help it. The frantic need to know he was all right rose like a
tide inside me. The need to delineate the blurred lines between mourning sister
and nurse weighed heavy. I simply didn’t know how to separate the two.
“I did talk to Drake a little bit ago,” James continued. “He
said Trevor slept through the night, but woke up this morning. He’s groggy and
falls asleep at the drop of a hat, but he’s sitting and talking from time to
time and the doctor thinks they’ll be able to move him out of ICU tomorrow.”
“That’s great news,” I exhaled on a sigh of relief. “I
planned to drop by and see him for a few minutes, but wasn’t sure if… Well, I
don’t want to intrude.”
“Why would you think that? Of course you’re not intruding.
I’ll come by and pick you up and escort you inside. I heard there’s a pervert
hanging out in the parking garage, kissing women.”
I laughed. “A kissing pervert huh? That doesn’t sound very
dangerous.”
“Oh, he can be if you ask nicely.” I could feel James
smiling on the other end of the line. “I mean if it’s danger you’re looking
for, I’m sure he can help you out.”
“I bet
you
could.” Those damn bondage pictures on
the web had curiosity and excitement crawling through me.
“I am more than capable of giving you what you need. Trust
me.”
I desperately wanted to trust him. From what I’d read, trust
was the key ingredient for a healthy BDSM relationship. But trusting someone
with your life took time.
“So what do you say? I can swing by and pick you up in an
hour.”
“Sure. That would be great.”
“I’ll see you then,” James confirmed.
Hanging up without saying goodbye,
again
, I rolled
my eyes and raced to the shower. After primping both makeup and hair, I stood
in the closet trying to decide what to wear. Unsure if there would be time to
come home and change before our date, I realized the little black dress I’d
planned to wear was too chic for a hospital visit. Since I had no clue where
James planned to take me, I worried blue jeans might be too casual. Finally
deciding on a pair of black dress pants and a sleeveless, ruffled-bodice,
cranberry chiffon blouse, I tossed the items on my bed.
‘Wear something special for me.’
James’ words echoed in my head, causing a shiver to race
through me. Perusing the contents of my panty drawer, I spotted a red, lacy
pushup bra and matching thong that had been sitting untouched for almost a
year. “Like sexy lingerie was going to fix my relationship with Ryan,” I
scoffed aloud. “Well, hopefully James will enjoy the little ensemble tonight.”
Dressed, I stepped into a pair of black heels as the
doorbell rang. A giddy rush of excitement ignited within me. It had been a
long, long time since I’d been on a date. Checking myself one last time in the
mirror, I rushed to the front door and pulled it open.
Sunlight played across James’ handsome features,
highlighting cinnamon streaks in his dark hair, as flecks of gold refracted in
his sensual eyes. He wore snug, faded blue jeans and a short-sleeved, fitted
knit shirt. James looked so decadently hot I wanted to yank him inside and
molest him in the middle of the foyer.
James slid a hungry gaze down my body in a slow, sensual
caress before he flashed me with a wide, dazzling smile. I had to grip the edge
of the door to keep from melting into a puddle. Leaning in close, he brushed
his lips against my neck.
“You look stunning,” he whispered, biting lightly on the
lobe of my ear.
My body responded instantly. I was grateful for the barrier
of clothing, so James couldn’t see how easily he destroyed me.
“Thank you. So do you,” I managed to deliver past the
choking lust lodged in my throat. “Please. Come in. I just need to grab my
phone and my purse.”
With a nod, he followed me inside. Glancing over my
shoulder, I noticed him checking out
Mark Blake
Terry Brooks
John C. Dalglish
Addison Fox
Laurie Mackenzie
Kelli Maine
E.J. Robinson
Joy Nash
James Rouch
Vicki Lockwood