Chapter 2 #3
Rebecca gasped; amazed at the way he could follow her train of thought. She was definitely sailing in deep waters here.
“Okay, I’ll let you make it up to me,” she told him, her mind already rushing ahead to the night ahead. She’d just about had enough of his hot and cold attitude. What she’d felt in his arms was a new and exciting step in their relationship and she wasn’t about to let him call the shots.
Rebecca had loved Mason as long as she could remember, but now there was a brand new element.
She wanted him. Never before had she felt this desire for a man, a raging hunger that left her weak just thinking about his touch.
Granted she was still a virgin and sorely inexperienced but hell, she’d taken biology, she read Cosmo, she’d known what to expect since she was thirteen, well mostly.
She’d just never felt like this, ached like this before.
Boys she’d dated had been nice enough, their kisses warm and wet.
Some of them had even gone so far as to grasp her breast, but she always thought there had to be something better than their clumsy groping in the dark and had extracted herself from those situation as gracefully as she could.
This was different, way different. Mason was experienced and knew what he was doing as far as she could tell.
And she was ready, boy was she ready. If he thought he could arouse her like he had and then continue to keep some type of lid on things, he was in for a big surprise. She had some power of her own.
“What time?” she inquired a little breathlessly, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.
“Around eight,” he replied pausing. “Are you planning something in that devious little mind of yours? For some reason the hairs on the back of my neck are standing on end.”
Rebecca laughed. “You of all people should know how harmless I am.”
“Yeah right,” he replied suspicious now. “Why do I subject myself to this?” he moaned half-heartedly. “See you later witch.”
Rebecca smiled, lying back in bed with her hands behind her head. Tonight you meet your match Mr. Kord she thought, and let the sparks fly where they may.
Lord she was trouble Mason thought as he bounded out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
She was up to something, he just knew it.
Turning on the shower he stepped in adjusting the water to a cooler temperature.
Just thinking about her, talking to her, caused a fire in his blood that he was fast becoming unable to control.
When she was younger he’d played the big brother admirably.
She'd come to depend on him and he would never have done anything to jeopardize that trust. But lately the more he was around her, the thinner his layer of control became. He’d never wanted a woman as he wanted her.
Just the sight of her perfect little body, the smell of her perfume made him feel like a lecher.
He had a fine line to walk here. If he pushed her into a physical relationship he’d better be prepared to make it permanent.
That was the problem, he simply wasn’t sure if what she felt for him was the genuine thing or some type of misplaced gratitude or infatuation.
In typical male fashion it never occurred to him that he wasn’t the only one who could push.
* * *
Rebecca hummed to herself as she put the finishing touches on her makeup.
Saturday was usually her day to clean but most of the time things got what her Grandmother used to call ‘a lick and a promise’.
Working full time and going to school three nights a week left her with little inclination to spend her weekends scrubbing and dusting.
Today however, she’d gone all out. Besides her usual changing the bed linen, vacuuming and dusting, she’d polished the furniture till it gleamed.
She put candles in strategic places and even run out to the store for fresh flowers for the dining room table. Everything had to be perfect tonight.
Giving her body the same attention she’d given her home she soaked in a scented bathtub, shaved, buffed and moisturized to within an inch of her life.
Dabbing her perfume behind her ears and assorted other pulse points she studied her reflection in the mirror.
She’d spent a lot of time considering what to wear and digging through her lingerie drawer she pulled the black silk camisole and garter belt she’d bought on a whim and never worn.
The black stockings had slid smoothly up her legs and the matching half-slip was slit to her hip.
The dress she’d chosen was purposely demure, black knitted and very soft.
It had a high neck, long sleeves and the hemline was about mid-calf with a softly flaring skirt.
The wide belt accented her small waist. Her blond hair was up in a knot held by a single clip and the only jewelry she wore was her emerald ring and matching earrings.
She’d never planned a man’s seduction before, but so far so good.
Heading into the living room she selected some romantic music. For some reason Rod Stewarts Great American Songbook Cd’s had always touched her heart and soothed her so she put several in the cd changer and set the volume low.
Taking a bottle of wine from the liquor cabinet, she went into the kitchen and put it on ice.
Smiling, she glanced around the perfectly neat room.
The appliances gleamed and everything was in its rightful place.
The table was polished till the dark wood shone and the flowers looked beautiful.
She pictured them having a quiet, romantic breakfast tomorrow and felt a thrill shoot through her.
The sensation of wearing the delicate, provocative lingerie added to her anticipation. The feeling was decidedly wicked and thoughts of his reaction kept her on a slow simmer.
When Rebecca opened the door at eight sharp she was not disappointed.
Mason looked wonderful in his tailored suit.
The cut of the jacket emphasized his broad shoulders and trim waist. His hair was slightly mussed from the cool breeze that followed him to the door but the overall picture was breathtaking.
Holding the door open for him she checked him out from the back and wished they could forget dinner entirely.
“Can I fix you a drink?” she offered.
Not on your life he thought. She was being suspiciously polite. He glanced around and noticed the immaculate condition of the house, the candles that hadn’t been there yesterday and soft music. No, I think I’ll watch the alcohol tonight, better stay on my toes and see what she’s up too.
“Better not,” he replied pulling his tie just a touch loser. “I made reservations for eight thirty.”
“All right, I’ll just get my coat,”
When she returned and handed him her coat, he helped her into it. The scent of her hair teased him like gentle fingers and he quickly ushered her out the door. The blast of fresh air helped a little but he had the feeling it was going to be an interesting evening.
Mason chose one of her favorite steakhouses about twenty minutes away and by eight thirty they were seated at quiet corner table.
The food was excellent and the wine delicious, although Mason only had one glass.
Rebecca deferred to him when it was time to order and they kept the conversation on general topics.
She never once disagreed with him, never raised her voice and never shot him a look that said ‘I’ll get even with you for that’.
She smiled all evening with just a touch of mystery, her hands gracefully emphasizing her words, the emerald ring flashing on her finger, and never once rose to the bait when he tried to get her riled.
It was then that he knew he was in deep trouble.
Whatever was going on in that beautiful head of hers, she was definitely committed to seeing it through.
He’d felt like this once before when she’d been buttering him up to tell his she’d wrecked his new car.
Yup, he thought, swallowing with difficulty. Watch out.
The drive home was basically uneventful and Mason breathed a sigh of relief as they pulled up to her house. Thinking quickly, he planned his moves. I’ll walk her to the door, give her a short kiss, make sure she gets in all right and then be gone before she can do any real damage.
Unfortunately he’d made a slight miscalculation. He wasn’t the one doing the kissing.
Mason walked to her side of the car and helped her out, forcing himself to slow down and not rush up the sidewalk as though he couldn’t wait to get rid of her.
The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her feelings, but sometimes a hasty retreat was preferable when dealing with Rebecca.
She’d been too agreeable tonight and it damn near gave him a nervous tick.
Reaching the door Rebecca turned, slid her fingers into his hair and with gently pressure brought him down closer to her lips.
Good, good he thought, another few seconds and I’m out of here.
Just breathe through your mouth and try not to smell that perfume.
Damn, that scent should be illegal. Don’t think about how small, soft and warm she is he told himself sternly.
Think about the IRS or stepping in dog poop, or eating bad sushi.
Gently Rebecca came closer but instead of the kiss he’d imagined her small tongue washed lightly over his lips.
When he gasped in surprise she entered his mouth like a sweet hot liquid and increased the pressure.
His mind exploded as her other hand slipped under his jacket, her small fingertip gently scratching his masculine nipple.
When she finally released him he took a deep breath, damn through his nose and stood frozen for the time it took her to unlock and open the door, horrified to find himself being lead inside like a puppy on a leash.
Throwing her coat over a chair she advanced on him, almost laughing out loud when he held out his hands as if to ward her off.