Compromising Positions (An Erotic Romance Novel) (19 page)

“What is it, Ms. Doherty?” Duncan asked from behind her.

“Nothing. Sorry. Just thinking. I’ll see you Monday. Thanks for clearing things up for me.”

“See you Monday.”

She left the building, ran to her car, and started it up. Now, where to? Where would she find him? She had to find him. Had to talk to him. Had to apologize. Had to make this right.

He didn’t deserve the trash she’d hurled at him.

Fighting to remember how to find his place, she drove across town. It took her over two hours but she was successful. Too bad he wasn’t there.

She tried his cell phone. Off. She left a message on his answering machine. She left a note on his door. She checked with the neighbor.

The elderly gentleman said he’d seen Gabe moving boxes out of his apartment yesterday.

He’d moved? He’d left? But he’d wanted to explain. He said he would call. Had she hurt him that bad?

Oh no.

She drove home, her heart so low she’d need a spatula to scrape it off the floor. Her belly ached. Her head hurt. Her insides were knotted.

He had to call.

The phone rang, and she jumped to answer it. “Hello?”

“Hey, Fate!” Tracy said. “What’s up? How was the date with John?”

“Well, if you think me rehashing my love affair with another man a great date, then my date with John was a huge success.”

“That bad?”

Fate slumped into a nearby chair. “It’s worse than that. I’m an idiot.”

“You are not.”

“I was all wrong about Gabe. I just wanted to believe the worst about him. I couldn’t give him the benefit of the doubt. And now he’s gone. I don’t know where to find him. I want to at least apologize.”

“That man can’t stay away from you for long. I’m sure you’ll get your chance.”

“But apologizing isn’t good enough. I haven’t done anything to deserve what he’s given me. He’s done so much.”

“Well, what does he want more than anything?”

Fate closed her eyes and thought about that question for a moment, tried to remember their conversations. “Just me, I guess. My trust? The one thing I kept denying him—and a belly ring.” She chuckled remembering that conversation.

“Well, then do it. Get your bellybutton pierced. And when he does get in touch with you, do something to prove you believe in him.”

“Okay.” Her stomach flip flopped. “Will you go with me?”

“Sure. I’m getting off work in a few. I’ll come over and pick you up.”

“Okay.” She changed into a scrubby pair of sweats with a low waistband and a t-shirt and waited for Tracy. And as they drove to Original Skin, they chatted about the crazy things people did for love and how much it lowered your IQ.

And when she entered the building, Paul gave her a big smile. “See? I told you you wouldn’t be able to stay away.” He gave Tracy an appraising once over and an even bigger smile. “Who’s your friend?”

“This is my best friend, Tracy. Tracy, Paul.”

They shook hands, and Fate couldn’t miss the sparks flying between them. Funny, she’d never in a million years expect those two to be attracted to each other, Tracy so conservative and Paul so…unconventional. She teared up; the mysteries of love.

Paul led them back to a private room. “So, who’s the patient today? Tracy?”

“No. Not today. Fate’s getting her bellybutton pierced.”

Paul raised his eyebrows. “Really? After this past weekend, that’s the last thing I expected.” He motioned toward the chair, which mildly resembled a torture device, or an electric chair, and Fate sat, her stomach in her throat. “Are you nervous?”

“Yes.” That was an understatement!

“It’ll only hurt for a split second. And then you’ll be sore for a few days. Clean it twice daily with soap and water and put a dab of petroleum jelly on the jewelry and work it through the piercing after you wash.” He handed her a card with care instructions. “You can read this at home when you can concentrate better.” Then he prepared his instruments, and Fate refused to watch. “Did you pick out your jewelry yet?”

“Oh! I forgot.”

“I’ll do it.” Tracy jumped up and left the room.

Paul watched her leave. “She’s cute. Is she taken?”

“Not at all. You should ask her out. I think she likes you.”

He grinned. “Just for that, the piercing’s on the house.” He pinched her stomach and zap! Pain shot up her spine as the blade went in. Her skin was tugged and pulled and then everything was still, and she realized her eyelids were clamped shut. “You can open them now.”

“Are we done yet?”

“Just waiting for the jewelry.”

She nodded but didn’t look.

Tracy returned a moment later and handed Paul a plastic packet. He opened it and started tugging on Fate’s skin again.

“Are you doing okay?” Tracy asked.

“Yeah.” She swallowed, sure something was on its way up from her stomach.

“All done,” Paul said. “Take a look.”

Fate forced her eyes open and snuck a quick peek. There, in the middle of her belly button hung a deep blue stone. And up above was a sparkling clear one. “Oh.”

“Okay. Do what I said. You don’t want it to get infected, and I’ll see you Saturday, right?”

“Sure.” She stood, and black and white stars glittered before her eyes, blocking out her vision. “Oh. I know I’m a coward, but I don’t want to faint. Gabe’ll hear about it. Get me out of here.”

“Okay.” Tracy took her hand and led her outside.

Breathless and just about blind, Fate sat on the grass and ducked her head between her knees. “What I do for love.”

“What we all do. Welcome to the club, Fate.”

Happiness is possible, even for someone who has been shunned by fate.

“It’s done,” Duncan said. “She was shocked as hell. It was all over her face.”

“Thanks. Sorry it came to this. I thought we might be able to work things out different, but I guess that’s not going to happen.”

“Yeah, yeah. You knew it would end like this all along. I still think you’re an idiot, but what the hell do I know. Just don’t repay me by working for my competition.”

“Promise.”

“Later, Ryan. Good luck with her.”

“Thanks.” Gabe punched the talk button on his cell. Where would she be now? Had she gone to find him? Had she gone home? His cell phone rang again. “Hello?”

“Heya, Ryan. It’s Paul.”

“What’s up?”

“Just thought I’d let you know your girlfriend was just in here. I won’t spoil the surprise, but if I were you, I’d hightail it over to her place. You’re in for a big surprise. And I’m jealous as hell.”

What had she done? “What kind of surprise?” He felt a goofy grin spread over his face. She’d done something for him?

She did love him! His heart soared. He slammed his car into gear and roared down the street, knowing if it took him two minutes to get there it would be too long.

“I’m not saying another word. Bye.” Paul hung up.

Ungrateful bastard!

It took twelve minutes and thirteen seconds—he’d counted every one of them—to get to her place. He almost continued driving when he saw a car in the driveway. Did it belong to that guy, John? Had Paul made an assumption?

Well, he was here now! He’d taken enough risks already, what was one more? He parked and forced himself to walk up to the door. It opened before he had the chance to knock.

A young woman stood on the other side, a curious expression on her face. “May I help you?”

“I’m here to see Fate. I’m Gabe.”

“Oh!” Her gaze swept up and down then she stepped aside. “The one-and-only Gabe. I’ve heard all about you.”

“All good, I hope.” He chuckled, knowing full well she’d probably heard everything but good.

“Of course.” She closed the door behind him. “Fate’s lying down.” She reached behind him and picked up a brown leather purse. “And I was just leaving.”

“Is she sick?”

“No, she’s fine. Just a bit of a baby. I’m sure you can handle her.” She opened the door. “Nice meeting you, Gabe.” And then she left.

A bit of a baby? Fate? Never! If she was in bed this early, not even eight o’clock in the evening, something must be really wrong. He hurried back to her bedroom, memories from not so long ago shooting through his mind and giving him one hell of a hard-on.

He knocked and opened the bedroom door. The room was dark. Was she sleeping? He went up to the bed. “Fate?”

“Gabe?” She sat up and reached for the lamp on the bedside table. The light snapped on, emitting a mellow light over her face and sweatshirt. She smiled.

Damn, that was one dazzling smile! He rushed to her side and swept her into his arms, but she instantly stiffened. He pulled back. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. I just…” She hooked the band of her sweatshirt in her fingertips and raised it. Something flashed in the dim light.

“What did you do?”

“I got my bellybutton pierced. For you.”

He sat on the bed and leaned down to get a closer look. “You crazy woman! I can’t believe you did that.” He kissed the red flesh around the jewelry, feeling her muscles tense under his lips.

“I had to do something. It’s not much, I know. But I’ve been so stupid. I can’t believe I thought you were lying to me, after everything—“

He raised his index finger to her lips. “Shush. I understand. You don’t need to rehash it all. All that matters is we’re here, together. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

You did say so, once or twice.” She leaned forward, palmed his cheeks and smiled into his eyes. “And that you can have. For as long as you like.”

“Forever?”

“Are you sure you can deal with me for that long? I’m such a pain in the ass sometimes.”

He returned her smile. “A good pain in the ass. My pain in the ass. I don’t want to live another day without you. I’ve known that since the first day we met in college.”

She shook her head and dropped her hands. “If only I hadn’t been so blind. I’ve made you wait so long.”

“It was worth every minute if you’re mine now.”

“Absolutely.”

“So, will you trust me?”

“Yes.”

“No second guessing me?”

“Nope.”

“Okay.” He stood. “Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?”

She grinned.

Oh yeah, he liked the hint of devil in that expression! “I take it that means yes?”

“You bet.”

“Then are you in for a surprise!” Fate watched as he clapped his hands together then rubbed them, his expression wicked and gleeful all at once. Oh, boy! She’d seen that look. And then ended up bound and fucked until she couldn’t see straight.

And it had been heaven.

Hot juices instantly slicked her pussy. What would it be this time? She couldn’t even imagine.

“Where’s my bag?”

“Under the bed.” She hadn’t moved it since the last time they’d made love. Hadn’t peeked inside, either. She’d learned to appreciate Gabe Ryan surprises.

He stooped down, and she listened to him grumble and groan as he shimmied under the bed to get it. Then she heard the zipper, the clank of metal, and duller sounds of plastic. “Perfect.” He stood, something held behind his back. “You trust me completely, don’t you?”

She didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I trust you with my life. My body. My future.”

“Good.” He grinned and pulled an arm out from behind his back. “Let’s make a movie.”

“A movie of what?” She watched him uncover the lens and peer into the scope. He wanted to film her? “Oh, no.” Well, maybe. She tingled from head to toe. And an all-too-familiar heat settled between her legs. She wiggled out from under the covers and watched those sexy lips of his lift in an appreciative smile. “For you, anything.”

He nodded. “That’s wonderful, baby. I’m so grateful. This will be something to remember for when we’re old and gray. You’ll see.”

“But I need music.” She stood and flipped on her radio, hitting the button for the CD player. Mellow jazz filled the room.

Perfect. Still, she felt a little weird, uncomfortable. “What do you want me to do?”

“Strip for me. Show me how much you want me.”

She closed her eyes and tried to imagine herself somewhere else. In one of those bars, stripping for an audience of one. One sexy, irresistible man. She swayed to the music.

“That’s it, baby. Take off your clothes. Dance for me.”

She started with her sweatshirt, taking her time lifting the hem up higher and higher until her lacy bra was exposed. Then she made quick work of disposing it. Next, she unhooked her bra, encouraged by Gabe’s periodic whoops and growls. She slid the straps off her shoulders, holding the lace cups up over her breasts with her hands. Then she pushed one cup aside, exposing her nipple.

She teased it with her fingers, circling and pinching until it was an achy pebble and then did the same with the other.

Bra forgotten, she moved on to her sweatpants. She shimmied as she slid them over her hips, turning around so when she bent over, he had a full view of her behind. She exaggerated her bending, knees straight, ass exposed.

He groaned, and her pussy throbbed. “You’re driving me crazy. You know just what to do, what I like. And I can’t wait to do the same for you.”

“You already are.” She reached between her legs, feeling the hot juices saturating her cotton thong.

“I want to see everything. Show me.”

Still bent over, she spread her cheeks and pulled her thong aside.

“Oh, yeah. Touch yourself. Your ass.”

His requests were sending throbbing heat to her pussy, making her crazy with need. The minute he was inside, she’d come. No doubt about it.

“Wait a minute.” She heard him step away for a split second, then return. “Okay. Take this and go to the bed. I want to watch.” He handed her the vibrator and a tube of KY.

She took the goodies to the bed. “Where to?”

“Hands and knees on the bed. Ass toward me. You know how I love your ass. Tell me how much you want to please me.”

“I am going to make you so hot for me you’ll beg for mercy.” She discarded the thong, feeling the most amazing sense of exposure and anticipation. Her pussy was so hot and wet and needy she could cry. She gathered several pillows and rested her chest on them, then reached around to spread her cheeks.

“Oh, yeah. That’s it. You like showing your ass to me, don’t you? It makes you hot.”