Chapter 15
My body was wreckedfrom last night. I tried to focus on anything other than the delicious aches coursing through my body and my joints. Everything hurt in the best way possible. As I sat in this morning’s conference, listening to some industry marketing leader brag about his stats and achievements while running some East Coast division for his company and swearing these were the keys to success, my mind kept wandering back to Brett. We fucked three times, but I swore the third roll teetered on full-blown lovemaking. He was so gentle, so attentive. It was as if his pleasure hinged on mine, and I refused to let either of us down. As a matter of fact, I don’t recall ever having as many orgasms with Peter throughout our entire marriage compared to a few hours ago with Brett.
While last night blew my mind, I was mad at myself. Why was I asking Brett those questions? From the number of women to questioning his motives with me…why did I need to know when we were just starting? Hell, we weren’t even official. Amelia’s warning of self-sabotaging something good, something new, kept ringing in my ears. She was right. I would ruin this before it commenced and needed to cut it out. I had to remind myself that Brett was not Peter. Not even fucking close, so I needed to chill.
Brett”s touch lingered on my skin. His kisses still haunted my lips. I had never experienced such intimacy, such raw desire, with anyone. But as much as I reveled in the pleasure we shared, a part of me couldn”t shake off the gnawing doubt that surfaced occasionally. We were at different stages of our lives, with different priorities and goals. Could this intense connection truly last?
It was a struggle to think and question anything else when Brett had to be the first man to come into my life and create this big impact. And, of course, we didn’t have much in common. He was a player, and I had gotten played in the past. My brain struggled to convince me that I wouldn’t be just another number to Brett, but my heart was terrified. Time must have gotten away from me when everyone in the auditorium packed up their tablets and laptops. I returned to reality, realizing the conference had ended, and it was time for lunch. I looked down at my untouched notepad, realizing I hadn”t taken a note since the conference began. Sighing, I closed the notebook and slid it into my bag, deciding that I needed fresh air to clear my head.
Walking through the crowded hallway, I was still fixated on Brett. I couldn”t help but feel conflicted. There was an undeniable chemistry between us, an electric connection that sent sparks flying whenever our bodies touched. But deep down, I couldn”t ignore the nagging fear that this was all just a temporary escape for both of us.
“Julia?” said a male voice.
My head snapped up, finding the voice and pinning it to a familiar face. Robert…just Robert because I couldn’t remember his last name if it meant saving me. He was an ad exec but had relocated from New York to Massachusetts for another agency. We had shared various lunches in the industry over the years, and he only knew me when I was with Peter.
“Oh my God, Robert. How are you?” I cleared my throat, half-pretending my mind wasn’t resting in another universe.
“I can’t believe you’re here.” He motioned from my head down to my toes, drinking in my appearance, and his eyes drifted to my naked ring finger before darting back to my face. “How long has it been?”
I took in his appearance, and I’d be lying to say he wasn’t handsome. He had a strong jawline and piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold a mixture of curiosity and something else I couldn”t quite place. His sandy blond hair was slicked back, and a mischievous smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
”It”s been...what? Six years?” I replied, trying to sound casual despite the thoughts racing through my head. Robert had always been charming and never missed an opportunity to flirt with me when I was married. But now, with Brett occupying my every thought, Robert”s sudden appearance felt like a jolt back to reality. Robert should have totally been my type. The kind of guy I would find myself involved with. He must have been pushing forty or slightly higher and settled in life. But the more I tried to convince myself, the more I realized I didn’t want anything to do with a man who wasn’t Brett.
”Six long years,” Robert confirmed with a chuckle. ”I must say, you look even more stunning than I remember.”
My heart skipped a beat at the compliment, but guilt quickly settled. I shouldn”t have entertained these thoughts while I was involved with Brett. “Oh? Thanks. I showered this morning.” I shrugged, hoping to find a way to slink away.
Robert threw his head back, throwing out a deep, throaty laugh, revealing perfect white teeth. “I’m glad you still have your sense of humor.” He gazed at me a second too long, and I shifted. “How’s Peter? Is that your husband’s name?”
It was my turn to laugh. “Yep. That’s my ex-husband’s name.” An innocent shrug rolled off my body.
“Really? That’s too bad. Wanna grab lunch together?”
”I”m actually meeting someone for lunch,” I lied with a sheepish smile, hoping to avoid any further questions from Robert. ”But it was great seeing you again.” I turned to leave before he could press for more details.
Robert”s expression fell momentarily, disappointment flickering across his face like a passing shadow. But as quickly as it appeared, his charming smile returned as if he understood the unspoken reasons behind my refusal. ”Well then, I won”t keep you any longer,” he said, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. ”But do let me know if you ever change your mind. It would be great to catch up.”
“Hey, babe,” said Brett.
First, Robert’s eyes popped and then mine as I spun around, seeing Brett standing behind me, looking like he had just stepped out of a men’s summer catalog. His white T-shirt clung to his muscled frame, and Brett’s jeans hugged every delicious muscle roping around his legs.
“This must be your someone.” Robert motioned to Brett.
“Um, yes. Yes, Robert, it is,” I said, staring at Brett while biting my bottom lip. “Robert, this is Brett. Brett, this is Robert. He and I have been in the industry for years.” I motioned between the two men.
“Years? More like decades. We’re getting old, Julia,” Robert said, throwing me an unnecessary wink.
I grimaced at the age comment, but that was my insecurity chipping away at me because Brett hadn’t shown signs of the slightest flinch. “Not that old,” I corrected.
“Nice to meet you, Robert.” Brett extended his hand and offered a warm grin.
“Likewise,” Robert replied, shaking Brett”s hand firmly. His eyes lingered on Brett for a moment longer than necessary, assessing him with a hidden intensity that made my heart flutter. “Anyway, I’ll see you in the cafeteria.” Robert nodded, addressing both of us.
“See you later,” I offered, looping my arm through Brett’s, steering us away from a small potential disaster. While my heart threatened to break through my chest, Brett sauntered by my side, calm as ever. Everything about him was so refreshing. Everything I wasn’t used to in a man.
As we walked away, relief flooded my body. Brett”s presence was like a balm to my anxious mind, soothing the doubts creeping in whenever I permitted them to. His easy confidence and unwavering support gave me the reassurance I needed. Yet, beneath the surface, I knew our relationship was far from simple. When we entered the bustling cafeteria, we grabbed matching turkey avocado sandwiches. Brett led us to a secluded corner table, away from prying eyes and potential interruptions. He pulled a chair for me, his hand brushing my lower back, sending a shiver down my spine. Sitting opposite each other, we locked eyes, exchanging a silent understanding.
“So, how are you?” Brett asked, breaking the silence.
“I’m tired,” I sighed and reached across, taking Brett’s hand. His fingers felt so powerful between mine, and the thickness of his digits trumped my own. “I have four hours left of conferences after lunch.”
“Oh, I was talking about your vagina. She took a mean pounding last night.”
I almost choked on the bread and grabbed my water bottle as a save. My eyes darted around, making sure no one heard, but Brett’s unwavering stare didn’t shift. “She’s fine. I mean, I’m fine.”
Brett chuckled, his eyes burning my skin. ”You know, I could always help give you something to think about for the rest of the day,” he whispered, his voice low.
Heat rushed to my cheeks as I glanced around the cafeteria. ”Brett, not here,” I answered back.
He grinned mischievously and squeezed my hand. ”Later then.” His tone dripped with promise. “In all seriousness, are you glad you’re here?”
“Yeah, I really am. The girls are doing well. Amelia is a lifesaver, and I haven’t heard a word from Peter since last night.”
“Good.” Brett nodded.
“Yeah, I guess. Either Peter is plotting something to get back at me, or he understands now to stay within boundaries.”
“Everything will work out.” Brett brought my hand to his mouth, letting his lips rest across my knuckles.
“I always worry Peter will try to do something to mess with the custody. You’ll see one day when you have kids, the worrying doesn’t end.”
A fleeting dark shadow dashed across Brett’s face. “I can’t plan that far in advance.” Except, his tone said otherwise.
“Brett, do you want kids?” My grip on his hand loosened.
“I guess with the right person, I’ll want everything.” He shrugged. “But again, I don’t plan that far ahead. I’m an in-the-moment kind of guy. When something feels good, I grab it and don’t let go.” His fingers squeezed mine, finishing his answer.
I swallowed hard, a mix of excitement and trepidation at Brett”s response. His words hinted at a future together, but his hesitation left me wondering if he truly saw a long-term commitment with me. I had to remind myself that our relationship was built on passion and desire, not necessarily a solid foundation for a lasting partnership. “How does your mom feel about you being here?”
Brett’s shoulders tensed, and I knew the answer despite his silence. “I’ll be honest because I don’t want to lie to you.”
I shifted, biting my inner cheek.
“She has a few reservations about me being here. But it’s not her place to say who I can or can’t spend my time with.”
“So, I’m guessing she’d prefer if you were in New York now.” A part of me deflated, knowing maybe that was the better choice. But, then again, why was I even asking a question I might not like the answer? These intrusive thoughts were working their way out of my mouth, and if I wasn’t careful, I could really screw things up. I just didn’t know how to stop them.
“But I’m ecstatic to be here with you. Because I think you’re so fucking amazing.” Brett pecked my hand and then leaned over and kissed my lips.
The taste of Brett”s lips sent a surge of arousal coursing through my veins, momentarily banishing any doubts or insecurities that had been lingering in my mind. In that moment, all that mattered was our intoxicating connection, fueled by raw attraction and an undeniable chemistry. The kiss deepened, our mouths moving in perfect sync as the world around us faded into the background.
But as our lips reluctantly parted, reality crashed back in. I reached out and gently caressed his cheek, searching for the words to express what swirled in my head. Luckily, I’d have the next several hours to compose a coherent answer. ”Brett...” I whispered breathlessly, my voice barely audible over the thumping of my heart.
He looked at me with concern etched in his eyes, his fingers tracing delicate patterns on the back of my hand. ”What”s wrong?” he asked softly.
“Lunch is almost over.” I squeezed my eyes, hating the truth.
“That’s okay.” He smiled against my lips, pulling away. “What’s the plan for the rest of the day?”
“Conferences, and then tonight, there’s a big dinner for all the attendees and their guests.” I swallowed. “Would you like to go?”
“Are you kidding? Of course, I’d love to go. This is important to you.” Brett winked and grabbed our trays of half-eaten lunches, discarding them in the garbage. He draped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me in as we left the room. “What time should I be ready?”
“By seven?” I gazed up at his confident face, amazed he was my view for the weekend.
“I’ll be ready.”
The rest of the day dragged on. The hours barely passed, and my brain felt like it was melting out of my ear by the time the final lecturer took the podium. I was ready to head back to the room, get this dinner over with, and then fall into Brett’s arms. I returned to the room, knowing I had an hour to prepare for dinner.
I inserted the white key card into the lock, hearing it click open. Entering the suite, my eyes drank in the sunset, watching the orange sun sink into the ocean’s horizon. There was no sign of Brett, but I wasn’t worried. He didn’t seem the type to let me down…yet. It took some internal convincing, but I started to place that much-needed faith in another individual who had the power to toy with my heart.
I leaned against the window, the warm glow of the setting sun casting its ethereal light on my face, and a sense of calm washed over me. The anticipation of the evening ahead and the knowledge that Brett would be by my side ignited a spark in my chest. I moved away from the window and began preparing for the dinner, carefully selecting a black dress that clung to my curves and accentuated my fit mom-figure that Brett appreciated for whatever reason. I brushed through my untamed yet clean brown hair, allowing loose waves to fall over my shoulders. Taking in my reflection from the vanity mirror, I thought I looked decent enough but never amazing. Between Peter and my insecurities triggered by his infidelity and lies, my perception of who I deserved grew skewed. Brett was trying to show me I was special because I represented someone different, but how? Because I was a mother? A working woman? How complex could I be to Brett?
The knock on the door startled me, and I quickly moved to open it, hoping it was Brett. Sure enough, there he stood, looking as handsome as ever in a crisp black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and sculpted physique. His eyes lit up, drinking in my outfit with a smile crawling across his lips.
”Wow,” he breathed, his gaze sweeping over my dress-clad figure. ”You look absolutely stunning.” His arms opened slightly, and it was enough of a magnet to lure me in as he wrapped himself around me.
“Stunning? You sound like an old soul.” I kissed his delicious lips, taking in his spiced, masculine scent. “How old are you again?”
He smiled against my mouth. “Old enough.” Brett stepped away, eye-fucking my appearance. “You really do look amazing.”
Heat flooded my cheeks, and butterflies swirled in my empty stomach. Something told me I needed to get used to this fiery attention because Brett carried a flame that burned for me. The light in his eyes confirmed it. “You think so?” I smoothed my hands over the front of the soft fabric. “I bought it for this trip. I’ll probably never wear it again.”
“Oh, I beg to differ.” A mischievous, hungry grin spread across Brett’s mouth as he spun me around, planting my back against his body. A hard cock…Brett’s hard cock jabbed me in the back, making my sex clench. “Can you feel how much I love it?” He ground into me.
“Yes, I can.” I giggled out of nerves but didn’t try to escape. If anything, I fell into his touch as he nuzzled his face into my neck, slipping his tongue along my collarbone. I whimpered and threw my head back. Was this about to happen?
“Can I help you relax before we go down?” Brett’s heated words sent shivers down my spine. He swayed our bodies, guiding us to the small circular table in the corner of the expansive suite.
“Brett, we can’t.” My hand clamped over his much larger one that traveled down my body, cupping my wet center through the dress.
“Just a little something to look forward to later. I promise.” He turned my chin so our mouths met each other’s with ease, and our tongues swirled, igniting a new fire that neither of us fought. If this was what life would be like with Brett: easy, intimate, and fun, then what was I even worrying about? But, of course, this was a moment of passion making my judgment vanish, and I didn’t care.
As Brett’s hands roamed my body with urgency, I surrendered to the pleasure surging through my veins. His fingers expertly found their way beneath the fabric of my dress, teasing and stroking the sensitive flesh beneath. My breath hitched as he traced circles around my clit over the thin black lace of my panties, sending waves of pleasure crashing through me. I braced my hands onto the smooth marble table, leaning over the cool slab as Brett pushed the thin fabric between his fingers to the side, exposing my slick folds to the chilled air. I reached behind, finding his hard thick length pressing into my ass, but Brett stopped my hand, trapping it. He steered it to my front, pressing the hand against my stomach.
“You’ll take care of me later.” His voice was a harsh wind of warning and promise. When he dipped a finger into my dripping center, I decided not to fight and go with this before-dinner plan.
The room filled with the sound of my soft moans as Brett skillfully thrust his finger in and out of me. Each movement sent shock waves of pleasure rippling through my body, threatening my balance.
I leaned over the table, the cool marble kissing my hot skin. Brett”s free hand explored my ass, squeezing and kneading the flesh with possessive intent. His touch was firm yet gentle, a stark contrast to the aggressive nature of his fingers fucking my pussy. I was losing control, surrendering to the primal hunger enveloping us both.
”Fuck,” I gasped as his thumb circled my clit, adding another layer of stimulation that threatened to push me over the edge. The tight coil of delicious pressure intensified with each passing second, building higher and higher until it became almost unbearable.
Brett”s lips brushed against the shell of my ear, his voice oozing with desire. ”You like that, baby? You like it when I make you feel good?”
“Yes, so good. Please…” I trailed off, closing my eyes, drowning in every second of ecstasy. Brett’s fingers grew rougher and forceful, wanting to bring me to the highest peak. My legs started to shake, and I knew my climax was close. Suddenly, Brett’s other hand grabbed my face, twisting me until our eyes were locked.
“Eyes on me.” Brett’s breath came in short spurts. “You don’t come if you’re not looking at me.”
I gasped, my eyes snapping open to meet Brett”s intense gaze. I held his stare, unable to tear my eyes away as the waves of pleasure crashed within me. Brett”s fingers moved faster, his skilled touch pushing me to the edge with every stroke. My body trembled, teetering on the precipice of release. I could feel the familiar tingling build between my legs, spreading like fire through my aching sex.
His lips crashed down on mine in a desperate kiss, our tongues dancing in a frenzy of need and desire. His hand left my face and trailed down to my throat, exerting a gentle pressure that only added to the intoxicating mix of control. The table beneath me rattled as I clutched onto its edges, my body writhing with delight. Every stroke of Brett”s fingers against my throbbing core chased my orgasm, until finally, with one last flick of his thumb against my swollen clit, I shattered.
Ecstasy rolled through me like a tidal wave, crashing and consuming every inch of my existence. I cried out Brett”s name as pleasure washed over me in electrifying waves, leaving me breathless and limp in its wake. As I rode out the aftershocks of my orgasm, Brett”s fingers gradually withdrew from my pulsing center. He stood behind me, his chest rising and falling heavily as he basked in the aftermath.
Silence hung in the air, broken only by our ragged breaths. Slowly, reality seeped back, and Brett planted a final kiss on my lips and sweaty forehead. He straightened, adjusting his erection, and buttoned his jacket.
“Ready to go?” He smiled, holding out his palm.
My eyes dropped his hand that was just buried between my legs. “Aren’t you going to wash your hands?” A renewed blush crept across my face.
“Nope.” Brett smacked my ass, giving it one last squeeze. “I want to smell like you all night long.”