A Taste of Pleasure Read online

  She wondered just how much he had seen that evening, but he seemed harmless enough and she eased her window down farther. She extended her hand, “Hi, I’m London.” He took her hand in his and leaned down to kiss it. She blushed again as she tingled all over. His forwardness was a little awkward, yet very enticing at the same time.

  “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, London. What a coincidence seeing you again. What are you doing here at the hospital today?” he asked, his voice still a bit nervous.

  “Oh, I have a mammogram appointment, which I should be getting along to now, I suppose,” she replied.

  “Well, I could escort you in if you don’t mind, and we can chat on the way.”

  “Sure,” she answered, feeling her heart lift a little and her tummy tighten with that familiar ache.

  She closed the window and grabbed her handbag. He opened her door and helped her out of the car. Lost in idle chitchat, they strolled together across the parking lot and through the garden terrace entrance into the hospital. She could feel the intensity between them as they stepped into the elevator together, alone. She pushed the button for the fourth floor, and the doors closed as she turned to ask him which floor he needed. To her surprise, he was right behind her when she turned around. He’d startled her again, and she stepped back as he pressed up against her and held her tight to the wall.

  He looked deep into her eyes, then kissed her fervently with a passion she’d been longing for. For a feverish moment, she accepted his advances, returning the favor deeply and intensely as she ran her fingers through his dark hair. She wanted to stop the elevator and take him right there, but she pulled away, breathless and feeling uncertain about this mysterious stranger. She stared into his eyes, trying to read what was really going on behind them as she felt the elevator easing to a halt. Ding. The doors slid open at the fourth floor. He released her from his hold and she practically darted from the elevator into the hall. His face looked troubled as he watched her escape.

  “London, wait. Will I see you again?”

  “I’m not sure, Rick. I-I have to get to my appointment. I don’t want to be late,” she stuttered, then hurried away and disappeared down the hall. She felt relieved as she walked, yet she was puzzled by her own uneasiness. Rick was a sweet guy, very handsome, and yes, he was forward, but that hadn’t really bothered her before. So why does it bother me now? she wondered.

  Still heated after her steamy encounter, she stepped into the imaging center’s waiting room. She checked in and walked over to the table to select a magazine that looked interesting. She chose a seat in the corner and sat down, admiring the soft colors of the room. They were calming and reassuring. The light shade of gray walls and the beautiful pictures hanging with portraits of whimsical girls, ladies, and flower gardens accented by dark purple frames. The chrome bucket-shaped chairs had richly upholstered seats and backs in the same dark purple color. Comforted by her surroundings, she relaxed again and lost herself in the magazine stories. She mused over the title of one article, WHAT MARRIED GUYS REALLY WANT. A mistress, of course. She chuckled to herself.

  She was pleased when the nurse called her in promptly at 1:00, and she was even happier to escape the office for another year when it was over. Afterward, she was craving chocolate again and decided to treat herself to some coffee and sweets in the cafeteria. She chose a large slice of sinful-looking devil’s food cake from the dessert display and mixed her coffee sweet and creamy, just the way she loved it. She found a table by the window and began indulging herself as her thoughts drifted back to Rick and their elevator encounter. Her tummy tightened again and her breath caught as she relived his passionate embrace. She felt silly now for rushing off so rudely. And just as she was wishing for another chance to talk to him, he walked right up to her table.

  “You sure make that cake look delicious,” he said.

  She devoured the last bite and licked the fork clean seductively before responding. “Hi again, Rick, please have a seat,” she said with a grin.

  He slid into the bench seat beside her. “Thank you. Look, I have to apologize for being so forward earlier.” His words were fast and nervous as he continued to explain. “I just find you so . . . well, irresistible. And seeing you again here today, it just seemed like fate and I didn’t want to let the chance pass me up again to show you how I feel.” He paused, waiting for her to respond. She just smiled and eyed him curiously. Filling the silence, he asked, “So, how did your appointment go?”

  Her breasts were still sensitive from the test. He sat close to her, his knee brushing against hers.

  “I won’t know the results for a week or so.” She gazed out the window for a moment, pondering what to say next. Turning back to face him, she said, “Rick, your kiss was a surprise, I’ll admit, but it wasn’t unwanted. I’m sorry for running off the way I did. I just had a somewhat emotional morning, and I was not looking forward to coming here.”

  “I understand,” he said. “How about we start over? Hi, I’m Rick Hudson,” he said with a boyish grin as he extended his hand to her again.

  She giggled and played along. “Hi, I’m London Shelby.”

  “Well, hello, London, I’m very happy to meet you,” he said, feeling a little more at ease. “I didn’t mean to come on to you, but if I may say, you’re a very attractive lady and I just had to say hi. I hope I’m not offending you, but I was wondering if you might have dinner with me some night, if you’re available.”

  She giggled again because he sounded like he was reciting a well-rehearsed speech. She studied him for a moment and then responded, “I’m not married, if that’s what you mean. And the answer is yes. I would like to have dinner with you.” Rick is hot, she thought. He had great features, including a nice smile and dimples, not to mention a sense of humor. “My bad day seems to be getting better by the minute,” she added.

  Rick got up and wrote something on the back of his business card before handing it to her. It read: FANTASY MANOR 7:00 P.M., SEE YOU THERE.

  She smiled and asked, “So you must live close to Tarrytown?”

  He nodded and smiled, flashing those darn dimples one last time.

  “Sounds good, I’ll see you then,” she confirmed.

  She thought about him and cringed again for running off the way she did. It wasn’t like her, but she realized that her recent bad experience with her dominant golf instructor had left her scared. Her guard was up, and she was feeling especially delicate and vulnerable today.

  She left the hospital, ran a few errands, and headed home to relax before her date. She took a hot shower, dressed a bit conservatively in her black silky pantsuit with heels, and left to meet Rick at Fantasy Manor.

  The drive from her house was a short one. She soon zipped into the parking lot. She could see Rick waiting for her at the entrance and felt a twinge in her tummy. She felt his eyes on her as she approached. She greeted him with a kiss and wrapped her arm through his. When they walked inside, there was a line of patrons waiting, a crowd gathered at the bar, and it appeared that every table was full. The place was so stylish and inviting, especially the warm glow of the embers in the stone fireplace. Rick took her by the hand and escorted her to the front of the line. A sophisticated lady stood at a podium, scanning the touch screen on her computer. She looked up and her face lit up when she saw Rick.

  “Mr. Hudson,” she said, trying to contain her excitement, “right this way, sir.” She gave London a smile of approval before turning to guide them to a private corner table by the window that was magically awaiting their arrival.

  London was impressed. Rick ordered wine for both of them, but she really didn’t need it. She was already intoxicated by him. She took a sip of her water and smiled at him. Her eyes searched his face for an emotion, a sign that he felt the same way she did, but he was very cool. When the wine came, he proposed a toast. “To you, and tonight,” he said with such assurance of how the evening would end. She smiled, but at the same time, she was beginning to
feel uncomfortable. Even though she felt a strong desire to be with him, she had reservations. After her experience with the golf pro, she was not so anxious to hit the bed, so to speak, with just anyone. For a moment, she wasn’t sure if she should have accepted his dinner invitation. She felt conflicted, but she couldn’t put her finger on why.

  He was charming. The conversation flowed smoothly and the evening was rather perfect. They dined on New York strip steak and it was divine. She sipped her wine and toyed with her meat, placing it slowly into her mouth, seducing him as she savored each bite. He was captivated by her. The evening went fast and Rick was a perfect gentleman. She began to reconsider her own doubts and insecurities about him.

  Soon she was home, with a second date already scheduled for the following night with him. She was proud of herself that she had not slept with him that night. He called her several times the next day to tell her how much he’d enjoyed being with her. She was beginning to feel a little more comfortable about him and she was looking forward to dinner again this evening. He was taking her to a luxury restaurant with gourmet cuisine located in Midtown. She pampered herself with a hot bubble bath, then dressed in a short black swirl-skirt dress, black thigh-high stockings, and stiletto heels. She complemented the outfit with small freshwater pearls. They were just right for this special evening.

  Rick called to say he was running a few minutes late, but that he was sending a car for her and he would meet her at the restaurant. What a nice gesture, she thought, then she pondered his reasoning. She was sure he wanted to take her home tonight, and without her car, there’d be no escaping him this time. She contemplated for a moment, then threw all caution to the wind and agreed. She opened the gates and awaited the arrival of her chariot. Before long, she saw the headlights approaching and went out to meet the driver as he circled in front of the château. An older, kind-looking gentleman leaped from the car and ran around to open her door. “Ms. Shelby, I presume?” he said with a smile.

  “Yes, sir. And thank you,” she smiled as she eased into the regal black luxury sedan.

  They traveled into the city in silence, with only the soothing sounds of soft music playing. Her anticipation of the evening grew with each passing mile. As they got closer, she noticed the driver making a brief call on his cell phone.

  As they drove up to the entrance, Rick was waiting on the sidewalk with a dozen roses and a big smile. She grinned at his dimples again. The driver must have let him know they would be arriving soon. She was flattered as Rick opened her door and extended his hand, helping her from the car.

  “These are for you, my dear,” he said with a smile as he handed her the roses.

  “Thank you,” she said and gave him a quick kiss.

  He leaned in the passenger window of the car, paying the driver and thanking him. She thought, I could get used to this special treatment. London hooked her arm through Rick’s and he escorted her inside. He had reserved a private corner booth. She eased into the seat, he slid in beside her, and she snuggled up to him. They enjoyed the view, the ambience, and the delicious cuisine. After dinner, they sipped their wine, chatting and flirting. Rick slipped his hand under the tablecloth and under her skirt, sliding his fingertips across the tops of her thigh-highs, occasionally working a finger under her stocking and then gently snapping it against her leg. He was tantalizing her and she was hot, wet, and wanting. He leaned in for a kiss and slid his hand farther up her thigh. He gasped as he touched her sex, pulling back from their kiss with a shocked and excited look on his face as he discovered she was not wearing panties. His eyes narrowed and he kissed her deeper, sliding a finger into her wetness.

  She stopped him, nearly panting at this point. “Rick, this is no place to be making out like two teenagers,” she said, trying her best to look serious, but failing and giggling instead.

  “But baby, I want you so bad. Let’s get outta here and head back to my place,” he whispered, his breath hot on her ear. She was sure this evening would end in his bedroom. She took a long, cool drink of her wine to calm herself as she squirmed in her seat, when a tall good-looking guy approached the table.

  “Hey, Rick, how ya doin’?”

  Rick’s face blushed. “Hi, Joe,” he said, and turned reluctantly to London. “London, this is Joe, one of my business rivals,” he said with distaste. London nodded; she was uncomfortable and unsure how to reply. Rick continued, “So, Joe, I’m fine. How are you?” he asked sarcastically.

  “I’m doing just fine, and it sure looks like you are too.” He looked at London and grinned. “So, Rick, how is that beautiful wife of yours? I heard she was ill. Is she doing any better now?”

  Rick’s face flushed darker now, with anger and humiliation combined. Choking on his reply, he said, “If you must know, she is not doing well. The treatments have failed and she’s in the ICU. It’s only a matter of time now. But Joe, this obviously isn’t a good time.”

  Joe feigned a weak apology, despite his obvious intentions, and excused himself.

  When Rick looked back at London, the color had drained from her face. She looked at him with disbelief and disappointment. Her heart ached and her head spun. Despite her reservations about him, she was just beginning to loosen up and enjoy his company. She was beyond astonished, and as much as she began to feel sympathy for this wretched soul, she was disgusted at the same time.

  “London, I’m sorry. I-I was going to tell you, really. There just wasn’t a good time,” he stuttered nervously, pleading with her. “She’s been sick for so long, and that’s why I was at the hospital when I saw you that day. She slipped into a coma, and I’ve been so lonely and I just . . .”

  “That’s enough,” London replied vehemently, her color now returning and blazing into a fiery red. “Please move so I can get out.”

  “London, please . . .”

  “Now, Rick!” she ordered. He rose from his seat and she squirmed out. She dug through her purse and threw some cash on the table. She picked up the roses and tossed them, saying, “Here, take these to your wife. She needs them much more than I do.” She turned and walked out of the restaurant on shaky legs, tears welling in her eyes. As she waved to hail a cab, she vowed never to be without her own transportation again.

  When she arrived home, she undressed and took a hot bath. She cried silently as the steam penetrated her, soaking away her anxiety. As she recounted the events of the past few days, she wondered what was going on with her. Have I lost my good judgment? Have I lost my mind? She was exasperated, and the last thing she needed right now was another married man in her life, especially that scoundrel. She realized she had been ignoring her own intuition. Her instincts had her running from Rick the moment they kissed, and she never should have doubted herself.

  She remembered another thing her grandmother used to say: “London, there are two kinds of women in this world, those who men cheat on, and those who men cheat with. You just have to decide which one you’re going to be.” She was beginning to understand this more every day, and although both choices seemed painful, she wondered why anyone would ever want to be a wife at all. She had resolved one thing, though: there was no replacing Deacon. There was nobody who could. After her bath, she crawled into bed, curled up around her pillow, and cried herself to sleep.

  Chapter 5

  JUCY FILET MIGNON

  The season was changing, the air getting chillier and, thankfully, Deacon had resumed his virtual role in her life. His work pace had slowed down a bit and he had returned to heat up her nights with ever more intense sexual sessions via webcam. She was grateful and relieved. They were thriving on each other’s company almost daily again. She longed for him to visit, but she kept those thoughts to herself.

  But London’s silent wish came true. Deacon called to tell her that he had to fly into New York on business the following week. He was overseeing a merger between a European and an American corporation. She was even more thrilled when she realized that her law firm represented the U.S. corporatio
n’s interest, so she would also be attending the same meeting. She immediately called La Fontaine Hotel, where the merger conference was being held to check on the availability of a suite. She spoke with Monique regarding reservations and she was informed that all of the rooms were booked, with the exception of the Imperial Suite, which was five thousand square feet of pure luxury.

  “I’ll take it!” She continued to arrange for early check-in so that she could take advantage of the amenities before Deacon’s arrival that day.

  London requested a few more days off from work for the weekend following the conference so that she could spend time with Deacon during his stay in New York. She busied herself preparing everything in advance for the merger to ensure that everything would go smoothly. She didn’t want any disruptions getting in the way of reuniting with her lover.

  Her talks with Deacon became more passionate over the next week as the day of the conference grew closer. She was overcome with anticipation. She felt as if she were weightless and floating when she thought about being in his arms again. Her skin tingled as she daydreamed of his touch.

  Thursday morning arrived. The conference was scheduled for Friday morning, but Deacon was flying in that afternoon, so he would be free for the evening and he was all hers! She took a shower and tied her hair back in a quick ponytail. She packed two suitcases full of all her favorite garments and lingerie, just in case. She dressed and raced off to the hotel.

  She enjoyed the drive into the city and looked forward to a therapeutic day of pampering at the hotel spa. She gave her keys to the valet and was greeted by her personal butler, a service included as part of the Imperial Suite package. He was young and cute, edible even, but London had her mind focused on the main course, Deacon. She wanted everything perfect for him. The butler introduced himself as Bruce. He had the bellboy deliver her luggage to the suite while he gave her a brief tour of the legendary hotel and introduced her to the concierge. They explained all of the amenities and excursions that La Fontaine had to offer. The hotel lobby was remarkable Louis XV décor with crystal chandeliers that made her feel right at home.