Second Time Around (Yvonne's Naughty Story Collection) by Yvonne Michaels

Chapter 1
    Are you at that stupid Japanese restaurant again?
    Erica shook her head at her mother’s text message before placing the phone in purse.  She was grateful it was a text and not a phone call. Tonight was a celebration and she wasn’t in the mood to argue about why she hadn’t found another boyfriend. Glancing up, Erica noticed that the large party in front of her had been seated and the hostess podium was vacant. Stepping forward she scanned the dining area of the Tokyo Hibachi Grill and Bar. Sure, the bright red decor and vast array of kimonos on the walls were a bit over the top, but they knew her here and it gave her a warm, fuzzy feeling in her chest. It was a homecoming of sorts.
    “ Erica, darling.” An older Japanese woman appeared from behind the golden beaded curtain that led to the kitchen. “I was wondering when I was going to see you. I was hoping maybe you found a new man.”
    “Not you, too.” Erica groaned. “Mary you are supposed to help me celebrate being single not harp on me about it.”
    A teasing smile crossed Mary’s face as she patted Erica’s shoulder. “Come.” The small woman motioned to follow her. “We are very busy but I have seat for you.”
    Moments later she was sitting at a hibachi grill/table with six other people.  The seat beside her was either being reserved for someone or the person on the end didn’t want to sit beside a perfect stranger. A little girl sat on the opposite side of the table. She looked to be about 3 or 4 years old, dressed in jeans and a pink sweater. Erica watched as the girl chatted animatedly to no one in particular all the while tugging on what appeared to be her mother’s arm. Soon she was jumping up, running from one adult to another. From what Erica could make out from bits and pieces of conversation, the group was a mixture of grandparents, aunts, uncles and the munchkin.  Erica waved to the blond curly-haired girl who waved and squealed in return.  The waitress appeared to hand out drinks. The little girl turned to go back to her seat and ran straight into a pair of rather expensive-looking slacks. Her eyes grew round and her lip began to quiver until she looked upwards to find out who the legs were attached to. Erica watched the fear turn to childish joy as an excited squeal rent the air and small arms flew upwards begging to be picked up.
    Erica looked up to see who had brought such joy to the little girl’s face.  Her breath caught as she recognized the crystal blue eyes and blonde hair. The boyish look she remembered was gone and in its place was a more chiseled jawline. His hair was shorter than before. It barely reached the top of his ears. Of course the designer suit he was wearing was a far cry from whatever sports uniform he had worn from one season to the next. His broad shoulders and tapered waist were nothing new; although she was sure he stood taller than she remembered.  Mmmm, I wonder if that washboard stomach is still there. A lazy heat spread across her thighs and her stomach tightened.  Erica closed her mouth before drool had a chance to escape. She had been an inexperienced sixteen year old when they had last seen each other. As a grown woman her fantasies were definitely more torrid than her memories.
    Thankfully the chef came forward with his cart to begin cooking. Erica nodded hello to the grandfatherly man with the chef’s hat. She knew most of the cooks by name and they knew her by sight if not by name. Erica shifted in her seat as she tried to ignore the people getting up from their seats to welcome him to their dinner. Concentrate on the food, not on him.   She felt herself smile as the chef called off the orders to each person so that he could place a face to the correct meal. Soon the clang of utensils on the stainless steel grill along with the aroma of stir fry vegetables filled the room.  God, it’s hot in here. Erica removed her jacket and draped it over the back of her chair. Erica watched the