The Secret (Single in Seattle 1)

“You do?”

“Did I say that out loud?”

“Yeah.”

I nod slowly. “Yeah, I do.”

She clears her throat and squirms in her seat.

“Do I turn you on, too?”

“I mean, have you met you? You’re walking sex on a stick. I haven’t seen the dimples above your ass in person yet, but…yeah, you’re pretty sexy, Vaughn.”

She quickly covers her mouth with her hand and stares down at the phone in horror.

“Oh, shit. I said that, didn’t I?”

“I guess we’re in the mood for confessions.” And I like that she included the word yet.

That means she wants to see more of me.

Which is a damn good thing because I want to see a hell of a lot more of her.

“How do you feel when you’re turned on, Liv? Do you get a little warm?”

She nods.

“What else do you feel?”

She shrugs, pressing her lips together.

“Don’t be shy,” I urge. “I’m hard as a rock. Just thinking about you turns me on. Do you want me to touch myself?”

She bites that lip and looks down as if she can see through the phone like a window and then nods. “Yeah, I think you should.”

“I will if you do.”

She shifts in her seat, and I can tell that she’s taking off her pants. I unzip my jeans and set myself free, giving my dick a couple of firm tugs. When she closes her eyes and sighs with pleasure, I have to grit my teeth to keep myself from coming right on the spot.

“What does it feel like?” I ask her.

“Wet,” she says, her breath coming faster now. “A little swollen, but in a good way, you know?”

“Yeah,” I say with a smile as I jerk myself. “I know. What else?”

“The base of my spine tingles.” She licks her lips, and frown lines form between her eyebrows. “Ah, shit.”

“That’s it, babe. Shit, I wish I could be there. Now, stop. Do you hear me? Stop touching yourself, Olivia.”

Her eyes spring open, and she scowls at me. “What? Why?”

“Because I said so.” God, I want to kiss her. “Take a deep breath. If I were there, my face would be between your legs. I want to taste you and drive you insane with my tongue.”

“You’re gonna make me touch myself again, Vaughn.”

“Do it.” Her arm moves again, and she sighs out a breath. “Imagine that it’s me down there, my tongue on your clit, my fingers inside you. I push your legs wide and fucking devour you, Olivia.”

“God, yes.”

“Next time, I won’t go fast with you. I’m going to take my time and explore every fucking inch of you. I’m going to make you wild and then do it all over again. I’m going to ruin you for all other men, Olivia.”

“Fuck,” she whispers, and I know she’s close. Hell, I’m close.

“Go over,” I coax her. “Do it.”

She arches, her head falling back as her mouth opens in a silent moan, and that’s all I can take. I come hard and long and make a monumental mess.

And I don’t give a shit.

“Whew,” Olivia says and grins at me. “That was unexpected and fun. You okay over there?”

“Come over, and I’ll show you how good I am.”

She laughs, and I grin at her.

“I don’t think you’re kidding.”

“I’m not.”

“I have an early workday tomorrow,” she says with a sigh. “So, I’d better stay home tonight.”

“What are you doing tomorrow night?”

“I’m hanging out with you.”

No pretense. No games. It’s a breath of fresh air.

“Hell, yes, you are. Just come here when you’re done with work. I’ll feed you and everything.”

“What, exactly, are you going to feed me?”

“Are you allergic to anything?”

“No.”

“Anything that makes you sick to your stomach because you find it gross?”

“Uh, anchovies. Snails. Let’s stay away from anything slimy.”

“No oysters, then.”

She wrinkles her nose and shakes her head. “No. No, thanks.”

“I got you covered,” I promise her.

“I’ll text you when I’m on my way. I usually leave the office by about six.”

“That works. Have a good day tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay. Goodnight, Vaughn.”

“’Night.”

I hang up and stare at the silent TV as the announcers talk about the game that’s now finished.

I don’t even know who won.

And I don’t care.

After knowing her for about forty-eight hours, Olivia has me all tied up in knots. I don’t remember the last time this happened. Have I ever had such a crush on a woman? Besides that time I worked with Sandra Bullock and swore to anyone who would listen that I was going to marry her.

Sandy’s still a friend.

But I was nineteen, and I don’t think that counts.

Besides, I’m not marrying Olivia.

I’m just going to enjoy her for as long as we’re both inclined to do so. Then, I’ll walk away, no harm to anyone involved.

Simple.

But something tells me that this won’t be simple at all. I should go back to LA and get on with my life. Because once I get involved with Olivia, I don’t think I’ll want to walk away.