CourtesanTales Masterfile by Unknown Page A

and uncommitted sex, excited her senses and helped relax her
inhibitions. “I’d like that,” she admitted.
    “So
would I.” He smiled.
    He
smiled a lot and lord what a warm, intimate smile. He was so handsome it was
difficult not to stare at him.
    “Are
you ready, Autumn?”
    After
three years of celibacy she was more than ready to subject herself to any
situation that would increase the possibility of their ending up in bed for the
night. As improbable as she’d thought it before the meeting started, she was
now convinced he shared her sexual interest.
    She
nodded. “Yes, I’m ready.”
    “Great.”
He rose. “Do you have any objections to Patty’s?”
    Patty’s
was an upscale bar two blocks from their condo complex. She’d had drinks there
twice with friends. “No, I don’t.”
    “Do
you mind walking?”
    Walking
would extend their time together. “It’s a nice night for a walk.”
    He
nodded. “It’s a very nice night, Autumn.”
    The
steady glance he gave her left her in no doubt that he felt her presence
increased the beauty of the night. She smiled.
    He
extended his hand towards the exit. “Then let’s go.”
    * * *
    They
walked to Patty’s without speaking. Surprisingly, she felt comfortable with him
and with the silence.
    At
Patty’s, he escorted her to an empty booth with a view to the entrance. He
asked her what she wanted to drink before going to get their drinks.
    She
watched him walk to the bar. She’s always had a thing for men with long legs
and tight asses. Seneka Elkhorn had both. And he certainly looked good in a
pair of tight jeans.
    He
returned to the table with a martini for her and bottled water for him.
    “You’re
not drinking?”
    He
shook his head. “I need a clear head.”
    She,
on the other hand, wanted help lowering her remaining inhibitions. “Why?”
    “Because
I find you incredibly…interesting.”
    Oh,
hell, yes! She smiled and sipped her drink.
    He
propped his elbows on the table, a slow smile curving his firm, sensual lips.
“How long have you lived at Oak Gardens, Autumn?”
    “Just
over a year. You?”
    “I’ve
lived here for the last two years. Why haven’t I seen you at any of the other
meetings?”
    “I’m
usually too busy grading papers to attend them.”
    “Grading
papers? What do you do for a living, Autumn?”
    His
steady regard allowed her to return his scrutiny without embarrassment. “I
teach math at Community College.”
    “At
last! A woman I can talk numbers to and have her really understand. This is
indeed my lucky night.”
    She
laughed. “What a wonderful man you must be, Seneka Elkhorn.” 
    His
smile turned into a wide grin. “Discerning as well as pretty.”
    “Pretty?”
    He
nodded slowly, locking his gaze with hers. “Very, very pretty.”
    A
warm glow spread through her. “Thank you.”
    “You’re
welcome. So you’re discerning, very pretty, and modest. That’s quite a heady
combination in one woman, Autumn.”
    “And
very full-figured.” There. She’d stated the obvious. If he had a problem with
her weight, she wanted to know upfront before she lost herself in his smiling
gaze.
    He
frowned. “You make that sound like a bad thing.”
    She
moistened her lips. “It is for some men.”
    He
shrugged. “Different strokes for different folks.”
    She
liked the turn the conversation had taken. “Oh?”
    “I
can’t see how a woman having an ample amount of curves is anything but a plus.”
He grinned. “Besides, you’re discerning enough to realize I’m rather wonderful.
How did you know? Does it ooze through my pores?”
    She
smiled, feeling completely relaxed with him. “Only a natural born charmer could
make the ability to understand numbers sound like a compliment or make being
full-figured sound like a plus.”
    “Oh
but it is a plus to men who prefer women with lots of curves.” He took a sip of
his water. “I take it your ex didn’t?”
    She
sucked in a breath and slowly shook her head. “No. He