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I sat on the edge of my bed worrying about the only dress I’d packed for dinner. Faced with tonight’s temptation, I wondered if it was a wise idea packing this choice of dress.
It shimmered and shone, changing color with the light, one moment pale turquoise and the next silver. It was quite simply, the most exotic dress I’d ever owned.
I’d purchased it for a dinner night function in New York with my then boyfriend Eric. It had been for our anniversary but I never got to wear it because I had come down with a sudden flu and he never called me to ask why I didn’t show up. I wasn’t even sure it would still be my size because I’d added a few pounds since then. I picked it up from the bed and slid it over my head, grimacing slightly as it clung to my hips. It fit perfectly.
I turned sideways to look at myself in the mirror.
It was a dress designed to turn an ordinary woman into a film star, a dress designed for sin and seduction, and just wearing it brought a frown to my face.
Wearing this tonight meant issuing an invitation to Raymond, was I ready to be with him knowing that there were no promises. Just a fling.
Tomorrow I’d be back in the beachfront, facing the business that brought me to Malibu and there would be no need for any more appearances with him. Could I really do that?
One night of paradise?
* * *
Raymond was already seatedat the dinner table when I arrived to the patio. He had a drink in his hand and his blue shirt was open at the neck and revealed just enough bronzed male flesh to draw my eyes longer than I would have liked. Even dressed casually he looked cool, sophisticated, and way out of my league.
I scanned his handsome features and my heart bumped crazily against my chest. What was it about him that had such a powerful impact on me?
I didn’t know and I didn’t understand it. But I knew that whatever had scarred him in the past, his experiences would color whatever future we might have together.
As I slid into my chair, he was still watching, his eyes on my face. He reminded me of a tiger, watching. Waiting for exactly the right moment to pounce. “You look exquisite.” His low, smooth male voice flowed over my tattered nerves like a soothing balm.
“Thank you.” I responded as my heart gave a little flutter.
“You don’t have to be scared of me Sophie, I’m not going back on my word unless you tell me to.”
He was watching me now with a lazy, slumberous gaze, and I felt myself relax.
“What if I want you to?” I whispered.
He went entirely still, the only sound that could be heard were the waves outside.
“What did you say?” he asked softy, a raw hunger in his eyes.
“What if I tell you that I’m prepared to receive all you have to offer me without expecting more? Everything.”
“I would think you’re making a huge mistake...” His voice was molten sexuality, the gentle curve of his perfectly shaped mouth drawing my gaze. It was impossible to look at his lips and not remember the kiss. The hot fevered burn of his mouth on mine, the erotic stroke of his tongue and the deliberate touch of his hands on my body.
“But that’s not for me to decide.” He crossed over to my side of the table and stretched out a hand towards me. My body flared to life as I took his and he drew me into a passionate embrace.
He turned my hand, stroking my palm with his thumb, and the gentle, insistent pressure simply increased the tension inside me.
“You do realize that this will be a one-time thing, no commitments?” he asked.
He was sucking my fingers, blowing hot breath on my palms and I found it difficult to concentrate.
“Yes...” I responded struggling to latch on to a thread of reality and not lose myself to the slow seduction he had begun already with my fingers. My diaphragm and legs were quivering from the tease and forbidden offering here. “Yes, I’m aware.”
“Great then.”
He gave me a slow lazy smile and carried me to his bedroom much like mine. This one had a view of the waterfall and a small pool illuminated by tiny lights. I could hear the rush of the water punctuated by the insistent sounds of the familiar beach.
My breath caught in my throat in the face of such brilliant display of nature.
“It’s amazing. It must be beautiful in daylight.”
