Vanilla Twist
Chapter One
Heather
“Heather?” A warm hand slides over my hip. Soft, moist lips press against one shoulder. “It’s Monday. You’ve got work today.”
I resist the urge to snuggle back under the covers and spend the rest of the day like the weekend—naked and sweaty. Tony’s hips move behind mine, his arousal stroking between the cheeks of my ass. His enthusiasm isn’t making me want to get out of bed, either.
“What time is it?” I struggle to rise to examine the clock.
Tony holds me firmly in place. “A little before six. You’ve got plenty of time.” His fingers dig into my hip, guiding them in a slow motion while he thrusts softly against me. “I don’t need to be in Jersey until later.” He relaxes his grasp, perhaps drawing out his own anticipation. “Excited about starting your new job?”
Unsurprisingly, my new job is the furthest thing from my mind at the moment. “Job?” my voice sounds rough with sleep. “You really want to talk about work?”
His masculine chuckle warms the skin of my back. He curves closer, pressing his upper body firmly along my spine. “You’re right. My bad. I want you focused on what you’re feeling.” Tony places lingering kisses up my neck, nibbling at the skin below my jaw.
My eyes fly open as he sucks where his teeth grazed me. “Hey! Don’t leave a hickie. I need to look professional.”
Tony releases the suction. “Yes, ma’am.” He kisses me again, ending with a light lick. “Wouldn’t want that.”
I squirm, pressing myself toward his cock. The idea of him wanting to mark me, to let the world know I’m taken, stirs something primal within me. Makes me want to mark him, too. Although, working on his apartment doesn’t allow him much exposure to the dating public.
And really, am I that type of girl? I’m close to thirty. I should be past having to mark my man. My Man. That has a nice ring to it. Would he like me to brand him with a love bite? Perhaps I could leave one where only he can see it.
That would be sexy as well as fun. I’ll do it. The moment I can think clearly and get a chance.
The hand on my hip curves inward, questing fingers slip between my thighs.
His husky voice whispers in my ear, “I can think of a terrific way to start your day.”
I gasp as he finds my clit, sliding two fingers to either side to rub gently.
“It’ll be a great stress reliever, too. You’ll start your new job well-rested and relaxed.”
Considering the amount of hours I was awake last night and panting under his hard body, I doubt I’ll be too rested. But who the hell cares? I roll onto my back and spread my thighs. This feels too good to ignore.
I stifle a yawn and push my hips up to meet his hand. “What did you have in mind, mister?”
The desire glowing in his light brown eyes leaves me reeling. I can still hardly believe how things worked out last week. Tony, waiting for me in my lobby when I’d thought I’d messed things up for good. Life is getting better and better by the day.
He leans in to kiss me, his morning scruff tickling my chin. Tony’s mouth meets mine and a shudder races down my frame. God, he’s simply delicious. And all mine.
He pulls back and nips my bottom lip. “Would you like hard and fast or slow and leisurely?”
An idea comes to me. I push him onto his back and straddle his hips. “I’ll let you know.” I reach down and clasp his length, guiding him inside me.
Tony wastes no time and thrusts his hips up to meet mine, his hands grabbing both breasts. “That’s it, baby. Ride me. I love it when you take what you want.”
His words excite me further. In past relationships I never considered being sexually aggressive, always content to accept whatever was offered. But this man, he brings out the wanton hussy in me. I want to shock him. I want to leave him guessing. I want him always craving more—of me.
I angle my hips and rub forward and back, grinding my mound on his pelvic bone to get the pressure I crave. Hot palms cup my small breasts, squeezing and kneading a moment before agile fingers seek out my nipples. A sharp twist of the aroused peaks pulls a gasp from me.
“Look at me,” he says. I stare down into his expressive eyes. “I want to see all of you when you come.”
He releases one breast and maneuvers his hand between us, his thumb stroking right where I need it.
“Yesss… That feels so good…” My eyes start to drift close and he tweaks my nipple hard, drawing my attention back to his gaze.
“Don’t look away. Be in the moment with me.”
His heart shines in his eyes, the emotion deep and strong. The raw edge of his hunger weaves an impassioned spell, encasing us both. This incredible man never fails to surprise me.
“Faster,” I gasp. “I’m close.”
Pressure builds inside as I bump and grind on his engorged flesh. His hips rise up to meet mine, pounding deep inside me. The slap of heated flesh rings loud in the quiet room, the only other sound our panting breaths.
“That’s it…” A long low keening of sound spills from my lips as I falter in my rhythm. Tony increases his pace, pushing me over the edge into oblivion. His grip on my breast becomes rough, merging a tinge of pain with my release.
The electric tingle of orgasm lights inside me, curving my back and bring my face near his. I latch my mouth onto his as he erupts, his shout of pleasure causing his teeth to clank against mine. His hands leave my clit and breast to grab my hips, slamming me down on him while his orgasm wracks his frame.
After a few gasping breaths we settle, his hands gentling and rising to soothe along my spine. His voice sounds mellow and satiated. “What a great way to start the day.”
A sigh escapes me as I nuzzle near his neck. “You said it.”
The enticing aroma of fresh bagels fills my head as I slowly spin to examine my new office space. The company’s former CFO and my boss, Harvey, cleaned out his stuff last week when the board pushed his retirement. The room has been cleaned vigorously by the building’s janitorial staff and now awaits for me to make it my own. Wonder and awe swell inside my chest.
This is it, girlfriend. You’ve made it to the top!
When I started at Parkerson right out of college I had no idea, in just shy of seven years, I’d be the youngest member the board has ever accepted to its ranks, and the only woman, to boot.
A throat clears behind me and I turn to see a huge bouquet of flowers dwarfing the woman who holds their glass vase. “These came for you.” Melissa, one of the receptionists, strides across the room to set the arrangement on a sideboard near my new desk. “They arrived special order—by messenger.” She glances at her wrist. “I don’t think we’ve ever had flowers arrive before eight am.”
Warmth floods my face. There’s only one person I know in my life who’d do something so extravagant. Melissa fusses with the flowers a moment before reaching for the card. Without opening it, she hands the small envelope to me in passing, her eyebrows raised. “As if the simple fact the exotic blooms outshine any rose isn’t enough, your admirer wanted to make sure the arrangement arrived bright and early, too.”
I nod my thanks, too overwhelmed with emotion to speak. I clutch the tiny card to my chest, scurrying over to the lush flowers to take a deep breath of their heady fragrance. I fan my heated cheeks with the card and stare at the artfully arranged blossoms. Vibrant yellows, oranges and reds stand out like flames among smaller white flowers with tiny black centers. I have no idea what any of them are called, but I’ll be searching the Internet later when I take a break.
Such luxury could only come from Tony. I make my way over to the deep leather seat behind my desk and sit, eager to see what he wrote in the card.
Go get ‘em, tiger!
Wishing you the best in your new position,
Tony
A huge smile spreads across my face. Considering the wake-up I received this morning, I never expected him to send flowers, too.
I picture Tony’s relaxed, boxer-brief clad physique leaning against my counter this morning. His defined abs tightened when he laughed at something silly I said, distracting me yet again. Only this time I over-filled my coffee cup while I was staring. Which of course led to more laughter from my new lover.
A shiver runs through me as I recall our weekend lovemaking. There was no hesitancy between us as we casually traded control and assertiveness with each sexual encounter. In my wildest dreams I never expected a man as successful and handsome as Tony would want me.
I rummage around in my purse, looking for my cell phone, impulsively deciding to call him. After all, work hours haven’t officially started yet.
He answers, a teasing note in his voice. “Hey. Didn’t expect to hear from you so early.”
“I just bet! Your flowers arrived. They’re stunning, thank you.”
“Good. I’m glad you liked them.” He hesitates for a second and my heart hitches in my chest. Does he regret sending them? Have I made too big of a deal over something he considers small? I hate this new relationship crap and not knowing what I should say or do. “So… I opened your bedside drawer a few minutes ago. Looking for a nail file…”
My stuttering heart lurches to a stop. Oh. My. God. Please don’t tell me he’s found the leather cock ring and vibrator I bought online two weeks ago after we met. It was my first attempt to buy something sexy and adventurous and later I felt too awkward to even bring them out. I should have hid the darn things in my closet.
His voice deepens, and my nipples tighten at the exact tone he used in my ear this morning. “Let’s just say I found two un-opened items I’d like to… explore with you.”
A blush heats my face. Of course he found the sex toys. “Really? Er… um… I…”
He laughs, the masculine sound tickling all the way from my ear to my privates. “You did buy them for us, right? I’m not wrong in thinking they’re new since they’re still in the plastic packaging?” I hear the shift of a drawer opening and picture him opening my bedside table once more and handling the risqué purchases. “I’ll try to contain my jealousy if they were for another guy, but I won’t make any guarantees.”
“No! I… er… I did buy them with you in mind. I just…”
“Wasn’t sure when to spring them on me?” There’s a light teasing to his voice. God, I’m so mortified right now I wish I could die.
I channel my inner vixen, willing my sexual confidence of the past weekend to come out. I can do this. I can be the sexy woman who made love to Tony yesterday and screamed his name at the top of my lungs. “Yes, you’re exactly right.” I lower my voice; cognizant I’m at work and can’t do anything about the emotions and sexual cravings this conversation is stirring up. “I bet the black leather will look magnificent around your…”
A meeting reminder pops up on my computer screen, pulling me from my teasing. I have to meet with Oliver and Grant, head of sales, at two this afternoon. What a nice reminder—not—that I’ve got a job to do.
“Yes?” Tony’s eager voice jars me back to the call. “You were saying? Around what?”
I chuckle; sexual awareness of the moment and how he’s reacting to me like a balm to my mortification. “You know where it belongs. I’m looking forward to trying it, too. But I’ve got to go. You’re going to get me so wrapped up in thinking about sex I’ll mess up my first day.”
A heavy sigh reaches me. “Wouldn’t want that, would we? Hold those thoughts for tonight. You shouldn’t work too late on your first day. They’ll expect it all the time.”
I lean back in my chair, the softness cushioning my spine. “True. What are you doing today?”
“I’m leaving for Hoboken in a few minutes to work on some dry wall, then I’ll be back this way mid-afternoon for a meeting at Apollo. They want help on transitioning deals over.”
Apprehension fills me when I think of him quitting his job last week. Will he be happy with this new change in his life?
Admit it. What you’re really worried about is if he will stay happy with you or grow bored.
I shake the self-doubting ruminations from my head. No one can predict the future. It’s best to enjoy what we have in the here and now.
A tentative knock sounds at my door. I glance up to see an attractive woman in conservative clothing. She has long blond highlighted hair pulled back severely in a low ponytail and her clear green eyes look at me hopefully, not much makeup needed to enhance their stunning color. The trim woman appears older than me, perhaps in her mid-to-late thirties.
“I’ve got to go,” I say into my cell. “We’ll talk later?”
“Sure. Dinner tonight to celebrate your first day?”
Warmth heats my cheeks as the woman watches me with patience. “Sounds good. Bye.” I hang up and smile. “Hi,” I say to the new arrival. “Can I help you?”
The woman steps into the room, hand extended. “I’m Tammy. I’ve been assigned to help you until you hire your own assistant.”
I grasp her offered hand and shake. “Nice to meet you.” I release my hold and gesture to an open seat. “Please, tell me a little about yourself.”
She smiles self-consciously and smoothes a non-existent loose hair behind an ear. “Not much to tell, really. I’ve worked at Parkerson for about two years.”
“What department were you in?”
Tammy wrinkles her button nose. “Ad design.”
“Not your favorite, I presume?”
“It wasn’t bad. Not great, either. My degree was in marketing with a minor in business. I’ve worked for banks and pharmaceutical companies… Decided a change was in order a few years ago.” She shrugs. “The art end of advertising isn’t where I’d hoped to specialize.” Her eyes fill with an eager light. “I immediately volunteered when I heard you’d need someone while you settled in.”
“Great. I could sure use a hand today.” I stand and motion toward the expanse of boxes hauled in from my old office. “Want to help me unload and organize? It’s not fun. But we have to start somewhere.”
With a nod and a shared smile, we set to work. She even helps me hang the framed prints I brought from home. Including them in my new office space reminds me of two passions: One for photography and the way I felt when I took the pictures, and the second one is Tony. The man who bought me a new camera to encourage something I love that’s just for me As far as beginnings go, today could have been much worse.
Tammy leaves for lunch around noon and I grab my phone, eager to see if Tony’s texted me. I made a conscious effort not to check while Tammy and I were unpacking—it was difficult to resist digging my phone out every ten minutes. He’s left two messages since our call this morning.
His first one, Can’t get that cock ring out of my head, came in shortly after nine a.m.
My inner voice chimes in with the obvious, You’ve got it bad, girlfriend.
Yeah—and so what if I do? After the assholes I’ve dated, is it any wonder I’m still in shock over how great Tony is?
I scroll down through my texts to see he tried me again two hours later.
Feel like anything in particular tonight for dinner?
My heart beats faster, the desire to dial his cell feels like a baby bird attempting first flight trapped in my chest. I take a deep breath to calm down. I don’t want to appear too eager, right? Then again, he has texted me twice without me responding so I should be okay if I call him. Or maybe I should text him. That’s always safer.
I hate all this uncertainty. All these damn games we play in relationships. Don’t look too eager, don’t be too available, don’t say I love you first. Ugh. Does it ever end?
Before I can talk myself out of it, I call him.
He picks up on the third ring, his voice out of breath. “Hey. How’s your first day in the new office?”
Tension eases out of me once I hear him, and I relax into what is becoming my favorite-ever office chair. “Not bad. Spent the morning with my temporary assistant unpacking and planning. And later I have a meeting with some of the board after lunch.”
“Nice. Did you get assigned a young male intern who hangs on your every word?”
I laugh. “That would’ve been funny. Not to mention awkward. No, the woman’s name is Tammy. She’s an experienced office worker. Has a good head on her shoulders. I like her. What are you up to?”
“Working on the walls in my apartment. It’s a dirty job. Drywall dust is everywhere.” He sounds happy. Not like the tired man who worked a corporate job late into the night a couple of weeks ago.
“Are you dropping hints that you’ll need to sleep at my place tonight?” I know he has several empty apartments being renovated, in a pinch he could sleep there, but I like teasing him.
His voice drops to a seductive whisper, “I promise to make it worth your while.”
I squirm in my seat, all too aware of what his heated rasp feels like against my skin. “Oh really?” I tease. “I’m not so sure I believe you.” A quick glance reveals my office door is shut. “How exactly will you do that?”
“Naughty girl. You want me to tell you?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I think I’ll start with a shoulder massage…” His voice drops an octave. “And then when you’re good and relaxed, I’ll roll you over and pin your arms over your head…”
My mouth becomes dry while I picture his scenario. I audibly swallow, eager for him to continue. “Yes…?”
His answering chuckle raises the hairs on my arm. “Well now… you’ll just have to wait and see.”
I’m giddy when we end the call a few minutes later. Giddy as in you’re-acting-like-a-teenager-you-freakin’-idiot. I’m falling for him. Hard. What the hell am I going to do if he doesn’t feel the same way?