sweat beaded across his forehead. Jodi wasn’t sure what Marcus was thinking but she was certain of one thing. Frank wasn’t worth it. Not worth facing a jail sentence for, or losing a moment more time over. With a thud, Marcus plunged the knife into the wooden cutting board. He let go of the black handle and the knife stood, quivering, embedded in the pine. “Get the fuck out of here. I ever see you in the bar or anywhere near Jodi, ever again, I swear I’ll finish this.” Marcus turned back to Jodi. “You okay?” His tone was soft and caring, and she was distracted for a second or two. Frank grabbed the knife from the wood and held it up. “Now, we’ll see who’s a bitch…” With an odd little smile on his face, Marcus turned back to Frank. “A knife doesn’t scare me, Frank. I’ve been stabbed before.” Jodi frowned as Marcus’s words rolled around her confused brain. There was something there…something she should remember… But before she could, Marcus spoke again. “Frank, it’s not worth it. I guarantee if you try it, I will kill you.” His entire demeanor changed. Now, not just his eyes were hard. His body was taut, ready and quite prepared to crush any move Frank made. There was no fear in him. He glanced over at Jodi. “You want to press charges against this jerk?” Jodi had never seen him like this and stared at him, this stranger, who was now in total control of a horrible situation. Then she shook her head. “Fuck it. She’s just a cold bitch. I’ll go get me some other slut to fuck.” Frank stuck the knife back into the cutting board and fumbled with his pants. “I’m sure your wife would like to know that.” Marcus’s words echoed into the suddenly quiet room. “I asked around and the guys said you were bragging about getting some pussy from all over town. You are such an asshole.” “Wife?” Jodi was instantly enraged again. “You never told me you had a wife!”

*****

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“Who cares? I just wanted to get some fresh pussy.” Frank’s answer was matter of fact, and Marcus hid a smirk. He knew Jodi. It was very clear that Frank didn’t. But he was about to learn something…new. Everybody knew about the special spots on the human body which, when struck, cause immediate and severe pain. For men, it’s where they keep their second brain. With all the rage she possessed, Jodi lashed out. To say she kicked Frank squarely in the balls was an understatement. Jodi kicked Frank so hard he probably had to swallow several times to get his testicles back down to his sac. In spite of himself, Marcus winced. Any man would. It was so violent, even Oscar felt ill. “I’m not a home-wrecking bitch and I don’t play around with married men. I’ll make sure that poor woman knows what a lousy no-good fuckhead you really are. Dammit, I am so pissed…” Jodi wasn’t done yet. “Ohhhhh, my balls. You fu…oohhh…I feel sick—” Frank was looking very green indeed. “You sonofabitch. How dare you use me like that?” Jodi’s lips curled back from her teeth in a snarl. As Frank doubled over in pain, Jodi grabbed his hair, jerked his head up and rammed her knee into his face. The distinct sound of crunching cartilage echoed through the restaurant as she broke his nose. Frank fell to the floor, moaning in pain as blood streamed down over his mouth. Marcus looked at Jodi. Then looked at Frank. “And don’t make me repeat it either.” Jodi was panting, gasping for air, but whether from anger or shock, Marcus couldn’t tell. “Remind me to never piss you off.” He whispered in her ear as he grabbed the back of Frank’s shirt and dragged the limp body towards the door. Frank whimpered and coughed up some blood. “Hey, don’t bleed all over her clean floor. It’s unsanitary. Bleed outside.” Marcus had no sympathy for the moaning lump he hauled across the floor. Even though that had been one hell of a kick his woman had landed. Damn. He was proud of her. “Oh, my balls.” Frank staggered to his feet, assisted by Marcus, who pulled him up by his collar. It was either stand or be strangled on the spot by his own shirt. They reached the door and Marcus opened it, grabbing Frank by the arm. The one that was currently hanging on to what was left of his balls. “Next time, I’ll kill you.” With a push, Marcus flung Frank toward the sidewalk where, by accident, he fell into a fire hydrant that crushed the hand cupping his crotch. Crumbling in a heap, Frank leaned against the hydrant.

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A passing bus splattered a dirty puddle of mud and tar across Frank’s bloody face. While he sat there whimpering, a skinny poodle raised its leg and pissed all over his expensive cowboy boots. It was a pitiful sight. Especially the crying and the desperate search for those missing testicles. Marcus shut the door and locked it.

***** “M…M…Marcusss…” Oh shit. Jodi was starting to shake. She looked at him, blue eyes wide, pupils dilated, and held her hands out towards him as they trembled. He knew what it was—that crash of adrenaline through her system was fading and reducing her body to a shuddering mess. He’d been there, felt it, and saw immediately what was happening. “C—c—cold—” she stuttered. He reached for her, folding his arms around her and hanging on as her whole body started to shiver. “Let’s get you out of here.” He picked her up in his arms, cradling her against his chest. “You’re in shock, babe. It’s going to be okay.” He devoutly hoped that it was. “K—keys—” She nodded at her purse, and Marcus grabbed it as he hurried Jodi out of the kitchen and up the stairs to her apartment. At least some part of her brain was still functioning. He opened the door and bolted through it, slamming it behind them with his heel. And all the while, Jodi shook in his arms, keeping her own tight around his neck and her face buried beneath his chin. “S—so—s—scared—” Her whimper fired Marcus’s fury once more. He should have killed the bastard and been done with it. Her teeth were chattering as he stood her up and her face was paper-white, only a slight discoloration marking where Frank had hit her. She was cold to the bone, and her hands like blocks of ice. Marcus started stripping her. “What…what’re you doing?” “Got to warm you up. Come on…into the shower with you.” He tugged her into the bathroom and turned on the faucets, getting the water as hot as possible and filling the small room with steam.

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She tried to help him, but her fingers were useless and she fumbled with the snaps and the hem of her shirt. “S’okay. I’ve got it. Just stand there…” Marcus efficiently stripped her naked in seconds flat. “Presto.” He piled his own clothes onto the same heap. Lifting her into the bath, he stood her under the shower, hearing her gasp as the hot water hit her spine. He got in with her. “Ow…hot…” “Good. It should be. We need to get you warmed up.” He, on the other hand, didn’t need any warming up at all. A shivering, naked and wet Jodi worked just as well as the water streaming from the shower. Concern for her had driven any other thoughts out of his head. “Ah, holy crap—this is hot…hot…hot.” The only adrenaline rush he was experiencing was the one that Oscar was currently enjoying. Down boy…now’s not the time. Oscar disagreed. Marcus sighed and reached for Jodi’s soap, squirting a hefty dollop into his hands and working it into her skin as it lathered up. Mmm, she’s so soft. She felt so good. And that Oscar agreed with, even though “soft” was not a word currently in his vocabulary. Jodi relaxed as Marcus caressed and rubbed her soapy body. “Oh God, that feels like heaven.” She leaned her head against his chest, and he breathed a little easier as her shivering stopped. “Better?” “Mmm, yeah.” He grabbed the floofy thing and used it to scrub her skin. He guessed that was what it was supposed to be for, and she didn’t complain, just groaned with pleasure and nuzzled his chest. Patience, Oscar. “Did you hear what that asshole said?” Jodi’s words were muffled by the lather and his chest hair. “Hmm? About what, sweetheart?” He scrubbed her buttocks. They were probably cold too. He was a man who liked to do a thorough job of things. “About me. He said I was…frigid.” Marcus snorted. Not a wise move when one was getting a face full of water from the shower. He coughed, choked and gargled a bit. “He was fucked up and drunk, Jodi.” “Yeah, I know. But…Marcus…that was so not a good thing to say to me.”

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Marcus finished polishing her backside. Rinse and wax next. Or rinse and whatever. He didn’t care. Why even rinse? Those butt cheeks just felt so nice in his hands. He couldn’t help giving them a little squeeze. Mmmm. “Why? It really upset you, didn’t it? Tell me, Jodi. You know you’re not frigid, don’t you? Haven’t we proved that?” Oscar nudged her politely, reminding her that he’d been very involved in the “proving” process and would like to do it again. “It was Paris all over again.” Marcus paused in his delicate stroking. “Paris, Texas?” She pressed herself closer. “No, Paris, France.” He put his hands on her shoulders and moved her away from him a little so that he could see her face. The color was coming back. “So you gonna tell me about it?” She sighed and closed her eyes. “It’s stupid.” “Not if it bugs you this much. Talk to me?” “I don’t know if I can.” Marcus lifted a bottle of shampoo down from the ledge and turned Jodi away from him, which also gave Oscar the chance to delve happily in between her ass cheeks. He settled down contentedly, resting in her cleft, waiting to hear the story too. “I was so frickin’ young.” She groaned with pleasure as Marcus started massaging the shampoo into her hair. “We all are at one time or another.” “Yeah. I guess. Well, I was young enough to believe that I was completely and absolutely in love. He was my first, too.” She shrugged her shoulders. “What did I know? I thought that was all there was.” The lather built up in her hair. It smelled nice, flowery. He remembered all those commercials with woman having orgasms in the shower from the shampoo. Marcus listened. “So when he asked me to marry him, I was…I was on cloud nine, you know?” “Mmm hmm.” God, this stuff wouldn’t stop frothing. “Anyway, to cut a long story short, he announced at our supposed wedding that he wasn’t going to marry me because I sucked in the sack.” Marcus’s hands paused. “What?” Jodi coughed and spat as some lather dribbled into her mouth. “He told everyone in the little church that I was frozen. A lousy lay. In French, of course.” She tilted her head a little. “It sounded better in French, but that was the gist of it.” “Jesus. What an asshole.” “Well yeah. He was. But at the time I was shattered. And soooo embarrassed.” “No kidding.” Marcus played with her hair and the lather. “What did you do?”

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“Nothing. I left the church, left my friends. Stayed away from them all, went to the Cordon Bleu and graduated with honors. Fucked around, of course, had boyfriends, but…” “Nothing ever happened, right?” Marcus thoughtfully pulled a couple of strands of her hair into soapy spikes. “Right. Nothing ever happened. I guess I just kept on believing that I was one of those women who didn’t…see fireworks. I was frozen. Inside.” Marcus twisted the spikes into one big horn. It looked a bit like Oscar, come to think of it. “But now, you know you’re not. Frozen, I mean.” “Oh God, yeah. I mean no, I’m not. Whatever. You showed me that, Marcus…” She half turned, nearly taking his eye out with the glob of hair he’d piled up on top of her head. “Uh…what are you doing?” Marcus quickly rubbed her head again and turned her once more towards the spray. “Just washing your hair. Keep talking, babe.” “I had a long time to get used to the idea that I could fuck but not…not…” “Not make love?” The words fell out of Marcus’s mouth. Jodi stilled. “Yeah. That’s the difference. You and me…we make love. It happens. The world rocks, fireworks explode…oceans rise and fall…the whole nine yards.” She huffed. “Crazy, huh?” “Well I don’t like to brag, but…” Marcus let the water wash away the shampoo and watched the rivulets of lather stream over her body like the surf from some magic ocean on a moonlit beach. God, she was so beautiful. For a split second he’d have given anything for a waterproof camera. “Jodi, it’s different for me too. I’ve only just realized it. Anyone can fuck. But it takes something special between two people to turn it into making love.” “Yeah.” She sighed and reached back, just brushing his hips with her hands. “Thanks, Marcus…” “For what? Making love to you? For enjoying the hell out of your body?” “Oh yeaahhhh…” She arched her back a little, pushing her body into his. “Don’t thank me, Jodi. It was my pleasure…” Oscar nudged both of them. “Sorry, our pleasure. Me and Oscar.” He heard the smile in her voice. “How could I forget Oscar?” She tipped her head back even further against Marcus’s chest and closed her eyes as the water washed away the last of the lather. “One day, Jodi…” Marcus dropped light kisses on her shoulder. “One day I’ll take you to Paris.” “You will?” She sounded out of breath now, her color deepening as his hands kept stroking and caressing her.

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“Yeah. We’ll do the tourist thing. Visit the hot spots.” One hand dropped to her belly and lower, seeking and finding a very personal hot spot. “Okay.” She squirmed against him and he felt her moisture, slick and honeyed on his fingers. “We’ll put the past behind us.” “Okay…oh…” His hand played with her pussy. “We’ll go up to the top of the Eiffel tower. We’ll look out over the city…” “You’d like it. Great for photographs…” She bit down on a moan. “And we’ll make love up there. In the clouds.” “We will?” Her voice caught in her throat as he sank his fingers deep inside her and stroked her gently. “Oh yeah.” She laughed as he brushed Oscar against her pussy lips. She was totally and completely in love with Marcus. He held her so tight against him, she became lost in his embrace. The water washed away all her past fears and the years fell away. She was free at last. Happy, content and in love. And there he was, naked, gorgeous, and looking at her like she was the most precious thing in his world. He shut the shower off and they stood silent for a moment, letting the water drip from their skin. Then he grabbed a towel and wrapped her up in it. Cuddling her. Lord, how long had it been since someone cuddled her? Like this? Limp, she let him pull her this way and that, rubbing her down with the towels and drying her hair with a rough touch. “Ow…” She peeked out from beneath the bath towel and smiled at him. He smiled back and damn near took her breath away. “I love you too, Jodi.” Her jaw dropped. “How did you know…?” “That that’s what you were thinking? Dunno. Guess I could see it in your eyes.” He picked her up and carried her, naked, into her bedroom. “Some things you don’t have to say out loud.” “Yeah I do.” She let him lay her down and snuggled in next to him as he pulled the covers over them both. “I love you, Marcus.” “I know.” Jodi nipped his chest. “Ow. What was that for?” “For being so goddamned smart. And probably knowing I was falling in love with you before I knew it myself. And taking such damn good pictures…which, I might add, I want to see.” She snuggled more closely. “In a little while.”

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Marcus grinned. “Okay.” Jodi relaxed in his arms, listening to the steady thump of his heartbeat next to her ear. “Marcus?” “Oh Jesus. Here it comes. I figured it was too good to be true.” Jodi’s lips curved into a smile at his teasing tone. “What?” “Are we gonna have to analyze this stuff or something? You know, talk?” She let her fingers wander over his body, touching lightly here and there, stroking the hard muscles, tickling the softer places, and giggling as he flinched. “Nope. No analysis. But there is something I think we should talk about.” Marcus heaved a deep sigh. “I knew it. Go ahead. What?” Her hand moved lower to the scar inside his hip. “This. Tell me about this? And…Vanessa?”

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Chapter 19 Jodi lay against Marcus’s nude body. This was one of those awkward moments for Marcus. He was used to keeping his emotions pretty close to the heart and never talked much about his past, or himself. “Vanessa is my ex-wife.” Marcus took a deep breath and began his story. “Like you, I was young. I was studying art in Germany and Vanessa was my first real model shoot. She had no reservations about posing nude and being a guy…well, you know.” “What? Marcus, tell me.” Jodi rubbed the muscles in his chest. “She was Oscar’s first love. And mine too. I wasn’t used to a woman being so open to me. I just fell—hook, line and sinker for the whole fairy tale. She was a gorgeous woman and her modeling was taking off, helped along by my photography.” “So, she’s okay looking.” Jodi had the grace to look embarrassed at the rather snide comment. But she didn’t retract it. “To make a long story short—I was more in love with her then she was with me and she found her ticket to the big time with another man. That’s why I’ve kept myself pretty much single. I didn’t want to be hurt again. I didn’t want to care that much again. Not until you came along.” Marcus paused and drew in a cleansing breath. “You never forget your first love, or your first heartbreak. She came here because she was on a magazine shoot nearby and wanted to see me. Jodi, there will always be a place in my life that contains her. But that’s all. I don’t love her anymore. She’s my past. You are my future. Okay?” “What about this?” Jodi pulled the covers down, exposing his scarred hip and nude torso. “It was a stupid, terrible thing.” Jodi clearly sensed his apprehension hanging over him like a weight. “It’s okay. Never mind. It’s not important.” “No, it is important.” With a sigh he started again. “Vanessa had a fan who turned out to be a stalker. First it was the phone calls, then the letters, then the flowers. All the typical shit psychos do. Well, after the police put a restraining order on him, he went ballistic and broke into our apartment one night.” “Oh my God.” Jodi’s voice was horrified. “What happened?” Marcus started to tighten up. “He was in our bedroom when I woke up. He had a knife and I stayed calm and tried to keep him away. He said if he couldn’t have Vanessa—nobody could.”

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He shook his head, trying to contain the terrible memory. “I didn’t mean it to happen. He jumped at her—I lunged to stop him. I got the knife in my side but he—lost his life.” Marcus gulped air into his lungs. “I didn’t want that to happen again, Jodi. Even if Frank was a fucking dumbass. It just isn’t worth it.” For some reason Marcus felt better. Maybe telling her about his past was the start. Maybe being honest was another reason. Probably the fact that Jodi was caressing Oscar with her palm was the main reason. Jodi was relaxed and surprisingly calm as she listened to the story. Her touch eased him, and told him she understood. Marcus lay silent in the bed with his woman beside him. Everything was as it should be and all was finally well in his world. Except for the fact that Oscar was wide awake and everyone else was falling asleep. With a loud rumbling snore, Marcus let himself drift off. Jodi was close behind but the loud echo from beneath her head kept her lingering on the edge of consciousness. With a strong shove she pushed Marcus over to his side. “That’s something we’ll need to work on,” she whispered under her breath. Marcus mumbled as he rolled onto his belly. “No, Mommy, I don’t like sauerkraut…”

***** Jodi awoke slowly, swimming back to consciousness through a warm ocean of security and contentment. Her knee hurt like hell, and a quick movement of her mouth let her know that her face was probably bruised, but she didn’t care. Marcus’s arms were around her, his heart beat steadily against her spine, and all was right with her world. She lay there, letting the waves of bliss wash over her. This was how it was supposed to be. Waking up every morning next to a man she loved and trusted with her very soul. A man who loved her in return. And who could turn her to jelly with just a smile from those drop-dead gorgeous eyes of his. In all the fantasies she’d ever had, up to and including the one about the tropical ocean, the movie star and the dolphins, she’d never truly known a moment like this and she was determined to savor it. As Marcus’s gentle snores rumbled against her neck, Jodi let her mind wander over the strange twists and turns her life had taken and she pulled up short when a thought struck her. She hadn’t seen the damn photographs. How dumb was that?

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Slowly, she freed herself from Marcus’s embrace. He huffed and fussed and finally lay flat on his back, arms outspread, snoring. Even at rest, Oscar made a very nice bulge under the thin covers. Jodi grinned. Oh yeah. She’d landed the best of the bunch. Just thinking about Oscar made her nipples shiver. Quietly she slipped across the room to the low table against the far wall. Turning on the little desk lamp, she opened the folder that lay there. A thick wad of black and white glossies spilled out into the small pool of light. It was her. Jodi picked up the first few pictures, holding them closer to the lamp. The head shots Marcus had taken during their first session together. Standard poses…and yet…he’d caught an expression, a thought perhaps…something. Jodi was fascinated. So this was what he saw. She riffled through the shots, remembering her thoughts, her emotions, and amazed that Marcus had managed to convey them. She really was telling the world—and him— to fuck off. It was damned clear. Then she came to the first of her “modeling” shots. With an indrawn breath she slowly reviewed them. Marcus had them organized in sequence, from her first awkward attempts at posing to…ohmigod. The couch ones were…what had he said? Breathtaking. She couldn’t recognize herself. She knew it was her body, her breasts, her hands and her…well, she knew it was her. But holy fucking graphic! And yet they were so much more than just x-rated photographs. They were indeed art. From the shadows to the light glistening on her wet fingers, from the tiny budded nipple standing erect atop a smooth breast…they were all simply gorgeous. Marcus had outdone himself. He’d captured the essence of sensuality in these pictures. The birth of a woman’s self-knowledge. The emergence of a new and vibrant creature from a self-imposed cocoon of isolation. Every thought she could remember having had been translated into these images. Every second of her transformation from cool businesswoman to free spirit had been recorded on film. Forever. Her heart beat rapidly as she stared at herself reclining on the couch, lips parted on a sigh of pleasure as she touched her body and freed her heart. Dear lord—Marcus had, indeed, made magic. And she was living proof. Her hands started to shake as she reached the last set of photos and now it wasn’t the woman who captured her eyes but the man. This was a side of Marcus she’d never had chance to observe. Not the way she could now.

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The look of surprise on his face as the first shot had flashed from the camera. The smile of pleasure as she’d taken hold of Oscar and begun loving him with her mouth. The way his eyes had closed as she’d sucked him deeply, and the way he bared his teeth as she toyed with that one spot she’d found right beneath the head. And most of all—the way he watched her as she loved him. He’d forgotten the camera was there, and so had she. They had both been lost in the moment. But now, sitting in the semi-darkness, Jodi could look clearly at the face of the man making love to her. A man in love. When he wasn’t watching her face he watched her body. His hand would rise up to stroke her buttocks, and his eyes gleamed brightly in the flash as he sank his mouth between her thighs. His entire focus had been on her, Jodi, nothing else. And when she’d straddled him and slid Oscar inside—their expressions were almost identical. The heat damn near seared her hands as she held the photographs. Even if she hadn’t known who they were, had never seen them before, the evidence was right there before her eyes. The final photo said it all. Lovers. Head thrown back in a spasm of delight, Jodi was riding him to her orgasm, and Marcus? Beyond beautiful. His muscles were flexed, his neck arched and his mouth open on a cry of fulfillment. Tears filled her eyes as she stared at the last picture. It was a moment in time that she’d never forget, although she knew that many more such experiences lay ahead for them both. But this photo—this frozen instant—represented so much of what Marcus had given her. Shown her. And allowed her to be. There were truly no limits anymore. Not between lovers. Blinking away the moisture, Jodi sighed and put the photos back into the folder. She shivered in the chill of the room. Morning was still a few hours away. Perhaps it might be…interesting…to start off Marcus’s day with a little surprise. A wicked grin curved Jodi’s lips. Let’s find out what Oscar likes for breakfast.

***** Marcus frowned as something dropped on his face. He opened his eyes and nearly screamed as a face loomed above him. It was huge…great lips…big eyes staring at him from a pale face…aaaaargh.

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He sat up with a curse and the photo that had been resting on his nose fluttered to the bed beside him. Jodi. His scattered brain pulled itself together and he glanced over at her side of the bed. Empty. Well fuck. For a couple who were supposed to be in love, he was getting pretty frickin’ tired of waking up alone. He blinked at the picture lying on the sheets, and blinked again as he looked up and finally got his eyes to focus. The sheer white curtain had been pulled closed around the bed and dotted with the photos. They were hanging from the fabric like raindrops. God, if she’d used sticky tape he’d wring her neck. Jodi, in all her black and white glory, was staring aggressively at him from some of them, naked and softening for him in others and finally fucking him. He swallowed back a gulp. Where was she? Shit. He had to pee. He slid his legs over the side of the bed and noticed a sliver of light coming from the bathroom. Aha. Maybe she was waiting in there for him. Sex in the shower would be good. Scratching his ass, he stumbled over and pushed the door open. Nope. Empty. He peed, getting great delight from making bubbles in the bowl. The sour taste of morning breath made his nose curl so he swished some toothpaste around his mouth. Glancing in the mirror he struck his best Hulk Hogan pose. His muscles flexed across his chest and his hair looked like something out of a horror movie. He licked his palm and pushed the wave of hair to his head. It quickly sprang back up into something resembling a shark’s fin. No harm in freshening up, right? Oscar, who was waking up and stretching comfortably, agreed. Go find Jodi. Marcus nodded. His thoughts exactly. He left the bathroom and peered into the darkened apartment. A low giggle sounded from the bed. “Over here, big guy.” “Shit, goddammit, ow, ow, ow, fuckin’ kickboard.” He stubbed his toe on something, hopped on one foot, and finally made it back to the bed. It was totally screened by the drapey thing, but a low light was glowing from within. Fighting what seemed like about twenty miles of fabric, Marcus finally pulled the damn stuff out of the way as the photos dropped to the floor like falling leaves. And there she was. Propped up on pillows, stark naked, and shining beneath a small reading light on the wall above the bed.

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Marcus held his breath. Oscar nodded a polite hello. He was a well-mannered fellow, all things considered. Jodi raised a hand, palm outwards. “Hold it right there, Marcus. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking this morning.” Oh fuck. Marcus cast mental eyes skywards and prayed to be saved from women who thought this early in the morning. He cleared his throat. “Yeah?” “Mmm hmm.” She smiled at him. “I’ve been looking at the photos too. They’re…well, they’re beyond belief.” His chest swelled. “I…um…told you they were.” “You did. But until I saw them, I couldn’t believe it. Now…now I see what you mean. And I saw a lot of other stuff too. Like a new side of me. One that you set free with your camera and…and Oscar.” If Oscar could have grinned, he would have. Marcus could—and did. “So, I’m wondering if you like what you see now.” She slid a hand slowly up her body and cupped a breast. “If you like watching me as I do this…” She gently thumbed a nipple to an enticing hardness. Marcus cleared the sands of the desert from his throat. “Uh…sure.” “Or this, perhaps…” Her other hand drifted lower and her legs parted, revealing soft pink flesh. “I know now that I like you watching me…” “You do?” He squawked. He honest-to-God squawked. He swallowed and tried again. “You do?” She grinned. “Oh yeah.” She moved her fingers around, stroking herself, and the fragrance of her arousal filtered through the air to Marcus’s nose. He inhaled it like it was the finest perfume. To him, it was. Her movements rustled the bedclothes and she parted her legs even wider, letting her fingers slip between her body’s glistening folds with a delicious little sound. “I love watching your eyes as you watch me, Marcus. Did you know that?” He shook his head. “Uh huh”. Oscar just shook. “I didn’t realize until I looked at the photos…” She bit back a groan as her fingers found an exceptionally sensitive spot. “That…that your face changes when we make love. That everything you’re feeling comes out. That it’s right there…I never saw it.” “Huh?” This conversation was probably important, but Marcus was having a really hard time focusing on anything other than Jodi’s hand as it slicked in and out of her pussy. Oscar shed a little tear of eagerness. “But I see it now.” “Uh huh.” Oh fuck. That was so good. “What?” Jodi giggled. “Marcus?” 134

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“Uh huh.” She pulled her hands away from her body and spread her legs as wide as she could, opening herself freely to him. “Love me?” Okaaaaaaay.

***** The bed bounced as Marcus leaped on her. She was so ready for him. Sure, her knee was bruised, her face still hurt, and thoughts of last night and Frank gave her the shivers. But right now, right at this moment, she couldn’t think of anything beyond the man who was looming over her with hot desire in his dark eyes. His morning stubble made him even more attractive, if such a thing was possible, and Jodi just couldn’t wait. She grabbed his ass and pulled him close, letting Oscar slide between her pussy lips and straight into her body. Where he belonged. No foreplay necessary—no words necessary. It was a natural thing, a mating of two people destined to be together. She slithered down a little and raised her legs, pulling him even deeper inside her. “Oh Marcus…shit…you feel so good.” “We feel good, babe. Together.” He rested for a moment, leaning his forehead against hers and she could feel Oscar as he shuddered with pleasure in his home. “And will you please stop getting out of bed so frickin’ early and leaving me to wake up alone?” She shifted her hips a little. “Okay.” It was his turn to move his hips, and Jodi gasped. Holy fucking bliss. They fit like yin and yang. Just made for each other. He dropped a light kiss on her nose, breath toothpastey and chin rough. “You’re so special. You know that?” He was beginning to move, slowly and rhythmically, letting Oscar stroke her inner walls with his ridges and muscle. She half-closed her eyes with pleasure. “I do now. I didn’t before, but I do…oh…” Marcus had adjusted his position and slipped a hand between them, finding her juices flooding them both and spreading them around. Damn…the man knew her hot spots so frickin’ well… It was simple, straightforward and wonderful. Marcus on top, flexing that fabulous ass of his as he sank into Jodi over and over again. He did as she’d asked. He loved her.

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Taking her to the very edge and then easing back, teasing her with the promise of an orgasm then relaxing a little, slowing down. It wasn’t long before she was a screaming mass of nerves that begged for release. He picked up his pace, and Jodi watched him as he thrust hard and fast, his balls slapping against her flesh, his face flushed and his eyes…oh yeah, those eyes. It was so beautiful she almost forgot what they were doing…but then he hit the right spot and she remembered. Oh fuuuuuuck. “Marcus!” Her scream rattled the skylights and two more photos fell to the floor. And Marcus was right there with her, sharing the ride. His rough cry followed hers and he crashed deep into her, filling her, and letting Oscar do his job with enthusiasm. Slowly, Marcus lowered himself, unlocking his muscles and subsiding into a heap of sated flesh on top of her. She could feel Oscar softening inside her, but she didn’t want to move. She didn’t want this moment to ever end. “More…” mumbled Marcus. “More. Definitely more,” panted Jodi. “In just a minute or two.” “I’m timing you,” he muttered. His voice was muffled by the pillows. “Okay.” It actually took more like fifteen minutes. But it was fifteen minutes of sunshine for Jodi. A new day. A new life. A lover. Shit. How much better could it get? Each time she looked into his eyes, she asked herself the same question and got a new answer. He watched her as she staggered to the bathroom. He watched her as she called her assistant manager and shocked the crap out of her by announcing that for the first time in recorded history, Jodi Preston was taking the day off. And asked her to clean up any leftover blood that might be on the kitchen floor. He watched her answer the call that came in not three minutes later from her sister, and he watched as she reassured Eleanor that everything was just fine. He watched as she unplugged the phone. And he watched her as she snuggled back against him and reached for Oscar. “Time’s up, big guy.”

*****

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With a thump, Marcus fell back onto the bed. Sweat ran along his forehead and his skin was flushed. The vibrations of his pounding heart could be seen shaking the muscles in his chest. He gasped for air as he tried to talk. “My God, I think I’m going to die. My balls are sore.” With a weary chuckle he cupped himself in his hands. “Rest. He needs rest.” “Hmm…well, it is getting close to lunchtime. Maybe we should get something to eat.” Jodi watched him, chin resting on her arms. Marcus lay motionless and spent. Oblivious to everything. She got that familiar smirk on her face and raised herself up on all-fours, prowling across the bed like a big cat hunting its prey. She hummed softly as she neared his limp body. “My bologna has a first name…it’s O-S-C-A-R…” Marcus closed his eyes and whimpered. “Oh no, not again…” The End

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About Sahara Kelly: Sahara Kelly was transplanted from old England to New England where she now lives with her husband and teenage son. Making the transition from her historical regency novels to Romantica™ has been surprisingly easy, and now Sahara can’t imagine writing anything else. She is dedicated to the premise that everybody should have fantasies.

The authors welcome mail from readers. You can write to them c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at P.O. Box 787, Hudson, Ohio 44236-0787.

Also by Sahara Kelly A Kink In Her Tails The Glass Stripper Guardian’s Of Time 1: Alana’s Magic Lamp Guardians of Time 2: Finding The Zero-G Spot The Gypsy Lovers Hansell and Gretty The Knights Elemental Madam Charlie Magnus Ravynne and Mistress Swann Mesmerized Mystic Visions Partners In Passion 1: Justin and Eleanor Persephone’s Wings Peta And The Wolfe Sizzle The Sun God’s Woman Tales Of The Beau Monde 1: Lying With Louisa Tales Of Beau Monde 2: Miss Beatrice’s Bottom Tales Of Beau Monde 3: Lying With Louisa Tales Of Beau Monde 4: Pleasuring Miss Poppy

Also by S. L. Carpenter: Betty And The Beast Partners In Passion 1: Eleanor and Justin Slippery When Wet Strange Lust Strange Lust 2 Toys 4 Us Twisted Destiny

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

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