Читать книгу Champagne Rules - Susan Lyons - Страница 10

Suzanne couldn’t get back to sleep. After an hour of trying, she flicked on the bedside light, tossed back the covers and again evicted Mouse from the keyboard.

Even knowing the odds were slim, Suzanne’s breath quickened as the computer started up. She accessed her outrageous69 account and found three new e-mails, but none were from caveman. Idly, she skimmed, shaking her head in bemusement. Cave sex sure seemed to turn a lot of guys’ cranks.

Damn, she hadn’t cancelled the personals ad. She found the instructions Jenny had given her, and deleted her ad.

Just as she was about to exit from e-mail, a message popped up on her screen. From caveman! She gripped the mouse with a shaking hand and clicked the message open.

Jaxon. What a striking, unusual name. And he was single.

Suzanne started to read on, when a thought occurred to her. Was he still on-line?

Hurriedly, she clicked REPLY, then typed, Are you there, Jaxon? and clicked SEND.

Then she went back to his message and read it, feeling her nipples bead. She pressed her legs together, savoring the burn of arousal between them. Good God, this man could turn her on, even via a computer. More than any other guy had done in person.

Another message popped into her in-box. I’m here. I can’t believe it’s you, Suzanne.

She beamed with delight. A real—or virtually real—conversation. Quickly she typed: It’s me. Wow, San Francisco, I’ve only been there once, but it’s a terrific city. She wanted to ask a thousand things. What did he do, and how did he like his job? What were his parents like, did he have siblings? What did he do in his spare time? Did he like animals? What should she ask first?

Her fingers faltered. Mouse regarded her with a steady gaze that seemed almost amused. Like he knew she was all set to gush like a teenager who’d just met a boy who might turn out to be The One.

Suzanne frowned. What was she thinking? This was not a teenage crush, nor was this her Mr. Cleaver—and she didn’t want him to be. She was way too young to be thinking about marriage.

What was it she really wanted from caveman? Jaxon?

Sex. Excitement. Proof she could be sexy.

A new message popped into her in-box. Suzanne? Are you there? Did I go too far? Sorry if I offended you.

Now she knew how the conversation was supposed to go. She deleted her unsent comment about San Francisco. Like Jenny had said, skip the travelogue and get to the good stuff. That’s what he’d expect. That’s what he wanted.

You didn’t offend me, you got me hot! Just like you do every time I remember what we did in that cave. SEND.

His reply was immediate. That was one wild afternoon!

She paused, fingers poised over the keyboard. She’d held herself out to be outrageous69. Could she deliver?

If the gals were only here to help.

The thought of the four of them brainstorming the wording of erotic e-mail made her giggle, which in turn relaxed her. This should be easy. All she had to do was fantasize about being with him.

But first…On one side of her desk, family faces smiled at her from picture frames: her mom and dad in the garden; her sister, Bethany, with her husband and two kids surrounded by Christmas clutter. Suzanne turned the photos facedown.

Now there was only one face left, this one feline, gazing at her with a quizzical expression. She lifted the grey cat from her desktop and he gave a squall of protest as she set him on the floor. “Sorry, Mouse. Go sleep with Melody and Zorro. Trust me, you don’t want to know about this.” Then she began to type.

Remember how we walked up the hill, holding hands? Both naked, both aroused. Then we slipped inside the cave and it was so dark I could barely see you.

Imagine we’re there. Feel me, Jaxon. We’re kissing and our bodies are pressing together and then, suddenly, you lift me. I grip your shoulders with my arms and lock my legs around your waist, and we’re still kissing. Are you with me?

She clicked SEND.

Waited.

Double-clicked eagerly on his response.

Oh yeah, I’m with you. I’m with you, and as hard as I was that afternoon.

Wow! Was he, or was he just saying that to be sexy?

No, this was her caveman. Of course he was hard. Beautifully, achingly hard.

For her.

And she too was intensely turned on, not just by the memory of Crete but at the thought of Jaxon, at his computer in San Francisco, aroused long distance. By her. Her words, and the memories they conjured.

She hadn’t felt such a sense of female power since that afternoon four years ago. Yes, in this moment she really was outrageous69.

You are naked, aren’t you? she typed.

His reply came. I could be. Do you want me naked?

Always! She typed back. But undress slowly. Undo your shirt buttons one at a time, and pretend those are my fingers, parting your shirt, slipping inside.

Shirt. Was he even wearing a shirt with buttons? Or maybe a T-shirt? She hadn’t the slightest idea how the guy dressed.

He answered, Okay, but what I’d rather be doing is reaching inside your shirt. In my mind I can see those high, firm breasts of yours, each a perfect handful.

He liked her breasts. Even though, to be honest, you could fit the two of them together into one of those amazing hands of his.

Speaking of a handful, she typed, would you like to feel my hands on you…She stopped again, knowing exactly where she wanted her hands. If she left the message as it was, he’d be bound to pick up the innuendo, but…What the hell, this was Jaxon and he made her feel sexy and daring.

…your cock? Unzip your pants, pull them down, take off your underwear. And touch yourself, Jaxon, wrap a hand around that beautiful big erection, and imagine it’s my hand. Sliding up and down, squeezing but not too hard.

She stared at the message on the screen. As much as she and the gals might have joked about gi-normous dicks, she’d never in her life typed the word “cock” before.

Oh, what the hell. SEND.

A message came back. And you put your hand between your legs, down among those pretty gold curls. Those are my fingers stroking, opening you. Are you wet for me?

She stared at the screen. Then down at her pink cotton pajamas, printed with a pattern of Siamese cats. Should she take them off? Did he think she was naked?

Her hand went tentatively to the drawstring bow at her waist, then stopped. No, she couldn’t do this. Not here, with her parents sleeping just across the yard, her own cats on the bed. This was definitely not a cave on Crete.

But maybe…

Her hand slid lower, outside the soft cotton, down the seam that ran between her legs, trying to imagine it was his hand. Her body throbbed in response. She closed her eyes. Jaxon’s hand, so dark against the pale pink fabric. Jaxon’s fingers stroking the seam, creating friction against the tender flesh beneath.

She moaned, clenching her thighs against his hand. Her hand. Their hand. She wanted to keep the hand there, but, even more, she wanted to type to him.

Yes, I’m wet for you, she typed. But I want more than your hand. Remember how it was that first time in the cave, when my body was wrapped around yours? Remember how hard and hungry your cock was? How you plunged inside me, where I was all wet and wanting? That’s what I want now. You, inside me.

Suzanne’s muscles clenched as she imagined the act she was describing. She wanted to press her hand between her legs again, but right now she was inspired, on a roll, feeling like that sexy woman in the cave. She squirmed on her chair as she began to type again.

Now feel me sliding up and down on you, lifting my body, then moving down just as you thrust up. You’re so strong, I don’t know how you can hold me like this, but your strength is such a turn-on. Everything about you excites me, and now all my sensations are centering as you plunge into me even deeper and faster. You’re so big and you fill me completely. The friction as you move is almost unbearable and I can feel the tension building and building and I want, I need you to give that one final thrust and pour yourself into me.

Do it, Jaxon.

Come now!

Breathless, she stopped typing and reached one shaking hand toward the mouse. Did she dare send this? It was almost pornographic. But then, what healthy red-blooded male didn’t respond to pornography? She clicked the button.

And waited.

She reread his last message, then her reply. Her right hand hovered near the mouse, but her left one slid between her thighs and she caressed herself through her pajamas, imagining his touch.

He still hadn’t replied. Had she gone too far? She removed her hand from between her legs. Worrying about his response was a turnoff.

Finally she saw the envelope icon. Hurriedly, she double-clicked.

Jesus, Suzanne.

I’m having trouble thinking what to say.

Oops, she’d gone overboard, blown her chance with him.

In fact I’m having trouble forming a coherent thought. Woman, you just blew my mind.

And that’s not all you blew. You just made me come so hard it hurt.

Suzanne let out a sigh, made up of equal parts relief, pride and arousal. Now there was a turn-on!

And now it’s your turn. Let’s concentrate on your pleasure now. Are you ready?

She groaned. Was she? Could she really do what he was suggesting?

Yes. SEND.

Then be patient, give me a few minutes and I promise it’ll be worth the wait.

She waited nervously. What was he typing? When the message came, she sucked in a deep breath, let it out slowly, then clicked it open.

Here we go, lover. Is your hand between your legs? Mine is there, in my mind, and let me tell you what it’s doing.

She drew a shaky breath and let her hand drift down again.

It’s stroking your silky, satiny, hot swollen flesh. As I stroke, your body moves with my hand, pressing against me, letting me know how you feel, telling me how you want to be touched.

We’re both totally focused on the place where my hand meets your body. I’m limp from that earth-shattering orgasm you gave me, yet amazingly I feel my own body stir to life as I see the way you respond to me.

Oh! He’d left the Crete scenario and was creating something new.

It’s the sexiest thing in the world, feeling how much you want my touch.

All I want to do is pleasure you, and your body is squirming, pressing, your hips are lifting and circling, you’re telling me with every move that the tension is building.

I slip a finger inside you, feel your muscles contract around me, your body rock against me. I’m hard again and I know that’s what you really want, so I take my finger out, suck it so I can taste you, then ease my cock into you, and your pussy is so tight and hot and wet all around me, and you’re moaning, those little sighing, panting moans you make. God, Suzanne, I love those sexy sounds you make.

I reach down and with my thumb I press your clit and your body bucks, and now I’m circling that swollen nub as I thrust into you faster and harder, and you can feel the pressure building, the climax approaching, and you twist your body against me, demanding the release you need.

And I want to give it to you, Suzanne. I want you to come.

Now, Suzanne.

“Jaxon!” She cried out his name as her body clutched and spasmed.

“This had better be good,” Rina grumbled as she dropped into the last chair at the sidewalk table at Sophie’s Cosmic Café. “I had to move a clarinet lesson and deal with the dratted bridge traffic.” She lived on the North Shore, over the Lion’s Gate Bridge.

“Well, I had to reschedule a client,” Ann said. “And catch a cab from Georgia and Burrard at noon, along with three dozen other businesspeople.”

“I was free as the wind.” Jenny grinned. “Being self-employed has a heck of a lot going for it.” Her grin widened. “Plus, this could count as research. It could be fun to do an article on internet dating.”

“Sex,” Suzanne murmured, just as Ann said, “Been done too many times already, but—” She broke off. “Did someone say sex?”

Flushing, Suzanne leaned forward and beckoned them all to do the same. This wasn’t a conversation she wanted anyone overhearing. “Internet sex. I’ve been having IM sex.”

“IM? Instant messaging?” Rina queried, but Jenny’s voice overrode her. “Holy crap, woman, tell all! With caveman?”

“Yes. With Jaxon. That’s his name. Spelled with an ‘x’ rather than a ‘c-k.’ He lives in San Francisco.”

“Obviously you decided to reply to his e-mail,” Ann said dryly.

“Monday night. And we’ve been e-mailing back and forth and…”

“And having IM sex?” Rina finished, her dark brows drawn together in puzzlement. “How on earth do you have IM sex?”

Suzanne knew her cheeks were fiery by now.

Jenny saved her by saying, “Get a grip, Rina, use a little imagination. Think of how you have phone sex.”

“Phone sex? What, exactly, do you do with the phone?” Rina asked with pseudo-innocence.

They all burst out laughing.

“Seriously,” Rina said, “I’ve never had phone sex. But I can imagine. You talk dirty to each other?”

“Among other things,” Ann said smugly.

“Aha!” Jenny pounced. “You have some experience.”

“I dated a guy who lived in Toronto and we only saw each other every two or three months. But we did burn up the phone lines.”

Suzanne stared at her friend. Why did she always assume Ann was as starchy as her tailored suits? “You’ve had phone sex? So, you mean he tells you what he’d like to do to you? And you, uh, touch yourself and…”

“I’d guess it’s pretty much the same as cyber sex. Is that how you and Jaxon do it?”

Suzanne clapped her hands to burning cheeks. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation. It’s like something out of Sex and the City.”

“Never that,” Jenny said. “We’re way too stuffy for that.”

“Inhibited,” Rina said.

“Reserved. Discreet,” Ann contributed.

“Canadian.” Jenny rolled her eyes. “Only in New York are gals that out there.”

Suzanne winced. “But don’t you see, that’s what Jaxon expects from me. I’m outrageous69. He doesn’t know I’m this stuffy, inhibited, reserved, discreet Canadian. Well, he knows I’m Canadian, but he thinks I’m like Samantha used to be on Sex and the City. Completely concerned with sex.”

“Let me see,” Ann said mischievously. “The first time you meet the man, you end up in a cave, uh…Okay, let’s call an apple an apple, like Samantha would. Fucking. Three times.”

The word “fucking” made Suzanne flinch. But Ann was right, it had hardly been making love.

“Then,” Ann said, “the next time you’re in touch, you’re both typing sexy suggestions and masturbating.”

Suzanne winced again. Damn, how could she pretend to be outrageous if words like “fuck” and “masturbating” embarrassed her?

Ann raised her eyebrows. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m thinking Samantha would be proud of you, Suze.”

“But it’s not me,” she admitted softly. “Not the real me.”

“Then who is it?” Jenny asked. “That evil twin again?”

“No! It’s not evil, it’s…” She frowned. It sure hadn’t felt evil, it had been so…“Sexy,” Suzanne said, her confidence beginning to grow again. She gave a firm nod. “That’s it, it’s my sexy twin. And that’s who has to go on my date with Jaxon.”

“Suzie! You’ve arranged to meet him?” Rina spoke first, but all three of them gaped at her.

Their waitress interrupted, impatient to take orders. When she mentioned the daily special, some kind of fancy salad, everyone quickly ordered it. Jenny said, “And curly fries, we have to have a ton of those fantastic curly fries.”

As soon as the waitress had gone, Jenny turned to Suzanne. “Okay, Suzie Q, spill. What’s the scoop?”

“He’s flying up on Friday and we’re going to meet.” She gulped. “I’m terrified.” Because, after all, she really was Suze, the sensible, boring twin.

“What do you know about this man?” Ann asked. “What does he do? Are you sure he’s not married? What about—”

Suzanne broke in. “I did ask if he was single, and he said yes.” She frowned. “I have no way of knowing for sure, but why would he lie? Why would he think I’d even care?”

“Because you do,” Ann pointed out.

“No! I mean, yes, I do, but that’s the sensible twin. Why would he think outrageous69 would give a flying”—she swallowed and made herself say it—“fuck whether he’s married? And no, I don’t know what he does for a living. I didn’t ask and he didn’t say. And I didn’t tell him what I do.”

Ann’s frown made Suzanne rush on. “Don’t you see, that’s not what we’re all about, Jaxon and me? It’s not one of those typical relationships where you meet the guy’s family and friends, where he talks about his job, sports, whatever. Don’t get me wrong, that stuff is great. That’s what my life will be like when I’m a vet and I meet the right man, and we get to know each other, make sure we’re long-term compatible, then get married, buy a house, have kids.”

And in that moment, she realized that all the mulling—and IM sex—of the last couple of days had led her to a conclusion. She rested her elbows on the table and leaned forward. “But that’s then, and this is now. I want what Jen said: a walk on the wild side. I want to be outrageous69, the sexy twin. Scrap all that mundane stuff, this may be the only opportunity I’ll ever have to do something really daring.”

“Or maybe dangerous.” Ann rested her hand on Suzanne’s forearm. “I’m worried. You don’t know a single thing about this man. He could be a psycho. I understand your craving for adventure, but you have to be careful.”

“Sspoilssport,” Jen spat out, hissing the ess’s.

“I’m not saying don’t meet him.” Ann glanced around the table. “But the three of us are going to be there.”

Everyone kept quiet while the waitress delivered their meals, then Suzanne said, “Ann, I’m cautious enough to admit I’d love a security net, but on Monday you said you don’t even have time to date your new guy.”

“This is more important.”

“She’s right,” Rina said. “We’ll be there, won’t we, Jen? What time? Where?”

Suzanne felt a surge of love for her friends. Whatever her life might bring in terms of romance—be it adventuresome or mundane—she would treasure these women’s friendship.

“Early evening,” she said. “I was thinking Spanish Banks? Kind of like the first time, walking toward each other along the beach.”

“No caves at Spanish Banks,” Jenny teased.

“I can’t imagine we’re, uh…”

“Going to leap into each other’s arms and have sex?” Jenny finished. “Why not? You did the first time.”

They had. Suzanne still had trouble believing she’d really done it. But she’d had too much wine, too much sun, hadn’t really been responsible for her actions. On Friday, she would be.

“Why not just go to Wreck Beach, then you can both get naked?” Jenny said slyly.

Suzanne shook her head vehemently. “Not this time. I don’t want to be that daring.”

For the first time she glanced at her salad, a colorful, imposing composition. What on earth had she ordered? Something adventuresome, obviously, and wouldn’t you know, she felt intimidated by it. She reached for a curly fry.

Ann finished a bite of her own salad. “Yum, that’s great.” Then she said, “Suze, if you go for a walk, stay where there are lots of people. There are some dark, deserted places up in Pacific Spirit Park. And absolutely do not get in a car with him.” She snapped her fingers. “Walk over to Athene’s for Greek food, and reminisce.”

“Dinner…God, Ann, I honestly don’t know what to expect. I don’t know this man. This isn’t, like, a normal date. As for reminiscing, the only thing we did was…Well, I can’t see sitting in Athene’s and talking about…you know.”

“Fucking,” Jenny said gleefully.

Rina sent her a chastising glance. “What about a picnic? Go to Granville Island and buy a bunch of delicacies. Put them in a picnic basket and leave it in your car.” She grinned. “If things don’t work out with Jaxon, you can share with us. But if you and he get along when you meet, you can picnic on the beach. Go wading in the ocean. Watch the sun set.”

“That sounds better,” Suzanne said. “But geez, are you three going to sit on a blanket watching the whole thing? That’s too weird for me.”

“If you stay on the beach, you should be safe,” Ann admitted. “So we’ll hang out for a little while, and when you feel comfortable with him, give us some kind of sign. Then we’ll go get on with our own lives. Our mundane little lives.”