“Overwhelmed?”
I nodded. “But in a good way.”
“Well you’re about to get even more overwhelmed because in that en-suite bathroom you’ll find a large corner bath that doubles as a Jacuzzi.”
“What? You’re joking.”
“See for yourself, woman.”
No, it hadn’t been a joke. The bathroom was immaculately clean. The walls were painted spearmint green till halfway down and then had large white tiles decorating the bottom half. A turbo shower was hung on the wall over the Jacuzzi bath.
“Well...what d’ya think of your new home?”
“I’m in love.” In theory the predominantly white decor should have been quite plain and boring considering that this colour scheme ran throughout the apartment, but it was actually very beautiful. It made the place feel pure and heavenly, even. But even if it had had a dull, gloomy appearance I would still adore it because it was mine.
(Jared)
It was getting so easy to sense her. I can’t explain how I do it. It’s like there’s a part of me that’s dormant until her husky voice or intoxicating scent is near and then that part of me wakes up and completely takes over. At that point all I can think about, all I want to think about, is her.
I didn’t even suspect that she was aware of me hanging over my balcony watching her hanging over her own, two levels down from me, until she sent a thought to me.
What? Her gaze didn’t move from her balcony view. I can feel you staring so don’t say ‘nothing’.
So she was intensely aware of me too. I couldn’t resist teasing her: If you really want to know, I was getting a good look at your ass.
That made her swerve on the spot, her mouth gaping open as she glared hard at me. I could’ve sworn she looked a little self-conscious.
The truth is I was thinking about what that blood of yours tastes like.
She scowled. You should know that you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
You know you’ve wondered what it would feel like to have me sink my teeth into your skin.
Oh yes. Sarcasm. I want you Jared, I need you. Eye roll. Haven’t you got a twig to go snuggle in to?
Joy doesn’t sleep in my apartment. Come see for yourself if you want.
Another eye roll. Good night. Looking a little flushed, she retreated into her apartment.
As much as I teased her about our little bet, the truth was that I didn’t really want to win it. Did I want to taste her? Oh yes. But I wanted to taste her because she wantedme to, not because of some bet. I’d make sure she wanted that. I knew it wouldn’t happen if I started giving her leeway or showing signs of weakness. Sam was spirited, and it was letting her exercise that spiritedness that got her going. Whether she realised it yet or not, this betting stuff and the constant conflict between us was foreplay.
(Sam)
I should have sliced off his salami. I should have. Then I wouldn’t feel all flushed right now, imagining him biting and tasting me. God this was ridiculous. How could you be attracted to someone who made you so pissed off that you’d considered burning their balls with a lighter? I wanted to twat myself over the head for being so relieved that he didn’t share his apartment with the twig. I didn’t want to want him or think about him or be jealous about the twig. Maybe it was nothing to do with Jared, maybe Fletcher was right and I needed a good shag to set me straight. Maybe getting a once-over by a stranger would help me burn off these stupid feelings. With horniness out of the equation, I wouldn’t want Jared anymore. Right?
I’d think on that a little more at dusk. For now, as much as I was curious to know if I also had internet access and satellite channels, I was way too tired for that or anything else. Without undressing I plonked myself on the bed and immediately entered dreamland and slept like, well, the dead...until about fifteen minutes after dusk had settled.
I dug out the last of my clothes from the duffel bag
Sharon Kramis
Verna Clay
Ysabeau S. Wilce
Lynn LaFleur
Unknown
Jonathan Gash
Clark Ashton Smith
Lauren Shelton
Walter J. Boyne
Nathan Van Coops