type,” Dave said and slapped me on the back. “Daughters of preachers, senators and judges are probably wilder underneath the formal exterior. You know, pretending to be a good girl, but underneath, nymphos. I bet she’s hot.”
I had to hold myself back. “She's doing her Masters of Journalism at Columbia and was in Africa with Nigel when he did his documentary on Mangaize. She’s not a nympho." I was growing more angered with Dave by the moment, feeling more and more protective towards her the more he pushed. "She's a serious writer. You should read her work on the Mangaize camps. Really heartbreaking."
"She's got a nice rack," Dave said, grinning. "I had hopes she'd come home with me some night and ride me like a stallion."
I frowned, angry that he was being so carnal about her.
"She's not like that," I said, gritting my teeth. Of course, I had already thought of tying her up, blindfolding her, and eating her like an ice cream.
Dave held his beer up to his mouth for a sip. He grinned, wagging his eyebrows suggestively. "I haven’t found a way between her thighs just yet, but I'm working on it. One of these days."
"She's not your usual type, Dave. She’s smart," I said, trying to keep my anger in check. "Full scholarship at Columbia. She's really driven."
"Obviously too busy for men. Must be a lesbian," Dave said with a grin.
That really pissed me. "Maybe she's just picky ."
"Must be if she turned me down," Dave said and laughed out loud.
"Maybe she’s just not into you," I said, wanting him to get the hint.
"You're just jealous because she was having eye sex with me and not you. Apparently Ms. McDermott isn't impressed by your neurosurgical skills or the size of your wallet…"
No, she didn't appear to be, showing no particular interest in me at all other than to note that her father had spoken of me.
I had to admit I'd go vanilla for her, at least, for a while. But to thine own self be true was my motto. I'd want her on her knees to me and soon.
Then she was spirited away to another room and I stood there and watched her leave. I hadn't wanted to get to know a woman like that for some time. Know her. In every sense. Usually, I didn't want to know anything about women except their kinks around submission.
She was different. Unfortunately, she was Judge McDermott's daughter and so completely off limits. He was my father's oldest friend and she was not the kind of woman I needed.
Finally, someone joined Dave and me and the conversation turned to new regulations governing tax shelters. I couldn’t pay any attention, my mind occupied thinking of Kate and how our fathers were best friends before my father’s death. I was certain my father would be happy to know the two of us were together. But I was getting ahead of myself. I hadn’t even asked her out for coffee.
A while later, I came upon a group containing Katherine and stood on the periphery to hear her talk about West Africa. She turned and spoke directly to me.
"People with influence have to step up to the plate and use their power to do good. Like Dr. Morgan, using his father's foundation to provide hospital equipment to Africa. Those who have the means should use them."
I was completely surprised that she referred to me and bowed my head, touching my chest to show her words had affected me deeply.
"My father was committed to Africa," I said. "I'm just trying to fill his big shoes using whatever influence I have."
As that conversation ended, Nigel pulled Katherine away and once more, I felt a mix of emotions – pleased that she acknowledged me, and frustrated that I wanted her and knew I couldn’t have her. I could never have her because of Ethan. He'd die if he ever learned of my lifestyle. I knew I'd lose his friendship if he found out. I felt such affection for him and such respect for Katherine that I couldn't do it despite how much I desired her at that moment.
I hated myself for being so principled and for once in my life, I
Joan Smith
E. D. Brady
Dani René
Ronald Wintrick
Daniel Woodrell
Colette Caddle
William F. Buckley
Rowan Coleman
Connie Willis
Gemma Malley