Love or Dangerous Liaison

Chapter One

“That’s just gross. Will you turn that thing off and talk to me?”

I laughed at Barb’s irritation. “You’re the one who wanted to watch. I can’t just quit in the middle and leave the poor guy hanging.”

“Oh yes, you can.” Reaching over me, she grabbed the mouse and clicked off the PM box. “Now come on, get me some coffee.”

“Hey, why did you do that?” Swiveling the desk chair, I followed her to the kitchen and poured two mugs of steaming coffee.

Plopping down into one of my mismatched chairs, she sighed heavily. “Look, Lisa, since your divorce you’ve been spending entirely too much time in those chat rooms. I’m worried about you. Charlie Hobson was asking about you the other day and I…”

“No.”

“But he’s interested and he’s a real live flesh and blood guy.”

“No. I told you before I don’t want you fixing me up. I’m not interested. All the men around here are just like my ex. They have the same mind set. Women should not have an opinion. They should be kept barefoot and pregnant.”

“Now you’re just being stubborn. Charlie isn’t like that. Besides I never said to marry him. Just go out and have some fun. You can’t possibly get anything out of all that typing.” Rolling her head back and breathing faster she spoke in a sexy voice and made typing motions with her hand. “UMMMMM…AHHHHH…Oh that feels so good. Oh yes…yes.”

“Stop it, you look ridiculous.” I couldn’t keep from laughing at her antics.

“Well, it is ridiculous. You’re an attractive, passionate woman. Why waste time on that crap when you could be having real sex with a real man?”

“What would you say if I told you I was meeting one of them?”

“ I’d say you’d lost what little sense I always thought you had.”

“Thanks.”

“Okay, sorry. Wait, you aren’t serious?” I avoided her eyes and turned to pour another cup of coffee.

Jumping up from the chair, she came over and spun me to face her. “You aren’t serious?”

“As a matter of fact he’s flying in this weekend.”

“Have you lost your mind? You want to end up floating in the river?” I could feel her trembling and knew she was truly frightened for me.

“Settle down, Barb. It’s not like you think. I haven’t told you about it because it’s special and I wanted to keep it private until I was sure we’d meet.” We moved to the table and sat down.

“So tell me now.”

“I met him online about five months ago. It was an instant attraction that started with the silly sex game, but then we started talking. We began to email every day and then we spoke on the phone. We’ve been talking once or twice a day ever since. He’s wonderful, Barb. Everything I always wanted, but thought wasn’t out there.”

“No wonder you’ve been looking so happy, but you know what they say about something that sounds too good to be true.”

“He’s not that kind of good. He has his faults and I’m not blind to them. We’ve had our fights. I mean we’ve talked about everything. Our conversations have gone on for as long as five hours at a time. When you aren’t there with the person, you have to talk. I probably know him better than I know anyone in the world.”

“You’ve never met the man. You can’t possibly know him. You only know what he’s told you or what he’s led you to believe. This is just nuts.”

“You don’t understand.”

“Okay, I don’t understand, but I’m advising against this.”

“He’s coming, Barb. I can’t wait to see him, touch him.”

“What’s his name? Where’s he from?”

“Anthony Williams and he’s flying in from Miami.”

“At least he has a normal sounding name, not something like Blain. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t made up. When will he be here?”

“I’m picking him up at the airport Saturday morning. And what’s wrong with the name Blain? I like it.”

Her brows rose. “How many men named Blain have you actually met?”

“None, but that doesn’t mean anything.”  I sighed, exasperated by her reasoning.

Barb reached across the worn table and took hold of my hand. “I really wish you wouldn’t do this. There’s so many guys right here that you could date if you’d stop being so stubborn.”

“Save your breath, Barb. It’s a done deal.”

She stood and gave me a stern look. “Fine, if I can’t talk you out of this, I want to meet him. I’ll be here at noon on Saturday. You and Mister Too Good To Be True had better be here. I have to get going.” Frown lines marred her brow as she gave me a worried look before grabbing her bag and leaving.

I’d known she wouldn’t understand. I didn’t understand it myself. After my divorce two years ago, I was determined to avoid any kind of relationship with the opposite sex. At the time I hadn’t realized just how much I’d miss the interaction, the sexy sparring, or for that matter the sex. My marriage had not been happy and I’d completely lost interest in anything remotely related to the act. Now I missed it—a lot.

I’d thought the chat rooms would be a safe and anonymous way to vent my frustrations. I was right. The flirting turned out to be fun and I was surprised to find that I could talk a pretty good game. Barb had been right about the Internet sex doing nothing physically for me, but on some emotional level it eased my frustration. And that meant I could avoid accepting a date with one of the men who’d come sniffing around as soon as the ink had dried on my divorce papers.

I’d always dreamed of meeting a man like Anthony. He loved music of all kinds, played the violin, was romantic, and a gentleman. Most important, I appreciated the fact that he supported and encouraged me to just be me. A refreshing change after being married to a man who wanted to stick me in a cubbyhole and make me into a shadow of himself.

 Before my marriage if anyone had told me I’d fall for an ex-surfer from Miami who loved racecars and sports, I’d have said they were crazy, but Anthony was a special man. When I’d first met Mark, I’d thought he was the perfect man for me. Stable, solid, old fashioned and liked the same things I did. I never dreamed he’d also have the mindset of a Victorian Lord. Every thought, every action had to go through his approval process and most failed to pass. If it was my idea, it was wrong. He believed it should be his way or no way. I don’t think in ten years of marriage we ever had a conversation. He spoke…I listened. Anthony was the complete opposite and regardless of Barb’s disapproval, Saturday could come none too soon.

Chapter Two

Opening the window, I leaned on the window ledge and took a deep breath. The scent of the wild roses growing along the fence was heavenly. The evening had cooled somewhat and the welcoming breeze billowed the curtains, freshening the warm air in the bedroom. It was hot even for July. Thank goodness the serviceman was coming tomorrow to repair the air conditioning.

I’d been shocked when Anthony told me he slept in the buff. I’d never considered myself a prude, but even the thought of sleeping in the raw had a blush burning across my cheeks. But it was terribly warm. Oh why not—just this once? Slipping my nightgown over my head, I slid into the cool comfort of satin sheets.

The satin felt heavenly against my bare flesh. I’d never known just how luxurious satin sheets could feel until I’d bought the first set. Such luxuries were something Mark would never have approved. Now addicted, I owned several sets in white. I even had a red set, which I’d never used, just thinking about them made me flush.

 The phone rang and Anthony’s soft voice came over the line turning my thoughts away from sexy sheets. Our nightly conversations were almost always the same. We’d catch up on each other’s day, have a sexy interlude and then speak quietly until one or both of us fell asleep holding the phone.

“What are you wearing, Darlin’?”

“Nothing.” I answered in my best sexy, siren voice.

“Hum…My mind is racing with that vision.”

This kind of beginning would normally lead to some exciting sex play, but tonight I was just too nervous.

 “Aren’t you nervous, Anthony?”

“I’m excited and yes, nervous too. I guess I’m worried that this is a dream and when we meet it will crash around us. I don’t want to disappoint you.”

“You could never disappoint me, but I understand what you mean. I’m worried about the same thing.”

“You, my sweet angel, have absolutely nothing to worry about.”

I smiled; he always made me feel so beautiful. “I can’t believe that we’ll be together in the morning. We’ve waited so long.”

“Too long.”

“I’ll let you go now, Anthony, so you can catch a few hours sleep.”

“Goodnight, my sweet Lisa, until tomorrow.”

“Night.” I forced myself to lay the phone on the cradle, knowing he’d not hang up until I did. Snuggling into the bed, I closed my eyes. I hoped sleep would come quickly and with it the morning—and Anthony.

***

Squinting my eyes at the early morning sunlight coming in the window, I rolled over and checked the time. Seven o’clock, I just had time to shower and get to the airport before Anthony’s flight came in at nine. I’d spent most of last evening deciding what to wear, but was still none too happy with my choice. I was nervous and getting more nervous by the minute. What if we hated each other on sight? What if there’s no chemistry? Oh, please let there be chemistry.

Strapping on my sandals, I took another look in the full-length mirror. The white eyelet blouse enhanced my light tan. The red skirt fell a good three inches above my knees and I wondered if I were being too obvious. So who cares if I’m being obvious? It’s a warm day and I want to look fresh and cool. Who am I kidding? I want to knock him out and have him wanting me so bad he can’t see straight. And then I want him to come back to my place and… Giggling at the crudeness of my thoughts, I grabbed my purse and hurried to the car.

***

Pacing the little waiting area, Anthony tried to quell the nausea that had been with him since take off. Unlike most flights, his plane had landed a good fifteen minutes ahead of schedule and his nerves were getting the best of him. He’d dated off and on since his divorce ten years ago, but nothing serious. Lisa was different, special. She’d put off this meeting for so long, he’d begun to think it would never happen. Now that the time had come, he wanted everything to be perfect.

He felt as if he’d known her forever even though they’d never actually met. He’d told her almost his entire life story and she’d reciprocated. It was time to meet face to face. Fear gnawed at his stomach causing the nausea to return. Anthony knew he wasn’t any woman’s dream man. He was forty, his hair beginning to turn silver and his nose had been broken playing sports. Lisa would probably take one look and run fast and far. And if she knew just who he really was she’d run in terror. He couldn’t allow that to happen.

***

He doesn’t see me. I stopped and stared at the man pacing the small waiting area. I’d have known him anywhere, but he far exceeded my hopes. My breath stopped and I reminded myself to breathe. Drawing in a shaky breath I took the opportunity to study him. His salt and pepper hair was more silver than dark. The straight Grecian nose had a tiny bump in the middle, indicating a past break. He’s taller than I expected, over six feet, fit and trim. The casual, khaki pants outlined the cutest tush I’d ever seen.

***

Anthony turned and saw the redhead watching him. He knew it was Lisa. She’d described herself numerous times over the past months, but she’d never used the terms beautiful, sexy, or cute. Yet she was all of those and more. Petite, with large breasts pushing against the white blouse, they seemed to beg for his touch. Luscious red hair curled past her shoulders. She took his breath away.

***

He’s looking at me, his ruggedly sensual features devoid of emotion. Is he disappointed? The neatly trimmed, silver mustache spread over a wide smile. I stared, astonished at the change. The sexy Adonis transformed into little, boy cute and I urged my steps in his direction. When close enough to touch him, he spread his arms wide and I walked into them, savoring the warmth of his body against mine. Tiny prickles of excitement ran through my body. Quickly stepping back, I cursed the pale skin that I knew had turned as red as a ripe strawberry.

Anthony was grateful Lisa stepped back before she’d felt his hardness pressing against her stomach, but watching the flush spread across her chest and into her smooth cheeks only made matters worse.

“Lisa, you’re more beautiful than I ever imagined.”

Smiling widely, I looked into his blue eyes and said hurriedly, “I feel the same. I mean…” I stopped before making a complete fool of myself.

“You aren’t disappointed?”

“Oh no!”

His low, sexy chuckle had my flush returning and I decided to take charge of the situation, as I was apt to do in times of extreme nervousness.

“I thought we’d go get some breakfast before heading to my place. The repairman is fixing the air conditioning. Maybe it will be back on by the time we get back. Do you need to get your luggage?”

“It’s right here.” He picked up a large travel bag by one of the chairs. “Lead the way.”

There were a lot of advantages to walking behind a beautiful woman and Anthony blessed every one of them as he watched the gentle sway of her hips in front of him. Visions of her lying naked on a bed with that red hair spread out against a white pillowcase had his heart racing and the bulge in his trousers growing larger. He tried to muster some kind of control before he embarrassed himself.

***

      Breakfast had been a disaster. Neither one of us appeared to have any appetite and the conversation had been stilted and polite. Glad to return to the apartment, I hoped the tension would ease, but things had not gotten any better. Anthony went to the bedroom to unpack while I brewed tea. He came to stand behind me as I poured the fresh tea over ice filled glasses. His body brushed against mine and I could feel his hardness pressing against my bottom. The wonderfully erotic sensation caused me to push back against him.

Turning me to face him, his hand gently cupped my chin, forcing my head up. “Look at me, Lisa.”

I looked into his eyes and instantly relaxed against him. This was Anthony. Why was I acting like I’d just picked up a stranger off the street?

He smiled. “That’s better. We’ve been acting like strangers, Lisa, and we’re not. I’ve been wanting to do something for a very, very long time.”

His lips came down on mine—hard, hot, demanding. It was nothing like the gentle, first kiss I’d thought we’d share. It caused light-headedness, an almost physical pain of wanting. But it was too soon. Things were moving too fast. I raised my hands and pushed against his chest. He immediately moved back.

His eyes were full of disappointment. “I’m sorry, Anthony. I…”

“It’s okay, Sweetheart.” His voice was raspy with desire. Reaching behind me, he picked up the glass of iced tea and drained it in on gulp, then laughed. “Ah, I needed that, and maybe a cold shower.” He winked and I knew every thing would be okay. He’d not rush me into anything I wasn’t ready for.

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