Desire Unleashed (13 page)

But he didn’t want a relationship. Not now, not ever. He was devoted to the Navy, and there was no room in his life for a woman on a permanent basis, and he was pretty sure that that’s what Kathy would expect, permanency.

Sure it worked for some, take Frosty for example. He’d successfully juggled his career and marriage for ten years, and Sarah and he were still going strong. But Ice knew that if he tried something like that before too long it would all go belly up. History had a way of repeating itself, and brief sexual encounters were all he was interested in now.

He was more than happy to splurge on his dates, wining and dining and showing them a good time before tumbling them into the sack, but that’s where he drew the line. Kathy was different. She was the type who would want the whole shebang, a husband, kids, white picket fence, and he wasn’t husband material. Just ask anyone who knew him.

But boy, oh boy, was that girl hot in the cot. Just the thought of her pushed his buttons, and that was the danger, she’d bewitched him. He had to keep away from her, or he knew she’d just wind him in like a fish on a hook. There’d be nothing he could do to stop it. His traitorous cock would rear its ugly head, and all his good intentions would bite the dust.

Even now, thoughts of her were having an effect on him. He had to stop this, needed to banish her from his mind and think about other things, like the groceries he should be out buying for instance. But first things first, he needed to go for a run and expend some of this sexual energy. Grabbing his keys in disgust, Ice slammed the apartment door behind him and headed outside for a long punishing run.

* * * *

Kathy never wanted her first time to be a one-night-stand, but that appeared to be just what she’d got. Today was Wednesday, and she hadn’t seen nor heard from Shane, since the morning after when he’d treated her like she had plague. And it wasn’t like he had the excuse of not knowing where she lived. No, he was definitely avoiding her, no question about it. But as much as she was aching to see him again, there was no way she was going to go and knock on his door like some desperate and dateless loser.

Even now, she could see his shocked face when she’d cried out at the moment of penetration. She couldn’t really blame him for avoiding her. In hindsight, she should have been up front and told him it was her first time, but she’d been afraid of him thinking her completely clueless. And as much as his lack of contact hurt, she had no regrets. To her, he was physically attractive and sexually exciting. The way they’d kissed had her body wet and feverish at the same time, and when she thought about what else he’d done with his tongue, she got shivery all over. A contradiction in terms, for just remembering it was making her hot, and the intense pleasure that coursed through her body when she climaxed was like Krakatoa erupting. It was so amazing she thought she’d died and gone to heaven.

Kathy pulled on her sweats and runners and adjusted the headphones on her iPod. She needed to chill, and an afternoon run would give her something else to focus on. Running was something she did almost every day after school. She enjoyed the exercise—it cleared the cobwebs and stopped her dwelling on the past.

Picking up the apartment keys from the kitchen counter, she pushed them into her pocket, pulled the front door shut behind her, and skipped down the single flight of stairs that led to the street.

* * * *

Ice pushed his body hard. By the time he reached home, perspiration beaded his brow. His tank top was lathered with sweat and his breathing was labored, but he felt good. That is until he rounded the corner and almost ran head first into Kathy as she was leaving their building. It was hard to say who was more stunned. One thing was certain though, the air vibrated with undercurrents. They stared at each other for what seemed an age but was the space of two beats. Kathy let out a breath, but Ice was the first to break the silence.

“Kathy, hi, how’ve you been?” Dumb question. Rotten luck, five more minutes, and he’d have been safe.

“Great, keeping busy. How about you?”

Her reply was bright and friendly, without a hint of censure, and an uneasy twinge crept up his spine as he spoke.

“Yeah, busy too, but I’ve been meaning to call and invite you to dinner. I’m making pasta tonight so ah, how about joining me?”

I can’t believe I said that.

“It’s okay Shane, you don’t owe me anything.”

She’s given you an easy out asshole, so take it and vamoose.

“No, really, I’d enjoy the company.”

Seeing her indecision, he flashed her one of his winning smiles.

“I’m just on my way out. I’ll be at least an hour.”

Quit while you’re ahead, just say another time and turn around and walk away. Come on buddy, you can do it
.

“Yeah I can see that, so how’s seven sound?”

Dumbass.

Kathy was still uncertain, and her hesitation was not lost on him.

Don’t do it Ice, do not beg.

“Please.”

You idiot.

Her willpower visibly collapsed. “If you’re sure?”

“I’m sure. See you at seven.”

She gave him a weak smile. “Okay, see you then.”

* * * *

Sonny crushed the empty beer can and threw it on the floor of the car. For the last hour, he’d patiently waited for her to appear for her afternoon run, and when she did emerge, she wasted her time talking with that jerk-off.

When they at last went their separate ways, he deduced the jerk-off must be a neighbor because he’d headed into her building. Still, he didn’t like the way the big ape had ogled her, and it wasn’t neighborly. They’d been so engrossed with each other they hadn’t noticed him sitting in his car watching them and taking note. He knew exactly what was in that prick’s head, it was as plain as the nose on his face. For her sake, he hoped she wouldn’t turn out like the others and allow herself to be corrupted.

Rage bubbled inside him, this had become his favorite time of day, watching her as she gracefully ran, her long legs pounding the pavement, breasts bouncing, and ponytail swishing from side to side. She really knew how to tease a guy and what turned him on, and this afternoon’s little set back had spoiled that for him. He’d thrown Lindy over for her, so she’d better not play him false. No, he really wouldn’t like that.

Chapter 7

Ice was rather tense, berating himself for getting into this predicament, all because he couldn’t keep his trap shut. God, what had possessed him?

He stirred the bolognaise—deliberating the best way to handle this situation. The solution he settled on was to treat tonight as if it was just a friendly dinner between neighbors. Nothing more, nothing less. If he kept that perspective in mind then no harm would be done, and he and Kathy should be able to maintain a plutonic relationship.

An hour later the smile froze on his face as he swung the door wide. He knew then it was going to be a battle to keep his pants zipped. And swallowing a silent groan, he stood aside to let her into his apartment. His reaction when he’d seen her on the street this afternoon had been bad enough, causing him to run off at the mouth, but seeing her now in that short, figure-hugging, little black number was really going to push the envelope.

Worse still, the vixen was wearing lip gloss. An evil substance designed specifically to entice men from their objectives and turn their minds to mush.

It glistened and gave the appearance of being wet, just like those other lips became after a long hot tongue-lashing. And it was a rose color, much like the color her nipples looked Sunday night after he’d caressed and sucked them to perfect taut peaks. And the slickness sent the invitation that her pouting mouth was just begging to be kissed.

It was unfair tactics.

Ice knew then and there that all his good intentions had flown right out the open door. And even knowing he was fighting a losing battle, he still tried to convince himself to the contrary.

Maybe he’d been wrong.

Maybe she wouldn’t want a relationship either.

Maybe she just wanted the sex too.

Hadn’t she said that he didn’t owe her anything? Hell, if she’d managed to come this far without getting involved, maybe she was a loner as well.

She bestowed on him a radiant smile. He leaned over and did the only thing that any red blooded male in his situation could do; he took her into his arms and stuck his tongue half way down her throat.

When she responded by sucking on his tongue, his dick, having a mind of its own, came to attention.

God help him. “Come on in,” he invited when he had managed to extricate his tongue from her mouth.

“Something smells good, what is it?” She asked in that breathy voice of hers as they walked into the apartment to “Once In A Lifetime” playing softly in the background. “I love Keith Urban.”

It figured. He should have known she’d like his music too.

“Bolognaise, my own secret recipe,” he replied. “Can I get you a glass of red?”

“Thanks, that would be nice.”

*

As Shane disappeared into the kitchen to get the drinks, Kathy’s eyes swept the room with interest as she settled into the comfortable black leather sofa. She’d been too distracted to notice her surroundings the last time she’d been here.

It was different from her apartment, larger and more modern to start with, and clearly a man’s room. The furniture was big and sturdy much like the owner. In one corner there was a huge plasma screen TV complete with DVD, VCR, and surround sound. Another corner had a matching black recliner with a standard reading lamp beside it, while scattered on the coffee table before her were an assortment of sporting magazines. What captured and held her eye though was the aquarium on the far wall.

Kathy stood to have a closer inspection. It was huge, at least six feet long and filled with an array of colorful fish, stones, and plants. There was even a little shipwreck on the bottom of the tank.

Shane walked in carrying the drinks. “So do you like my tank?” he asked, handing her a glass of wine.

“I do. I can’t believe I didn’t notice it the other night. It must take an awful lot of time to look after it?”

“No, not much, once it’s set up with the lights and filters it sort of takes care of itself, and every couple of weeks or so I give it a good clean.”

Kathy doubted it was as easy as Shane implied, but she could certainly see why he liked it, it was really rather spectacular.

“What are those pretty little red and blue ones?” she inquired pointing at a school of small iridescent fish.

“They’re Neon Tetras, those striped ones are Angel Fish, and those funny looking ones there are Gouramis,” he explained, pointing out the various fish.

“They’re beautiful and so relaxing to watch. I can see why you like having them, and of course they’re not as noisy as some other pets.” She grinned up at him, tongue in cheek.

“Speaking of which I spoke to Sarah, Meredith’s mom, and she said I can give Cindy to Meredith for her birthday on Sunday. She’s been nagging her parents for a puppy for ages. I haven’t bought her a gift yet so it’s a perfect solution all round.”

“That’s wonderful news, I’m so glad Cindy will be going to a good home.”

*

Don’t be a dumb shit, Ice—don’t even think of inviting her.
“If you’re not doing anything, why don’t you come to the party with me Sunday afternoon? There’ll be lots of people there and you already know Meredith.”
Masochist
,
you’ve really done it now
.
The guys will be there and they’ll never let you hear the end of it.

“I don’t know Shane.” Kathy prevaricated.

Don’t be dimwitted, just zip it right now.
“Come on, it’ll be fun.”

“Well if you’re sure, what time?”

Are you happy sucker?
“I’ll pick you up around eleven. It’ll be nothing fancy just a barbeque and a few drinks, and of course birthday cake.”
And a huge helping of rib from the guys.

“Sounds good, I’ll make arrangements with Anne to pick the puppy up.”

“Good thinking, we can collect her on the way,” he said as he set the table.

“Can I do anything to help?”

“No I’m good, it’s all ready, just take a seat.”

Kathy did that while he dished up dinner. There was a mountain of pasta, a crisp tossed salad, and garlic and herb bread. Enough to feed an army. To finish the meal, he’d made fresh fruit salad and served it with vanilla ice cream and coffee.

“Dinner was delicious Shane, and that spaghetti sauce was amazing. You’ll have to give me the recipe.”

“No way, it’s a secret recipe.” He laughed, scraping the last of the ice cream from his bowl.

“I promise to make it worth your while.” She provocatively giggled. A deepening hue at her own temerity washed over her face, giving him the opening he was looking for.

“Kathy, about the other night.” Ice put his bowl aside and gave her the full measure of his gaze. With a resigned sigh, he scrubbed a hand over his face. “There’s no easy way to say this, so I’m just gonna say it straight out. I’m not looking for a relationship. I’m a free agent and that’s how I like it. I’m married to my work. If I’d have known you were a virgin…”

“You never would have slept with me. I understand.” She finished for him.

“I like things casual. I’m sorry.” The air tensed as he delivered the words, and he held his breath waiting for her to curse him. The silence was complete but only for a brief moment—the words she uttered were unexpected.

“I’m not. I have no regrets and casual works for me.”

He was puzzled at first. “Casual, as in no strings attached?” he asked, wanting clarification.

“Ah ha, no strings attached.”

Ice was on his feet in a heartbeat and swept her into his arms. She giggled and gave him a saucy look.

“Aren’t you going to kiss me?”

“You betcha.” He planted his lips on hers and carried her toward the bedroom. He’d already unzipped her dress when he kicked the door shut behind them.

* * * *

Sonny was in a feral mood. He’d been trying to contact Kathy, for several hours, but all he kept getting was her damn answering machine. So where in the blue blazes was she?