The Darkest Pleasure (3 page)

"That is an excellent choice."

The deep voice behind me made me gasp and clutch the bottle to my chest. I turned around abruptly and had to crane my neck to look the man in the face. I swallowed audibly. The man in front of me had his dark eyebrows knitted together in confusion. He stood a foot taller than me. His hair was dark, almost black in this lighting, and cropped short, and his eyes—they were the brightest green I had ever seen. I stared into them, thinking he must be wearing contacts, because I didn't think anyone could have eyes that colour. He reminded me of someone, but I knew I'd never seen him before. As I stared into his eyes, recognition stirred inside me, but stayed tantalizingly out of reach.

Flutters started in my belly and cascaded throughout me. I felt dwarfed standing next to him. Even in his expensive-looking shirt and jeans, his muscles were toned to perfection. I shook my head. I was being ridiculous, ogling the poor man like he was my last supper. Of course, I felt that damned blush creep over my face and quickly looked away. I heard him suck in a breath and clear his throat. I felt like such an ass. I'd probably embarrassed the poor man with my leering.

"Yes, that's a very good choice. Very sweet on the palate."

I didn't want to look at him again, but I also didn't want to be rude. It must have been clear I knew nothing about wines, and that was why he was helping me. I glanced over my shoulder and smiled weakly. He wasn't looking at me; his jaw was clenched and his eyes were drawn to the floor.

"Thank you.” I didn't know what else to say, and I felt stupid for only saying those two words. He didn't respond and didn't look at me, so I took that as a hint that he was done talking to the weird girl in the wine aisle and walked briskly away. I turned down the next aisle, but not before I stole one more glance at him. I was surprised to see he was staring at me. Even from that distance I could tell his jaw was still clenched, and I took that as meaning I'd pissed him off in some way. I quickly turned away and finished my shopping.

After paying for my items, I walked to my car and all but threw my bags in the back seat. Just as I was about to climb in, I glanced to the side and stopped in my tracks. I could feel my heart pick up as the wine man, as I decided to call him, lazily leaned against a very nice, very shiny Mercedes. His arms were crossed over his chest as he just stared at me. I wasn't going to lie, the way he looked at me sent shivers racing down my spine. I hadn't thought I'd made him that angry, but maybe I'd been staring at him a little harder than I thought I was in the store, and I had been the one to creep him out. I quickly got in and started my car and pulled out of the parking lot, but of course, stupid me, not before I looked at him once more. I felt my heart pounding against my rib cage as his eyes stared at me like he could see through to my soul. I stomped on the gas, determined to get back to my place quickly. I winced as my tires squealed on the pavement, and eased off on the gas pedal. I was mortified because I knew he had seen and heard my little derby show, and was probably laughing at me.

It was at that moment, as I drove down Kingston Street, bustling with cars and the people walking on the sidewalks, that it hit me where I had seen him. The man in the wine aisle, the man with the hair so dark and the eyes so light, was the very same man I had been imagining for years. I stomped on the gas, driving to my apartment, my mind mixed up, and my heart beating a crazy rhythm.

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I tossed my bags on the counter and started to put them away. My mind kept wandering to the man at the grocery store and why he'd made such an impression on me. No doubt I made quite the impression myself. I only wished I'd never run into him again so I wouldn't have the opportunity to make an ass out of myself once more. Although I still couldn't help but remember how he looked. It was surreal, how all those years I had been imaging him doing all kinds of erotic things to my body. Maybe I was crazy. I shook my head, trying to clear away my idle thoughts. After putting my items away, I was pretty tired, but after looking at the clock and seeing it was barely past dinnertime, I decided to lie on my makeshift pallet in the living room and watch TV. It was an awkward position in which to watch TV, but after adjusting myself, I propped my head on my arm and finally found a comfortable position. I flipped through the channels, not finding anything to watch on the whopping nine channels that came in. I made a mental note to call tomorrow and have cable hooked up.

The next thing I knew, I opened my eyes and immediately was assaulted with a sharp pain in my neck. Since the sun was blazing through the window and shining directly on my face, I knew I had fallen asleep at an awkward angle and that I'd probably pay for it all day. I groaned and sat up, rubbing the kinks out of my neck. The TV was still on and already was irritating me. I switched it off and threw the remote back on the floor before picking myself up and making my way into the kitchen. Looking at the clock on the microwave, I saw the ungodly hour and debated whether or not I wanted to go back to sleep. I was tempted, but the idea of picking out furniture for my new place had its appeal.

After taking a long, hot shower and drying my hair, I stared at myself in the mirror. My dark brown hair was still damp in some places, but I knew once I got outside, the sun would dry it. I leant into the mirror and ran a finger over my face. I had bags under my eyes, which made my blue eyes stand out in contrast. Grabbing my toiletry bag off the counter, I prayed I still had cover-up. I said a silent thank-you when I pulled the cover-up out and dabbed some under my eyes. I never wore makeup, but any girl had cover-up for when she needed to hide an awful pimples. I surveyed myself in the mirror and thought that was as good as it was going to get. I dressed in a pair of jeans and a snug-fitting white tee. Slipping on a pair of black ballet flats, I grabbed my purse and headed out. My gaze was in my purse, searching for my car keys, when I slammed into a hard body. Dropping my purse, I cursed, muttered an apology and bent down to pick it up. Big male hands grabbed at my stuff and that was when I actually looked up. I stared into warm brown eyes that where crinkled at the corners. Of course, it would be the first and only person I had met in my apartment building. His smile was blinding, and I snatched up the contents of my purse, knowing my cheeks were about to get red. Sure enough, his hand shot into view and of course, he was holding several tampons. I cursed silently and snatched them out of his hand before grabbing my purse and standing.

"You seem like you're in a big hurry."

His voice was deep and held laughter as he also stood.

"Sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going."

We stared at each other for a couple of seconds, and I started to get a little uncomfortable at the silence.

"Well, have a good day."

I was thankful he didn't engage in more small talk. I really didn't want to come off as rude, but being around strangers was never really my thing. I always either put my foot in my mouth, or felt awkward and uncomfortable when I made an ass out of myself. Once I'd started college, I just kept to myself and that seemed to work well for me. I said goodbye and walked briskly towards my car. Hopping in, I pulled out my sunglasses and slipped them on. I had no idea where a furniture store would be, but since I needed to get comfortable with the town anyway, I thought I'd just drive around.

I cruised around for what seemed like hours, noting every little shop and store. I drove by my new place of employment, making sure I knew exactly where the place was so I wouldn't get lost on my first day. It had been rather simple, and Cayne & Cayne Advertising looked more impressive in person then it did in any magazine or advertisement I had seen. Eventually, I found a small shop that sold handmade furniture, and decided I would see what they had to offer.

Two hours later and a lot of money out of my pocket, I drove back towards my house feeling very pleased with my finds. I had ended up buying a leather couch and matching love seat, as well as a coffee table and two end tables. The kitchen table I had purchased hadn't really been in my price range, but it was so damn cute, I couldn't pass it up. I was anxious to have them delivered, and headed home to try to decide where I wanted everything.

After deciding where everything would go, I looked out the window and watched the sun start to sink. I didn't know where the day had gone, but already it was evening. I was excited that my furniture would be delivered the next day, and was giddy about my first real purchase for my new place. I didn't feel like cooking anything, even though I had gone to the store and had plenty of food in the kitchen. I decided to hit up the local video store and see what they had.

As I drove to the video store, I passed a small Italian restaurant. I could smell the tangy scent of fresh pasta and sauce coming from it. I would pick out my movies and then stop there, since my mouth was already watering in anticipation, and who was I to deny myself something so vital? I snorted at my thoughts and pulled into the video store.

The store was little, like the mom and pop store where I bought my furniture, and I didn't get my hopes high as to the vast selection they would have. I pulled open the door and a bell on the door jingled. A teenage girl looked up from a book she was reading and gave me a half smile as she quickly returned to her book. I walked down the first aisle, looking at their new releases and picking them up to read the back. I heard the jingle of the front door being opened but didn't bother looking up. I put the box back and walked down a little more before repeating the action with another movie. I felt someone walk behind me, but paid no attention. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a large hand attached to an equally large arm reaching for a movie right by my head.

"Excuse me, miss."

That voice. I would have recognised that voice in a dark alley. I knew before I even turned around who was standing behind me. I tingled all over just from those three little words he spoke. It was as if his face was right next to my head and he had whispered the words into my ear. I shivered and looked over my shoulder. I swallowed as I craned my neck up to see his face. He smiled at me as he pulled back, grasping a movie in his hand. His face was stunningly masculine, with a strong bone structure and striking lines. A straight nose and full lips reminded me of someone from the aristocracy, but there was nothing fancy or ritzy about him. He exuded an air of power that made me feel very feminine.

"Oh, sorry."

I stumbled to the side and quickly glanced down at the movie I was holding, pretending to finish reading it, but actually, I couldn't concentrate on the words knowing he was standing right next to me. I glanced up at him and noticed he was reading the back of the movie he was holding. He looked even better here then he had at the grocery store. I felt like I was back in high school when a boy—a new, very cute boy—had come up to talk to me. The poor guy had just wanted to know where his English class was, but he had been good looking and I had made an ass out of myself then. I started to move past him and take my movie to the front counter when his voice stopped me. I was so close to him, I could smell his cologne and it drove me wild.

"Didn't we meet in the wine aisle at the grocery store?"

His voice held a hint of amusement and I felt myself blushing. Damnit! I turned around, knowing I must look like a stop sign with my red face. I tried to smile, but my face felt tight.

"Uh, yeah, we did."

"Did you try that wine?” He had turned his body towards me and watched me intently.

"No, not yet.” I cleared my throat and felt my face start to lose its rosy hue. We stared at each other and the awkward silence was a little unnerving. “Well, enjoy your movie.” I turned without waiting for him to respond and walked up to the front counter.

I set the movie down. “This is it. I don't have a membership, so is there paperwork I have to sign or something?” I was fishing out my ID when I looked up. The girl hadn't answered me and lo and behold, she was staring intently at the wine guy. I didn't want to be rude trying to get her attention, but I was feeling weird and just wanted to get out of there. I cleared my throat and when that didn't work, I rang the little bell on the counter. That seemed to snap her out of her daydreams. She muttered her apologies and asked for my license. I was aware of him coming up behind me as she slid the new member paperwork towards me. Of course, she was looking over my shoulder as she absently tossed a pen my way. I moved off to the side, hoping he would take the hint and go before me. Thankfully, he did and stepped beside me. His arm slid against mine and sent a heat wave through my body. His tee-shirt left his arm bare and when his skin met mine, I thought I would need to go change my panties. I felt so embarrassed by my response to him that I shifted in place.

I glanced over, wanting to see what a man like him would check out. I was a little surprised that he would choose a classic like Dracula. He didn't seem like the type to watch a movie like that. Of course, I really didn't know what he would or wouldn't like, but I had a sudden, great need inside me to know. I shook off the thought and continued with the task at hand.

"I'll see you around."

My head snapped up to meet his intense green stare. His words weren't phrased like a passing statement. No, his words were a fact, and when he said them, it made me feel like he planned to see me again, no ifs, ands or buts. I couldn't even respond as I watched him smile devilishly and then take his movie and leave. I shook my head and gave the girl my application.

"Oh, isn't he so dreamy?"

The girl's voice sounded far away, as if she were thinking about their future together.

"Who?” Of course I knew who she was talking about, but I didn't want to seem like I'd been mooning over him, too.

"Dr. Cole. He's just so nice, and to top it off, he's a hottie!"

She all but squealed the last part and then sighed. I couldn't help smiling at the obvious high school crush she had going on. Then again, what woman wouldn't take notice of him? I took my movie and headed out the front door. I rooted around in my purse, looking for my keys yet again. Walking towards my car, my stride slowed down as I noticed a dark Mercedes parked next to mine. My heart rate picked up because I knew whose car that was—I had seen it the other night, and I knew who was in that car. I pretended not to notice as I opened my car door and started to get in. The sound of an automatic window being rolled down caught my attention and I turned. He was leaning towards the open passenger window, looking at me and smiling.