Read a sensual first chapter from the TruLOVE Collection, When Love Sizzles.
LUST WITH THE PROPER STRANGER
Have you ever wanted to break free from being “a good girl” and have an uninhibited fling with a sexy stranger? Just find a handsome hunk and let your desires go wild? It had always been a secret fantasy of mine that I never could admit to anyone. . .until the day I decided to make it come true.
It was hot and humid that summer evening when I pulled my car into the Sweets & Treats parking lot. I dashed up the steps. If I hurried, I would have just enough time to pick up something for dessert and get to Luanne’s barbecue party without being late.
A wave of cool air engulfed me as I yanked open the glass door. I paused for a second and inhaled. Strawberry, lemon, watermelon. . .the zesty aromas flooded over me as I gazed around the quaint baked goods shop. It was almost like stepping back in time.
The open oak beams told me that the bakery was at least a hundred years old, probably older. I’ve always loved antique buildings, and this place caught my eye. The high ceiling twinkled with multi-colored lights. Red, white, and blue balloons, flag paper cut-outs, and streamers decorated the display tables and high archways. My three-inch black heels echoed on the wide hardwood floors as I made my way to the rounded glass and oak counter.
I tucked my hair behind my ear and peered into the case filled with cupcakes, sugar cookies, pies, and muffins. Everything looked delicious. As I glanced around the country-style store, I realized that I was the only customer. Where was everyone? After checking my watch, I noticed the stenciled sign in the window. “Summer Hours: 9-6pm.” The store closed at six o’clock, and it was already six-fifteen.
Can I help you?” a male voice asked.
I turned around. The man leaning against the kitchen doorway took my breath away. He wore black jeans and a green and white striped polo shirt. His sky-blue eyes locked onto mine, and he looked me over as he ran a hand through his wavy honey-colored hair.
“Can I get you something, Miss?”
I flashed him my best smile. “I’m Diane. I’m sorry to barge in like this, but the front door was open, and I didn’t realize you were closed. If it’s a bother, I can go.”
“No. Not at all, Diane. My name’s Josh.” He grinned, showing off a set of dimples. “I’ve got some time. What would you like?” he asked with a wink.
I licked my lips and relaxed. The pleasing fragrances in the shop drained my need to hurry. I could be late, Luanne would understand. Besides, Josh was handsome and acting flirty, how could I leave now?
“I was driving past and I thought I’d stop in for a dessert. I never noticed this store before, but it’s interesting,” I replied.
“I opened up two months ago. This used to be an old ice cream parlor. I was a pastry chef in a restaurant, but I always wanted to own my own business. I can show you around, if you’re not in a rush,” he offered.
“That’d be great. I’ve got some time to kill.” All the time in the world, I wanted to add. Luanne’s party could wait. Every time Josh spoke, a tingling sensation ran up my spine. There was no doubt about it—Josh was hot, even hotter than last week’s weather when the temperature soared to ninety-five degrees.
I decided to give in to my body’s signals and see where this was leading. What harm could there be in flirting back, or even teasing a little? Josh was attractive, and I certainly wouldn’t mind snuggling up next to him after a day at the beach.
I followed Josh through the shop decorated with sunflowers and ice cream cone-shaped lights. “I bought the place at foreclosure. It came within a week of being torn down. I couldn’t let that happen. I’m too sentimental, and they don’t make buildings like this anymore,” he said as he steered me toward a black walnut cabinet.
It was obvious that Josh had put a lot of work into the place. A gift section was devoted to decorative candles, lime and lilac scented potpourri, exotic iced teas, and flavored coffees. He seemed proud of the store, and rightfully so. The place looked gorgeous.
“The store is beautiful. I love old buildings, and antiques are one of my hobbies,” I said as I examined a display of daisy-themed party items. As I bent over, my black dress rode higher up the back of my thighs. It was short and sexy, and showed off every curve. Wearing it made me feel like a sexy seductress, and tonight that’s just what I wanted to be.
I turned and caught Josh staring at my legs. Obviously the dress had done its job and captured his attention.
He looked at me and our gazes locked. Despite the cool air conditioning, the temperature in the room had just shot up ten degrees. A warm rush flooded over me, and I felt my heart race in my chest.
Josh bowed his head and looked away, but not before I saw the hint of a blush on his cheeks.
“So, you’ve seen the place. Tell me, Diane, what would you like?”
“Everything looks so tasty, I can’t decide.”
That was a lie. At that moment, I knew exactly what I wanted—him. I swept my auburn bangs away from my eyes. “I’m not keeping you from something, am I?”
“Absolutely not. Stay as long as you like. I don’t mind.”
His deep voice sent a scorching burst of heat through my body.
Normally, I wasn’t the type to size up a complete stranger, but my instincts told me that Josh was different. My body didn’t lie, and right now it was begging for his affection. But what should I do about it? My courage faltered for a second. Did I dare risk rejection and make the first move?
Josh stepped closer and I caught a whiff of his cologne. The masculine mix of citrus and musk made my heart pound faster, and my lower body flashed into a state of arousal. He was close enough to kiss me, yet I could sense he was holding back. . .
“Don’t be shy, Diane. If you see something you like, just let me know.” Josh’s wide hand covered mine, and he gave it a gentle squeeze. “Now, what did you say you came in for?”
“Dessert.” I found myself drawn into Josh’s blue eyes. He would definitely make a delicious dessert—and there’d be no need to add any whipped cream. I stared at his well-defined jaw accented with a hint of scruff and imagined the rough feel of it brushing against the side of my neck, nuzzling my bare stomach, then traveling lower. . .
I quickly broke from the fantasy and cleared my throat. “I’m on my way to a party, and I’d like to bring something extraordinary.”
“A party, huh?” Josh smirked. “Well then, come in the back. I think I have just what you’re looking for.”
I eagerly followed him into the kitchen through a set of swinging double doors. A row of pies sat cooling on wire racks.
“This is a new recipe, and I’d like an honest opinion,” Josh said, as he cut into the nearest pie. He put a slice on a plate and broke off a piece with a fork. “You can be the first to taste it.”
I couldn’t help but smile as Josh fed me the pie. I closed my eyes, anticipating the familiar taste of apple or cherry. Instead, a zingy raspberry puree teased my tongue. My taste buds came alive, and I felt my pulse surge. “That’s fantastic,” I said, opening my eyes.
Just for Josh’s benefit, I relished the lingering flavor and took my time, licking every drop of raspberry off my lips.
Josh swallowed hard. “Good! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Would you like some more?” he asked as he leaned closer to me. I felt an electric heat searing between us. Did Josh have any idea what he was doing to me?
“I’d love it,” I replied.
I closed my eyes and waited. My body tingled with excitement as Josh’s lips tenderly covered mine. His strong arms encircled my waist and he pulled me to his chest. I didn’t waste time. I responded as my body commanded. I ran my hands along Josh’s muscular back and down to his tight pants. He moaned as I squeezed his buttocks, and then pulled his hips toward mine. A welcome hardness jutted against my belly.
What seemed like hours later, Josh broke the sizzling embrace. He gazed into my eyes and trailed his thumb across my lips. “I hope I wasn’t being too forward, but I couldn’t help myself. Trust me, I don’t behave like this with all my customers.” He flashed me a boyish grin. “I know it sounds strange, but something just clicked the second I saw you. It’s like we’ve known each other before.”
I stroked the front of his chest and curled my arms around his neck. “That’s good to hear. I’ve never done anything like this either. But I’m looking forward to doing it again. ”
I angled Josh’s head down to mine and kissed him again. It was bold and uncharacteristic of me, but I couldn’t help myself. Josh tasted so good that I just had to have a second helping. My heart thundered as he slid his hands under my dress. Finally. He was taking charge and acting on my wild fantasy.
“No panties. Good, I like that,” he muttered.
As Josh’s tongue teased mine, I raised my left leg and bent it around his hip. I bit back a cry as his fingertips brushed against me, teasing my already sensitive body. “Oh, yes. Don’t stop,” I whispered.
He stroked and teased me for what seemed like blissful eternity. When he nuzzled the side of my throat, the last of my self-control melted away. I ran my hands down his chest and stomach, then went lower, until I found what I was looking for. “My, what a big pastry you have,” I said, rubbing the front of his pants.
Josh released me. “Why don’t you have a taste? I think you’ll like it.”
My mouth watered at the thought of devouring him. It was something I didn’t ordinarily do, but just for tonight, why not? This wanton encounter was something out of a naughty movie. Who knew when I’d ever be so bold again?
I unbuttoned Josh’s pants and gave him a light squeeze. He gasped as I bent my head down. Within seconds, the kitchen was filled with the sounds of Josh’s groans and sighs of pleasure as I sampled his tasty treat.
A few minutes later, he begged me to stop. “Please, I can’t take anymore. . .”
“What’s wrong?” I asked as I straightened up.Josh coiled his arms around me and rocked his hips against mine. “All this teasing. I need to have you, now,” he said, his deep voice sounding raspy.
I nodded. It was about time. I knew I could seduce Josh and that we’d both end up with a sweet release.
Josh led me out of the kitchen and into a small office. He closed the door and kissed me down to my soul. I leaned back on the desk and unzipped his jeans, eager to satisfy my craving.
“Hurry,” I whispered, as he shoved my dress over my hips.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, clinging to him as he filled me. I went wild, moaning and grunting encouragement. Right now it didn’t matter that we were in a public place and might get caught, I wanted him more than anything.
A few moments later, Josh shuddered and cried out. “Oh, God, Alice!”
He clutched me tight as I squealed and whimpered, writhing against him. Fireworks danced in front of my eyes as we climaxed in unison.
We held each other for several minutes before we separated. Josh let out a sigh of contentment as he readjusted his pants. “You should come here more often. I like being seduced by sexy customers who walk in off the street.” He winked. “As long as they look like you.”
I smoothed my rumpled dress and giggled. “Maybe we should make this our Friday night ritual. It was pretty hot.”
Josh kissed me on the cheek. “Anytime you want to pick me up after work and rock my world, it’s fine with me. So, what brought all this on?”
I smirked and tossed my hair over my shoulder. “I was reading one of those women’s magazines you always make fun of, and I came across an article about secret fantasies.” I felt my cheeks flush as I confessed. “They had a few suggestions for spicy encounters, so I decided, why not?” I shrugged. “I’m glad it worked.”
“Oh, it worked, all right. The second I saw you in that short and slinky dress, I knew I was in for it. I knew I had no choice but to play along and be seduced,” he joked. “I hope I didn’t wreck your outfit. You weren’t planning on wearing that to Luanne’s party, were you?”
“Are you kidding?” I laughed. “This dress is for seduction purposes only. My ‘sweet, good-girl’ sundress and sandals are in the car.” I gave him a flirty look. “And if you liked this, wait till you see what I’ve got planned for next Friday.”
“I can’t wait,” he said, running his hands up my thighs. “Why don’t we stay a little longer and have second helpings?”
I playfully batted his hands away. “Don’t worry, I’ve got something else in mind for when we get home later tonight. Let’s get the desserts and get going. If we show up too late, your sister will be annoyed.”
“Don’t worry.” Josh chuckled as we left his office. “If she complains, tell her you were sampling your husband’s dessert and let her wonder.”
That summer night was one of the hottest we’d had together in a long time. After ten years of marriage, Josh and I opened up a new chapter in our love life. Instead of the same old lovemaking, we’ve started exploring our hidden desires and secret fantasies, and things are certainly spiced up in the bedroom! Get the Rest of the Story Here!
Watch Here as a Shirtless Hunk Reads this Story out loud!
Start with Paul Tremblay’s much-lauded A Head Full of Ghosts, a tale about a reality-TV demonic possession as recalled by the troubled narrator, a young woman who was a child at the time her sister was supposedly transformed by a demon. But steel your nerves; Stephen King, per Amazon, has said, “A Head Full of Ghosts scared the living hell our of me, and I’m pretty hard to scare.”
Also new this year is Little Girls by award-winning horror author Ronald Malfi: A woman returns with her husband and young daughter to a childhood homestead after her father’s unnatural death, resurrecting unhappy memories and an uneasiness exacerbated by unexplained deaths, sinister neighbor children and eerie “bump in the night” events.
For less modern ghostly doings, The Uninvited by Cat Winters, another award-winning author, is set in 1918 amid the fear and panic of the great influenza outbreak, as a young woman with the “gift” of seeing uninvited ghosts of loved ones–visions always heralding an impending death–struggles with the implications of her otherworldly revelations. Don’t be discouraged by its bleak history; The Uninvited is “healing and moving rather than scary,” per the Kirkus review.
Finally, I’ll include The Visitant: A Venetian Ghost Story by Megan Chance. Its American heroine disgraces her family and is sent to nurse an ailing man in a decaying Venetian palazzo owned by his friend, an impoverished nobleman, with both men seemingly in thrall to a dark force within a house of tragic secrets. I admit the Venetian setting is my main draw. If none of these appeal, see a selection of all-time scariest books: http://flavorwire.com/419194/the-50-scariest-books-of-all-time/view-all/
Katherine Sharma’s family roots are in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. But after her early childhood in Texas, she has moved around the country and lived in seven other states, from Virginia to Hawaii. She currently resides in California with her husband and three children. She has also traveled extensively in Europe, Africa and Asia, and makes regular visits to family in India. After receiving her bachelor’s degree. in economics and her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan, Katherine worked as a newspaper and magazine writer and editor for more than 15 years. She then shifted into management and marketing roles for firms in industries ranging from outdoor recreation to insurance to direct marketing. Although Katherine still works as a marketing consultant, she is now focused on creative writing.
About Mary Cope