Second Time Around (Yvonne's Naughty Story Collection) Read online

  The appreciation in his blue eyes turned cold. “Can we put the past behind us? I’m here with my peace offering,” he gestured to the coffee, “Why can’t we discuss the here and now?”

  “What happened to Cheryl?” Erica relaxed against the cushioned chair.

  “We really did go to high school together.”

  The disbelief in his voice was like sandpaper against her skin.

  “I haven’t thought about Cheryl in years. We broke up about halfway through Senior year. She didn’t want her reputation ruined so we pretended to be a couple until after graduation.”

  “Why did you break up?” Curiosity got the better of her. She knew that halfway through his Senior year was about the same time as the party. The party that changed her life.

  “Let’s just say that I found out she wasn’t who I wanted to be with. But that was a long time ago. Cheryl is ancient history. Do you know why I whispered in your ear at the restaurant?”

  Erica shook her head slightly still intrigued by the idea that her run in with William may have changed his perspective.

  “You looked so beautiful that I wanted to meet the woman that contained that much joy. I knew that she must be something pretty special.”

  “I’m not sure if I should be flattered or I should find my rubber boots to wade through the crap.” She couldn’t resist flashing him a teasing smile.

  William scooted to the edge of his chair. “I don’t throw around flattery easily. You’re welcome to ask the last dozen women I’ve dated. They will be more than happy to tell you that I’m a lousy boyfriend and married to my work.”

  Erica’s amusement had her struggling to swallow before spraying coffee through her nose. This only caused her to cough uncontrollably.

  William handed her a napkin. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. I’ve just never had a man admit his largest downfall before landing a first date.”

  “You mean this isn’t a date? I freed up my entire afternoon and it’s not even a date?”

  He was teasing her again. She liked this playful side of her high school football player. A warm feeling spread through her chest that had nothing to do with the physical attraction she was keeping a tight leash on.

  “Are you laughing at me?” his tone was falsely irate.

  “Yes.” She grinned even broader. “Especially since you were trying to convince me you’re a workaholic.”

  A buzzing noise came from under William’s jacket. Erica watched as he pulled the cell phone from the holster and flipped it open. “Landers. Yeah. I told you not to do that. Yes I know that HE is our client. I don’t care what Dad said.”

  Erica sipped her coffee trying not to listen. William seemed seriously pissed. She watched as he set down the coffee cup and clenched his hand into a fist. His voice grew softer and his hand remained on the table although his knuckles began turning white. Erica was sure she heard the words ‘die alone’ and ‘asshole’ but the rest of the conversation was too quiet.

  Ignoring the actual words was easy but the rich, seductive sound of his voice sent tingles of delight scattering over her skin. I wonder if he talks dirty in the bedroom.

  “I’ve got to run.” He stood up and dropped the coffee cup in a nearby trash can. Turning back to her, he held out a hand to help her out of her chair.

  The softness of his hands sent her imagination into overdrive. Looking up she wet her lips with her tongue. His eyes shifted, lingering where her tongue had been.

  “It was nice seeing you again.” She had to get out of here before she did something she would regret. Like drag him into the bathroom, hop up on the counter and spread her legs. Ok down girl.

  “Can I see you again? Dinner?” His voice was soft, seductive even.

  “I’m busy tonight.” Live a little. “Friday, maybe?”

  “It’s a date.”

  Chapter 4

  Erica tossed another pair of ‘sensible’ heels out of her closet. “Nothing.”

  Serena laughed. The blond was sprawled out on the grey and teal comforter. “When all you do is work then you don’t have sexy shoes.”

  “True. So what’s in your closet? I can’t go out dressed in a red gown and wear clunky shoes.” Erica walked barefoot through the apartment to her roommate’s closet.

  Serena followed close behind. “Look on the top shelf on the left hand side. I think you’ll find what you’re looking for.”

  Pulling a large white shoebox down, Erica removed the tissue paper. “Oh my God.” Inside was a pair of gorgeous, black, peep toe ‘fuck me’ heels. “If these don’t send a message I don’t know what will.”

  Serena giggled. “Is he tall enough for you to wear four inch heels?”

  “Yes.” The thought thrilled her. She loved wearing heels. They made her feel thinner than her size 10 dress, but at 5’ 9” most men ended up shorter than her when she did. “We’ll probably be almost the same height but I don’t think that’s an issue for him.”

  “Does he know that his brother is your ex-husband’s lawyer?”

  “No.” There’s a lot he doesn’t know. “I’ll probably have to drop that bomb soon if we keep dating.” The moment the words were out of her mouth she felt oddly tingly and hopeful.

  “I’m sure he’ll be fine about it.”

  “Yes but how do you tell the guy you’re dating that you screwed his brother in high school? I’m just trying to figure out if he’s as big an asshole as his brother. So far he’s been a bit pushy but still managed to be a perfect gentleman. I’m the one almost like a cat in heat whenever he’s around.”

  Serena grabbed her by the shoulders. “I’ve told you that if you’re going to wait so long to have sex you need to invest in a battery operated boyfriend.”

  Erica shook her head thankful that Serena hadn’t used the word vibrator. They had agreed after Serena’s first month in the apartment that her own toy would forevermore be name B.O.B. and no one would say the word vibrator again. “I can’t. I’d love to but I just can’t.”

  “Okay, okay.” Serena threw her hands up in fake surrender. “Don’t come crying to me when you two end up doing the horizontal tango in the next week.”

  Erica swatted at her friend. “You are so melodramatic.”

  “That’s why you love me. Now put those shoes on and find your coat before dude is here to pick you up.”

  “What time is it?” she slipped into the heels relishing the padded interior.

  “Almost 7. You’ve got a few minutes.”

  Just wearing the heels made her feel sexy and sensual. The lace from her black sheer thigh-highs teased the flesh on her inner thigh as she walked.

  “If he’s anything like his family then he’ll be late. Work keeps them pretty busy and they never leave unless everything is taken care of.”

  Serena followed her down the stairs to the coat closet. “And you know this how?”

  “Let’s just say that his brother prides himself on his own divorce being due to the fact that his ex-wife couldn’t handle all of his late hours. Personally, I think it had something to do with the fact that his assistant looked like she stepped out of the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.”

  “Well I’ve never known you to be a bad judge of character, so I’ll have to say that your man must have some redeeming qualities.”

  Erica released a loud sigh. “Either that or I just need to get laid really bad.”

  Chapter 5

  Erica couldn’t stop herself from grinning. Here she was, sitting in the most expensive restaurant in town and William looked exactly like she imagined he would. Perfect hair, immaculate black suit, subtle- yet elegant necktie, and charming. What had her giggling was the fact that he was holding a beer in his hand. Somehow she had pictured a martini or an expensive glass of wine. Beer was not what she thought William Preston Landers Junior drank. Ever.

  “What’s so funny?” William’s eyebrows drew together.

  Erica was sure they resembled one long ang
ry looking caterpillar. It was that thought that sent a snort erupting from her mouth and nose. Embarrassed heat flooded over her so that Erica was positive she was the same color as her hair. William appeared to be fighting back his own laughter causing Erica to fall into a fit of giggles. After all, it was either laugh or cry. At least laughing wouldn’t make her mascara run.

  “I don’t believe I’ve ever had a woman burst out laughing in the middle of a date.” William set his beer down.

  His smile was bigger than before and Erica was almost positive his eyes were shining with tears from holding back the laughter.

  Fanning herself with her hand, Erica took a drink of water hoping to cool herself off. “I’m sorry. I . . . well I just never pictured you with a beer in your hand. I mean you’re a big time divorce attorney. I thought you’d have some classy drink.”

  “So you think that I’m a snob like my father?” his voice lost some of the warmth from before.

  “Well, yes.” Erica watched the physical withdrawal as the words seemed to instantly turn William’s mood from warm to cold. His smile faltered and he sat back in his chair. She wanted the happy William back. “That didn’t come out right. Please,” She grabbed his hand from the tabletop hoping to keep him from withdrawing more, “Please don’t be mad. I didn’t mean anything by it.” Erica leaned forward as he tried to pull his hand from her grasp.

  The food came and she had to relinquish her grip on his hand. William dove into his roast duck, but Erica couldn’t seem to do more than poke at her salmon. Her stomach was doing more flips than a professional acrobat. Well this sucks as a first date. “Can we call a truce? I won’t make presumptions and compare you to your family and you can stop giving me the cold shoulder.”

  “Okay, truce.” He smiled pulling the right side of his mouth up higher than the rest.

  God, he is so cute when he does that. Erica picked up her own glass of merlot and downed several gulps. Nothing like liquid courage to help your libido.

  “How come I don’t remember you from high school?”

  “You were extremely busy with football, baseball, pep rallies and numerous girls. I wasn’t in that crowd. I hated cheerleaders and tended to spend more time with people in the art department or drama club. “

  William nodded seeming to understand her logic. “So why is it that you remember me?”

  That made her smile. “Every female at Terrance High School knew who William Landers Junior was. Hell, every girl that had hit puberty and lived in a 30 mile radius knew who you and your brother were. “

  “That’s news to me.”

  “I’m sure it is considering Cheryl threatened to dismember any girl that tried to make a move on you.” Her mood changed. A twinge in her chest reminded her of the depression she suffered after he left her alone in that bed so many years ago. “Did you always plan on working for the family firm? I got the impression that you wanted to do something different with your life.”

  “I tried my best to go a different route but I guess law is in my blood. I was actually a public defender in Chicago until Dad got sick a few years ago. It was then that I moved back so that I could help out with the business.”

  No matter how hard she tried, Erica had a hard time imagining him to be as heartless as his father and brother. “And what about your brother; has he always been a divorce lawyer?”

  Will took a drink and stared into the mug. He looked up with a question on his face, but no question came. “Yes, Cameron is like Dad, he seems to have brass ba. . . um. . . the temperament that it takes to succeed in this business. Personally I think that getting death threats as a prosecutor and then handling divorce cases has been what kept me from the alter.”

  Erica swallowed hard. “I suppose that would do it. I’m guessing even the right woman couldn’t convince you to make the leap?”

  William laughed. A deep throaty laugh that sent tingles of excitement shooting through all of her most sensitive spots. “I haven’t found the one that would make me jump through hoops to get her to spend the rest of her life with me if that is what you’re asking. There’s only been one that got away but I think it was more wishful thinking than love.”

  Thoughts of his hands on her body, of him moving against her, that one remembered night sent her mood crashing. They had been inexperienced teenagers back then; her more than him. But now, now they would know how to please each other. “Look I know there’s this tension, this attraction that we both feel.” She felt out of breath, “I know it’s the kind that would probably have us stripping each other naked the moment no one else was around.” She knew she was right by the way Will shifted in his seat and her entire body ached at the visual image. Erica quickly glanced down at her hands to break free from the promise in his eyes. “But . . . but because of what happened in high school I’m not sure that this, us, that we are a good idea.” Her eyes locked with his as she finished. She silently pleaded for him to understand.

  “What was so bad that you can’t let go ten years later?” Will rubbed the back of his neck. “I feel like I’m on trial and no one will tell me what I’m accused of.”

  Erica looked around the exclusive French restaurant. A handful of small tables were scattered through the dining room that was no bigger than that coffee shop they had visited earlier in the week. People were everywhere but they all seemed to be in their own little world. Laughing, kissing, holding hands and completely involved in what the person across from them was saying or doing. She couldn’t discuss it here. Girl it was one night between two teenagers that got carried away. What does it matter anymore? But it did matter. She was pretty sure every girl’s first time mattered.

  “I understand if you don’t remember me, but the memories I have of you sort of taint the present.” She wanted to jump up and run away. The warm, liquid feeling in her stomach was slowly being replaced by shards of ice.

  William reached for her hand this time. His grip was firm but didn’t hurt. “Hey,” his thumb brushed lightly over the back of her hand, “tell me what I did. Sometimes you try to block out some of the awful things you did as a kid. I’m sorry you were hurt by my callous, self-absorbed teen self. Tell me. Let me make it right.”

  Erica closed her eyes. All of her senses were focused on the light teasing circles of his thumb on her hand. They were more erotic than anything she had ever felt. It felt so good to be touched. Just screw him and get him out of your system. Then he can go his way and you can go yours. There, problem solved. Proposition him. Surely he’ll chicken out. If not, then you get laid for the first time in a year.

  “I have a better idea. Let’s go back to your place and take care of this physical attraction.” Now the ball is in his court.

  He hesitated for a few seconds before lifting her hand to his mouth.

  Erica couldn’t pull her eyes away from the playfulness she saw in William’s. His lips brushed the back of her hand.

  “Do you want to finish your dinner first?” the seductive tone in his voice put her body on full alert.

  “Perhaps we should skip straight to dessert.” I’ve lost my freaking mind.

  “Done.”

  His grin reminded her of the proverbial cat that ate the canary. It made her wonder if she was about to be eaten. And why did that thought sound so enticing?

  Chapter 6

  William placed his keys on the small table beside the door, watching Erica as he hung up his jacket. She gazed around the living room with an unreadable look on her face. He tried to see things through her eyes. A few colorful works of art and miniature sculptures covered the walls of the living room. A brown leather couch and loveseat created a comfortable conversation area with a black coffee table and a small television set. A set of bamboo blinds covered the windows. Everything was neat and tidy, completely unlike his life. Too late to turn back now, man. “Not what you were expecting?”

  Erica turned and smiled, “Am I that obvious?”

  Time to test the water. “I gathered it was either t
hat or you had changed your mind and you were trying to figure out the nearest exit.”

  Erica glanced down at her hands that were tightly clenched together in front of her. William noticed she seemed to do that when she was nervous. He needed to make her feel more comfortable, to help her relax. Placing his hands on her shoulders, William gave them a reassuring squeeze. “Hey, if you don’t want to do this all you have to do is just say so.”

  She looked up. The desire in her eyes left no room for questions. “I want this more than I’ve wanted anything in a long time.

  He couldn’t resist the pull of her soft lips. The need to taste them, to taste her overwhelmed him. Her head tilted up in anticipation of what they both knew would happen. His lips brushed hers not wanting to scare her off. Her mouth opened eagerly, her tongue dancing with his. For what seemed like eternity, the two stood pressed against each other their mouths exploring the taste and need. Erica wrapped her arms around his neck running her hands through his hair. William fought the urge to touch. Erica seemed so fragile already. Without breaking their kiss, her gentle hand took hold of one of his. The bulge in his pants grew more painful as she led his hand to her breast. The dress provided no real barrier; he can feel her nipple hardening beneath his touch.

  “Are we alone?” her lips barely leave his.

  “Yes.”

  That was all it took for her to begin unbuttoning his shirt. William begins removing her jacket before reaching down to the hem of her dress and pulling it over her head. Stepping back he gazes over her full teardrop breasts and round hips. She remains dressed in only her thigh highs and high heels.

  “God you’re beautiful.”

  “And you’re wearing too many clothes.”

  William shook his head. Grabbing a handful of hair, he pulled her head back before bringing his mouth to hers. He cupped the weight of her breast brushing his thumb over her already sensitive nipple.

  “Is this what you want?” he gazed down at her.