2 comments/ 26144 views/ 14 favorites Men with Flashy Cars By: WhoamIbynight I walk into the office, swing my bags on to my desk with a plop and take a seat in my swivel chair. I gaze at Daniel across the desk. He looks incredibly smart in a crisp white shirt and dark red tie. It brings out his tan which in turn makes his green eyes pop brilliantly. Everything about him shines status and perfection, right down to his cuff links and Rolex. But those green eyes are completely glued to the computer in front of him without so much as a blink as I walk in. I wait patiently for him to notice me. That's actually a downright lie. I am not waiting patiently. I hate it when Daniel takes more than five seconds to acknowledge me. Especially when I dressed particularly well. Not that he ever notices, but I keep my hopes up. And today I dressed particularly well. Slim fitted pants, high heels, a slick red button down tucked in...it was one of my better looks. Not to mention the fact that we inadvertently matched each other on color choice. "Good morning, Veronica," he finally says, not bothering to look up. "Morning," I mutter. I glare at him, willing him to look at me and pay attention. "Do you need something else?" he asks, finally looking up from his computer. I swallow, there are many things I need and none of them I want to admit to him. I need to know what it feels like to comb through his short dark hair with my fingers. I need to know how it feels to have my curves pressed up the musculature that his crisp white shirt did nothing to hide. More than all I need him to not be my married boss and not be my boyfriend's best friend. "Nikki?" he asks again. I flush as I realize I hadn't answered him, yet my heart still skips a beat at the sound of my nickname from his lips. "Yes," I say, trying to pull myself together quickly. "I just needed you to look over a couple papers." I hand him a stack of things that need his attention. "And the back two need your signature as well," I add. I can tell Daniel is in his own world. His brow furrows as he examines the stack of papers I hand him. "If Jenks asks me for a third day off this week one more time, I swear to god I'm firing his ass," he sighs, skimming the papers. "No way we are going to be able to get everything done, let alone without him. Actually," he paused, "I'm going to let you fire him. Good learning experience." "Um, okay." Most of the time I enjoyed the fact that Daniel took time to mentor me. Sometimes—this time included—I couldn't help but think that my position in lower management really sucked. I usually felt like I was a pretty good manager, learning a lot and well on my way to being someone like Daniel but when all he makes me do is his dirty work, I don't feel so useful. At 21 I'm the youngest person in management with the company, but that doesn't mean that Daniel has ever given me a break. If anything he just drives me harder. I sigh and jot down a few notes he had for me before going about my daily work. "How was work, babe?" Jace asks as I walk through the door. He is already standing at the stove stirring something that smells amazing. "Daniel's a dick," I gripe, taking a seat at the counter. "Didn't I tell you that going into this?" he asks. He was right, of course. Jace had worked with Daniel for a long time before finally leaving the company and letting me take his place. It hadn't come without a fair share of warnings though. Daniel had a reputation and everyone who found out that I was going to be his new protégé didn't hesitate to inform me. A lot of people told me I wouldn't be the first to leave the company because of how harsh he is. Other people told me he was a slacker. But between the two sides of the story one thing always stayed the same. He may be married but that never stopped him when it came to the ladies. This fact I'm sure would have been concerning to Jace had he not already made it very clear to Daniel that I was taken. I am glad that he had made sure that I wouldn't have to deal with that distraction but there is definitely part of me that is still lost in fantasy. Not that I don't love Jace. But there has always been something about the way Daniel looks at me like he can see right through me that sends shivers up my spine every time. "He isn't hitting on you, is he?" Jace asks. "No," I sigh. "Just making me do his dirty work." "Not too dirty I hope," he winks. "Shut up," I say playfully. "I don't go for married guys." "You went for me," he points out. Unfortunately he is right. A lapse of judgment in my late teens had led to me falling head over heels for my sexy, brilliant, and very married boss—Jace. I was fortunate that no one found out about the affair and luckier still that his marriage had ended without having anything to do with me. But you couldn't pay me enough to go on that rollercoaster again. "You're my exception," I smiled. "What do you want to do for your birthday, babe? I know a week isn't much time to plan things but we could do a little party here if you want." "You know I don't want a party," he frowned. "You love getting drunk with your friends." "Not when I'll be mourning being over the hill." "31 is not over the hill." I wake up blearily to a phone call in the morning. "What?" I say groggily. "I'm sorry to wake you, Nikki baby, but I won't be able to call you later. We are slammed at work today. Can you make sure you pick up some milk today, you know the nonfat I like—" "Yes, babe." I tuned out as Jace proceeds to list other things that I should really do around the house. I hate going to the grocery store on my day off. And I hate cleaning frying pans, although it is a small price I pay for have a boyfriend who is a stellar cook. None the less, all I really want to do is go back to sleep. "Okay, love you," he says before hanging up the phone. I roll over and burry myself in the blankets, craving just a couple more hours of sleep. My phone beeps again. "Are you kidding me?" I say grumpily, grabbing my phone off the night stand again. I am even more annoyed when I see that it's from Daniel. -You hanging in there? My first thought is to wonder if this is some kind of ploy to get me to come into work. Daniel rarely ever texts non work related things. I reply anyway. -Better if I wasn't awake right now but I'm doing okay. Yesterday was rough after you left. -Sorry if I woke you... -It wasn't you, no worries. -You workin today? -No. Worked late last night and get the day off today. Which he would know if he looked at the schedule or paid any attention to me when I was at work. -Me too! -Then why are you awake so early? -It's my home alone day. -Me too. Trying to figure out what to do with my day of freedom. -Call me. I pause for a moment, wondering what he wants. -Work related. He adds. At this point I doubt its work related but I call him anyway. "What's up?" I ask. "First I just want to apologize, I know we probably shouldn't be texting back and forth and I'm sorry if I over stepped my bounds. I want you to know that I really respect you as an individual and an employee. And I don't want you to get in trouble." "Oh, it's okay. I know you do and I'm not too worried about trouble." I know Jace trusts me indefinitely but deep down I'm pretty sure that he wouldn't like me talking to Daniel outside of work. In fact, he's made it perfectly clear to me that if anything were to happen between Daniel and myself he wouldn't speak to either of us again. I am used to that kind of thing from Jace though. We fell hard and fast for each other and it would crush him if I ruined that with someone else. "I think I'm more worried about myself getting in trouble," he admits. "Well if you're talking about Jace, I'd be more worried about myself than you." "Fair enough," he pauses. "So what are you up to today?" "Lying around enjoying the day off, but it's off to a boring early start." "I'm not gonna lie...I'm pretty bored too. And I've had a couple drinks." "Already?" I ask. "It's not even nine yet!" That's Daniel though. A smooth talking 37 year old who is drunk every time his wife isn't around and wishes he was when she was around. I know many men like him. "Hey it's my one day alone, I gotta take advantage of it while I have it." "Fair enough," I agree. "I just want you to know how happy I am with your progress too. I mean, during the interview I knew that you had so much potential but you have truly exceeded my expectations and I'm so happy to see you growing. You should know that you got this promotion totally on your own. It wasn't because of Jace leaving or our friendship." "Thank you." I'm not sure what else to say. Daniel is never like this at work with me—he borders on abrasive even. "Anyway I don't want you get the wrong message or anything but if you aren't doing anything today and get bored you're welcome to call me or stop by or whatever." "Alright well I'll keep that in mind. I'll probably call you later or stop by or whatever." "Cool, I'll talk to you later then." "Sounds good. Later." I hang up the phone. I'm not tired anymore. I pull myself out of bed and go to take a shower. My mind is whirling. I had hoped that a hot shower would knock some sense into me and clear my head, I was wrong. I know what I should do. And I know what I want to do. And I'm disgusted that they aren't the same thing. I shouldn't go see Daniel. Absolutely not. But playing with fire tempts me and I want to...just for curiosities sake. They say history repeats itself, but I just like to think that I am adventurous and friendly. When I get out of the shower I see another text from Daniel. -I'm still bored. -You and me both. I showered cause I'm definitely too awake to sleep more. -You're welcome to come downtown. -I might. What are you up to? -Same thing I was earlier. -Bored and drinking? -Whatever. Doesn't sound like you're doing much either. -Hey I'm not judging. I'm sitting around trying to get dressed and ready for the day. And I should do laundry, but that seems like a lot of work. -Already done here, proud to say. -Yeah I gotta get my housewifing on. Laundry and dishes. -Come clean my place? -I am pretty good at cleaning. Still bored? I shouldn't even ask him. I should put down my phone. I should go clean the house. I should go grocery shopping. I should do anything but talk to Daniel right now. -Yeah. I need to put down my phone right now. I don't. -I was thinking about taking drive... Should I head your direction? I'm kicking myself for asking but I want the thrill. -Yup. I will be good, I have to be good. No funny business. Straight up hanging out. Besides, anything else would be the ultimate betrayal to Jace. I slip on some jeans that hug my slender hips perfectly, put on a tight black v-neck tee, and finish it off with some casual black heels. I look good, but it doesn't settle my nerves. I don't want to look like I'm trying and I'm not sure if I even want to be trying to look good for him. I finish getting ready none the less and head out. -I'm in the city. I text Daniel a while later after hunting to find the right building for a while. He may have given me an address but he failed to mention that he lived in a towering building in the heart of the city. -Great. Park and I'll come get you. As promised after I park I see him standing on the corner of his building. "Sorry, it wasn't till I stood up that I realized how drunk I was," he apologizes when we meet. "I know you aren't used to seeing my like this." "Eh, I can handle it." It doesn't matter how drunk he is. Standing on the street corner wearing Diesel jeans, a plain black shirt, and Oakley aviators...he still looks pulled together. "So I have to admit, I lied about one thing to you." I swallow...I don't know what he is go to spit out next and I'm not sure I want to. "Oh yeah?" "My laundry really isn't all done." "I guess I'll forgive you this once," I laugh and secretly breathe a sigh of relief that he is just joking around. He shows me up the back stairs to the elevator. 21 stories up, his high rise looks over the heart of Tucson. It's modestly sized but beautiful right down to the matching pillows on the couch. "You want a drink?" he asks. "Uh," I hesitate. I shouldn't. If nothing else because I'm driving. "Just one." "Grey Goose or Oban?" "Oban is good." When in doubt go for the expensive whiskey I like to say I have a rule about not drinking hard liquor before noon. But I've broken that rule to many times to use it as an excuse today. "Don't worry, I'll water it down for you." "Oh please, I can hold my liquor just fine. I just don't wanna get crazy." He pours me a glass and sits down on the couch with me. It's easy to talk with him, about work, about life in general. This is the side of Daniel that I rarely get to see at work. "So what was your relationship like with Jace," he asks finally. "You know, before you guys were...official." I know what he isn't saying. How were things when you were Jace's mistress? "I don't know..." I hesitate. "We were close," I say shortly. He doesn't say anything, as though waiting for me to elaborate but for the first time I find myself completely tongue tied. "I'm sorry, I just—I don't even know what to say," I admit. "It was a hard time. For both of us." "Did you love him then?" I can't reply. I don't know why but no words will come to my lips. I can't meet his gaze. "Yes," I finally choke out. "But—I thought it was so pointless. I never thought it would be real like this and now that it is I'm so lost." "What do you mean?" "I loved him but so what? I always thought it would go nowhere. I mean this was the life I dreamed of but I never thought I'd get. I thought things would never change for us." "Do you wish it hadn't?" "No. Of course I'm happy with how it turned out. More than happy. I just thought I'd always be on the back burner, even though that made me sad. I knew my place." "Does that bother you?" He is studying me and listening to every word I say. I still can't meet his gaze though. "It is what it is." "I'm sorry if I intruded too much. I've just always wondered. He talked about you all the time but I never really knew how it was for you guys—that it was so serious—until he left his wife." "It's fine." "Relationships are hard. Marriage even more so." "Yeah I've noticed. No one is ever happy." "Well, I don't know if you know his ex-wife, but I'm not a fan." "I'm not either. But I make it a habit to not speak ill of anyone's spouse, regardless of my relationship with them." "I try not to speak ill of my own spouse and I know a lot of the time it comes off like a do. In the end I'm really grateful for this experience and I don't hate her at all. Being married did a lot of good for me. I was really self-destructive before." "I can definitely appreciate that." I know we are similar in that right. "I know I'm a lot better off now that we are really together versus when I was on the side. He keeps me in check, even if he doesn't realize it. I know eventually I'll want more though. You know, family...marriage" "You don't have to worry, you're girlfriend material. You'll make a good wife one day." "I know." But I'm all choked up again and need to regain my composure. I know I will make a good wife. I know I am perfect. But part of me doubts that Jace sees that even though we are living together now. "I'm going to top off your drink and share yours, 'cause you don't seem to be that interested in it." He changes the subject, thank god. "Hey, I have been drinking it! I'm just not drinking like a fish, like you." "Well I won't lie...having you over got me a little nervous so I kept drinking." "You see me all the time, nothing to be nervous about," I say casually. I'm keeping my composure better than him. He reaches his hand across the couch towards me. I look at him in confusion. "What do you want?" I ask. I put my hand there out of instinct, half-jokingly. He smiles. "Well I wanted you to hand me the drink." I pull my hand away quickly and hand him the drink. "But I liked your hand there too." He puts the drink down again. "Do I get your hand back?" My heart is pounding in my throat. I crossed the line. I crossed it and I didn't even mean to. I put my hand back in his anyway. He moves my legs so I am stretched out on the couch and he is sitting next to me. Then he slides to the floor and sits there. "I'm gonna move down here. I'm drunk and I don't trust myself not to do things I shouldn't do," he admits. "Want a pillow?" I joke, trying not to think about what I just did. "I have one." "How about a blanket? You want to be all comfy down there?" "Only if you're going to tuck me in." "Maybe," I laugh. He plays with my hand from the ground while I lay on his couch. I'm not sure I know what's going on, but that's kind of okay with me. "Can I touch you?" "You're touching me right now aren't you?" "More than I am now..." "I suppose so." His fingers trace my stomach. His lips press against it lightly. I catch my breath. His lips on my skin are foreign and too thrilling. I wanted to know what they felt like for so long but feeling them now is overwhelming. He kisses my hips, my neck. "I don't want this to change anything," he says. "Of course not." "Promise?" I nod. He sits me up on the couch and kneels in front of me so I am forced to look at him. "Promise promise?" he asks. "Of course." "Because you are such an incredible person and an amazing worker and I don't want that to change. You have such fire and drive at work and that's part of why I like you so much." "That will never change." "And I don't want you to think that I don't respect you because I do, so much. And that's why I'm so hesitant right now...you're making me feel like I'm 13 again and I don't know why but I don't want to lose your respect either." "Don't worry. You won't." I lost my own respect. I can't blame him at all when I know damn well that it was my mistake, that I put my hand in his and crossed the line. "I just want you to trust me." "I don't," I'm honest with him. "I can tell. But I want to earn your trust." "We'll see." I rest my chin on his head. "It's so nice, just being close to you." He raises his head. "God this is crazy, I'm afraid to even kiss you. I'm afraid you'll change." I shrug. He kisses my neck again. I wonder absently if Jace would be able to taste the alcohol on my skin when he kissed me later that night. I decide I should shower before comes home. Daniel kisses my cheeks, and finally his lips brush mine gently. As quickly as they are there, they are gone again. Then he lays back down on the floor. "What are you thinking?" he asks me. My heart pounds in my throat. "I don't know." "Yes you do." "I'm not saying this to hurt you, but I don't trust you. I mean this is your game and I get that," I say. I don't mind being his game but I'm not going to let him get inside me and trick me into thinking that I'm not. Because I know I am. "I know," he sighs. "Give me time and learn to trust me. Please?" "I'll give you time," I say. But inside I'm wondering how many times he's used that line before. "I get it now, you know? I just get it." "Get what?" he asks. "I get how you do it—get the girls. I never really got it. When Jace told me I was so skeptical but now I understand your trick. I mean you're like me, you know how to get what you want. You use the right words." Men with Flashy Cars I always wondered when I heard stories about Daniel's infidelity but when it came down to it I really never understood how he got all the ladies. Not that he was ugly by any means, but he also wasn't the kind of guy you'd stop and stare at on the street. I am pretty sure my glorified view of him had to be related to some messed up boss complex and attraction nice things. He has a lot of nice this. The more time I spent talking to him however, I realized that he knows how to talk. He's got game. And that's what I had always wondered about. His phone rings. I know how this game goes and I know that is my cue. "Sorry about that," he apologizes. "Don't worry about it," I shrugged. I am shocked at how un-phased I am by it. Perhaps I spent too much time in this position with Jace. "I should get going anyway." I don't want to have to make up excuses to Jace for not getting the shopping done. "You know, I thought this would happen." "What do you mean?" "Today." "How?" I didn't think it would...I was on good behavior. "You're Switzerland." "What? How so?" "You're so neutral," he smiles. I know he is right. I have actually never heard as accurate a description as that. "I could just tell. You didn't encourage or discourage. You're just Switzerland." "Today I am." "Thank you for coming over today." "Yeah, thank you for having me. I enjoyed it." "I like getting to know you outside of work." He helps me up. "Now get your sexy ass shoes back on and I'll let you leave." I hide my smirk as I bend down to slip my shoes on. Jace always liked my casual black heels too. "Promise me that on Monday when we see each other again, nothing has changed? You're still going to be the same amazing dedicated fiery worker?" "Of course I will." "Because that is so important for me." "The same for me." "Do I get to see you this weekend? Sunday maybe?" "Of course, if you want." His lips brush mine lightly before he opens the door to let me out. I let the door close behind me and walk to my car. My heart is pounding and all I can think is what am I getting myself into? I am almost home before I get a text from Daniel. -Are you still in the area? -I'm on the highway, why? -I want you to come back... -Aw but we both have responsibilities today. -I'm washing my car. Will you come back? I'd like to wash his car...wouldn't mind rubbing his sleek Audi R8 down. -Are you serious? -Yeah. -Why? -Not sure. I just feel a really strong energy right now...and I really enjoyed being around you. -You know we can't. -Okay, well I'll settle for this weekend then. If that's okay with you. When I get home I clean up the house so Jace is happy when he comes home from work. "You look hot today," he comments as he walks in the door. "Oh yeah?" I grin. "Yeah. Thought you didn't like to dress cute on your days off?" "I thought I'd look cute for you today." White lie. "Trying to impress me?" he smirks. "Keeps things fresh," I wink. I take a seat at my computer while he showers. Despite what Jace said I knew he would enjoy having a party. He never says no to an excuse to drink. Luckily I know almost all his friends from work and feel confident that I can pull something together before he has time to protest too much. Guilt still gnaws at the back of my mind however. I know Jace would never have a party without Daniel...the two were like brothers when it came to going hard and I had no doubt that this wouldn't be an exception. Keeping things together at work will be hard enough with Daniel, but hiding what had happened between us in front of Jace will be torture. I am confident in my acting skills, but I know myself too well to say the guilt won't be eating at me the whole time. Maybe I would be able to just brush the whole Daniel thing off...pretend it never happened. -You home? Daniel texts me in the early afternoon. -Yeah you gave me the day off again. -Two in a row? I spoil you. I left work for a bit. -Oh yeah? -Yeah. Thought I could swing something but I can't leave this time of day and look like a good manager. Traffic blows right now. Maybe on my way home though? -See this is how rumors get started. You leave the store during the day on "business" and talk to pretty girls and then get stuck in traffic. -Next time I will just have to make a house call to the pretty girl instead. -I guess you will. Hit me up if you want to get together after work. -Thanks darling... I like that he called me darling...too much. Suddenly I feel a little pressured to clean the house. So I do that and a couple hours later Daniel texts me again. -You still want me to come by? -Yeah. But use discretion when parking. Risky time of day. If you want to see me that is. -I can come another day -Of course you can. Or today. Whichever you want or both. I'm home and I'd love to see you if you wanna stop by. He calls me. "So you want me to stop by?" he asks. "That'd be nice." "Do me a favor though, can you make sure Jace doesn't show up?" "No shit." "Okay, and in terms of parking... my car kind of stands out." I make a mental note to myself to stop having affairs with men who have flashy cars. It was once something I had to worry about with Jace's Porsche too. "Yeah, just park across the street, you should be okay." "Alright, I'll see you soon." My heart is racing again. I don't need to look outside to know he pulled up. The sound of the engine is a dead giveaway. Audi versus Porsche...tough choice. I let him into our small townhouse. I wish I hadn't seen his high rise. Jace and I have a cute little place just outside Tucson. But it doesn't compare to Daniel's sweeping views of the mountains and stark desert beauty. Jace and I look out on our neighbor's unnatural rose garden and listen to the neighbor's kids jumping on the trampoline every night. It doesn't compare. None the less, I offer Daniel a seat and ease back into conversation. "How was work?" I ask. Something about that question always makes things feel ridiculously domestic. "It was busy. Glad I left when I did." He leans against me. "How was your day?" "Pretty uneventful." He asks me about the art on my walls. Most of it is work that I had done myself. I always hate that moment of admitting I am an artist. Most people are proud, but it's never something I boasted about. "Your hands are cold," I say as he puts his hand on my leg. "It feels nice." "You're heart's beating fast," he says, laying his head on my shoulder. "It happens." "I brought something for you, it's in the car." When we get to his car he pulls out a book. "This can be your next reading project." He often gives me books to read, insisting that they will make me a more well-rounded manager. "I'll try not to fall asleep reading this one," I smile and take the book from him. He hangs on to it. Makes me tug like a kid again. "Is there a—uh—due date on this, boss?" I bite my lip. "Oh, I um, I don't know...yeah. But I'm distracted. You asking about a due date kind of turned me on." His hand grazes my hip, edging me closer to him. "So it there one?" "Three weeks." "That much time? I can go faster...if you want. Would I get extra credit if I did?" "Yeah, we can figure that out." "Sounds good. I'll see you later." I let my body brush against his as I slide past him but I am too shy to make the move and kiss him. I return inside and pack up my own purse, planning on stopping by Jace's office to drop off a cup of coffee for him before indulging myself in a little trip to the mall. As I am pulling out of my drive I get a call from Daniel. "I think I got lost trying to get out of your neighborhood," he admits. "Where are you?" "The bookstore down the street." "Well you can follow me, I'm headed out of the house right now anyway." "Right now? I'll wait here then." "Alright I'll be there in a minute." I hang up the phone. One stop light later Daniel calls me again. This is almost cute. "So I was thinking, would you teach me how be an artist like you and I'll teach you how to be a leader like me?" he asks. "I think we can arrange that." "We'll have to find a good trade off." "I accept most forms of payment," I joke. "In that case my payments might be quite steep." I pull up beside him in the bookstore parking lot. "I see you. Do you mind if we stay on the phone for a little bit?" he asks as we pull out. "Not at all, I'd love to. Asshole driver," I mutter as some guy tries to cut me off. "I saw that dick. I'm not letting him in either. I want to stay right behind you." "Oh really?" "Unless knowing I'm behind you is too distracting." "Mmm not at all. That's right where I want you." I'm glad he can't see me blushing. I know I shouldn't have said it but the more time we spend together the more appealing the idea is. Three days later Daniel asks me to come over again. I wonder if he has been changing the schedule at work so we get the same days off or if the universe is working in our favor. I go over in the early afternoon, not needing to make up excuses to get out of the house as Jace isn't even close to coming home from work. After letting me in Daniel says, "I'd ask you if you want a drink, but I'm guessing you'll say no." He pours a glass for himself. "I really shouldn't. You know I have to drive home soon." Dinking with Daniel is a risky game for me. Beyond driving home I'm more concerned of the idea that at any minute his wife could show up and if I am shitfaced, the likelihood of a successful escape would be slim to none. He leaves his drink on the counter and comes to sit with me. He takes my hand in his and twines our fingers together. I know I should stop him but I've stop denying that I don't want it. It may be wrong, but it is so undeniably true. His lips brush my wrist lightly sending a shiver up my spine. Then he kisses me. He really kisses me for the first time. Taking me in his arms and pulling me close to him. My tongue hungrily seeks his, fulfilling a primal desire that I'd denied myself for so long. "I've wanted to do that for a long time," he says lowly. "I know," I breathe. His hands ride the curves of my body making every one of my senses come alive. His lips travel down my neck, my chest, down to the smooth skin of my stomach. He kneels between my legs. "May I?" he asks, tugging at my panties. I nod. It's too late to turn back now anyway. His lips dance down my hips lower and lower. And those lips...those beautiful lips that I'd thought about for so long part my own lips. His tongue teases at my slit and I feel my juices trickle out of my pussy. Jace stopped paying me much attention down there a while back. "You taste so good," said Daniel, lifting his head up. But all I can reply with is a moan as he slips a finger inside me and starts flicking my clit tantalizingly with his tongue. I squirm with pleasure as my body quakes at his touch. "I want you to come over later tonight. If you aren't doing anything," Daniel invites. "Mhmm," I agree, still lost in feeling. "My wife is gone tonight, so we could have a bit of fun," he grins and pulls my panties back up. "Yeah, I'd like that." I am already planning my alibi for getting out of the house that night. "Do you have to work tomorrow?" "I do but not till afternoon." "You're lucky. I promised I'd be in early." "What happened to taking the weekend off?" "I felt guilty." When I leave Daniel's high rise I run home to prepare dinner for Jace and myself. I have a couple hours till I said Daniel to meet him and I use my time to try and clean up around the house and build my excuse with Jace. But I can't focus. My mind keeps slipping back into the brief time I had spent with Daniel earlier. "I'm gonna go out with the girls tonight, okay?" I say. "Oh." Jace looks mildly disappointed. "Do you have to?" "Yeah, babe, it's the only day we all have off together. You know how hard it is to get our schedules to line up." "Don't get into trouble." "We never do." I kiss him on the cheek and grab my purse. My phone rings. "Hey, babydoll," says Daniel when I pick up. "Hey, Angie," I say, making my way quickly out the door. "I'm just leaving now." "Angie, eh?" he laughs. "Didn't know you were into girls." "Ha ha," I say after I'm sure the door has closed behind me. "You ready for me to head over?" "I'd like that." In less time than I expect, I arrive at Daniel's place. "I'm glad you came back, darlin." He pulls me to him quickly as we walk into his building. The back of the building, naturally—can't have his neighbors spying me. "How could I stay away?" "Just know, it's gonna be a long night tonight." "I think I can handle that." "I got lucky. My wife got so hammerd over dinner that she decided to spend the night with her friends and can't drive home. And she didn't notice I was already drunk." "Very lucky indeed." "Would you like to take a drink with me?" "I would love one." Knowing that we won't have any danger of interruption makes me much more comfortable to drink with him. Daniel wraps his arms around me from behind as I take a sip of the drink he hands me. His breath on my ear is far too distracting. Then he slowly takes every piece of my clothing off until I am standing naked for him in his kitchen as he kisses me from head to toe before undressing himself. "I want to be inside you," he whispers in my ear. My breath catches. There is a small part of me that still wants to protest—that still wants to be loyal to Jace and run out of Daniel's apartment. But that part of me is completely outweighed by the part that is craving Daniel closer and closer to me and wants nothing more than to let him inside of me. "Let's go outside," he says, taking my hand. His balcony has a million dollar view of the city below out to the endless desert and the mountains on the horizon. The night air is bitter cold compared to the heat of the day and bites against my skin. The street looks a million miles below us and little cars and street lights light up the people roaming about the sidewalks. He presses against me from behind. His arms twine around me and his lips roam my neck. Goose bumps travel my arms and legs. He takes me hand in his and gently pushes me forward so I am leaning over the railing of his balcony. I feel his stiff member against my thighs and I know he can feel my cum leaking down my leg. "Can I?" he breathes. "Yeah." My breathing is already ragged and I am trembling in anticipation. Four years of loyalty to Jace left me unfamiliar to the touch of others. His cock teases my hole. I am burning for him and want to slam myself into him but I wait in anticipation, letting him probe and slide against my hole. "Please," I moan. I want him inside me. I want to know what I've been fantasizing about for so long. I want him to open me up and realize every one of my desires. He slowly pushes his way into me. Forcing his cock into my sopping pussy. "You are so tight," he growls when he is deep inside. "That's what you get when you fuck girls 16 years younger than you," I grin. My heart races, knowing that anyone in the city could look up and see us fucking above them. Then he pulls me back inside and to his bed. The bed that, ironically, only his wife sleeps in now, as he moved to the couch long ago. "I'm going to fuck you till four in the morning," he whispers in my ear. And I have no doubt he is telling the truth. He plunges back into me, making me writhe against his body. Our hot desire burns but he slows down, rocking against me, making me feel him completely. My lips seek his desperately as I wrap my legs around him. "You're so beautiful, Nikki." He pulls out and shifts his attention to my breasts. They fit fully in his hands as he kneads them softly. My nipples are stiff beneath his hands. He takes one in my mouth, suckling my nipple and making my lower half tingle with desire again. "Get on top," he groans. I obediently climb on top of him, grinding down on him slowly. My hands trace his chest and down his stomach. I bite my lip. His body is stunning for his age. Obvious years of daily gym trips paid off and lines of muscle remained traced into his skin. I run my hands through his short hair. Only flecks of grey against the deep chocolate give away age and stress. He flips on top of me again. Driving into me much harder than before until I am clawing and his back and clinging to him like he is all I have left. "Can I cum in you?" he asks. There is a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead. "I want you to," I beg, "please." He pounds me harder and harder. I am close to begging him to stop but I can't get enough of it. His weight falls against me as he explodes inside me, my body shaking against his. We take a break only to refill our drinks. Three drinks and two hours later we lay side by side in his bed. Panting. I look out the picture window and, for the first time, notice that I'm buzzed. And it feels great. "What are you thinking?" asks Daniel. "Nothing," I say. "You're lying." "Maybe." "Then what's on your mind?" "Does it matter?" "Yes," he looks at me, taking my hand in his. "I'm confused." "By what?" "You," I admit. "Why?" "I don't understand you. I don't understand how this is happening." "I've been honest with you from the start," he says. "I want to get to know you. I respect you so much at work but I want to learn who you are." "You aren't how I expected." "I know. And I know it's stupid to try and say that everything you have heard about how I am is wrong because honestly 75% of it is true. This just isn't one of those cases." "I don't know why." "I don't know why either...but there is something about you that makes me ask myself, are you too good to be true?" It's a compliment, I know. But it leaves me spinning. How do I keep putting myself into these situations? I am not too good to be true. I am undeniably fucked up. I haven't been attracted to a man I could have for four years and yet...I have a second one falling for me. What is wrong with me that I can't just be a goddamn one night stand or a fleeting obsession? I finally leave at four in the morning. I'm in a comfortable state somewhere between drunk and sober and as the buzz wears off. I realize that after eight hours of rough sex, I'm hungry. At least I think I am until I stop at a diner and have a plate of food in front of me. I pick at the French fries feeling kind of queasy, leave a large tip, and drive home. First I beeline to the shower. Scrub all the sweat and cum and god knows what else off of me. Let the hot water burn my face. Then I crawl into bed next to Jace. Shivering. And lay there until the sun rises and sleep finally takes me.