Erotic Research by Mari Carr Page B

return to the real world. Neither of them mentioned what would happen when they made their way back to New York. Ross attempted to bring up the subject a few times, but each time, Julia managed to change the topic. Unwilling to risk the rapport they’d built over the past week, Ross finally let the subject drop for good. His intentions toward her had not changed, but instead they had solidified to such a point that he felt certain he would not rest until he convinced her to marry him.
    During the hours they spent out of bed, they talked about their lives, more deeply than they had in all their years as just friends. Ross told her about his childhood, growing up with four younger brothers and two very loving parents. Julia marveled that she’d never met any of Ross’s family and he even surprised her by inviting her to a family reunion planned over Easter break.
    Julia told him about her parents for the first time, even talking about the night they’d died. She’d never shared her thoughts, fears and feelings of that painful night with anyone and Ross held her as she cried, her emotions raw from the intensity of her revelations.
    As they cuddled in front of the fire, Ross asked, “What’s your ultimate sexual fantasy?”

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    Despite all they had shared together, Julia was still a bit shy regarding her sexuality and desires and Ross hoped to break her of that completely before they left the cabin. He wanted her to feel comfortable enough with him that she could share her innermost thoughts and hopes without trepidation or fear.
    “Fantasy? I don’t know,” she answered after a few moments, although Ross could see she clearly did know.
    “Tell me,” he prodded. “Everyone has some deep, dark fantasy. Lord knows I’ve tried most of mine with you in the past week. What’s yours?”
    “I wouldn’t say we’ve indulged all of yours,” she answered, in what he suspected was an attempt to change the subject. Although she’d worn the butt plug for a couple of hours each day, they’d yet to have anal sex. Somehow the time had never seemed right. Ross sensed she was still slightly uneasy with the thought and he didn’t want to rush her.
    “Nice try,” he replied, refusing to be put off. “We have plenty of time for everything I want to do to you. Tonight, I want to enact one of your fantasies.”
    “I can’t tell you. It’s too embarrassing. God knows what you’d think of me.”
    Shaking his head, Ross chuckled lightly. “What I’d think of you? My God, woman, I’ve tied you to the kitchen table and the bed, shaved your pussy and used numerous sex toys on you. I’ve been a pirate and a sultan. I’ve indulged in your mind-blowing blowjobs several times, while taking you missionary position, doggy style, and I’ve even had you ride me in a hot tub twice and you’re worried about your fantasies affecting my feelings toward you!”
    Laughing, Julia relented. “Fine, I’ll tell you. It’s not like we can do it anyway.”
    “Oh yeah?” Ross said, up to any challenge. “Try me.”
    “When I read those erotica books you loaned me, one of them talked about a woman who, well, who—” She paused.
    “Who what?” Ross prodded.
    “Had two men at one time,” she stammered out so rapidly Ross wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly.
    “Two men,” he repeated as she blushed and looked away. 78
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    Erotic Research
    “It’s silly, I know. Please forget I said anything.”
    “I would never share you,” Ross said without thinking. The seriousness of his tone took her aback. He clearly meant what he said. Uneasy with the conversation, Julia wished she could take back her words. “Well, it’s not like there’s another man here or even at home who wants me. It was a silly thought. Let’s forget I said it. Okay?”
    “No.” Ross’s eyes were still deeply disturbed. “You’ve obviously done more than simply consider it, but Jules,