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Peak of Desire Ch. 01

By: virgofemme



*So this is one of the stories that i'm currently working on. For those of you who are wondering, I am still writing a sequel to Tattoo of Love, so it's definitely in the works! I've had an idea for this particular story for quite some time now, so I thought I would at least get a start on it. I hope you enjoy the chapter, and thank you for taking the time to read. :)* 

*

Erica Mitchell exited the cool, air conditioned bookstore and stepped out into the blazing sun. The dry, hot climate that came along with a Burbank summer was nothing new to her, but when one was suffering from the symptoms of an oncoming period, it seemed to magnify even the smallest irritations. 

Making her way towards her usual lunch spot across the street, she walked with her signature gait. Her skinny black jeans clung to her toned thighs, and her curvy hips swayed alluringly as she made her way forward. The steps she took were quick and purposeful, as if she were on her way to some important meeting. 

As she reached the office park courtyard where she regularly ate lunch, she made her way towards a circular table with an umbrella attached to it. After taking a seat, she placed her purse on the table and dug inside to retrieve her compact mirror. 

As she studied her reflection, she was happy to see that she felt worse than she looked. Her hair was styled into a face framing haircut, cleverly downplaying her round face to give it a more oval appearance, and although she did appear a bit tired, she was pleased to see there weren't any rings beneath her almond shaped eyes. 

Noting that her mocha colored skin had a slight shine to it, she swiped her cosmetic sponge against the pressed compact a few times, then placed a few dabs on her nose and forehead. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she snapped the compact shut and put it back in her purse. 

Although she didn't have much of an appetite, she knew that skipping lunch would only lead to her being lightheaded. So she opened the plastic container which held her salad, then fed a forkful of lettuce into her mouth. The courtyard featured a beautiful stone fountain which added to the relaxing atmosphere, and her ears were caressed by the gurgling noises it created. 

She took a quick glance at her watch, then released a sigh. She was only halfway through the day, and already she was aching to be off the clock. Her stomach was bloated and she was starting to feel crampy, and all she felt like doing right now was talking a nice, long nap. Yet six hours were still left before she got off work, so all she could do was just make the best of things and get through the rest of the day. 

She stuck her fork into an olive, then brought it up to her mouth and popped it inside. As she munched pleasantly on her Greek salad, she eyed the mirrored windows of the high rise building which was located a dozen yards in front of her. Her eyes landed on a window washer who was squeegeeing one of the higher level windows, and as she watched him at work she found herself intrigued. 

She'd always been curious about window washers, and was curious about the type of personality that one must possess in order to do a job like that. It seemed like an interesting profession, and she heard they were compensated very well. 

As she watched the man at work, her eyes fell on the long ponytail which hung behind him. Reaching mid-back, it swayed along with the rhythm of his movements as he washed the windows. She couldn't help admiring his long hair, and found that it was one of the main things that intrigued her about him. That, and the fact that he was suspended hundreds of feet above the pavement. Her eyes remained peeled on him, watching as he pulled himself up to the next level of windows. 

She saw there was a bucket attached to each side of the wooden plank he was sitting on, and noticed that he regularly alternated between the both of them, dunking his squeegee in the right, and then the left one.

By the time she'd finished her salad, the window washer had reached the top level of the building, and was just finishing up on the last window in the row. After dropping his squeegee in one of the buckets, he utilized the pulley system to swiftly lower himself down to street level. Once his feet were planted on the ground, he worked to unlatch himself from the harness. 

Realizing it was her chance to get a look at his face, she stood up from the table and dumped the empty food carton in a trash bin. In order to exit the office park courtyard, she would have to pass by the high rise building, so it would give her an opportunity to check him out as she passed by. 

Trying not to be too obvious about it, she threw a casual glance his way as she passed by, allowing her eyes to rove across his facial features. Since he was still unhooking his harness, his eyes were focused downward, and this emboldened her to get in a good, long stare. 

Standing just over six feet tall, he had a russet colored skin tone and deep set eyes. His hair was raven black and straight, with a shine which was enhanced by the radiant sun. She allowed her gaze to linger as she passed him by, and as he suddenly lifted his eyes to meet hers, she knew she was caught. Her cheeks grew hot and she immediately averted her attention. 

As she continued along her way, she had the feeling she was still being watched, so she threw a glance over her shoulder and saw that he was still looking at her. She didn't know whether he was watching her out of curiosity or genuine interest, but what she was sure of was that he was damn gorgeous. To her surprise, she saw a little smile cross his angular features. 

Too stunned to smile back, she lifted her eyebrows in surprise. This prompted him to give her a wink, and she felt her mouth curl upward in response. She felt a thrill rush through her from his unexpected reaction, but her moment of elation was quickly transformed to one of dismay, as she tripped on a loose stone in the flooring of the courtyard.

Erica tried to regain her footing before she fell, but unfortunately wasn't able to. She hit the ground hard, releasing a cry of pain. She heard a snicker come from one of the lunch tables, and from out of her peripheral vision, she noticed a group of office workers turn their heads to stare at her. 

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she shamefacedly pushed her palms against the ground so that she could rise up. From her peripheral vision, she spotted the window washer approaching her, and as he reached her side, he squatted down so that he was at her level. He held out his hand, and she placed her palm in his so that he could help her up. 

"Are you okay?" His face creased in concern. 

"Yes, I'm fine." Her right hip hurt, and she could feel that her elbow was skinned, but she did her best to play it off. 

"You sure?" 

"Yep." Erica could feel the eyes of every lunch goer in the courtyard plastered on her, and she desperately wished that she could turn invisible, but since she couldn't, the next best thing was to quickly be on her way. "Thank you for helping me up." 

"No problem." He bent down to place the stone back in its hole. "They really should fix this. You're the third person to trip on it today."

"Yes, well..," She let her voice trail off, as she was uncertain of what else to say. "Bye." She turned and quickly made her way out of the courtyard.

As she walked back to work, she continually replayed the embarrassing moment in her head. If she hadn't kept her eyes on him for so long, then she never would have tripped. She couldn't believe she'd made such a fool of herself, and was now left feeling like a clown. It wasn't at all like her to be clumsy, but his sensual gaze had enraptured her, leaving her pretty much powerless to do anything but stare back. 

A part of her was wishing that she would see him again, and yet she also knew if she did, that it would be difficult to live down what happened. A small sigh escaped her lips, and as she reached the bookstore where she worked, Erica pulled open the door and walked inside. 

The cool, air-conditioned atmosphere felt wonderful against her skin, and the musky scent of old books, coupled with the earthy fragrance of sandalwood, pleasantly flooded her nostrils. As she approached the cashier counter, she offered a greeting to Iggy, the store's owner. 

"Hey, Iggs."

"Hello. Did you have a good lunch?" As was customary whenever he was reading a good book, his gaze remained firmly planted on the pages in front of him. 

She nodded in response, eyeing the silvery strands that were threaded throughout his hair. "It was okay. Would have been better if I hadn't tripped and fallen on my way back over here, though."

"Ouch, sorry to hear." He briefly looked up to make eye contact with her. "Did you get hurt?"

"I skinned my elbow, and my hip hurts a bit. Nothing too serious, though."

"We have a first aid kit in the office. You'll find some alcohol pads and band aids in there." He looked back down at his book and then said, "So, what did you eat for lunch?"

"A salad."

"Rabbit food again?" He shook his head in amusement, then pushed up his round, tinted reading glasses. "One of these days I'm gonna take you out for a nice, fattening lunch."

"I always welcome free food. The only requirement I have is that the restaurant be Vegetarian."

He scrunched his nose up at the suggestion, then rubbed his graying beard. "Well, I never tried that type of food before, but I guess I'd be up for it. Just let me know when, it's my treat."

"Will do." She continued along her way through the tall shelves of books until she reached the back of the store, where there was a door marked 'employees only.' 

After punching in her code, she pushed the door open and entered a moderately sized room with a small desk, a leather office chair, a grey file cabinet, and a small fridge, which had a coffee maker directly on top of it. Rows of books were neatly stacked up on a long counter, separated and categorized according to their subjects, and a box marked 'cd's' sat beside a large stack of comic books.

After placing her purse in a cubbyhole beneath the counter, she retrieved a first aid kit from a small cabinet above the fridge. After cleaning up her scraped elbow with an alcohol pad, she covered the small bruise with a band aid. Once that was done, she opened the small fridge and took out a miniature bottle of water. 

After downing the cold liquid, she threw the container in the trash and then headed back out into the main area of the bookstore. As she was exiting the door, she noticed her coworker approaching, who was an alabaster skinned redhead with blue eyes. 

"Hey, Tammy. You heading out to lunch?" She placed her palm against the door to hold it open for her coworker.

"Yep. I'm meeting up with my boyfriend at that new taco spot down the street." She slid her hair band off to release her coppery locks, then shook her head a few times so that her hair had a tousled look. "So are we still going out for drinks tonight? 

"Doesn't look like I'll be able to. These cramps I have are kicking my butt."

Her face creased in concern. "Oh man, that sucks. Sorry to hear. I have some aspirin in my purse, if you'd like to take one."

"I already took one earlier. Thanks for offering, though."

"Okay, well I hope you feel better soon."

"Thanks, and have a good lunch." She gave a parting wave, then headed for a large, cushiony armchair where a stack of books had been left behind. 

After collecting them in her arms, she walked through the rows of bookshelves until she reached the fiction section, then returned the books to their proper spots. Noticing a tall stack of books in the middle of an aisle, she headed toward them, then bent down to retrieve them. But before she could pick them up, a voice halted her movement. 

"Those are mine."

Glancing upward, she recognized the man standing next to her as one of the bookstore regulars. Standing around medium height, he had light brown hair and gray eyes. Dressed in his usual attire of a faded band t-shirt and dark colored corduroy pants, he offered her a shy smile. She'd never asked him his age before, but if she had to guess, she'd say that he was in his late twenties.

"Oh, sorry Ned. I figured they'd just been abandoned." She stood back up to her full height.

"It's okay." He nervously ran a hand through his hair, then cleared his throat. "So how have you been?"

"Pretty good. And you?" 

"Busy as usual. I finished school a few weeks ago, so I'm working as a computer programmer now."

"Oh yeah? Well good for you. Congratulations." She offered him a smile and placed her hand briefly on his arm, causing his cheeks to flush with color.

She'd meant it as nothing more than a friendly gesture, but seeing the effect it had on him, she realized that it could be mistaken for flirting. Noticing a bookcase with a shelf of haphazardly placed books, so she made her way over to it, with her admirer following along behind her. 

"How have you been doing?"

She gave him a funny little smile. "You already asked me how I was doing." 

"Oh, right. Sorry about that." A sheepish look crossed his face. "I've never seen you wear those earrings before. Are they new?"

"Nope, they're antiques. They were handed down to me by my grandma."

"Oh yeah? They look expensive. My cousin owns an antique shop. She has a lot of nice stuff there."

"That's nice." She gave him a weak smile.

"So I've been thinking about taking a class on woodworking. You have any books on that?"

"Yeah, sure. Follow me and I'll show you a few."

She led him out of the row they were currently in and over to a stack of books at the very back of the bookstore. As she came to a stop, she felt him step on the back of her shoe, and as a result, the heel of her foot slipped out of it. Stifling a sound of irritation, she bent down so that she could fix her footwear. 

"Sorry about that." He lowered himself to her level so that he could assist her. 

"Ned, it's fine. Don't worry about it." 

Intent on helping her, he placed his thumb into the back of her leopard print flats so that she could slip the heel of her foot back in. Once her shoe was back on, they both rose up from the squatting position, yet unfortunately managed to clunk foreheads on the way up. A sound of pain fled her lips, and she rubbed the spot where their noggins had connected. 

"Sorry again. I just keep on messing up, don't I?" His face visibly fell at the expression of displeasure on her face.

She couldn't help but feel bad for him, and knew that his clumsiness was just a part of his nature. "It's okay, no worries." She reached up to tug a few books off the shelf, and then took a few moments to thumb through the pages. Then she handed them both to him.

"These should be good to start with. They both have plenty of illustrations and step by step instructions, so you can't go wrong with either of them."

"Thanks, Erica. I appreciate it."

"No problem. You need anything else, just give me a shout." She said it reluctantly, hoping that he'd decide to leave her alone, but she knew that her wish would most likely go unanswered.

As she walked away she could feel his gaze lingering on her, and it wasn't until she was out of his line of sight that she began to relax. It wasn't that she disliked him, because he was actually very nice, but his awkward nature made her nervous. He visited the bookstore on a weekly basis, and whenever he came in, he tended to stay for hours, so she was beginning to tire of seeing him around. Ned had a way of rambling on about various things, and often changed subjects at the drop of a hat, so holding a conversation with him proved to be quite challenging. 

Erica knew he had a crush on her, and she did find him kind of cute, but personality wise, he just wasn't her type. She preferred her men to be more dominating, and had always been attracted to males who had a high level of confidence. Ned possessed neither of those traits, so she couldn't ever consider the idea of them getting together. 

She walked over to the new arrivals display table at the front of the store, and began to neaten it up. Once it was nice and tidy, she headed for the counter to chat with Iggy, who was clicking away on the keyboard of the store's computer system. Erica noticed that the bookshop's resident cat, Theodore, was stretched out next to the cashier, and she reached out to pet him. As she scratched him behind the ear he purred contentedly, then rolled over onto his back in hopes of enticing her to give him a tummy rub. A small chuckle fled her lips, and she ran her palm across his orange and white striped belly.

Spotting a small stack of books on the counter, she decided to inquire about them. "New arrivals?"

"Yep. Just came in half an hour ago. Have a look." He slid them closer to her.

She picked up the book that was on the top of the stack and read the title, then flipped it over to have a look at the synopsis. "Hmm, seems like an interesting read."

Iggy glanced up at her over the top of his glasses. "You're kidding, right?"

"No, I'm serious." She returned his lingering gaze with one her own. "Why, what's so weird about this book?"

"I just didn't take you for one of those apocalypse preparation freaks. Do you believe in zombies, too?"

She rolled her eyes playfully. "No, of course not. But I don't see what's so illogical about an apocalypse. It could happen, you know."

"Sure it could," he said in a voice that was dripping with sarcasm. "They've been forecasting doomsday for decades now, and yet it still hasn't happened." He shook his head to convey just how ridiculous he found the idea.

"Well I can't say for sure that I entirely believe it's going to happen, but I still think it's good to be prepared anyways."

He gave a light chuckle and then said, "Yeah, okay." As the sound of a ringing phone filled the air, he reached out to grab the receiver. "Iggy's Used Books, how may I help you?" There was a short pause as he let the other person speak, and then he responded. "Yes, we're located in Burbank. This is the only location we have."

The person on the other end of the line had a voice so loud that Erica could hear them speaking, and as they went into a long-winded ramble, Iggy rolled his eyes and looked down at his wristwatch to express how annoyed he was. She grinned in response, then grabbed the stack of newly arrived books off the counter and headed towards the bookshelves. 

* * * *

The day had turned to evening, and only an hour remained before quitting time, so Erica was taking care of all the duties that needed to be completed before closing the store. After setting up a new display by the front door, she went to work at replacing the signs which displayed the different sections of books. 

Most of them had become old and faded looking, so they were well overdue for an update. As she was taping a new sign up in the anthology section, Iggy popped his head around the bookshelf and glanced down the aisle where she was located, then called out to her.

"On my way out now. Have a good evening, and I'll see you tomorrow morning."

She glanced over her shoulder at him. "Later, Iggy. Have a good night."

The little bell over the door tinkled as he left the shop, and she felt a tiny rush of excitement course through her. Her coworker, Tammy, had finished her shift half an hour ago, so she was now the only person on duty. While her coworkers hated to close, she loved it. The shop closed at nine p.m., but by eight o' clock, the bookstore was pretty much deserted. 

She had just finished taping up all the signs when she heard the little bell tinkle once again. A faint smile curved her lips as she recalled how forgetful her boss was. He always left something behind, so it was pretty much customary for him to return to the store, only a few minutes after his departure. 


Peak of Desire Ch. 01



"What'd you forget this time, Iggs? Your car keys?" A small chuckle passed her lips. 

The hardwood floors creaked as the footsteps approached, and she suddenly realized that it couldn't be Iggy, because the footsteps were too heavy to be him. The person who had entered was wearing boots, she could tell by the sound of the steps they were taking. 

Curious as to what the customer looked like, she glanced over her shoulder and was shocked to see that it was the window washer. As her eyes fell on his strikingly handsome face, and lean, muscular body, her pulse began to race.

"Oh, hi." She felt her heart give a little flutter.

"Hello. Thought I'd stop by and return something of yours." 

"I wasn't aware that I'd left anything with you."

He help up a tube of lipstick, then handed it to her. "It must have rolled out of your purse when you fell."

A sheepish look crossed her face. "Thanks." She slipped it into the pocket of her jeans. Stunned by his presence, she took a few moments to admire his form. No longer in his uniform jumpsuit, he was clad in a pair of dark jeans and a black t-shirt. "So how did you know where I worked?"

"I watched you cross the street and come in here. Half an hour after you went inside, I saw you standing behind the cash register, so it wasn't too difficult to figure out that this was your place of employment." His lips curled into a little smile.

"Right. Well thanks for bringing it by."

"So how's your arm?"

For a moment she was unsure of why he was asking, and then she remembered that there was a band aid on her elbow. Bending her arm to glance down at it she embarrassingly said, "Oh, right. I'd forgotten all about it. It's fine, thanks for asking."

He glanced at the tall bookcases surrounding them, then casually strolled a little further down the aisle. "You have any books on Nepal?"

"Sure. They're in the Travel section. I can take you over there, if you'd like."

"I definitely would." 

The deep timbre of his voice sent a rush of heat between her legs, and his flirtatious tone caused her to experience a little flutter in her stomach.

"Follow me." 

She led him a few aisles over, and once they reached the section, she scanned the shelves for books written about the Himalayas. She spotted one at a higher level, but since she wasn't tall enough to reach it, she had to use the assistance of a ladder. She slid it along its track until it was positioned in front of her, and then stepped up onto the rungs. 

She pulled three books off the shelf and held them in one arm, while using the free one to help her descend the ladder. The weight of the books proved to be a bit much for her, and as she continued her way downward, she became unstable, finding it difficult to keep balance with the heavy books in her arm.

Noticing that she was unsteady, he reached up and placed his palms against her hips, firmly cradling her in his hands until she reached the bottom rung. She nearly swooned from his touch, and a sliver of arousal coursed through her. Once her feet were back on the ground, she turned to face him and handed him the books. 

"Take a look at those and pick out the one you like best." 

She then left him to browse though the books in privacy. She really didn't want to leave him at all, but his presence was intoxicating, and she was beginning to feel lightheaded. She'd never felt such an attraction to any man before, and was certain that the way she felt inside was clearly displayed on her face for him to see. Surely he must know how drawn to him she was. Anyone with a presence that captivating, was no doubt fully aware of the strong effect they had on people. 

While he was looking at the books she'd picked out, she kept herself busy by updating the rest of the signs. Once that was done, she ventured into the true crime section, and slid a book off the shelf to have a look at it. When fifteen minutes passed by, she thought about venturing over to the travel section to see if he was still there, but figured that if he needed any help, he'd just holler out to her. Five more minutes passed before he finally made an appearance, and as he made his way down the aisle toward where she was located, she felt her knees grow weak. 

He walked with a confident saunter, and carried himself in a way that commanded attention. It was obvious he possessed a lot of self confidence, and yet he was nowhere near arrogant. She didn't know if it was pheromones or what, but as he came closer to her, she picked up on his energy, and realized it was completely irresistible.

"I couldn't decide on just one book, so I'm going to buy two." He held them up for her to see.

"Glad you found them useful. I'll ring you up." She closed the novel she was reading and put it back on the shelf. 

As she turned back around, she found him standing directly in front of her. Taken off guard by the sudden close proximity of their bodies, she leaned her back against the bookcase and looked up at him. He lifted his arms so that his palms leaned against the shelf behind her, and offered her a look that caused her breathing to quicken.

"So are you gonna tell me your name, or do I have to guess what it is?"

"It's Erica." Her voice came out quieter than she'd expected, causing her to appear shy.

"That's a nice name. I like it."

"Thanks."

"I'm Cody."

"Nice to meet you."

"Likewise." 

He broke their eye contact, allowing his gaze to drift upward. She guessed he was looking at a book behind her, but as he reached out and brushed a hand against the top top of her head, she instantly stiffened. It wasn't that she didn't like him touching her, because nothing could be further from that. It had just been so unexpected, and the slightest touch from him resulted in some very powerful feelings within her. He held his hand out for her to see, and as she glanced downward, she saw a tiny leaf sitting on his palm. 

"It must have fallen in your hair when you were eating lunch."

"Yeah, I guess so." She nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, wishing she could think of something better to say.

He allowed the leaf to fall to the ground, then ran his fingers through his dark, silky strands. The mere sight of it caused her heart to beat quicker, and she found herself wondering if he'd calculated that move just to see her reaction. 

He looked at her for a few moments and then posed a question. "I don't scare you, do I?"

"No, of course not. Why would you?"

"You seem very nervous around me. Just a minute ago, when I pulled the leaf out of your hair, I noticed you shrink back a little. And your body visibly stiffened."

"I'm not scared at all. Maybe I am a little nervous, though."

"Why?"

She gave a little shrug. 

His lips tugged into a faint smile. "There's no reason to be apprehensive around me. I'm a nice guy. Once you get to know me, you'll see that."

"I believe that. I get a nice vibe from you."

"Oh yeah?"

She nodded.

"I'm picking up good vibes from you as well. Energy is very important, you know. If you don't click instantly with someone, then it probably isn't worth your time."

"I agree."

As he shifted his weight, she caught the scent of his deodorant. Her gaze lowered, and as she noticed a loose thread on the neckline of his t-shirt, she felt the urge to reach up and snap it off. She didn't know what made her notice a small detail like that, but for some reason, her eyes had been drawn to it. With her gaze was planted in the vicinity of his neck, she caught a glance of the Native style choker he was wearing. The beautiful piece of jewelry seemed to enhance his already good looks, and she found herself tempted to reach out and touch the bone beads which made up the design. 

But she didn't, instead allowing her eyes to admire the amazing craftsmanship. As she lifted her gaze, she noticed there was a small, crescent shaped scar next to his right eye. It was barely noticeable, and although it was an imperfection, it certainly didn't take away from his striking good looks. If anything, it actually made him even more appealing to her.

"What are you thinking?" 

She was tempted to ask him about the scar, but figured it may seem a bit intrusive, so she decided against it. "What are *you* thinking?"

"I'm having a couple of different thoughts at the moment, but the main thing on my mind is when am I going to see you again?"

Her heart was hammering so quickly in her chest, she became certain that it would pop out at any moment. "Well that depends. Are you single?"

"Are you?"

"I asked the question first."

"I'm not currently in a relationship, but I am open to dating. I would very much like to have a girlfriend."

"Okay."

"So what about you? Are you dating anyone?"

"Nope."

"Well why not? You're a very attractive woman."

"I was in a relationship for a year, but the person I was seeing moved away. We tried the long distance thing for awhile, but it didn't work out, so we decided to just end things."

"Well whomever you were involved with is a fool for letting you go. It's good for me though, because it means I have a chance."

She cast her eyes downward and gave him a shy smile. Then she looked back up at him. "So are interested in serious or casual dating?"

"Well if I get to know a certain someone, and we build something special together, then I'd love for it to build up to a serious relationship. What about you?"

"I feel the same way. If I meet someone that I click with, then I'd like for things to gradually build up to something more serious."

"Sounds like we're pretty much on the same page."

"I guess we are."

Glancing at the clock on the wall, she saw there was only half an hour left before the bookstore closed, so she gently took the books from his hands and made her way to the cash register.

"There isn't much time before the store closes, so I'd better ring you up now."

She could feel him watching her as they walked toward the front of the store, and as they reached the counter, she set his books down and began to total up his purchases. As his receipt was printing, she heard a knock on the glass of the bookstore window, and turned her head to see two women excitedly waving. One was a brunette, and the other a redhead, who called out to him from beyond the glass.

"Hey, Cody." The darker haired woman's voice sounded muffled from beyond the barrier.

He offered a brief wave in return, then turned his attention back to Erica.

Her lips tugged into a little smile. "You seem to be a ladies man."

He chuckled lightly. "Do I?"

"Yep." 

"Is that a bad thing?"

"It's not bad, but it's not exactly good, either."

"I love women, and I enjoy dating, but that doesn't mean I sleep around. I don't believe in sharing my body with just anyone."

"I see." 

"You sound like you don't believe me. Just because I'm a man, doesn't mean that I'm not interested in having a well rounded relationship."

"I never said you weren't."

They maintained heavy eye contact for few moments, and then he leaned across the counter so that his face was a mere few inches from hers. "So if you think I'm a ladies man, then why don't you reform me?" His hair had fallen forward, creating a curtain around his face, and he gazed deep into her eyes with an intent look.

The scent of his shampoo wafted into her nostrils, and for a brief moment, she contemplated closing the gap between them, and pressing her lips to his in a kiss. "I'm not so sure I'd have the patience to do that."

"Well why not?"

"Trying to change somebody...it never works." She shook her head to emphasize her opinion.

He laughed lightly and grabbed the shopping bag from her. "I know you think I'm a player, but I'm actually the exact opposite. I'm a very loyal person, and once you get to know me, you'll see how I truly am."

She gave him a smile and followed him to the door so that she could lock it behind him. As he opened it, a warm summer breeze drifted by, carrying the scent of barbeque from a restaurant down the way. 

"I'll be seeing you around. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Erica."

"You too. Take care." She watched him walk off into the night, and after locking the door, she headed back to the register and began to balance the till, a smile curving her lips as she did it.

****

Julia closed the back door of the bookshop and then locked it. Her shoes crunched against the gravel of the parking lot as she made her way to her red Toyota Corolla, and once she reached it, she unlocked the door and got inside. The scent of cherry car fragrance filled her nostrils, and after turning on the radio, she drove out of the lot and made her way towards home. 

As she headed along the street, she found her thoughts drifting to Cody. He had a strong sexual magnetism, and there was something mysterious about him. And that hair-it was long and shiny and completely gorgeous. She could only imagine how pleasurable it would be to touch, allowing the silky strands to slip through her fingers. 

Erica hadn't met many Native guys before, but she'd always been very attracted to them, and the fact that he was a window washer really intrigued her. It was one of those occupations that she knew existed, and yet she'd never met anyone who actually did it. 

She was also curious as to what types of hobbies he had, because if he didn't mind dangling hundreds of feet above the ground on little more than a plank of wood and rope, she guessed that he must be involved in other types of fearless activities as well. She wondered how he'd gotten into that line of work, and how long he'd been doing it. There were a million things that she wished to know about him, and she hoped he would show up again at the bookstore.

She'd also been hoping that he'd ask her for her phone number, and was disappointed that he hadn't. He seemed to be the dominating, go-getter type, so she knew that he couldn't have been hesitant to ask her. As she pondered the reason why, she guessed that he could be waiting to ask her at a later date. 

But why not ask for it up front, especially since they had such a strong connection? He obviously knew that she liked him, so maybe it was some sort of game he was playing. He probably wanted to build her anticipation, and make her wonder about it. He seemed like the type who might enjoy that type of thing.

She'd never been so curious about anyone before, and if she was this intrigued about him, she had to wonder just how many other woman out there felt the same way. Sure, he'd told her he was single, but that didn't mean he wasn't involved with any girls. A man that gorgeous couldn't possibly be spending all his time alone. 

She thought back to the two women who had waved at him through the window, and began to wonder what his relationship with them was like. They were probably only one of many females who threw themselves at him on a daily basis, so what chance was there for her to have a stable, committed relationship with him? 

Having arrived at her destination, she pulled her car into the RV park and drove along a short road until she reached her Airstream trailer. After putting the Toyota in park, she exited the car and made her way toward the door. It was an unconventional home, but she didn't mind it all. In fact, she loved living in an Airstream. She'd always been the adventurous type, and as a teenager she'd imagined herself traveling to all sorts of cool spots across the United States. 

So when she'd spotted an ad in the newspaper for a renovated airstream, she'd taken the plunge and decided to try out RV living. Aside from her mother and a few of her cousins, most of her extended family found it weird that she'd chosen to reside in a silver aluminum tube, but she didn't care. She'd spent the past year and a half happily residing in the trailer, and didn't have plans to change her living situation anytime soon. 

After unlocking the door, she climbed the steps and entered. She set her purse on the wrap around lounge seating, then slipped off her shoes and headed for the bathroom, enjoying the nice, cool feel of the bamboo flooring beneath the soles of her feet. Once she'd relieved herself, she headed for her sleeping quarters. 

She parted the beaded curtain which partitioned off her bedroom, and opened the window behind her bed. With the temperature outside being in the low eighties, it didn't do much to ease her discomfort, but at least it would bring a bit of fresh air into the hot, stuffy RV. After stripping down to her underwear, she grabbed a paisley print sundress from out of her closet and slipped into it. Then she headed for the main living area so she could fix something to eat. 

Feeling the need to get the air circulating, she switched on a small fan that sat next to the microwave. Then she bent down to open the fridge that was under the counter, and retrieved a plate of leftover breakfast food, as well as a can of root beer. 

While it was warming in the microwave, she picked up a container of live crickets from off the counter and carried it over to a large aquarium tank. She bent down to look through the glass, and spotted her pet tarantula hanging out on a small rock.

"Hey Jimmy, how's it going?" Her breath ghosted against the glass of the tank as she spoke to her pet arachnid.

She carefully peeled the top off the container of crickets, then took one out with a miniature pair of tongs. After lifting the mesh top off the aquarium up, she dropped the cricket in. The insect hopped around for a few moments, wandering aimlessly around the tank, and then suddenly the tarantula rushed forward, incapacitating it in its grip. 

Unable to stomach the sight of the spider eating it's prey, she turned away from the aquarium and plopped down on the L shaped couch, propping her feet up on the cushion. Having a pet tarantula was enjoyable, and she found them to be fascinating creatures, but she'd never liked having to feed them live crickets. She knew it was the necessary diet for her pet, but she still couldn't help feeling bad for the insects. 

As she was waiting for her food to finish heating up, she kept herself entertained by reading a crime novel. It was a nice, thick book, something she could really sink her teeth into, and within a few short moments, she was fully engrossed in the murderous tale. A sudden knock on the door of Erica's trailer startled her out of her concentration, and as her shoulders jumped upward, she nearly dropped the book. Whipping her head around to see who it was, she recognized the visitor as Stevie, her mother. 

"Hey pumpkin, I didn't scare you, did I?" Her tightly coiled, perfectly shaped ringlets bounced as she made her way up the stairs. 

Erica's lips curled into a smile. "Just a little. But it's okay." She got up off the couch so she could offer a hug.

The scent of patchouli filled Erica's nostrils as they embraced, and she felt her mother's lips press to her cheek in a kiss.

"Something smells good. Whatcha cookin?" Her long, bohemian style dress floated behind her as she walked over to microwave, then bent down to see what was inside. "Looks like breakfast food."

"Yep. I made a tofu scramble earlier this morning, and had leftovers, so I figured it'd make a nice dinner."

The microwave beeped and Stevie took the food out, then opened the kitchen drawer to grab some silverware. 

"So what's up with all these chopsticks? Do you have a ban against silverware, or something?"

"I read this article that using chopsticks forces you to eat slower, and since I inhale my food, I figured it might be a good idea to try it out for awhile."

"Yeah, I remember hearing about that. Never tried it myself, though. I'm terrible at holding those things." Finally locating a fork at the back of the drawer, she pulled it out for herself, then grabbed a pair of chopsticks for her daughter. She then joined Erica on the couch, and they contentedly munched on the tofu scramble. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 01



"So anything interesting happen since the last time we spoke?"

She briefly thought about mentioning the gorgeous man who currently dominated her thoughts, but decided against it, not wanting to get too excited over something that had just begun. "Nope, not really."

"Whenever you say not really, it usually means yes. So give me the update."

She grasped a piece of tofu between her chopsticks, then popped it into her mouth. "Well, I did meet this really cute guy today."

"Oh yeah?" Stevie's eyebrows lifted. "So what's he look like?"

"He has long black hair, dark eyes, and an amazing set of cheekbones. He's basically the most beautiful man I've ever seen."

"Sounds like a heart breaker. I know you probably don't want to hear this, but avoid the guys that are devastatingly handsome. They always end up hurting you."

"Well there must be some exceptions to that rule."

"Yeah, but more often than not, gorgeous guys turn out to be bed hoppers. Just a word of advice."

"Well I'm not sure about the sleeping around part, but he does seem like a ladies man." 

"So what does he do for a living?" She tucked a leg beneath her and leaned in a bit closer, as if preparing herself to hear a good story. 

"He's a window washer."

"Really? That's pretty interesting. Did you actually see him washing windows, or he just told you that's what he does?"

"I saw him. He was cleaning one of those high rise buildings downtown. He must have been at least thirty stories above ground."

"Wow, it takes a special kind of person to do that job." 

"Definitely." She tipped the can of root beer to her lips and finished the last of it, then threw it into a small wastebasket located a few feet away from her.

"So how did you two start talking?"

"Well, it's kind of a long story." Her lips curled into a little smile, and she recounted the events of their interaction, starting with her embarrassing display of clumsiness in the courtyard, and ending with a brief description of the flirtatious conversation they'd had. 

"He sounds like quite an interesting guy. And the way you describe him..." She fanned her face, then said, "He sounds like quite the hottie."

She smirked at her mother's response. "He certainly is."

"So did he ask for your phone number?"

"Nope."

"Hmm, well it sounds like you two had quite the connection. I wonder why not?"

"She gave a shrug. "I'm stumped as well." She released a little sigh. "But then again, with the way he looks, he can have his pick of any woman. So I guess it's not all that surprising." 

"Hey now, I don't want to hear that kind of defeatist talk coming from you. You're gorgeous, and you know it. You took after me, remember?" She gave her daughter a little smile, then smoothed her hair back away from her face. She then rose onto her feet and walked over to the wastebasket so she could scrape the remaining scraps of food from off the plate, then rinsed it off and set it in the sink. 

Then she grabbed a jar of M & M's from off the counter and shook some out into her hand. "I wouldn't worry too much about it. If he's serious about dating you, then his actions will show it. Whatever you do, don't seem too eager. Act like you could care less, and you'll hook him in no time."

"Playing hard to get never works." 

"I didn't say play hard to get. You can still flirt and show interest, but act casual. He sounds like the type who's used to women falling over themselves to impress him, so be different. Show him that you're to be pursued, not the other way around."

"Yeah, okay. I'll remember that advice."

"Don't just remember it, do it. I did the same with your father, and we've been married for twenty years. Believe me, it works." As she glanced at her watch, she gave a little sound of surprise. "I'm gonna have to jet outta here, hon. Me and your father have to get to our tantra yoga class."

"Okay, I really wish you hadn't told me that. I really didn't need that visual in my head."

She waved her hand in a playfully dismissive way. "Oh please, you're an adult, Erica. It can't be that difficult to comprehend that your parents still have a sex life."

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."

Stevie rolled her eyes. "Get up and give your mother a hug, will you?"

She rose onto her feet and they embraced, then she walked Stevie to the door. As her mother pulled her car keys from out of her purse, Erica caught sight of her mother's fingers. 

"I thought you quit smoking?"

She glanced up with raised eyebrows. "I did, for awhile. How'd you know I started back? I haven't had a cigarette all day, so I can't smell." 

"You have nicotine stains on your fingers. Dead giveaway, mom."

She lifted her hand, and saw the brownish yellow color that stained her fingertips. "You're right. It amazes me how you always notice the smallest details. It must be all those true crime and detective novels you read."

"Please quit." There was a pleading look in her eyes.

"I will, eventually. I'm trying really hard, okay?"

She gave a nod in response.

"Take care, pumpkin, and we'll talk soon." She gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek, then made her way down the RV steps. 

"Drive safe."

She offered a wave in response, then got into her car, giving a beep as she drove off.



Peak of Desire Ch. 02



*Thanks for the feedback and votes, everyone. I appreciate it a lot! I hope you'll enjoy this chapter.* 

*

Two days had passed since Erica had last seen Cody, but he was still heavily on her mind. It wasn't just her waking thoughts he was occupying, but also her unconscious ones. Just the previous night, she'd received a visit from him in her dream world, and their encounter had been nothing short of erotic. She'd woken up in an intense state of arousal, and had been astounded to realize that she'd been on the verge of orgasm. 

She'd had sexually stimulating dreams before, but this was on an entirely different level. Throughout her work day, she found herself recalling snippets of it, and even now, with six hours having elapsed since she'd woken up, she could still vividly recall the dream images. 

In the unconscious world that her mind had created, Erica had been lying naked on a bed beneath Cody, and his head had been buried between her thighs. His tongue had flicked back and forth with incredible speed, and with each lash of his wet appendage, she'd released moans and whimpers of pleasure. 

She remembered how delicious it'd felt to have his long hair tickling against her bare thighs, and she also recollected the wonderful sensation of his fingers against her breasts, pulling and tugging on her nipples as he enthusiastically ate her out. 

After he'd finished manipulating her with his tongue, dream Cody had climbed up on top of her and leaned in for a kiss. Their lips had come dangerously close to touching, yet before they could, she'd woken up. Although she'd been elated at the vividness of her unconscious world, she'd also been left feeling quite frustrated. Why did her dream have to end at such a pivotal point? She'd ached to feel his lips on hers, and although it was only a figment of her imagination, she still would have loved to share a dream kiss with him. 

Although she barely knew Cody, her body was already hungering for his touch, and several times during the day, she'd found herself indulging in carnal thoughts about him. She knew it did no good to get herself so worked up, as it would most likely only lead to sexual frustration, but she couldn't help it. 

He was damn sexy and completely irresistible, so of course she couldn't stop fantasizing. He was on her mind so much, that whenever she passed by a high rise building, she took a glance upward to see if he was at work washing the windows. But she still had yet to spot him around town. 

Glancing at the clock on the wall above the cash register, she saw it was noon, which meant it was time for her fifteen minute break. During the cooler months of the year, she liked to go outside and take a walk down the block, just to get a bit of fresh air, but since it was currently summertime, she preferred to stay inside the bookshop and spend her free time reading. She did love books, after all, and was surrounded by all sorts of interesting literature, so it only made sense to spend her breaks this way. 

With last night's dream still on her mind, she was curious about the meaning behind it, so she headed to the new age section and picked out a dream encyclopedia. She flipped through the pages until she found what she was looking for, then began reading the information about the symbols in her dream. Spotting someone from her peripheral vision, she glanced over to see Iggy standing at the front of the aisle.

"I'm out to lunch, Erica. See you in half an hour." He waved, then made his way to the door.

"See you in a bit." She called out after him.

Turning her attention back to the book in her hand, she flipped through the pages until she found the entry she was looking for. According to the dream book, the act of oral sex signified that she 'needed to inject some more romance into her life.' Well no surprise there, seeing as how she'd been single for nearly seven months. She then looked up the entry for kissing, and as she read the interpretation of it, she found that it perfectly fit what she was experiencing. 

*If the dream ends just as you are about to kiss someone, then it indicates that you are unsure of what your future with this person is. You are looking for some sort of relationship with them, but are not certain how you should go about doing that.*

If that wasn't the truth, then she didn't know what was. Releasing a little sigh, she turned a few pages to explore more of the book, but the sound of a deep voice suddenly halted the movement of her fingers.

"So what was your dream about?" A deep voice from behind her asked.

Erica turned to see Cody casually standing with his hands stuffed into his pockets, glancing down at her smaller form with a slight smirk on his lips. Clad in a pair of black jeans and a gray t-shirt, he offered her a lazy smile. As her eyes feasted on the handsome features of his face, she felt her heart beat a faster rhythm, and her body swiftly heated up from his intoxicating presence.

"It wasn't anything that interesting." She closed the book and set it back on the shelf.

"Really? Well judging from the page you were on, it seems like it may have been." 

"How long have you been standing behind me?"

"Only a couple of seconds."

She tried not to let on just how pleased she was to see him, but her body language and the look on her face said it all. She'd never been very good at pretending, and she knew he could sense just how strong her attraction was to him.

"So can I help you find a book?" She knew very well why he'd stopped by the bookstore, but she wasn't sure of what else to say to him.

"Nope. The only thing I'm interested in, is standing right in front of me."

A smile crept onto her face and she experienced a fluttering in her stomach. Glancing at her watch, she said, "Well I've got ten minutes left of my break, so I guess we can hang out for a bit."

"Good. So i've been thinking about you quite a bit these past few days."

"Oh yeah?" 

"Yep. Have you been thinking about me?"

"A little."

"Only a little?" 

She didn't answer, only gave him a crooked little smile.

"Have you been dreaming about me?"

She cocked an eyebrow. "Where'd you get that idea?"

"Well I saw you reading that dream book."

"And that led you to the assumption that you were the focus of my dream?"

"Yep."

Unable to deny it, she stared silently at him.

"So tell me I'm wrong."

"I can't."

"Exactly." There was a look of triumph on his face. "So tell me about the dream."

"Her cheeks grew hot. "My dreams are private. I don't tell anyone about them."

"Is that right?"

"Yes, it is."

"I think you're just too embarrassed to tell me. Must have been an x-rated dream." His lips tugged into a grin.

She suddenly recalled the dream image of Cody's head between her legs, and as she visualized it, she felt herself become wet with desire. 

"I just can't talk about it, okay?"

He offered a light chuckle. "It's cool. I won't press you about it." He silently watched her for a few moments, fixing her with an intent gaze. Then he once again spoke. Sometimes dreams can come true."

"Yeah, sometimes they can."

"Would you like for the dream you had to come true?"

If she could have blushed, she would have. "I can't talk about this. Not here." She averted her eyes from his, focusing instead on an elderly female customer who was heading down the aisle they were in. Erica offered her a friendly smile as she approached, and the old lady came to a stop in front of her. 

"Excuse me, can you show me where the cookbooks are located?"

"Sure thing. Follow me." Erica headed out of the aisle, and the woman followed behind her.

Once they reached the food reference section, the woman thanked her, then Erica headed back to the aisle she'd left Cody in. When she saw he wasn't there, she checked the next aisle over, and spotted him browsing the shelves where the Erotica books were located. 

A smirk tugged at her lips as she headed towards him. "Find anything interesting?" 

He glanced over at her, and handed her a book from a stack that he was carrying. "I want you to read this. I think you'll enjoy it."

Curious as to what type of sexual content it had, she looked at the title of the book and was surprised to find that it wasn't erotic at all. It was something he'd picked out of the adventure section, a true life tale about a mountain climber.

"It's about this climber who scaled Mt. Everest. Once he reached the top, he got really sick, and was technically dead for two hours, but somehow he came back to life. It's a pretty fascinating read."

"Sounds interesting. I wouldn't usually pick something out like this, but it does sound pretty good, so I'll give it a go."

"Cool. I'm buying it for you, of course." He gently took the book from her hands.

"Oh. Well thank you." 

"No problem. Now since I picked out a book for you, why don't you pick one out for me?"

"But I don't really know your taste."

"That's the point. Just pick something that you find interesting, and I'll read it."

"Well what if you don't like it?"

He gave her a little smile. "I trust your judgment."

"Okay." Glancing at her watch, she saw there wasn't much time left before she was back on the clock. "Give me five minutes, and I'll have a book picked out for you."

"Sounds good. I'll meet you at the front counter." 

As he headed for the front of the cash register, she quickly scanned the shelves of the non-fiction section, and came upon a book that she'd read some years ago. It was a favorite of hers, and something she was pretty sure he could find some interest in. As she reached the front of the store, she spotted Cody looking at one of the display tables. He glanced up at her as she approached, then headed to the checkout counter. Erica handed him the book so he could check out it out. 

He read the tile aloud. "Life on the road: A travelogue of a nomadic spirit."

"I guess the title pretty much says it all. Not sure if you're into travel books, but I find road trip memoirs to be really interesting."

"Sounds like it could be interesting." He took a glance at the synopsis on the back of the book, and then handed it to her, along with the book he'd picked out for her.

"You don't have to buy the both of them. I was going to pay for the travel novel."

"It's okay, I don't mind." He pulled his wallet out of his pocket.

"Well thanks, I appreciate it."

"Not a problem." 

He watched her intently as she rung up the books, making her feel as if she were a fascinating individual that he just couldn't keep his eyes off of. No one had ever gazed at her so deeply before, and it did make her feel a little nervous, yet was it not also turning her on? 

After tearing off the receipt, she placed it on top of the book, then grabbed a shopping bag from beneath the counter. 

"I'll just carry the book out in my hand, thanks."

"Okay." Taking a glance at her watch, she saw that her break was over. "Well, I guess I better get back to work. See you around." She started to leave the register, but he placed his hand on hers before she could move away.

"How about giving me your phone number?" It came out as more of a statement, rather than a question. 

It was the first time they'd had any skin to skin contact, and her stomach fluttered in response. With a smile on her lips, she opened the cover of the book she'd picked out for him, then picked up a pen and wrote her number inside. As she was doing it, her coworker, Tammy, appeared from behind one of the book stacks.

Her eyes rested on Cody for a few moments, openly admiring him, then she glanced at Erica, and saw that she was jotting her number down. Tammy's lips curled into a little smile, and as Erica looked up at her, Tammy gave her a thumbs up. 

As Erica handed the book to Cody, she said, "Hope to hear from you soon."

"Oh you will. Most definitely." Then he gave her a wink and headed for the door. "Later, cutie."

As soon as he was gone, Tammy headed towards Erica, her busty chest bouncing as she made her way over. "Damn, he's fine. What's his name?"

"Cody."

"Does he have a brother?"

"I don't know, but would it matter if he did? You're already taken, remember?" She shook her head in mock disapproval.

"I know, I know. I was only joking." She retrieved a bobble head pen from a pencil canister on the counter, then tapped her finger against it to make the head shake. "So now that you have a boyfriend, we'll have to double date sometime."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"He will be, though. I can tell that he really likes you."

Yeah, well I guess I'll see how it goes." Erica glanced out the bookshop window and stared wistfully into the distance, catching a glimpse of Cody's retreating form just before he disappeared around a corner. 

* * * *

Only a day had passed since Erica had given Cody her phone number, but the anticipation she felt was nearly overwhelming. She felt silly being so crazy over a guy, but she couldn't help it. Physically speaking, he was everything she'd ever longed for in a man, and personality wise, he seemed very cool, but there was still very much an air of mystery surrounding him. 

She was very curious as to what his daily life was like, and was eager to ask him all sorts of questions. She didn't know when he was going to call, but from the experience she'd had with men, the longer they waited, the less serious they seemed about having a relationship. Every time her phone vibrated from a text or phone call, she pulled it out of her pocket and snuck a peek at the display screen. Yet to her disappointment, it was never him. 

After a few hours of this obsessive type of behavior, she'd shut off her phone and vowed not to turn it back on until once she'd arrived home. As gorgeous as he was, he wasn't worth losing her head over. If she was already this crazy over him, there was no telling how she'd behave if and when they ever did get into a relationship. 

She refused to let herself become one of those insanely jealous girls. Although she did worry that he'd decide to call while her phone was off, she found it liberating to no longer have Cody consuming her thoughts, especially since she was so prone to indulging in mini fantasies about him. 

Once she arrived home from work, she kicked off her shoes and headed straight for the shower. The cool water felt heavenly against her skin, and once she was fully refreshed, she got out of the tub and dried off. 

Then she headed into her bedroom and slipped into a pair of denim shirts and a flower print tank top. After putting on a pair of low heeled sandals, she headed for the door. After closing it behind her, she headed down the road to visit her friend Marisol, who lived in a cute, cottage style mobile home.

As she approached Marisol's house, she saw her open the door and pop her head outside. "Hey there, stranger." 

Erica waved and climbed up the steps to the RV. Standing at barely five feet, Marisol had thick, wavy, shoulder length hair. Her skin was olive colored, but could easily tan to a darker color when she spent time out in the sun. Originally hailing from Cuba, the thirty-one year old received citizenship at eighteen, and had been residing in California ever since. 

As she entered Marisol's trailer, her eyes were treated to the sight of bright, tropical colors. The walls were painted a bright blue color, and colorful paintings which depicted tropical settings were hung on the wall. The delicious scent of cooking food filled the air around them, and Erica's mouth began to water.

"Your place always smells so good. What are you cooking?"

Oh, I'm making a lot of stuff. Enough food to last for a week, but you know how long it will be before it disappears? Two, maybe three days. That son of mine, he eats nonstop." She rolled her eyes and gave a little smile, then headed for the kitchen, gesturing for Julia to come along.

Every burner of the stove was occupied, with two skillets at the front, and two large stainless steel pots at the back. Glancing at the pans on the front of the stove, Erica saw that empanadas were frying in one pan, while plantains were cooking in another. Marisol removed a top from off one of the pots on the back burner, and used a large spoon to stir the contents. 

"Are you staying for dinner?"

"Sure, I'd love to."

"Good. I know you can't have the meat, but there will be plenty of other things for you to eat. Oh, and I'm making that fish and tomatoes dish you love."

"Yummy. Can't wait." Glancing around the kitchen, she saw several cutting boards on the counter, as well as a few large mixing bowls and lots of different spices. "So can I give you a hand with anything?"

"If you could help me chop up those onions and bell peppers, that would be great." 

"Sure, no problem." Grabbing a knife from off the counter, she busied herself with cutting up the vegetables.

Once the mixing bowl was full of diced onion and bell peppers, she assisted Marisol in seasoning up some chicken breasts. After that was done, Erica flipped the plantains over, and then stirred a bubbling pot of black beans. 

By the time they finally finished preparing the meal, they were both eager to leave the sweltering kitchen, so after retrieving a cold beverage from the fridge, they headed into the living room, where it was much cooler. Once they were seated on the couch, Marisol gave Erica a deep, thoughtful look. 

"So how have you been? I haven't seen you for nearly a week."

"I've been good. Just busy working."

"You still have your side job as a massage therapist, right?"

"I do it freelance every now and again, for extra money. Why?"

"I may have a new client for you. He's a coworker of my brothers. He's not too bad looking, either. You date white guys, right?" 

Her lips curled into a little smile. "I'm open to dating all types of men, but I'm not currently interested in being fixed up."

"You already have a boyfriend?"

"Not exactly. But I am talking to someone."

"So when did you guys meet?"

"Three days ago."

"So on a scale of one to ten, how much do you like him?"

As she visualized Cody's tall, lean form, and long, dark hair, she felt a spark of desire course through her, and a wide smile graced her face.

"Wow, that much, huh? And you've known him less than a week? He must be pretty special."

"From what I know about him so far, he seems really cool. Not to mention, he's completely gorgeous."

"Well if he made you grin like that, then he must really be something."

Feeling her cheeks grow hot, she averted her eyes and took a swig of her carbonated malt drink.

"So when's he coming to visit you? I'm curious to know what he looks like."

She shrugged. "I don't know, we're just beginning to know one another."

"Okay. Well I hope it all works out for you."

The timer for the stove went off, prompting Marisol to head for the kitchen, with Erica following behind her. Marisol pulled a pan of arroz con pollo from the oven, then set it on the kitchen table. Erica removed the empanadas from the skillet and placed them onto a decorative dish, then arranged the plantains on an oval shaped platter. She took both dishes out into the dining room and placed them onto the table. Then she returned to the kitchen and assisted Marisol with bringing out a large bowl of black beans and rice. Once all of the food, plates and silverware was on the table, Marisol called out to her teenage son, who was located in his bedroom.

"Amador, dinner is ready!"

Both Erica and Marisol took their seats at the table, and once Amador joined them, they bowed their heads and Marisol said a dinner prayer. Then they began passing around the dishes, and once everyone's plate was full, they dug into the meal. Glancing at her son, Marisol saw that he'd brought his hand held video game along with him, and gestured for him to turn it off.




Peak of Desire Ch. 02



"Aw, mom, come on."

"No I won't come on, put it away. We're eating."

He gave a sigh of frustration and set it aside. They ate dinner in silence for the most part, as everyone wished to fully indulge in the delicious food. Once their plates were empty and bellies full, they all had a serving of Cuban flan, which was so deliciously creamy and rich, it seemed to melt in Erica's mouth. 

After they finished dessert, the two women cleared away the dishes. Then Marisol put some hot water on to make coffee. Once the coffee had been prepared and their cups were full of the hot beverage, Marisol poured in some half and half. She handed a cup to Erica, and then led the way to the front door so that they could sit out on the porch. 

"We'll be right outside, Amador," she said to her son, who was reclining on the couch watching TV.

Engrossed in a reality show, he barely gave a nod in response. Once they were out on the porch, the women each settled into a wicker chair. They amiably chatted for half an hour, and as their conversation died down into a comfortable silence, Erica glanced at her watch.

"Well, I guess I better head home. It's nearing ten o' clock, and I'm feeling kind of tired." She stood up from her chair and languidly stretched. 

"As always, it was so good having you over." Marisol gave her a hug.

"I had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for dinner, it was delicious."

"My pleasure. See you later." She offered Erica a wave, then headed back into the house.

Once Erica arrived home, she kicked off her sandals and headed for her bedroom. After changing into her night clothes, she climbed onto the bed and relaxed against the comfy mattress. Spotting her cell phone at the foot of the bed, she reached down to grab it, then switched it on. As the display screen lit up, she waited with bated breath, hoping she'd received a voice mail or text message from Cody. 

She felt a little jolt of happiness as the sound of her voicemail alert filled the air, and as she connected to her mailbox, she felt a nervous kind of hopefulness. As the sound of his voice filled her ear, she lay back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. 

"Hi Erica. It's Cody. Just thought I'd call and say hi. I tried reaching you earlier today, but your phone was off, so I'm guessing you were still at work. Anyways, I guess I'll try and call back in a bit. Hope everything is well, and talk soon. Later."

His deeply masculine voice was so sexy, and she could only imagine what it'd be like to have him press his lips to her ear, whispering all sorts of dirty things as he drove himself deep between her legs. Suddenly she began to feel very warm, and as racy visuals ran through her head, she felt the spot between her legs grow moist. She didn't know why she was in such a horny mood, but she guessed it might have something to do with the fact that she hadn't had sex for nearly eight months. 

Now that she thought about it, that was quite a long time go without sexual contact. Since her last relationship ended, several men had asked her out, and she'd given her phone number to a few of them. But it seemed that she was destined to meet men who were either flakes, or just downright players. That was, until now. Of course she didn't know him very well, but so far Cody seemed to be neither of those things. She knew there were a lot of men out there that would tell you whatever you wanted to hear in order to get into your pants, but it didn't seem as if Cody was that type. 

Sure he was a man, and he was obviously interested in sex, but she was hoping they would build a connection beyond that. Her thoughts drifted to the last time that she'd seen him, and as she thought of his lips, she began to imagine what it would be like to kiss him. The sound of a ringtone abruptly pulled her from her thoughts, and as her cell phone vibrated, she felt the mattress slightly quiver. After picking it up, she spoke into the receiver. 

"Hello?"

"Hey Erica. How's it going?" 

"Oh, hi Cody. I'm doing good, and you?"

"Better, now that we're speaking. It's good to hear your voice again."

"Good to hear yours, too."

"I thought about stopping by the bookstore again today, but I worried that you might find it a bit stalkerish, so I decided against it."

"I wouldn't have minded. In fact, I would have liked it if you'd stopped by."

"Really?"

"Yep."

"I imagine your coworkers would tire of seeing me, though."

"Actually it's the exact opposite. The main girl that I work with thinks you're quite hot, so I doubt she'd ever complain."

He gave a light chuckle. "Oh, you mean that tall redhead? So she thinks I'm attractive, huh?"

"Hey now, don't go getting any ideas." She said in a firm, but playful voice.

"I was only joking. I don't have any interest in her."

"Yeah, right. She's completely gorgeous, so you don't have to try and spare my feelings."

"Well I'm not trying to say that she isn't cute, because she obviously is. But you're the one I'm after. I think that's pretty obvious, isn't it?"

"Yeah." 

"So do you like being chased?"

"Chased?"

"Yes, do you enjoy the thrill of having a guy pursue you?"

"Well I never really thought about it before, but now that you bring it up, yes I do."

"What do you like about it?"

She thought it over for a moment. "Well everyone likes feeling wanted, so I guess that's part of the appeal. It feels nice to have a guy try to win you over."

"Yeah, I guess it would." He was quiet for one short moment. "Not to sound conceited or anything, but I've had a few girls chase me before."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yep."

"And did you like it?"

"It can definitely be flattering, but this one girl was so aggressive, that it quickly became a turn off."

"What did she do?"

"She called me multiple times a day, and blew up my phone with all sorts of weird texts. And one time she came by house late at night and rang my doorbell for five minutes straight. Basically, she just came on way too strong."

"So how did you finally get her off your back?"

"Well, it was kind of hard, because we lived in the same apartment building. So I ended up having to move out."

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah, it was pretty much a nightmare."

"Wow, that's crazy. When was this?"

"About eight months ago."

"Did you break her heart, or something?"

"No way, I'm not a jerk."

"I didn't say you were, I'm just curious as to what made her act crazy."

"I don't know. She was just a whacked out chick. Not much more to it than that."

"So how long were you guys together?"

"That's the thing, we never were. We talked a couple of times on the phone, and then I found out that she was married, so I stopped taking her calls."

"Wait a minute, she was married?"

"Yeah, her husband was in the Army, and I guess she was trying to have a fling with me while he was overseas." 

"How did you find out?"

"One of my neighbors told me."

"How scandalous."

"Tell me about it. I really should have known better than to try and date someone in my apartment complex, though. So I guess I kind of brought it on myself."

"Yeah, that probably wasn't the best idea. It still wasn't your fault, though."

"I guess not. So anyways, have you ever had a stalker?"

"Well, not exactly. I guess you could say I have an admirer, though."

He gave a light laugh. "Oh yeah? Who is it?"

"One of my customers at the bookstore. Every time he comes in, he follows me around the store and endlessly talks about all sorts of different subjects. I guess he does it in hopes that I'll find him interesting."

"So if he bothers you, then why don't you tell your boss about him?"

"Well he doesn't seem dangerous or anything, he just has a little crush."

"I'll bet he's not the only one that comes in to check you out."

"I haven't really noticed any others."

"I'm sure there are more, though. They probably just do it in a more low key way."

"I don't know, maybe."

"How many guys have come in and asked for your phone number?"

"Since I started working there? Hmm, I'd say around six."

"And how many have you given your number out to?"

"Just one, and that's you."

"Really? You're not just trying to give me an ego boost, are you?"

"No, of course not. You are truly the first of my customers that I've ever given my number out to."

"So why me? What makes me different from them?"

The fact that a man as devastatingly handsome as Cody would even ask a question like that, caused her attraction toward him to grow even more. It showed her that he truly was humble, and she liked the fact that he didn't automatically assume he was the only one who could capture her attention. 

"Well none of the other guys were really my type."

"So what's your type?

"Tall, long black hair, lean muscular build, dark eyes..," Her voice trailed off as she heard him offer a chuckle.

"Careful not to stroke my ego too much, or else it might go to my head."

Her lips curled into a smile. "Seriously, though. There's just something different about you. Something mysterious."

"Is there?"

"I think so."

"That's just because you don't know me yet."

"No, it's more than that. I want to peel back your layers and find out more about you."

"I've got a layer of clothes on right now that I wouldn't mind you peeling back," he said in a suggestive tone of voice.

"I'm being serious."

"So am I."

They were both quiet for a few moments, and then he broke the silence. "So can I ask what you sleep in at night?"

"Usually shorts and a tank top. But sometimes I just wear a big t-shirt."

"You ever sleep naked?"

She felt her pulse speed up from his question. "Sometimes, if it's a really hot night."

"It's definitely hot tonight, so does that mean you'll sleep naked?"

She had no intentions of doing so, but unable to resist, she gave a teasing answer. "I might. What do you think?"

He gave a short pause of silence. "I think you probably will."

Her lips tugged into a smile. "What about you? What do you wear to bed?"

"Sometimes a pair of boxers, but usually I like to be completely free, so I just sleep nude."

She felt the area between her legs grow warm in response to his words. "I see." 

"Are you visualizing it right now?"

"What?"

"You know what I mean. An image of me naked."

"Why do you want to know?" 

"Just curious."

"Would it matter if I was?"

"You're dancing around my question quite a bit. I guess that gives me my answer."

She cleared her throat and remained silent.

"Ok, I'll stop asking naughty questions."

"No, it's okay. I don't mind."

"You're a bit shy, aren't you?"

"No, not really."

"Well I think you are. It's okay though, because I like it. It's actually quite cute."

"You think so?"

"Yeah. It gives me more of a challenge, and makes me wonder how you'll be once you really open up to me."

"Well I'm glad it doesn't bother you."

"Nope, not at all."

"So I've been wondering, how did you become a window washer? I never met anyone before who did that as a job, so I'm really curious about that."

"Well, as a rock climber, I've never had a fear of heights, and I have a lot of experience hanging from ropes and climbing sheer surfaces. So one day I was passing by this tall building, and I noticed these guys washing windows way up above the ground, and I thought, I could do that. So when the window washers came down from the building, I asked them what company they worked for, and they gave me a number where I could contact their boss. And that's how I got started."

"Interesting. So you're a rock climber too, huh?"

"Yep."

"And how long have you been doing that?"

"I started right before graduating college, so for the past ten years."

"Oh, cool. I always thought rock climbing would be fun to try, but I just can't imagine myself scaling a tall mountain."

"Well you can also climb boulders, canyons, or various kinds of small rock formations. The key is to start off small, that way it won't seem so intimidating."

"Yeah, I guess that would be the best way to do it."

If you'd like to get a taste of what it's like, I could take you to an indoor climbing gym. Would you like to do that sometime?"

"Yeah, sure. I've always wanted to try one of those places out."

"Alright, well I know a great one downtown near the shopping center. Are you free this Saturday? If so, then I'd love to take you there."

"Yeah, I'm free."

"Cool. Then it's a date."

Her lips pulled into a smile. "I'm looking forward to it."

"So am I."

Glancing at the digital display of her alarm clock, she was surprised to see that they'd been on the phone for nearly half an hour. The time had gone by quickly, and she couldn't remember the last time she'd had such an easy going, unawkward conversation with a guy. 

"So what time do you usually go to sleep?"

"I don't really have a set time. It depends on how early I start work the next day."

"Do you have to wake up early tomorrow morning?"

"Yep, I start at seven a.m. What about you?"

"I don't have to be at work until eight thirty, but I wake up pretty groggy if I get less than nine hours of sleep, so I should probably be getting off." 

"But I'm not ready to let you go, yet. I want to talk some more."

"So do I, but it's getting late."

He gave a little sound of disappointment. "Alright. But before you go, I've been meaning to ask you ask you something."

"Yes?"

"I know you've dreamed about me before, but have you actively fantasized about me?"

She felt her mouth go dry, and the temperature of her body rose. "What do you think?"

"I think you have. Am I correct?"

"Yes."

"So what kind of fantasies have you had?"

"I can't tell you."

"Well why not?"

"Because I'm embarrassed to, that's why."

She heard soft laughter come from his end of the line. "Your shyness is co cute. Well can you at least tell me if you've thought about kissing me?"

"Yes, I have."

"I've thought about kissing you, too. You have very nice lips. I bet you're a good kisser."

"Well I haven't had any complaints."

"I'm sure that you haven't." 

"So besides kissing me, what else have you fantasized about us doing?"

"I'd love to tell you, but if you won't share your fantasy with me, then why should I share mine with you?" 

"Tease."

"Oh really? Well I could say the same of you."

She chuckled softly. "I'm not purposely withholding, I'm just too shy to tell you.

"You'll share your fantasies with me, eventually. I'll get you to open up."

"Is that right?" 

"Yes, it is."

He said it so matter of factly, and with such confidence, that she couldn't help but feel aroused. She loved a man who was sure of himself, and she had a strong feeling that Cody was going to bring out the more adventurous, erotic side of her. She heard a crinkling noise coming from his end of the line, and curiously inquired about it.

"What's that sound?"

"I'm unwrapping a chocolate bar. Wanna come over and share?"

"That's way too tempting of an offer."

"What's tempting? Me, or the candy?"

"Both."

"So what's stopping you?"

"Nothing, I guess."

"I wish you were here with me. I'd much rather taste you, instead." His voice came out low and velvety smooth.

As the words left his mouth, she felt a tiny jolt of electricity zing through her clit, and her skin tingled with desire. She was unsure how to respond to such a salacious statement, so she remained quiet, listening to the sound of him eating his late night treat. She never would have thought that listening to someone eat a chocolate bar over the phone could be arousing, but the little sounds of contentment he was making was definitely adding to her horniness. 

She began to imagine what it would feel like to have his tongue on her, and what type of techniques he would employ to get her off. Cody had a sexual magnetism that could melt a woman's panties off, so she knew he would be unstoppable in the bedroom. 

She'd never wanted anyone so badly in her life, and she knew that if she allowed this conversation to go on, things would only take a more erotic turn. And while she certainly wasn't prudish, she would rather wait until the next time they spoke before venturing further sexual territory. 

"I'd better get off the phone now." Her voice came out sounding breathy.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?"

"No, not all. It's just that it's getting a bit late."

"Yeah, I know. I've kept you on for too long, haven't I? I'll let you go. But hey, I had a great time talking with you."

"Same here. Sleep well, okay?"

"You too, Erica. Goodnight."

"Night."

After setting her cell phone down on the mattress beside her, she turned her lamp off and rolled onto her back, releasing a contented little sigh. Her body was buzzing with excitement, and she was beyond ecstatic. It seemed she was building a great connection with him, and she was surprised by just how well their conversation had gone. 

Erica could hardly wait for their date on Saturday, and was already eager to once again see him in the flesh. Rolling onto her side, she placed her cheek against the coolness of the pillow and did her best to wind down and go to sleep. She had no way of knowing just where things were headed for them, but if there was one thing she was certain of, it was that she was about to embark on an interesting new chapter in her life.



Peak of Desire Ch. 03



*THANK YOU to everyone for your continued interest. And also for the comments and votes. I hope you enjoy the chapter!*



The remainder of the week passed by so sluggishly, that Erica thought the weekend would never arrive. But as Saturday finally rolled around, she found herself experiencing a mixture of anxiety and excitement. She'd been single for eight months, and during that time, she hadn't gone out on one date. 

After breaking up with her boyfriend of nearly a year, she found that she'd needed some time to just be alone and regroup. Once three months had passed by, she'd felt the itch to have someone in her life once again, but she found the whole dating scene so unappealing. So she hadn't made any real efforts to put herself out there and meet anyone. 

So here she was, standing in front of a full length mirror analyzing her appearance. She was glad that their first date wasn't at a restaurant, or going to see a movie. She was bored of having conventional dates, and since they were meeting up at an indoor rock climbing gym, it would give them a chance to interact in a unique way. It would also take the pressure off them having to make constant conversation, and provide them with an easy going, laid back atmosphere. Plus since Cody was a rock climber, she knew he would be in his element, and she was definitely interested in seeing him in action. 

The outfit she'd picked out for the day was very casual- a pair of black yoga pants, a t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers. She briefly contemplated taking a light wrap, but since it was only four in the afternoon, she figured that she really didn't need it. It was summertime, so even if they did stay out after dark, the weather would still be pleasantly warm.

She would have preferred to have left her hair down, but since they were going to be engaged in a physical activity, she'd pulled it back into a ponytail. She had minimal makeup on, only a bit of mascara, a neutral toned lipstick with a thin layer of lip gloss, and a bit of eye shadow beneath the brow bone to emphasize the arch. After slipping her cell phone into the pocket of her pants, she grabbed her car keys and headed for the door. 

The rock climbing gym was located in an industrial area downtown, and after a twenty minute drive, she pulled up in front of a bright red building with a sign which featured a logo of a person climbing a mountain. She turned into the parking lot and steered her vehicle into a space, then put her car in park. 

A nervous excitement filled her as she approached the building, and once she was inside, she began scanning the gym for Cody. The atmosphere that surrounded her was buzzing with energy, and the sound of people talking and laughing echoed off the walls. 

There was a reception desk located a few feet away from her, and two black leather couches were placed directly across from it. Beyond the lobby area where she was located, she could see a variety of rock climbing walls, and spotted people ascending them. Some were going at a quick, steady pace, and others moved slower, as if they were uncertain of just what to do. 

Filled with anticipation, she continued to eagerly seek out Cody, and as she caught sight of him, she offered a wave. A smile spread across his lips, and he made his way over to her. The black tank top he wore provided her with a nice view of his broad shoulders and well built biceps, and a pair of loose fitting gray jeans graced his long legs. His hair was slicked back into a ponytail, and as his tall, masculine form approached her, she felt a flutter in her chest. 

As he reached her, he pulled her into his arms and gave her a warm hug. As she returned his embrace, she caught the scent of his body wash, and found that it caused a carnal reaction within her. His body felt so nice pressed up against hers that she didn't want to let go, but she knew they couldn't stand in the same position forever, so she reluctantly pulled back from the hug.

"Sorry I wasn't by the door to meet you as you came in," he said. "I drank a large bottle of water on the drive over here, so I ended up having to go to the bathroom."

"No problem."

"Well, all we need to do is rent you some rock climbing shoes and pick up the equipment, and then we'll be all set." He led the way to the equipment counter, and after picking up some footwear for Erica, and some climbing harnesses and a chalk bag, they made their way into the main part of the gym.

"You see a particular wall you'd like to try out?" Cody asked.

Her eyes roved over the various climbing routes, taking note of the various walls that were available. Some of them had sheer vertical surfaces which stretched fifty feet high, while others were shorter in stature, with ledges and large rock footholds that jutted out from the climbing surface. Spotting a wall that had all sorts of interesting slants, she pointed it out to Cody. 

"How about that one?" 

"That wall has vertical climbs and overhangs. It's much too difficult for a beginner. How about we try that one instead?" He pointed toward a wall that was thirty five high, with plenty of foot and hand holds. 

"Okay, sure."

He led her over to the wall, and once they reached it, they each put on a harness, stepping into the leg loops and pulling them up around their thighs. Then they secured the waist belt around their midsection. Erica couldn't help noticing the way that the back of the harness cupped Cody's butt, and she briefly admired his cute little ass. 

"So before we get started, let me give you run down of how this works," he said. "Those little stones you see sticking out of the surface of the wall, they're called holds. Now each of those holds are marked by a piece of colored tape. The tape identifies specific routes. Now since you're just starting out, I've picked out the yellow route for us. That's the easiest, most basic one. So as you're climbing the wall, you'll only grab onto the holds that are marked by yellow tape."

She gave a nod. "Okay, that seems pretty simple. I can do that." 

"Cool. Well I guess we're all set. Just be sure to cover your hands with chalk first." He gestured to the little bag that was hanging off the side of her harness. "It'll help you get a better grip."

She reached into the bag and squeezed the little pouch so that her palms were covered with chalk, then they approached the wall. After securing their harnesses to a rope that hung down from the top of the climbing surface, they each grabbed onto a handhold. 

Cody looked over at her and asked, "Ready?"

Erica gave a nod in response, then they started up the wall. She made her way slowly upward, tentatively placing her foot on the rocks that jutted out of the wall. Cody patiently climbed alongside her, matching her slow pace so that she wouldn't feel rushed, and as they ascended to a higher level, Erica found that the route they were taking began to increase in difficulty. 

It seemed that the handholds and footholds marked with yellow tape were in closer proximity when they'd first started the climb, but now that they were climbing higher, they seemed to be spread further from each other. In order to stay on their particular route, Erica had to stretch out her arms and manipulate her body in a certain way. When she was standing on the ground looking up, she was certain that the wall would be fairly easy to climb, but now that she was actually doing it, she found that it required more strength and stamina than she ever could have imagined. In addition to being a very physical activity, rock climbing was also a mental one, as it required her to fully concentrate on the task at hand.

The closer they came to reaching the top, the harder the climb seemed to get, and she began to wonder if she was actually going to make it. She felt a little embarrassed by her lack of physical endurance, and suddenly wished that she'd been more diligent about going to the gym. 

It seemed that their ascension was taking longer than it should, and each time she glanced up, it seemed as if the distance to the top grew even further. Her arms were beginning to ache from all the stretching and pulling upward, but she pushed on, determined to not give up. Noticing that she was having difficulty, Cody offered some tips.

"Keep your hips close to the wall, and don't look upward so often. It will only make things more difficult."

She offered a small sigh of frustration, but heeded his advice, and as they continued upward, she found that her confidence began to grow. They were now only a few feet from the top, as they came closer to reaching the peak, she got a sudden burst of energy, and accelerated her speed. 

Cody gave her a pleased look, and increased his pace as well. She was nearly to the top when her overconfidence backfired, and as her shoe slipped off one of the footholds, she fell a few inches down the wall. Momentarily forgetting that she was safely secured in the harness, Erica released a small gasp of fear. 

"Don't worry, you're strapped in tight. You're doing just fine, Erica," Cody supportively said. "Just keep going, you're almost there."

She moved her foot around until she located another rock that was marked by yellow tape, and keeping her fingers wrapped tightly around the handholds, she propelled herself upward. As they finally reached the finish, a rush of satisfaction swept through her, and she took a glance over at Cody, who was offering her a smile.

"Good job."

"Thanks," she said, slightly out of breath from the exertion.

"So now that we've reached the top, you ready to head back down?"

As Erica glanced over her shoulder and looked at the ground, she felt a tiny knot of anxiety in the pit of her stomach. She'd been so focused on reaching the top of the wall, that she hadn't even considered what going back down it would be like. It seemed it was going to provide a whole new set of challenges for her, and she began to wonder how she was ever going to make it back to ground level.

She guessed that Cody was able to sense her hesitancy, because he offered a few words of encouragement. "The climb down may seem intimidating, but it really isn't hard at all. Just stay focused and make sure you always have a tight grip on the handhold, that way if you slip, you'll still be able to hold on. Move slowly, take your time, and try to keep your weight evenly distributed."

She nodded, then took a deep breath to calm herself. "Okay, I'm ready."

As she'd expected, the climb down proved to be more challenging than their ascension, but with Cody's support and helpful tips, she was able to confidently go down the wall. Her shoe slipped off the footholds a couple of times along the way, but she was able to quickly recover and continue downward without feeling scared. When they finally reached the bottom, and her shoes were planted firmly on the ground, she offered a little sigh of relief and felt a sense of achievement at having been able to get back down the wall. 

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" He asked.

"Nope. It was less scary that I thought it would be."

"See? I told you." 

As she glanced up at the wall, she couldn't help feeling a bit of pride at having reached the top. A few times along the way, she'd seriously considered giving up and going back down, but now she was glad that she hadn't. She couldn't take all the credit, though. Without Cody's gentle coaxing and support, she never would have made it to the finish.

"So now that you've had the experience of indoor rock climbing, would you do it again?" The look he gave her silently expressed his wish to hear an affirmative answer.

"Yeah, sure. It was challenging, but fun. Plus it's good exercise."

"Well cool, I'm glad you enjoyed it. And you're right about it being a good workout. You can build up a pretty good sweat doing it."

Erica worked to release the knot on the rope which was attached to her harness, but she found it difficult to do, so she asked Cody for assistance. 

"Can you give me a hand? I can't get the rope loose."

"Sure thing." He went to work on the rope, utilizing his long, lithe fingers to loosen the figure-eight knot that was attached to a loop located next to her pelvic area. 

She watched intently as he did it, noticing just how close his fingers were to her most intimate spot. She couldn't help wondering what it would feel like to have those fingers slide between her legs, and as she imagined them sinking into her slick wetness, she felt a pleasant little tingle in her clit. 

If only he knew just how wet he was making her. But of course he didn't and that's part of what made the moment so exciting. Here she was, in a public place, having an erotic little moment with him, and he didn't have a clue what she was thinking. A part of her wished that he did, and yet she also liked the fact that it was a secret. 

Once her harness was free of the rope, he undid his own, and then they both took off their climbing gear. Erica slipped out of the rock climbing shoes and changed back into her own sneakers, then they made their way over to the equipment counter. 

After the supplies were checked back in, they headed for the door. They emerged the building to find that it was nearly dusk, but the temperature was still pleasantly warm. A balmy breeze caressed Erica's skin, and as she looked up at Cody, she saw him offer her a pleasant little smile.

"Are you hungry?"

"I'm starving."

"I know a nice little diner where we can get some food. It's only a couple of blocks down the way."

"Sounds good." Her keys made a jingling noise as she pulled them out of her pocket. "You lead the way, and I'll drive behind you." 

"Where are you parked?"

She pointed in the direction of where her car was located. "I'll be driving a red Toyota Corolla. What about you?"

"A black Chevrolet pickup. I'm located on the other side of the parking lot, so I'll just drive around and meet you in front of the building, then we can head to the restaurant."

"Alright. See you in a bit."

He gave her a smile and then headed for his car. Once she reached hers, she unlocked the door and got inside. After starting up the engine, she pulled up in front of the gym and waited. Once she spotted his car, she pulled up behind him and trailed him out of the parking lot. 

Two minutes later they arrived at a little place called Dot's Diner. The exterior of the restaurant was made from shiny chrome and had an art deco design to it. The most unique feature about the establishment was that it was designed to look like a vintage railroad car, and according to the neon sign, the diner served the best pie in town, and was open until midnight seven days a week.

Judging from the unique façade, it seemed like a cool little place to eat, and Erica was curious about what the interior looked like. She saw Cody's black Chevy pickup pull into a parking spot near the door, and she pulled into the space right next to him. 

Before exiting the car, Erica released her hair from the ponytail, allowing the layers to fall forward and frame her face. She then freshened up her lip gloss, and after taking a quick glance at herself in the flip down mirror, she got out of her vehicle. The look on Cody's face told her that he liked what he saw, and she returned his smile with one of her own. 

"And I thought you looked good before." He glanced down at her admiringly. 

"I figured it might be nice to let my hair down."

"I'm glad you did. That hairstyle really suits you, by the way."

"Thanks." Her cheeks heated up from his compliment.

As they reached the door, he pulled it open for her, allowing her to walk in first. It'd been some time since she'd been on the receiving end of a chivalrous act, and appreciating the demonstration of politeness, she offered a thank you.

"You're welcome." He followed behind her, and as they approached a counter with stools, they were greeted by a blonde waitress who appeared to be in her early forties, with blue eyes and a blonde, pixie style haircut.  

"Hello there, a table for two?" 

"Yes. Can we have the booth in the back, please?" Cody asked.

"Certainly." She grabbed two menus from behind the counter, then led them to their seat. "Right this way."

Once they were seated in a turquoise colored booth, the waitress placed the menus in front of them. 

"Can I start you off with some drinks?"

"Do you guys have iced tea?" Erica asked.

"Sure do, hon. You want it sweetened, or plain?"

"Sweetened."

"And for you?" The waitress directed her attention to Cody.

"I'll take a Sprite with no ice."

"Sure thing." She headed away from the table and towards the back of the counter to prepare their drinks.

"Hope you don't sitting in the back like this, but I figure it would be nice if we had a bit more privacy."

The rest of the customers were seated in the rear of the restaurant, so they had their own private little area all to themselves. 

"No, I don't mind it all. It's nice and quiet back here." Erica's eyes roved around the interior of the diner, noting how it was meticulously designed to look like a vintage dining car. She found the retro atmosphere charming, and it almost made her feel as if she'd stepped back into the past. "This is a cool little place. I'm surprised I've never seen it before."

"It's kinda tucked away from the main road, so I think it's a well kept secret."

"Come here a lot?" 

"Every now and again. Last time I ate here was a month ago."

She picked up the menu and began to look at it. "So what do you suggest?" 

Well you can never go wrong with a burger. My personal favorite is the barbeque cheeseburger. The combination of onion rings, bacon and barbeque sauce is really delicious."

"I don't eat meat. I guess I should have mentioned that when I asked for suggestions." 

"You're a vegetarian?"

She offered a nod.

"I guess I should have suggested a different place, then. This is mostly a burger and fries kinda restaurant."

"No worries. I see they have a portabella vegetarian burger on the menu, so I'll order one of those."

"Cool. And I'll get my usual." 

The waitress came back to their table and set their drinks down, then took out a small pad and retrieved a pen from behind her ear. "Are you two ready to order?"

Erica gave the server her order first, and then Cody gave his. After scribbling it down on the pad, the waitress retrieved their menus and headed off towards the counter. 

"So how long have you been a vegetarian?" 

"Since birth. My parents my raised me that way."

"Interesting." Cody gave her a thoughtful look. "I've never dated a girl who was a vegetarian before."

"Really? That's surprising, considering that you live in California."

"I know, right? I guess there's a first time for everything, though."

"Does it bother you, me being a vegetarian?"

"No way, it doesn't make any difference to me. The only thing I'm worried about is offending you by chowing down on the big, juicy burger I just ordered."

She chuckled lightly. "It doesn't bother me at all to watch other people eat meat, so don't even worry about it."

"Cool. Glad to know you're okay with it."

There was a lull in the conversation as they sipped their drinks, and as Erica studied his handsome features, she found that her eyes were drawn to the small scar located next to his right eye. Ever since the first day that he'd come into the bookstore, she'd been wondering about how he'd gotten it, and was eager to ask him, but just as Erica opened her mouth to talk, the waitress arrived with their meals. 

After setting the plates of food down, she chirped, "Enjoy." Then she left them to eat their meal. 

Erica had worked up quite an appetite from the strenuous activity at the rock climbing gym, and her mouth was watering from the delicious scent of burgers and fries. But before she took even one bite, she took the bun off her burger and placed some French fries along the top of the veggie patty. She could feel Cody watching her as she did it, and as she lifted her gaze to meet his, she saw his lips pull into a little smile.




Peak of Desire Ch. 03



"You do that too, huh?"

"Yep. A burger just doesn't seem complete without a few French fries on top."

"I agree. The only reason I'm not putting it on my sandwich, is because I already have so many other toppings. Plus I don't really like the way that fries taste with barbeque sauce."

Erica replaced the top of her sandwich, and as she took a bite, her taste buds rejoiced from the myriad of flavors. A sound of contentment escaped her lips, and she followed the first bite up with a second, larger one.

"Good?" Cody asked.

Unable to talk through a mouthful of food, she gave a nod.

He offered a light chuckle. "That burger is almost bigger than your face. I'll be very surprised if you manage to finish it all."

After swallowing down what was in her mouth, she said, "Normally I probably wouldn't, but that rock climbing lesson kicked my butt, so I just may be able to." 

He grinned, then bit into his sandwich. 

Erica dipped a French fry into a pool of ketchup on her plate, then popped it into her mouth. "Have you ever tasted a veggie burger before?"

"Nope. I wouldn't mind seeing how it tastes, though."

"You can sample mine, if you'd like." She held it up and offered it to him. 

He set his own burger down on the plate, then leaned forward and opened his mouth, taking a bite of her sandwich. She watched his face closely as he chewed, curious as to if he liked the taste or not. 

"Hmm, interesting texture. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. Actually it's pretty darn good for fake meat." 

As they continued to enjoy their burgers, Erica found that her eyes were drawn to his lips. There was something sensual about watching him eat, and she noticed that every so often, he would slide his tongue across his lips, to clean off the barbeque sauce that had been left behind. She felt kind of weird watching him so closely, but she found it difficult to look away. 

She was helplessly drawn to him, and the sight of his tongue peeking out of his mouth was quite erotic. Suddenly she was reminded of a few nights ago, when they'd have their first phone conversation. She recalled how he'd been an eating a chocolate bar, and remembered the way it had sounded over the phone. She also recollected the remark he'd made about wanting to give her oral pleasure, and how incredibly turned on it had made her. 

She was beginning to feel a bit warm, so she took a sip of her iced tea, hoping that it would cool her body down somewhat. It seemed that he sensed a shift in the energy she was emitting, because Cody locked his eyes into hers, drawing her into his deep gaze. 

"You seem to enjoy watching me eat." His voice broke their silent moment.

Feeling her cheeks grow hot, she briefly averted her eyes, then looked back up at him. "Well you were looking at me, so I was only returning your gaze."

"You weren't just looking into my eyes, though. I saw you glance at my lips numerous times." He was quiet for a moment, offering her a chance to say something, but when she didn't, he continued to speak. "So what were you thinking about?"

She gave a little shrug, then said, "I don't know."

"Sure you do. Don't be shy, tell me."

"I was just thinking about how sensual the act of eating is."

For a few long moments he didn't say anything at all, only studied her with those dark, penetrating eyes of his. She began to worry that she'd just made a complete fool out of herself by divulging her inner thoughts, but then he began to speak. 

"You're right, eating is very sensual. Next to the sex, it's the most sensual act there is."

Hearing him mention sex caused a stirring in her loins, and her heart began to beat a little quicker. Before she could say a word, Cody once again spoke.

"They say you can pick up cues about the type of lover a person is, simply by watching them eat."

"And do you believe that's true?"

"Not really, do you?"

"Maybe to a point. I believe that if you watch people closely enough, you can pick up all sorts of hints about the type of disposition they have." 

"I guess that's true." He took another bite of his burger, then said, "So judging by the way I eat, what type of a lover do you think I'd make?"

Erica's heart raced and her skin tingled. She hesitated for a few moments, trying to work out how she should respond, but then she decided instead of being shy, she would just come right out and tell him what was on her mind. "I notice you eat slowly. You savor your food, fully enjoying the taste before you swallow. So I'd say that you enjoy taking your time. You're slow and sensual."

"You're not too far off the mark. I am slow and sensual, and I do enjoy taking my time, but depending on the mood I'm in, I can become quite intense."

"Intense..," As carnal thoughts ran through her head, her voice drifted off. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

"Well if I'm with a woman that really fuels my desire, then the way I make love to her, will match the mood that I'm in." He watched her intently, studying the expression on her face. 

She felt her nipples tighten beneath the fabric of her shirt, and she matched his gaze with equal intensity. The sound of the waitresses' voice suddenly cut through the stillness of their moment, and they reluctantly broke eye contact.

"Can I get you two any dessert? We have really good pie." She set a dessert menu down on the table so that they could glance at it. 

There were about fifteen different types of pies available, so Erica had a difficult time picking out just one. 

"It's really hard to pick. They all sound so good. What do you suggest, Cody?" 

"Their pecan pie is really good."

"Okay, I'll go with that."

"And I'll take a slice of strawberry rhubarb."

The waitress scribbled their order on a small pad. "Would you like coffee to go along with it?"

"Coffee would be nice," said Erica.

"I'll have a cup as well," added Cody.

"Alrighty, be back in a jif." She removed their empty dinner plates from the table and then headed for the kitchen.

"So have you made any other observations about me?" He curiously asked. 

"No, have you?"

"I've made a few."

"Like what?"

"Well you're obviously a bit shy, but what intrigues me, is that there seems to be another side of you. I'm sensing that deep down within, you're an uninhibited person."

"Perhaps I am."

"I'm willing to bet you are. I'm very interested in seeing that side of you come out."

"Maybe you will one day."

"I want to turn that maybe into a definitely."

His voice came out sounding low and sensual, causing Erica to feel a tingle of arousal. No matter how many times she looked into his eyes, she always found herself awestruck by how darkly sensual they were. All it took was a look from him, or a change of tone in his tone of voice, and she began to feel the excitement build within her.

"Well it's certainly not impossible, but it may take some time."

"That's okay, I don't mind waiting." Reaching across the table, he grabbed her hand in his and gave it a few gentle strokes. "I really like you, Erica. I know it's been only a week since we first met, but it seems like we already have quite a connection. What do you think?"

"I feel the same way. It's been a long time since I clicked so well with somebody." 

She wasn't used to feeling such a strong attraction so early in the dating stage, and she couldn't help feeling a little worried about that. She was the type of person who felt things very intensely, and while it was pleasurable to experience such feelings as sexual desire and falling in love, the conflicting emotions which inevitably along with having a relationship were often quite hard for her to deal with. 

"I'm glad you feel the same," Cody said. The tips of his fingers grazed along the inner part of her wrist, providing her with a delicious little tickling sensation. Taking note of the charm bracelet she was wearing, he curiously studied the decorative pendants. "Interesting charms. Do they have any special significance?"

"Yep, they each represent important things in my life." For instance," she pointed out one of the pendants, "This one represents my tarantula."

"You have a tarantula?"

"Yeah."

"I never would have guessed that. How long have you had it?"

"Three years."

"I've never met anyone who had a pet spider. I'd like to come over and see it, sometime."

She gave him a little smile. "I wouldn't mind that."

As he held her gaze, he allowed his finger to slide across the inside of her palm, stroking it ever so softly, and she felt a little shiver run up her spine. She didn't know what made her body react so strongly to a simple stroke on the hand, but there was something very sensual about the way he was doing it. 

From his gaze and touch alone, he was doing things to her body that she hadn't feel in a very long time. She wondered if he could sense just how badly she wanted him, and then realized that without a doubt he could. He knew exactly what he was doing to her, and every caress was unmistakably designed to see just how much further her desire for him could grow. 

Breaking his gaze from hers, Cody turned his attention back to her bracelet. "What does this one represent?" He pointed toward a charm in the shape of an upward pointing arrow. 

"It's my astrological sign."

"And what sign are you?" He asked.

"Sagittarius. What about you?"

"Aries."

"So we're both fire signs."

"Are we?"

She nodded. "This should be interesting. I don't think I've ever had a boyfriend who was a fire sign, like me." As the latter half of the sentence exited her mouth, a sheepish expression crossed her face. "Not that I consider you as my boyfriend, or anything."

He gave her an amused expression. "So what do you consider me as?"

She took a moment to ponder the question. "Somebody that I'm dating."

"Do you see me as potentially becoming your boyfriend?"

The answer to that was undoubtedly yes, but she didn't want to come across as over eager, so she said, "I think anything is possible."

"Your eyes say one thing, but your lips say another."

"So you're saying I'm dishonest?"

"Not at all. I'm just mentioning that nonverbal communication is a powerful thing."

It took the presence of the waitress to break their gaze, and after setting their saucers of dessert and cups of coffee on the table, she said, "Enjoy your pie." Then she turned and headed away.

They unclasped hands and each picked up a fork, then began to eat. Her pecan pie had a nice custardy texture to it, and a sweet, buttery flavor that was decadently rich. 

Eyeing Cody's slice of strawberry rhubarb pie, she asked, "How's your dessert?"

"Just as delicious as I'd remembered it. How about yours?"

"Very yummy. Mind if I sample some of your pie?"

"Help yourself."

She stretched her arm out and positioned her fork next to his saucer, but before she could get a portion of the pie, Cody sliced off a piece with his own fork and brought it up to her lips. Surprised by the intimate gesture, her eyebrows lifted slightly, and she opened her mouth to accept his offering. It tasted like heaven, nice and sweet, with just a hint of tartness, and she gave a little sound of contentment in response.

"Good, isn't it?"

She nodded, then sliced off a piece of her pecan pie and guided it to his mouth. "Have a taste of mine."

He took the forkful of dessert into his mouth, then said, "Delicious. I might have to steal another bite before you finish it all." 

She gave him a smile, then added some sugar and cream to her coffee. After blowing on it a few times, she picked up the cup and had a sip. As she was setting it back down, she was suddenly reminded of a question that she wished to ask him. Still curious about the story behind the blemish next to his right eye, she decided that now might be a good time to inquire about it.

"Can I ask how you got that scar by your eye?"

His eyebrows lifted slightly, as if he were surprised by her question.

"I'm sorry, if it's too personal to share, you don't have to tell me."

"No, it's okay. I don't mind." He took a few swallows of his coffee, then set the cup back down. "It happened five years ago. I was out on this rock climbing trip with a couple of buddies of mine. We ran into this other climber, and he ended up hanging out with us. He ended up being really aggressive, and somewhere along the trip, me and him got into an argument about proper rock climbing techniques. As a climber, you're supposed to respect the area you climb in, and leave things as you originally found it. 

He continued his story. "Well, it seems that this guy was intent on trashing things up. Not only did he leave all sorts of packages in the area we were climbing in, but he bolted the rocks when there really wasn't any need to. I know it seems petty, and it probably doesn't make much sense to you as a non-climber, but when you bolt an existing climb, it lessens the difficulty of it, and makes it less enjoyable for other people who are already at a certain level. Not to mention that it contributes to the breakdown of the rock." 

He shook his head in displeasure of the memory, then lifted his mug of coffee to his lips. After taking a swallow, he continued to speak.

"Anyways, this guy obviously wasn't very happy about having me call him out on the stuff he was doing, so he got up in my face, started talking all kinds of bull crap, and basically tried to get me to back down. Well of course I didn't, and that's when he pulled out a knife. I didn't even have time to dodge it, and the next thing I knew, I had blood running down the side of my face. Luckily for me, the blade missed my eyeball." He turned his face and leaned forward so she could get a closer look at the scar. "As you can see, it was just a few inches from reaching it."

She shook her head in disbelief. "What a crazy prick. I'm sorry you had to go through that, but I'm glad that your eye itself wasn't injured." 

Then, without even thinking about it, she brought her hand up to his face and gently traced the scar with her finger. His brown eyes stared straight into hers as she did it, causing her heart to hammer in her chest. She began to move her finger away, but before she could do it, he caught hold of her hand, gently pulling it back toward him. He brought it up to his lips, then very tenderly, he placed a kiss on the inside of her wrist. Then he threaded his fingers through hers, and gave her palm a light squeeze. 

"I've had a wonderful time with you today."

"Likewise. I really enjoyed myself."

"Hope we can do it again soon."

"Definitely."

The waitress approached their table with check in hand, then set it down on the table. She offered them a little smile, then said, "I hope you two had a nice meal, and enjoy the rest of your evening."

They offered a thanks, and after paying the bill, they exited the diner and stepped out into a pleasantly warm summer evening. The chirp of crickets filled the air around them, and as they reached Erica's car, Cody took hold of her hips, gently coaxing her closer to his body. 

"So when do I get to see you again?" 

"I have some free time coming up next weekend."

"That's a long time to wait. What if I want to see you sooner?"

"I guess you'll just have to be patient."

A little smile crossed his lips, and then he placed a finger beneath her chin, tilting it upward. He leaned down to kiss her, sliding his tongue between her lips, and as their wet appendages bumped together, Erica was certain that she felt electric currents. 

The kiss started off slow and sensual, and then gradually deepened, becoming so passionate that she felt as if he were taking her breath away. When his lips pulled back, she found herself weak in the knees, and was left with an urgent need to have more. Although their kiss had lasted half a minute, it still hadn't seemed long enough. 

"Just as I'd guessed, you're a fantastic kisser." His voice came out sounding husky.

"I could say the same of you."

"You'll call me when you get home?"

She nodded, and as he held onto her waist, she couldn't help noticing that his fingers were drifting toward the curve of her butt. They hovered just a hairs inch above it, and although he was trying to be sly about it, she had no doubt about what he was trying to do.

Amused by his thinly veiled attempt to cop a feel of her backside, she gave a little smile and reluctantly pulled away from him. After opening her car door, she turned to offer some parting words.

"Thank you for dinner. I had a really nice time."

"So did I, and you're welcome. Drive safe, okay?"

"You too." She got behind the wheel, and after shutting the door behind her, she started up her car.

As she drove out of the parking lot, she glanced into her rear view mirror and saw Cody get into his truck. She saw his taillights turn on, and then he drove up behind her, following her out onto the main street. As they reached the intersection, she made a right turn, and he made a left. Memories of the day played through her mind as she drove toward home, and her lips tingled with the memory of the kiss they'd shared, a kiss that perfectly conveyed the passion she'd so urgently been seeking.

* * * *

Fresh from the shower, Erica reached into the drawer beneath her bed and grabbed a pair of underwear and an off the shoulder t-shirt. After changing into them, she climbed onto her bed and grabbed her I-pod. She then slipped on her headphones, and lay back on the pillow. 

As the ambient sounds of new age music filled her ears, she relaxed her body and closed her eyes. She was just getting into a deep state of meditation, when she felt the vibrating of her cell phone next to her on the mattress. She briefly contemplated ignoring the call, but had a strong feeling that it was Cody trying to reach her, so she opened her eyes and slipped her headphones off, then grabbed the phone and brought it up to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Hey, gorgeous."

Her lips curled into a smile. "Hi Cody. What's up?" 

"Not too much. Just waiting by the phone for you to call, but since it didn't look like you were going to, I decided to go ahead and contact you."

"Oh that's right, I was supposed to call you once I made it home, wasn't I? Sorry about that, I ended up taking a long shower, and I just barely got out five minutes ago."

"It's cool, no problem. I just wanted to make sure you'd made it home safe."

"Well thank you for calling to check on me."

"You're welcome."

She flipped over onto her stomach and rested her weight against her elbows. "So what are you doing right now?"

Just lying on my bed, talking to you. What are you doing?"

"The same."

"Right before I called you, I was thinking about our date. I'm really pleased with how well it went."

"So am I. I had a fantastic time."

"Good, I'm glad to hear. I was uncertain about how well you'd take to the rock climbing, but I've gotta say I'm impressed with your perseverance."

"Really? I thought I did sort of weakly."

"You're a beginner, so it's natural that you had some difficulty. But despite the obstacles you ran into, you just kept on going. I liked that."

She couldn't help feeling a little pride from his words. "That's nice to hear, especially coming from someone like you, who rock climbs on a regular basis."

"I'm not just saying it to try and gain points with you, I mean it. I used to be an instructor at that gym, and I met quite a few people that just gave up, right in the middle of their climb. It didn't matter how much I coaxed them, they just wouldn't go any further. It was good to see that you didn't quit."  

"Well I definitely thought about it a few times, but then I figured I was pretty close to the top, so what would be the point of not finishing up?"

"Exactly. That's the kind of attitude you need to have in order to excel at rock climbing. You just have to keep on going."




Peak of Desire Ch. 03



"So how often do you go climbing, and where do you do it at?"

"I go every weekend, and I travel to all sorts of various spots. Sometimes I drive out to the desert, and other times I go up in the Lake Tahoe area. I've climbed in different places all across the country, and one day I hope to rock climb in the Himalayas."

"That's right, I remember you buying a book about Nepal. So how soon are you planning on doing that?"

"Not sure, really. I'm so busy working right now, that it probably won't be for quite a while. Maybe a couple of years from now."  

"Sounds like it'll be an adventure. Have you climbed overseas yet?"

"Nope, but I'm definitely looking forward to it."

"Cool, well I hope it all works out."

"So what about you? What's one of your passions in life?"

"I love to travel, so one of my dreams is to take a six month cross country road trip."

"That sounds fun. Are you planning on going by yourself, or with friends?"

"Possibly with friends, but if they can't go, then I was thinking of asking my mom. She's a free spirited type, and loves to travel as well, so I know she'd be up for it."

"Interesting. I don't know too many people that would willingly travel around the country for six months straight with one of their parents." He offered a little sound of amusement.

"My mom's really cool and we've always gotten on really well, so I'm not too worried about it. Plus I've traveled with her before, so I know it would be okay."

"That's good to hear. If you do go on the trip together, I'm sure it will bring you two even closer. I wish my mom could understand why I'm so passionate about rock climbing, but she just finds it reckless and dangerous."

"Not that I have a problem with it or anything, but it does have quite an element of danger to it, doesn't it?"

"Well yeah. But that's part of the appeal."

"Really? So it doesn't bother you to know that each time you go on a climb, you're risking your life?"

"I risk my life doing a number of things each day."

"Like what?"

"Well for one, I'm a window washer. Four days a week, I lift myself hundreds of feet above ground. But despite the fact that I know I'm putting my life on the line, it doesn't make me enjoy it any less. I love my job."

"So you never get scared?"

"What? Rock climbing or washing windows?"

"Either one."

"My first day of window washing, I wasn't afraid at all. I'd already been rock climbing for years, so it was something I was already familiar with. The only thing I ever feel while washing windows is excitement, and an eagerness to do a good job. Now with rock climbing, I feel a pure adrenaline rush. There's a huge sense of freedom that comes with scaling the surface of a five hundred foot rock face. It's really thrilling, and it gives you a buzz that nothing else can."

"Five hundred feet? So that wall we climbed today must have seemed like a complete joke to you."

"Well I've got ten years of experience, so of course it was easy for me. With some more practice, you'll be able to take on a wall that's twice as high as the one you climbed today. And you'll just keep on improving from there."

"I appreciate your faith in me, bit I really can't see myself taking on a wall that's twice as high as the one at that gym."

"I'm just saying you can do it. Not trying to pressure you into it, or anything."

"Oh I know." She was quiet for a moment, and then said, "I don't think I've ever met anyone with such a taste for danger."

He gave a little chuckle. "Does it bother you?"

"No, but it does interest me a great deal. I can imagine that it must be an amazing experience, but it's beyond me how you manage to be so courageous about it."

"I don't really think of myself as courageous. I just enjoy pushing boundaries and testing my strength. I love to be challenged."

"Yeah, I can tell." She rolled over onto her side, and stretched her legs out. "It seems like every time I talk to you, I found myself more interested than before. You're a pretty fascinating guy, you know that?"

"Well I'm glad you think so. I love to discuss rock climbing, so I'm glad that you find it interesting. I like that you're genuinely curious about it."

"I think anyone would be. Not everyone can do something like that. I certainly couldn't."

"I think you can do whatever you put your mind to. Not saying you can go out and scale a hundred foot cliff right away, but eventually you could work up to it."

"Yea, maybe."

"Maybe you could come out on a rock climbing trip with me sometime. I could teach you the basics of bouldering."

"What's bouldering?"

"That's where you climb huge boulder formations. You're fairly close to the ground, and there's a crash pad beneath you, so there isn't a huge amount of risk involved. It's a lot less intimidating than regular rock climbing, so you could definitely handle it. What do you think?"

"Hmm, I'll consider it."

A light snicker passed his lips. "You sound pretty hesitant, but that's okay, I understand if you aren't up for it. I'd still like to have you come along sometime with me, though. Even if you decide not to climb, you could always watch me, and see what it's like outside of the gym."

"I'd like that."

"Cool. I'm planning on doing some rock climbing in the desert, possibly in the Joshua Tree area. It won't be for another couple of weeks, though."

"No worries. Just let me know when, exactly, and I'll tag along. I love the desert, and I've been meaning to take a trip out there for the longest, so it fits right in with what I'm interested in."

"Fantastic. It'll definitely be nice having you with me."

"I'm looking forward to it." She heard a sound come from the other end of the line, and she guessed he was shifting into a different position on the bed. 

"So tell me something else about yourself."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Anything. I want to know more about you."

"I'm a licensed massage therapist. I'm skilled in both hot stone and Swedish massages."

"Nice. And how long have you been doing that?"

"Going on three years now."

"Cool. So do you work in a spa?"

"Nope, I have a mobile massage business. Which means I travel to the client."

"Interesting. And how does that work out for you?" 

"Pretty well. I've got a decent amount of regular clients."

"Do you ever feel unsafe?"

"I've had a few instances where I felt kind of unsure, but for the most part, the clients I've had have been cool to work with."

"Surely you must get customers who flirt with you, though. A beautiful woman like you.." His voice trailed off, leaving silence for her to respond.

"Every once in awhile I'll get a guy who expects me to give him a happy ending, but those types are usually pretty easy to spot when I first speak to them over the phone."

"So what type of safety precautions do you have in place?"

"Well I always research the customer over the internet and see if anything weird comes up. I also have a safety person that I call and let them know where I am, what time I'm due to finish, and I give them the name, phone number and address of the client."

"Okay, well that's good, but what if something were to go wrong when you were actually in the room with a client? How would you protect yourself?"

A few moments of silence passed before she began to speak. "I've taken a self defense class, so I'm not entirely helpless."

"Unless you're a black belt in karate, I'd say you were opening yourself up to some pretty serious risks."

"Kind of ironic to hear this kind of talk coming from a thrill seeker." Her mouth pulled into a crooked smile.

"What I do is not even comparable. My life may be on the line, but at least I have full control over it. When you travel to see a client, there's no telling if one of them will be a nutcase. It's luck of the draw."

"I guess. But so far nothing has happened."

"Yeah, so far." There was silence for a few moments, and then he began to once again speak. "I'm not too happy with the idea of you doing that."

"It's a second source of income. I rely on it to help me pay my bills."

"I understand, and I'm not trying to force you to give it up. I'm just telling you how I feel about it."

"Okay." She wasn't quite sure of what else to say, so she remained silent, tracing her fingertip along the embroidered flower design of one of her silk pillows.

"Look, I really don't mean to come off as controlling. It just seems kind of dangerous to me. You're a small female, and if you ever came into contact with a guy who wanted something that you refused to give, he could easily overpower you. It just worries me knowing that you're going into these situations unprotected."

"Well what do you want me to do, hire a bodyguard?"

"I wish you could, because it'd make me feel a whole lot better."

"I don't know what to tell you. I've invested money in my business and it's important for me to keep it going. I've got steady clients and I get referrals regularly, so it's working out pretty well for me."

"I understand, and I know that you need to make your money. I just wish you would go about doing it in a safer way."

"I'm doing the best I can."

"I know, Erica." For a few moments the only noise that came from his end of the line of was the sound of his soft breathing, and then there was his voice. "Maybe you could give me a massage sometime. My muscles get pretty sore after a day of rock climbing, not to mention the work I do washing windows." 

"What type of massage would you be interested in? Hot stone or Swedish?"

"I prefer skin to skin contact, so I'm guessing that Swedish would be the one for me."

Her lips curved into a small smile. "Alright, well let me know when you want it, and I'll put you in my appointment book."

"As soon as possible would be best for me. I'll get first priority, won't I? I hope so, because I could really use the attention."

"I'm sure you could."

"I bet you give wonderful massages. You seem like you'd be very attentive. But then again, I get the feeling you'd be that way in everything you do."

"Well not to brag or anything, but I've been told that I'm a pretty good masseuse. I have a lot of repeat customers, so I'm guessing I must have pretty decent skills."

"I have no doubt you're excellent at it."

"Have you ever had a massage before?"

"Yes, but it was around eight months ago, so I'm long overdue."

"I see."

"What about you? When's the last time you had a massage?" 

"Oh, it was quite awhile ago. I'd say it's been nearly seven months. Kinda funny considering that it's what I do as my second job."

"Maybe I can give you a massage sometime. I'm not a professional like you, but I'm pretty good with my hands."

"I bet they're nice and strong."

"They are. I'd be gentle with you, though. I'd take my time, make sure you were completely relaxed. Ease all of the tension out of your body, rub my hands against that nice, smooth skin of yours. I'd have you feeling good in no time."

"Sounds like you'd definitely know what to do. Maybe I should just have you give me massages from now on, instead of booking a professional."

"The last time you went to get a massage, was it a male or female?"

"A male, why?"

"Just curious. Do you have a preference for men?"

"I guess you could say I do, but that's just because they have broader, stronger hands than women."

"So this last guy that gave you a massage. How did you end up finding him?"

"He's a friend of mine. He went to the same massage therapy school that I did."

"And have you massaged him as well?"

"Yeah, we used to practice on each other in class."

He gave a short pause, as if contemplating something, and then he spoke. "Massages are a very intimate thing."

"Yeah, they can be, if done by a certain person."

"Regardless of who's doing it, they're still very sensual."

"So what are you saying? I don't have something going on with this guy, if that's what you're thinking."

"Oh, I know. I wasn't saying that. But if you were my girlfriend, I wouldn't want another guy touching you in that way."

"Why not?"

"Because I'd prefer to be the only one. I think if you're with a person you care about, that massages should be something special shared between only the two of you."

"I see your point, but since I'm not part of a couple, then that doesn't really apply to me."

"So if we were to become a couple in the future, would you still continue to get professional massages?"

"Well that depends. Just how good are you with your hands?"

"I'll put it this way. You wouldn't ever feel the need to get another massage from your friend."

"Is that right?"

"Most definitely. There's nothing he can do that I couldn't do better." 

"Those are very confident words. I just may have to test you on that, and put those hands of yours to work."

"I'd be very glad to show you all I can do. My skills extend beyond just massages, you know."

Her body heated up from his words, and she rolled over onto her back, staring up at the ceiling as she placed a hand against her bare thigh. For a few moments there was silence, and they each listened to the sound of the other's breath.

"Have you had any more dreams of me lately?" He asked in a deep, alluring voice.

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Is it so hard to believe that I don't dream about you every night?"

He let out a quiet chuckle and then said, "What about fantasies? Have you had any of those?"

"Yes."

"And were they about me?"

"They might have been."

"I'd love to get inside your head and see what you dream about."

"Ditto."

"I'm not sure you could handle what's in my head."

"Why not?"

"I have pretty outrageous fantasies."

"That makes me want to know about them even more."

"And what kind of fantasies do you think I have? From what you know of my personality so far, what kind of things do you think I'd imagine?"

"Hmm." She bit her lip and thought about it for a moment. "You're the adventurous, thrill seeking type, so I imagine you'd fantasize about having sex outdoors, or doing it someplace where there's an element of danger, like on the edge of a cliff." A small laugh escaped his lips, and her mouth curled upward in response. 

"You're not too far off, actually. Those are some pretty good guesses."

"So I was close?"

"Oh yeah. I'd say you just about hit the mark."

"Cool. So now I want to hear what you think I'd fantasize about."

"Alright, let's see," his voice trailed off as he gave it a thought. "Since you love to travel, I imagine you'd have a fantasy about being in some exotic location. And I'm guessing you like foreign guys, so the person in your dream would probably have an accent. Am I close at all?"

"Yes, you are. That's not a bad guess."

"So just out of curiosity, would you ever make love outdoors?"

"Possibly, if it was in a private, secluded area, and I was certain that no one would catch us."

"Us? Oh, so you're actually considering trying it out with me?" The tone of voice he used conveyed that she had his rapt attention. 

Wishing with every fiber of her being that she could take back the latter end of her statement, she buried her face against the pillow and offered a quiet groan, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment.

"Hello, are you still there, Erica?"

Removing her face from the overstuffed pillow, she said, "Yes, I'm here."

A small chuckle passed his lips. "You don't have to be embarrassed, you know. I like knowing you're sexually adventurous. It intrigues me even more, not to mention that it's a huge turn on."

Still in disbelief over her slip of the tongue, she curled her legs up against her chest, and placed her palm against her face. 

He continued to speak. "This makes me even more certain about us being a good match. I was hoping you'd be into something like that, and now that I know you are..." His voice trailed off, as if he were imagining the possibilities. "I knew there was a deeper, more erotic side to you. What else are you hiding beneath that cute, shy exterior?"

Removing her hand from her face, she gave her response. "I don't know, I guess you'll have to find out."

"And I definitely will. It's something I look forward to. I'm guessing it won't be easy to do, but that's what I like about you. I bet there are all sorts of interesting things about you, things I'd never be able to guess."

She lifted a hand to her hair and began twirling a lock of hair around her finger. "I bet there are all sorts of things about you that I have yet to find out, as well."

"I'm pretty much an open book, so you won't have to work at getting me to reveal things. You ask me a question, and I'll be happy to give you the answer."

"Sounds like I'm pretty much the opposite of you, in that regard."

"Yeah, but that's good. I like the idea of coaxing you out of that shell. It's fun for me, and it provides me with a challenge."

She arched her back and stretched her body out, giving a little moan of satisfaction as her back popped. "A lot of guys I met have been put off by my shyness. It's one of the reasons I've been reluctant to date. Good to know you're not the same way, though."

"Those men were impatient. A guy who isn't willing to put in the time and energy to make you feel more at ease with them, isn't worth it anyway, so it's their loss."

She smiled. "That's nice of you to say."

"Well I mean it."

Glancing at her alarm clock on a little shelf next to the bed, she was surprised to see how much time had elapsed since they'd first gotten on the phone. "Do you realize we've been talking for nearly an hour?"

"Really? Wow, that time really went by fast, didn't it?"

"Sure did. I don't usually have long conversations with men, so this is kind of unusual."

"Same here. I'm not a huge phone person, so it's definitely not the norm for me, either."

"So what are you up to tomorrow?"

"I'll probably go by my buddies and hang out. What are you up to?"

"I've got three clients booked for a massage, so that's how I'll be spending my Sunday."

"Oh, so you're doing massages tomorrow?" There was a visible change in his tone of voice, and he gave a little sound of displeasure. "I really wish you would find a safer way of doing that."

"We already talked about this."

"Yeah, I know."

They were both quiet for a few moments, and then there was the sound of Cody's voice. "Can you at least give me the address of where you'll be going, as well the phone number and name of the person?"

"They're repeat clients. I've never had any issues with them."

"That's good to know, but I still want the information."

"Alright." She looked through her phone and flipped through her list of contacts until she found the name of her first client. She gave Cody the name and address of the customer, then found the next two clients, and gave him their information as well."

"Give me a call once you finish with each client. That way I know you're safe."

"Yep, I will." She yawned, then rolled over onto her stomach. "I guess I'll turn in now."

"So early? It's Saturday."

"My first client is booked for eleven a.m., and I have a bunch of errands to run before I drive out there, so I'll have to be up by no later than eight."



"Okay. I'll let you get your rest, then. It was great talking to you."

"Likewise."

"Sleep well, and I'll speak to you tomorrow."

"Night, Cody."

"Goodnight."

She placed the phone on her mattress and then reached over to click off the lamp. The sound of crickets came through the small window above her bed, and a pleasant breeze blew into her room. Erica closed her eyes and visualized Cody. She imagined his dark, penetrating eyes, and his deep, masculine voice. 

She recalled the way his lips had felt on hers when they'd kissed, and the electric current that had passed through her body as the tip of his tongue met hers. Erica wondered what sex with him would like. She bet he would be intensely passionate in bed, and since he participated in a physically engaging sport like rock climbing, she knew he'd have incredible stamina. She began to picture him naked, and once she had a strong visual in her head, she slid her palm along her thighs and slipped her fingers beneath her panties. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 04



*I want to give a big thank you to you guys for your continued support. I really appreciate you taking the time to read, vote and comment. It means a whole lot to me. :) I hope you'll enjoy this chapter. x* 



Erica gave a parting wave to her massage client, then walked down the steps of the mini mansion and headed towards her car. Having finished up with her last customer of the day, she was now free to go home and enjoy the remainder of her evening. After putting her massage table in the backseat of her Toyota, she climbed behind the wheel and stuck the key in the ignition.

Retrieving her cell phone from her pocket, she turned it on and waited to see if she had any messages. Her phone vibrated, then released the sound of a text alert, and as she glanced at the display screen, she saw she had a few messages from Cody. She pressed a button and opened the text.

*Did you make it home yet? Call me when you get this message*

She then opened the second message and read it.

*Where are you? Haven't heard from you for two hours. Let me know what's going on*

She pressed the keys on the phone so she could type back a reply and let him know she was okay, then hit the message send button. After placing the phone on the passenger seat, she started up the car and made her way home. Glancing at the clock on the dashboard, she saw it was nearly seven p.m. She'd planned to finish up her last massage by no later than four in the afternoon, but she'd received a last minute booking, so instead of having three clients, she'd ended up having four. 

She'd meant to contact Cody and let him know about her last minute client, but by the time she'd arrived at the customer's house, she'd been completely frazzled, due to the fact that she'd gotten lost on her drive over there. She hoped he wasn't too worried, and as soon as she got home, she was going to contact him and let him know what happened.

As she was driving home her phone rang, and although she couldn't see the display screen, she had a feeling that it was Cody trying to reach her. She contemplated answering his call, but she'd never been very skilled at talking on the phone while driving, so she decided it would have to wait until once she reached her destination. Thirty minutes later she arrived home, and after taking a quick shower and changing into a pair of drawstring shorts and a blue tank top, she grabbed a bottle of ginger ale from the fridge, then plopped down on the L shaped couch. 

She dialed Cody's number into her cell phone, and as it rang, she took a sip of her drink. After the fourth ring, his voicemail picked up, and she left a brief message to explain what had happened. After pressing the call end button, she placed her cell phone down, then walked over to the aquarium where her tarantula was located. As she peered through the glass, she saw that its water dish was nearly empty, so she lifted the mesh top off the tank and retrieved the petri dish, then carried it over to the sink so that she could fill it up. Once that was done, she gave the spider a cricket, then replaced the top on the aquarium. 

Spotting a book on the glass end table located next to the couch, she picked it up and saw that it was the true-life adventure novel that Cody had picked out for her. She hadn't gotten around to reading it yet, but now that she had some free time, she guessed it would be a good idea to get a start on it. She took a seat on the couch pillows, curling her legs up under her, then opened the cover and began to read. 

By the fifth page of the book, she was thoroughly engrossed in the story, and as she came to the end of the first chapter, she eagerly continued on into the second. She'd been reading for nearly an hour when she heard the sound of a chime ring through the air, and as she glanced down at the display screen of her cell phone, she saw it was a message from Cody. After setting the book aside, she picked up her phone and pressed a button to open the message.

*What are you up to?*

She typed back her response.

~Reading a book. You?~

*Sitting here thinking about you. Why didn't you call?*

~I did. Didn't you get my message?~

*I waited hours for you to contact me.*

~Had a last minute client. Didn't mean to worry you~

She waited for the phone to vibrate with his incoming message, but as the minutes ticked by, she began to wonder if he was going to respond at all. As a few minutes stretched into ten, she realized he probably wasn't going to send a text back, so she set the phone down on her lap. Figuring that he'd gotten busy, she picked up the adventure novel, and resumed reading. Yet as interesting as the book was, she couldn't help wondering what had caused the sudden halt of his texts. 

She felt like sending him a message to inquire about what was going on, but decided against it. It would probably make her seem over eager, and she didn't want him to think that she was just sitting around waiting for his response. Although that was exactly what she was doing, he still didn't have to know it. Nearly half an hour passed before she heard the chime of an incoming text, and she grabbed hold of the phone so she could read it.

*So how did things with your last client go?*

~Everything went fine~

*No problems?*

~Nope~

*Good.* 

A minute passed before her phone vibrated with another message from him.

*So how cute do you look tonight?*

A little smile curled her lips as she responded.

~I'm wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top~

*No panties?*

She cocked an eyebrow.

~Of course I'm wearing underwear~

*You didn't mention them.*

~I didn't think it was necessary~

*So what do they look like?*

She allowed a bit of time to pass before she gave her response, knowing that his curiosity was probably getting the best of him.

~What do you imagine they would look like?~

*Bikini cut, maybe thongs*

She didn't send a text, choosing instead to wait for another message from him.

*Am I right?*

~You're close~

*So which do you wear?*

~I'll leave that to your imagination~

*What if I don't want to use my imagination?*

~Then I guess you won't~

*I know what type of underwear you were wearing on our date*

Her curiosity piqued, she quickly pressed the buttons on her phone.

~So tell me. What kind was I wearing?~

*Bikini cut, with lace edging around the top*

She thought back to the goodnight kiss they'd shared, and recalled the way his hands had been drifting down towards her butt as they'd kissed. So not only had he been trying to cop a feel of it, but also figure out what type of underwear she'd been wearing. She shook her head and her lips pulled up into a crooked little smile. 

~So that's what you were doing with your hands. I knew you were up to something~

*Can you blame me? Your butt looked great in those yoga pants*

Biting her lip, she thought back to the time they'd spent rock climbing in the gym, and recalled the way that the harness had cupped his cute little butt cheeks. 

~I snuck a few peeks of yours, as well~

*And did you enjoy the view?*

~Most definitely~

Half a minute passed before he sent another text.

*When you were in bed last night, did you think of me?*

~Yes. Why? Did you think of me?~

*Of course. I think about you every night.*

~And what exactly do you think about?~

*Anything and everything*

Erica could only imagine how wild his imagination was, and she felt a spark of arousal course through her body from his response. Her phone vibrated as she received another text.

*So tell me what you thought about last night*

~ Your lips, and what an incredible kisser you are~

*I'm incredible at a number of things, not just kissing*

She felt the spot between her legs heat up in response, and although she knew exactly what he was referring to, she couldn't help wanting to indulge in some naughty texting.

~Such as?~

*Invite me over, and you'll find out firsthand*

~I can't~

*Can't, or won't?*

~Maybe another time~

*But I want to see you now*

~What's the rush?~

*No rush. I just feel like seeing your pretty face*

The truth was, she'd love to have him come over, but as strongly attracted to him as she was, she was certain that it would be difficult to keep herself from giving into her desires. Being with him out in public was one thing, but in the privacy of her home, where they were free to engage in sexual contact, it would be damn near impossible for her to keep from giving into her strong urges. She was just about to send him her response when she received another message from him.

*You enjoy making me wait, don't you?*

~What do you mean?~

*You want me to come over. I know you do. So why not let me?*

She found herself surprised by his pushiness, and began to wonder if he was always like this. Of course she knew he was the conquering, dominating type. That had been very clear from their first interaction in the bookstore. But she still couldn't help feeling a little taken aback by this other side of him. It seemed that once he got an idea in his head, he was relentless. 

She had a feeling he was the type of guy who was used to getting his way, and figured he was trying to see if he could get her to comply. As attractive as Cody was, he could get sex from any woman that he wanted, so if she did get physical too soon with him, then what chance was there of things going any further between them? 

She'd had purely sexual relationships in the past, and while they had been enjoyable, the pleasure she'd received from them had been very fleeting. She wanted more with Cody, and while it was too early to tell if they would ever have a serious relationship, she certainly didn't want to do anything to kill the prospect of it. 

~Let's just take our time, okay?~

She waited for him to text her back, but when he didn't, she set the phone aside and lay back on the couch. She didn't know what his deal was with taking so long to text her back. If this was his idea of playing some sort of game with her, then she wasn't going to participate. It was difficult to figure him out. He seemed to be very interested in her, and while they were obviously very sexually attracted to one another, she was under the impression that there was more than that. 

They always had interesting conversations, and it seemed that he was genuinely interested in building a relationship, so why did it suddenly seem as if he was trying to push things along at a faster rate? Twenty minutes passed by before the sound of her ring tone filled the air, and as she glanced down at the display screen, she saw that it was none other than Cody. She picked the phone up and placed the receiver against her ear.

"Hello?"

"Hey."

The sound of his voice alone caused her heart to beat a little faster. "Hi."

"Sorry if it seemed like I was trying to push you into having me over. Sometimes I can be a little over eager, especially when I really like someone."

"It's fine, don't worry about it."

"The last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable. I like you a lot."

"I like you too."

"I don't mean to sound like a broken record or anything, but when *can* I see you again?"

She gave a light chuckle and crossed her legs at the ankles. "We just saw each other yesterday."

"You're not bored of me already, are you?"

"No, of course not."

"So let's meet up sometime during the week. I can take you out for lunch."

"Okay."

"What day would be best for you?"

"Wednesday."

"Wednesday it is. So since you're a vegetarian, do you have any preference of where you'd like to eat?"

"There's this really good pizza place not too far from where I work. Zack's pizza, you ever been?" 

"I haven't, sounds like a good spot, though."

"It really is. So let's go there." 

"Sounds like a plan. I'm looking forward to it."

"So am I." They were both quiet for a moment, and then she said, "So since you're a window washer, I bet you've seen all sorts of crazy stuff."

"Yeah, I've seen my fair share."

"What sort of things have you have seen?" 

"One time I was washing the windows of this building, and this lady in her office unbuttoned her top and flashed me."

"Oh wow, are you serious?"

"Yep."

"So what did you do?"

A chuckle fled his lips. "I just kept washing the window, what else could I have done?"

"Was she hot?"

"Well she definitely wasn't unattractive."

She offered a snicker. "She must have been pretty good looking, then."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you're trying to avoid the question."

"No I'm not, I just answered it." 

She could hear the smile in his voice, and her lips curled into a little smile. "Yeah, in a roundabout way."

"Alright, she was good looking. Is that what you want to hear?"

"So did she have a nice rack?"

A choking laugh emitted from Cody's end of the line, and as she listened to him cough and gasp for air, she realized that he must have been drinking a beverage. 

She broke into a smile. "Are you okay?" Although she was a bit concerned, she couldn't help but be amused by his reaction to her question.

"Fine, I'm just.." He struggled to continue, but a series of coughs caused his voice to be cut off. Once he finally got himself under control, he said, "Where did that question come from?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm just curious."

"Well I certainly wasn't expecting you to ask something like that. You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

"I guess am." She grabbed one of the couch pillows and slid it beneath her head so that she was more comfortable. "So did she?"

"Yeah, she had a pretty nice set." He chuckled and then said, "I never would have imagined I'd be discussing another woman's breasts with you."

"Neither did I, but at least we're keeping the conversation interesting."

"Most definitely."

"So what other type of stuff have you seen?"

"I was cleaning this high rise apartment building one time, and I saw this couple having sex."

"You just see a whole lot of freaky stuff, don't you?"

He laughed. "Yeah, I guess I do."

"So did they see you watching them?"

"Who said I was watching?"

"Well you must have been. I mean how could you not?"

"You make it sound like I was enjoying it."

"Well were you?"

"No."

"Are you sure about that?"

"What, you think I'm some kind of pervy voyeur, or something?"

"I was joking."

"Sure you were."

Her lips formed into a grin. "So was this a younger couple, or an older one?"

"The guy was young, seemed to be in his late twenties, and the woman was middle aged. I'm guessing she was a cougar."

Erica's lips formed into a smirk. "Interesting. So what did they do when they saw you washing the window?"

"They just kept on going."

"Really? Wow."

"Yeah, they didn't seem at all concerned with my presence. The guy ignored me, but the woman kept making eye contact with me. She seemed to like that I was there."

"That doesn't surprise me at all. If she'd had the chance, I bet she would have made you one of her boy toys."

He gave a little sound of amusement. "I wouldn't allow some random woman to make me into their plaything. You, however, could play with me all you wanted."

"Oh yeah?"

"M-hmm."

"I'd be nice and gentle with you."

"You could be a bit rough, as well. I'm very durable and built to last a long time, giving you all the pleasure you require."

Erica felt a rush of heat between her legs. "Sounds like a good investment."

"Satisfaction guaranteed."

She bit her lip and danced a finger along the hem of her shorts. "You're very seductive, aren't you?"

"Am I?"

"Yes, and you know it."

"I guess it just comes natural to me." There was a moment of silence and then he said, "You enjoy being seduced by me, don't you?"

"Well I definitely don't dislike like it."

"You're doing a bit of seducing yourself, as well."

"How so?"

"The way you talk, the things you say...you do it to see my reaction."

"Give me an example."

"Well sometimes you act all shy and demure, then other times this other, more sexually alluring side of you slips out."

"Everyone has different sides to them."

"Oh I know, I wasn't complaining about it. I just find it interesting."

"What time are you going to bed?"

"Why, you wanna come over and join me?"

"What if I said that I did?"

"Then of course I'd invite you over. But I know you're just teasing me."

"I'm not teasing you."

"Yes you are. You just love dangling that carrot, don't you?"

Her mouth pulled into a crooked smile, and before she could say anything, Cody once again spoke.

"I just hope you know that you can only tease me for so long."

"Which means?"

"The teaser can easily become the teased. Just remember that."

"So you're saying you're going to turn the tables on me?"

"Just letting you know it's possible." 

She snickered. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind." 

"So what are you going to do for the rest of the evening?"

"I'll probably read for an hour or so, and then do some yoga meditation before bed."

"You're into yoga?"

"Yep."

"Have you been doing it for very long?"

"Five years."

"So I guess that means you're pretty flexible."

"Yes, I am. But why would that be of interest to you?" Of course she knew the answer to that, but she wanted to hear his response.

"Well it's always good to be able to stretch your muscles in various ways. It makes for a lot more possibilities."

"What sort of possibilities?"

"Sexual ones."

She felt a wave of arousal course through her body. "I suppose it can be good for that as well."

"I'm certain it can. Haven't you ever explored that?" 

"What?"

"Making use of your limber, flexible body during intimate moments."

"No. I never really thought about it."

"Well you should."

"Maybe I will, one day."

"I'd love to explore those options with you. Would you like that?"

"Maybe."

"Only a maybe? How about a definitely?"

"Anything is possible."

"You're not too fond of giving me straight answers, are you?"

Her lips curled upward. "What fun would that be?"

"Oh, so you admit it. You're playing a little game with me. Seeing how crazy you can make me over you."

"I admit nothing."

"You need me just as much as I need you."

"Need?"

"Yes, need. You're well aware of just how strong this attraction between us is, so there's no use trying to deny it."

"I'm not denying it at all."

"Don't you want to release the sexual tension? It isn't healthy to keep that energy pent up in your body."

"I release it."

"In what way?"

"I have a couple of methods."

"Share them with me."

"Well, one of the ways I do that is through yoga."

"And it actually helps?"

"Yeah. Most sexual energy gets stuck in your center, so I just do some yoga exercises that concentrate on my stomach to pelvic area."

"Stomach to pelvic, huh?" Cody was quiet for a moment, as if he were trying to imagine it in his head. "I'd really like to see you do those exercises."

Her lips pulled into a smirk. "Yeah, I bet you would."

"Seems to me that the best way of going about releasing that type of energy is to just have sex."

"Well of course that would be the best option. But for someone who isn't part of a couple, then alternative methods would have to be used."

"Well just so you know, you can always release some sexual tension with me. Whenever you need me, I'm at your service."

Her lips curved into a smile. "How kind of you. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

"I hope you do."

"Aren't you going to ask me how I release tension?"

"I think I already know."

"So tell me."

She was a bit embarrassed to say it, so she hesitated before speaking. "You masturbate." 

A deep, low sound came from his throat, a noise so full of carnal longing, that it sent a delicious shiver along Erica's spine.




Peak of Desire Ch. 04



"I really like hearing you say that word."

She traced a finger around her belly button, enjoying the tickling sensation it provided. "Do you?"

"Yes. If only you could see what you're doing to me right now."

"I have a pretty good idea."

As she imagined it in her head, a flood of arousal washed over her body. Remaining silent, she listened to the sound of his breathing, waiting for him to speak once again.

"You enjoy making me hard, don't you?"

"Enjoy it?" She did her best to play coy.

"Yes, you get off on it. You love making me want you."

"I don't know if I get off on it."

"Oh, you do. I can tell."

"So what if I do enjoy it?"

"I knew it. You're having fun with me."

"What do you mean?"

"You say these sexual things to me, then act like you don't know the effect it'll have."

"Excuse me? You're the one who always coaxes me for details, trying to get me to say more. So I'd say that you're purposely torturing yourself."

He offered a light chuckle. "Alright, I guess I have a hand in it as well."

"You're darn right you do." She rose up from the reclining position and pulled her legs up against her chest, laying one arm against her knees. "Well, I guess I'd better let you go, now." She really didn't want to, but her stomach was signaling that she needed to fill it. 

"Is this your polite way of saying that you're bored of talking to me?"

"Of course not. I'm just feeling a bit hungry, so I'm going to cook myself something to eat."

"Okay, cutie. Have a good night, and I'm really looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday."

"So am I. Night, Cody." 

After ending the call, she rose up from the couch and headed for the fridge, bending down so she could take a look inside. After seeing that not much was in there, she rooted through her cabinets and decided on a pack of ramen noodles. After putting on a pot of water to boil, she headed for her sleeping quarters and opened one of the drawers beneath her bed. She rooted through it for a few moments until she found what she was looking for, and as her hand enclosed around the battery operated toy, she threw it on the bed. 

Once she took care of her hunger for food, she could take care of her sexual needs. It seemed that with every conversation she had with Cody, the more her desire grew for him. Sure yoga exercises helped her to an extent, but she was reaching the point where she needed more intense stimulation, and she had a feeling that tonight she would be using her vibrator at maximum speed. 

* * * *

As Wednesday finally rolled around, Erica found herself excitedly nervous about her lunch date with Cody. Only three days had passed since they'd last seen each other, but it felt like much longer. Ever since the kiss they'd shared outside of the diner on Saturday evening, she'd been craving the feel of his lips. She'd fantasized about him numerous times since then, imagining what it would be like to have him kiss, lick, and suck various parts of her anatomy. 

The mere though of it sent a sharp pang of desire through her, and over the past few nights, she'd masturbated to some pretty intense fantasies of him. All it took was one racy thought of Cody to trigger a flow of wetness between her legs, and as she stood outside the bookstore waiting for him, she took a deep breath to try and cool herself down. 

Wearing a white tiered gypsy skirt and a white tank top with flower embroidery on it, her style of clothing exuded a feminine, bohemian look. Her feet, which had been treated to a manicure the evening before, were clad in a pair of sandals that had turquoise stones along the strap. She was just glancing at her watch when she felt a pair of hands slip around her waist, and as she turned her head to look behind her, she saw Cody glance down at her with a smile.

"Hey there, beautiful." He wore a pair of jeans, a black t-shirt, and a pair of scruffy black boots which looked well broken in.

"Hello." She turned to give him a hug, and he returned her embrace, wrapping his arms around her waist. 

As he leaned down toward her, she tilted her lips upward and allowed him to claim her lips. The kiss they shared was brief, but very sensual all the same, and left her hungrily longing for more. But since they were standing right in front of her place of employment, it would have been awkward to engage in anything more passionate.

"You look great," he said.

"Thanks." 

You ready to go?" 

"Yep, I'm starving." 

"So am I." 

He took her small hand in his, and they headed across the street. As they approached the office park where'd they'd first met, both Cody and Erica glanced within, recalling the memory of that significant day.

"If it wasn't for my coworker Mike, we probably would have never met."

"Oh yeah?" She curiously asked.

"Yep. The building I was washing that day, it was actually a job that Mike was supposed to do. He ended up calling in sick at the last minute, so I agreed to work in place of him."

"Well not that I'm glad he was sick or anything, but it's a good thing he didn't show up for work."

"Definitely." He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

It only took them a few minutes to arrive at the pizza place, and as they walked inside, the scent of baking dough filled her nostrils, causing her stomach to rumble. The restaurant was buzzing with activity, and as they walked up to the counter, they took a few minutes to look over the menu. Then they gave their order to the person behind the counter, who was a short, middle aged lady with a pair of cat eye glasses.

"I'll have a thin and crispy slice of spinach and mushroom, and a small lemonade," Erica said.

"And for you?" The woman asked Cody.

"I'll take the sausage and pepper, and a large Sprite."

The woman nodded, then walked over to a little window that gave a view into the kitchen, and shouted out their order to the cooks in the kitchen. Cody and Erica made small chit chat while waiting for their pizza, then once it were ready, they walked up to the cashier and paid for it. 

Cody grabbed the tray with their food, and then they weaved their way through the line of people that were waiting to order, making their way to the back of the restaurant where there was a patio. Spotting a small table that was shaded by a tree, they made their way over to it. Once they were seated, they each grabbed a plate with their slice of pizza and began to eat. 

As Erica bit into her slice, a long strand of cheese stretched out, and as the food hit her taste buds, she found herself delighted by the flavor of it. Glancing at Cody, she saw him fold his slice in half, and curiously inquired about it. 

"You fold your pizza slices?"

"Yep."

"I thought only people from back east did that."

"I used to have a roommate who was from New York. He did it all the time, and I ended up picking it up from him."

"I see." Erica took another bite, and as she lifted her eyes to meet Cody's, she saw him give her a little smile. 

"What's funny?"

"That pizza slice is huge. It reminds me of when we ate at the diner. The burger you ordered there was bigger than your face. Makes me wonder how you can consume such large portions."

"This is thin and crispy style. As soon as you eat it, you're hungry again."

He chuckled lightly, then wiped his mouth off with a napkin. 

"So what did you end up doing on Sunday?" Erica asked.

"Hung out with my buddy in the earlier part of the afternoon, and then I went free soloing."

"What's free soloing?"

"Climbing without a rope or other protective gear."

Her brows lifted and she studied him closely. "Why on earth would you want to do that? Do you have a death wish, or something?"

He chuckled. "Nope. Part of the reason I love climbing so much, is because it makes me feel more alive than anything else in the world. It's also fun, challenging and it tests your strength."

"How far up did you climb?"

"About three hundred feet."

"Whoa, seriously?" Completely stunned, she stared at him in disbelief. "And you didn't bring anything along to help you?"

"Nope."

"How do you do a climb like that without any equipment?"

"You just concentrate on the moment and don't doubt for a minute that you can't do it. Because if you do, then you're dead."

She'd momentarily paused eating, finding herself fascinated by the idea of him engaging in such reckless behavior. "So what does a climb like that do for you? Because all I can think of is how completely frightening it must be."

"Well first off, it gives me a huge pump of adrenaline. It also allows me to push myself and see what I can achieve. Not to mention it's the purest form of rock climbing. You can't get any more extreme than free soloing."

"So when you were up there climbing, didn't you get scared at all?"

He shook his head, then took a sip of his soda. After taking a generous swallow he said, "I can't afford to be frightened, when I'm hundreds of feet above ground clinging to a slab of granite with nothing but my hands and feet. If I get scared, then it increases my chances of making a fatal mistake. There isn't any room to make errors when your life is on the line."

She took a bite of her pizza, shaking her head at the idea of what he'd willingly gone through. "I just can't understand what's so thrilling about being that close to death. Isn't it difficult going into that, knowing that you might not make it back down alive?"

"Well yeah, that's kind of the point."

"Really? So you enjoy flirting with death. Is that it?"

"You're looking at it from the wrong angle. It isn't about death, it's about living."

She cocked an eyebrow and gave him an incredulous look. "You're gonna have to break that down for me."

"It's like this-when I'm up there climbing, and I know that all I have to depend on is myself, it makes me appreciate life all the more. When I climb with safety equipment, and bring my anchoring devices and ropes along, I know I have some sort of a safety net. It's still dangerous, there's no doubt about it, but I know that certain precautions are in place to keep me alive. When I free solo, all I have is me, nothing else. It makes me cherish life even more, and I also gain a high level of respect for the rock that I'm climbing. Because I know that as I hold onto it, I have to be very careful with the moves I make. It's just me and the rock, and nothing else. It's exhilarating, and by far the biggest thrill I've ever felt in my life. It's also a spiritual thing, as well."

"How so?" She wrapped her lips around the straw in her lemonade and leaned forward a bit, eager to hear more.

"When you're on the ground just living life, you're basically concerned about taking care of your day to day needs-food, shelter, paying your bills, all of the basic stuff. It's easy to get off track and forget about what really drives you, and the things you're most passionate about. When I free solo, that list of everyday tasks suddenly become less urgent. When I'm up there, scaling a rock, every move I make is crucial to my survival, and it reminds me that the true purpose of life extends far beyond my daily routine. Things are really put into perspective when I climb up to a certain point, stand on a ledge that's two inches wide, and look down past the hundreds of feet of sheer rock that I just climbed. It gives me an incredible appreciation for life, and nothing else in the world can compare to it."

"That sounds like an incredible experience, but I still can't see how you bring yourself to do it. What if you got to a certain point, and for some reason or another, found that you couldn't go any further?" 

"Failure isn't an option for me."

"So you don't even consider the potential of making an error in judgment?"

"Why would I do that? That means I would be expecting something to go wrong. And if you expect something, more likely than not, it will end up happening. It's a universal law." 

"It just seems like you'd want to have some sort of a plan in place."

"Planning kind of negates the whole point of free soloing. You just climb and keep going until you reach the top."

She studied him silently for a few moments, feeling a mixture of admiration and bewilderment about his taste for extreme pastimes. She'd never met anyone with such an uninhibited, reckless attitude, and while she could understand the thrill he received from rock climbing, she wasn't sure she'd ever feel completely at ease with it.

His voice cut through her thoughts. "That's an interesting look you're giving me. What are you thinking?"

"I can't get over how hardcore you are. I admire your courage, but I also can't help but be concerned about your safety."

"There's no reason to be. I've been doing it for years, so I have plenty of experience at it."

"It's still incredibly dangerous." Her brown eyes held a look of worry. 

"Climbing is something that I have to do, Erica. For me, it's as necessary as food and water."

"I know, and I get that you're really passionate about it. I'm not trying to admonish you. I just can't help feeling a bit worried. I don't want anything to happen to you."

He reached across the table and took her hand in his, then gave it a few strokes with his thumb. "I appreciate your concern, but the last thing I want is for you to worry yourself over it."

"That's easier said than done."

He gave her a little smile, then brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her knuckles lightly. "Everything will be fine."

"Promise?" Although she knew it was pointless in asking, she did it anyway.

"You know I can't do that."

She lowered her eyes to the table, then looked back up at him. "Just be careful, okay?"

He nodded, then released her hand and finished the last of his pizza. She ate the last few bites of hers as well, and once they were finished, they got up from the table and headed back into the restaurant. Once they reached the front door, they walked outside and leisurely strolled down the sidewalk, hand in hand. As they came closer to Erica's workplace, Cody pulled her into a clean, narrow alleyway that was located next to the bookstore. 

Grasping her by the hips, he gently pushed her against a brick wall, and as her back met with the solid barrier, she felt the coolness of the bricks against her back. He stared down at her with a look of carnal hunger, causing her to feel as if she were his prey. 

A searing heat pooled between her legs, and as he leaned down to kiss her, she reached her arms up and looped then around his neck. His lips pressed to hers with an urgency that left her breathless, and she found herself overwhelmed by his deep, drugging kiss. Their tongues probed each other's mouths with intense need, and Erica felt Cody press his body against hers, so that the heat of their bodies mingled.

Unable to resist, she indulged in the provocative moment, tangling her fingers into his long, dark hair. His hands slid along the front of her tank top, traveling upward until they met with the curve of her breasts. Cupping his palms around her fabric clad globes, he lightly brushed his thumbs against her nipples, causing them to grow so erect that they poked through the fabric of her shirt. 

His hands had moved with such quickness, that she hadn't even had time to stop them. And although his touch felt incredible, she knew that they were at risk of being discovered. Sure they were tucked away in a little alley that provided a bit of privacy from the street, but the bookstore had a side door that led out into the narrow passageway. 

Sometimes her boss, Iggy, liked to come out into the alleyway for a smoke, and if he found her and Cody kissing, it would be something she would never be able to live down. Reaching up to grab his wrists, she guided his hands away from her breasts.

"Erica," He breathed against her neck, his hot breath ghosting against her skin as he pressed his lips against her flesh. 

He slipped his tongue out to graze it lightly against her skin, and she let loose a deep, sultry moan. She could feel his hard on poking against her thigh, and it took every bit of willpower she had to resist from reaching down to stroke it. "Cody, we have to stop." Mustering every bit of strength she had, she pressed her palm weakly against his chest to reinforce her statement.

He gave her a few more kisses along the neck, and then pulled his lips away. His dark eyes were clouded with lust, and he reluctantly removed his hands from her waist.

"Sorry, I lost control of myself." 

"It's okay." She gave him a little smile, then smoothed the wrinkles out of her shirt.

She headed out of the alley, with him following behind her. As they reached the front of the bookstore, Erica came to a stop in front of the doorway. Cody ran his fingers through his hair and glanced down at her with a seductive look in his eyes, sending a strong pang of arousal through her body.

"Thanks for lunch. I had a great time," she said.

"You're welcome. It was a real pleasure seeing you again." He leaned down to place a brief, tender kiss on her lips. "I'll give you a call you tonight."

"Okay." 

"Later, Erica." He offered her a smile and then turned to leave, sauntering down the street.

She released a little sigh of contentment and then turned to enter the bookstore, with a wide smile gracing her kiss swollen lips.

* * * *

Half an hour after closing the bookstore and ending her shift, Erica pulled into the driveway of her parent's house and put the car in park, then exited her vehicle and made her way to the door. Her parents lived in a pale yellow Spanish style home, with red roof tiles and arched windows. The steps which led up to the porch were lined with potted cacti, and a mosaic tile mat was positioned directly in front of the threshold. 

She pressed the doorbell, and after a few short moments of waiting, she heard the sound of feet approaching the entryway. As the door pulled open, her father, Darrell, came into view. Standing at medium height, he had a deep brown complexion and a vibrant smile. He was dressed in a v-shaped linen shirt, and a pair of wide legged, drawstring pants made from the same material as his top. 

"Hello sweetie."

"Hey dad." She stepped across the threshold and gave him a hug, then walked further into the house.

The strong scent of food hung in the air, and judging from the scent, she'd have to guess that her father was cooking one of his mouth watering dishes. "What's for dinner?"

"Your favorite, vegetarian stroganoff." He offered her a smile and headed for the split level kitchen, which was separated from the living area by a stenciled archway. 

Erica followed behind him, and as he lifted the top off a deep skillet, she retrieved a wooden spoon from the counter and dipped it into the sauce to have a taste, then brought it up to her lips. "Mmm, delicious." After setting the spoon down, she walked over to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of guava juice, then poured herself a cup.

"So where were you last Saturday? You were supposed to come over for taco night," Darrell asked.

"Yeah, sorry about that. Something else ended up coming up."

"A phone call would have been nice." 

"I sent you guys a text."

"I've been having trouble receiving text messages on this new phone I have, so that's probably why I didn't see it." He grabbed a pepper grinder from off the counter next to the stove, then turned the dial to release the spice. "So what was this other something that came up?

"I had a date."

He turned his head and offered her a little smile. "Oh, so that's why you ditched us. Your mother did mention that you'd met someone." He grabbed a container of sour cream and took the lid off, then dipped a spoon inside and retrieved a large dollop. He knocked the spoon against the pan a few times to release the cream from the utensil, then he stirred the dairy product into the sauce. "So what's his name?"




Peak of Desire Ch. 04



"Cody."

"And when do we get to meet him?"

She pulled her shoulders into a small shrug. "I don't know. We're just getting to know each other, so it may not be for awhile."

"What does he do for a living?"

"He washes windows."

"That's an interesting occupation. What types of buildings does he wash?"

"High rises."

"That's not an easy job to do. It must take a lot of guts to do that as a living."

"Well he's definitely got plenty of those." She took a few sips of her juice, then grabbed a few cashews from a small bowl on the kitchen table.

"So what else do you know about Cody?"

"He's also a rock climber." 

"So he's got a thing for heights, huh?"

"Oh yeah. He a total thrill seeker."

"Sounds like an interesting guy. I definitely want to meet him, so I hope you bring him by soon."

"We'll see how it goes." She retrieved a few more cashews and popped them into her mouth. "Where's mom?"

"She's in the studio, working on a project."

"I'm gonna go chat with her for a bit."

"Okay. Dinner should be ready pretty soon, so I'll come back there and let you guys know once it's done."

"Sounds good." She stepped up into the living area and headed to the back of the house. 

As she reached the door to her mother's art studio, she pushed it open and entered. Lilac colored walls surrounded her, and as her eyes landed on her mother, she saw that she was sitting in front of a pottery wheel. Her hands were covered in clay, and her palms were cradling a bowl shaped object on the wheel. 

A low whirring noise emitted from the wheel as it turned round and round. Taking note of her presence, Erica's mother lifted her gaze and offered her daughter a smile. She removed her foot from the pedal so that the wheel came to a stop, then offered a greeting.

"Hey there, pumpkin. How are things?"

"Good. What are you making?" She walked closer to her mother so she could check out what was on the wheel.

"A ceramic bowl."

Erica's eyes roved over her mother's creation, admiring the way that the edges of the container fanned out to resemble the petals of a flower. "That's really pretty, mom. Nice work."

"Thanks. I've had a lot of interest in this particular design, so I decided to create some more to add to my current stock."

"Sounds like business is good."

"It has been. I'm thinking of updating my website. You still in touch with that guy who designs web pages?"

"Oh, you mean Jacob? Yeah, I still talk to him every now and again."

"You two still giving each other massages?" Stevie's lips pulled into a grin.

"Yeah, occasionally. And what's that smile about?"

"I just think it's cute how you guys use massages to flirt with each other."

"We don't do it to flirt, we do it for the practice."

"You've been out of school for years now. How much more practice do you need?" Her voice had a playful tone to it.

"There's nothing sexual about what we do. Out relationship is strictly platonic."

"Okay, I believe you." She wiped her hands off on a damp towel, then stood up from her seat and stretched. 

I'll give him a call and let him know that you're interested."

"Thanks, I'd appreciate it."

Erica walked over to some shelves that were on the wall, and eyed the ceramic vases, pots, cups and bows that were lined up on display. A colorful vase with a koi fish painted on the side of it caught her eye, and she traced her finger along the outline of the sea creature.

"So what's up, honey? Seems like you have something on your mind." Her mother grabbed a mug from the table in front of her, then took a sip from it.

"I'm thinking about Cody."

"Cody?"

"Yeah, remember I told you that I was seeing someone new?"

"Yep, I remember. I just didn't know what his name was." She picked up a pack of cigarettes from the table she was sitting at and shook one out, then tucked it between her lips.

Turning to face her mother, Julia offered her a hard, steady gaze. No words needed to be spoken, as the look that Erica gave her caused Stevie to remove the cigarette from her lips, then tuck it back into the package.

"Sorry, I forgot. Guess it's just a reflex."

"Still addicted to those cancer sticks, huh?"

Stevie released a little sigh of frustration, then said, "Give me a break, Erica. I'm trying my best, okay?"

"Well you need to try harder."

"Excuse me? Don't you take that tone with me, young lady."

Erica's expression softened, and she walked over to where her mother was, then took a seat on a wooden chair that was painted a turquoise color. "I'm sorry. I just can't stand the fact that you're dependent on those things."

"Well I am, and I shouldn't be made to feel ashamed about it."

"I'm not trying to make you feel ashamed. I just want you to quit. They're terrible for your health."

"I know, I know. I am improving, though. I used to smoke a pack every two days, and now I'm down to half that amount."

"That's still a lot."

Stevie tucked a tight coil behind her ear, leaving a streak of gray in her locks from the clay on her fingers. "So tell me about Cody. I wanna hear the update."

"I'm falling for him, mom. Hard."

"And that's a bad thing?"

"He leads a pretty reckless lifestyle. I'm starting to wonder if I should pull out of this before I get more emotionally involved."

"I'm guessing that his job as a window washer is the thing that bothers you."

"Although that does worry me a bit, I'm more concerned about him being a rock climber."

"Oh, so he rock climbs, too?"

"Yeah, and he also does this thing called free soloing. Which means that he climbs without any protection at all. No ropes, no anchors, just his bare hands."

Stevie lifted her eyebrows, and she sat back in her chair, offering Erica a look of disbelief. "You're kidding me, right?"

"Nope. I'm totally serious."

"That is reckless. Why would he wanna do that?"

"He says he enjoys the challenge, and that it gives him a huge pump of adrenaline."

She shook her head and said, "Doesn't he get enough excitement from washing high rise windows? How much more of a thrill does he need to get?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, I guess he's just one of those people who has to constantly push the boundaries. I don't understand it, either."

"Well honey, I can't say I blame you for thinking about pulling out. I'd most likely do the same if I were in your shoes. Not that I'm encouraging you to do it. It's entirely up to you, of course."

"I am contemplating putting an end to things between us, but at the same time, I doubt that I can actually go through with it. We have a really strong connection, and I know I probably won't feel this strong of an attraction with anyone ever again. I'd feel like such a fool giving him up."

"That is quite a dilemma." She took a sip from her mug and then sat it back down. "Have you told him how you feel about him doing this free solo stuff?"

"Yes, but he made it pretty clear that climbing is a big part of his life. He's not about to stop doing it just because I'm concerned."

"Hmmm." Stevie stared off into the distance for a few moments, as if she were doing some contemplating. "Do you know what sign he is?"

"Aries."

She nodded her head, then said, "That explains a lot. Aries men can be quite a handful." She rose up from her seat and walked over to small bookshelf that was adjacent to a large arched window. After retrieving a book from one of the shelves, she came back to where Erica was, and sat back down. 

"What's that?" Erica asked.

"An astrology book. It'll give you lots of information about Aries men." She flipped through the pages until she found the section she was searching for. "Here we go. Aries men are hard driving go-getters who overdo and over achieve. They can be reckless, impulsive, athletic, and dominating." Stevie paused and glanced over at Erica so she could offer her opinion.

"That describes him perfectly. What else does it say?"

"They love to be challenged, enjoy spontaneity, live for the thrill of the chase, and dislike being told what to do. But on the plus side, they can be enthusiastic, freedom-loving, generous, and brave." She was quiet for a few moments, and then continued on. "Aries men have a dominating sex appeal, and are very passionate lovers." She gave a sound of approval and cocked an eyebrow, then shifted her eyes to give her daughter a little smile.

Erica's lips tugged upward. "What about compatibility with Sagittarius? Does it say anything about that?"

She scanned the paragraphs until she found what she was looking for. "According to the book, your sign is highly compatible with Aries, so that's good news. And you're both fire signs, so you're bound to have an intense sexual attraction to one another." 

Images from the earlier part of the day began to flash through Erica's mind, and she felt a bolt of arousal shoot through her body as her recalled the erotic moment she'd shared with Cody in the narrow alleyway behind the bookstore. "Well it's good to know we're compatible, but I'm still feeling uncertain about things. Ever since he told me about how he likes to free solo, it makes me worry about him. What if something were to end up happening, and he got fatally injured? Just the thought of something going wrong..." Her voice trailed off and she lowered her gaze, staring down at her hands.

"Oh, pumpkin, you really are into this guy, aren't you?" Stevie grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle rub. 

"Yes I am, and that's what makes it so difficult. I'm scared of being heartbroken, yet at the same time I know I don't have the strength to truly push him away. I want so badly to take things further with him, but what if one of these days he goes out climbing and doesn't come back? How would I ever deal with that? It would completely shatter me."

"I think it's best to just not consider the what if's. Contemplating about disastrous outcomes will do nothing except drive you crazy."

"I guess you're right about that, but it's kind of hard not to, especially when you really care about someone."

"I know, but you need to have faith that there will be a positive outcome. If you think that carrying on this relationship with him will take too much of an emotional toll on you, then maybe it is best to pull out of it. But it sounds like you really like him a lot, so if you want things to work out, then just go for it. Don't sit there worrying about what could happen. Just enjoy each day as it comes, and always look forward to the next. Being anxious about it will just suck the enjoyment out of the relationship, and that's no way to live."

She released a little sigh and looked out the window, staring out into the night. "You're right. Sitting around thinking about terrible outcomes isn't going to do any good, and it'll only cause negative energy to be attracted my way, so I guess I'd better stop." Yet even as she said it, she knew it wouldn't be so easy to do.

"I've had a couple of thrill seeking boyfriends in the past. Not to the same extent as Cody, but they still did some pretty reckless stuff. So I know how it is to worry about someone who seems intent on living life as dangerously as possible. And when it really comes down to it, they're going to do what they want, no matter what anybody says. You try to tell them otherwise and they'll most likely ignore you. So as difficult as it may be, you're just going to have to allow him to do his thing. Try and stop him, and he'll most likely resent you for it."

"I'm not trying to change him. I just want him to be more careful about it."

"I know, honey. But you're going to have to let him do it his way. There really isn't any other option."

"Yeah, I know." She leaned forward and propped her elbows on her knees, then placed her chin in the palm of her hand. 

"Try not to worry too much, okay? I'm sure everything will be alright."

She gave a little nod in response. There was a knock on the door, and as Erica turned her attention towards the source of the sound, she saw her father pop his head inside the room.

"Dinner's ready."

"We'll be right there," said Stevie. She untied the clay splattered apron that covered her clothing, then placed it on the table next to the potter's wheel. Then she bent down so that she was eye level with her daughter. "Let's get some food in your stomach, then we can talk some more after dinner."

"Okay, sounds good." 

Spotting something in her mother's hair, she weaved her fingers through the thick, shiny coils, and retrieved a tiny leaf. She couldn't help smiling as she recollected her first meeting with Cody in the bookstore, and she thought of how he'd pulled a leaf out of her own hair that day. Erica showed her mother what was in her palm, then released it from her hand.

Stevie's lips tilted slightly upward in response to the smile on Erica's face. "What's funny?"

She shook her head and then said, "Nothing. Come on, let's go eat." 

She stood up from her seat, and Stevie rose from her squatting position. Then they made their way out of the studio and headed for the kitchen.



Peak of Desire Ch. 05



*Thanks to everyone who sent feedback. I really appreciate the supportive comments, you guys rock! And although all feedback may not always be in my favor, I do take the less than stellar, constructive ones into consideration, as well. For those who find the story/characters boring, sorry to hear you're not enjoying it as much as the previous ones. But I've decided to go a different route with this story, and I'm happy with where its going. 

It may not please everyone, but hey, I'm not exactly setting out to do that, because it's pretty much impossible. As a writer who's constantly trying to improve, I'm always amazed and very pleased to know there are even people out there who enjoy the stories I create.

So to those who are hanging in with me, thanks for your continued interest! And the others who make the decision not to read on-no hard feelings- I'm sure you'll find other stories on this site more to your liking. This website is full of really talented authors, and has something for pretty much everyone. That's what I love about Literotica. 

Anyways, sorry for the long ramble. Just thought I would say that. Oh, and please forgive any silly typos. I uploaded this late at night. And now, on to the latest installment. I hope you'll enjoy. :)* 

*

As Erica drove along the familiar route from work toward home, she found herself thinking about her visit to her parent's house. Two days had passed since, and she was still recalling the bits of advice that her mother had given her about Cody. 

'Contemplating about disastrous outcomes will do nothing except drive you crazy.'

The words her mother had spoken were very true, and she knew there was no use in allowing her imagination to run wild with negative thoughts, so she'd decided to just let things be, and not try to steer Cody away from doing what he wanted. There was no use in trying anyhow, seeing as how he was the dominating, determined type. 

And while she had considered pulling away from him, she knew that wasn't possible. Her attraction to him was far too intense, so resisting him wasn't even an option. And even if she tried, she was certain it would only make him more eager to chase after her. Which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, considering that she enjoyed being pursued by him. 

Once she arrived home, she put her car in park and headed for the door. As soon as she set foot inside of the Airstream, she kicked off her shoes, then made a dash for the bathroom. She'd felt an urgency to pee the entire time she'd been driving home, and her bladder was aching to be released. After relieving herself, she stripped out of her clothes and got into the tiny shower, making sure to put a shower cap on her hair before she turned the water on. 

Once she was soaped up, she rinsed off, then got out of the tub and dried off. She wrapped a towel around her body and headed for her bedroom, but before she could enter, she heard the sound of her cell phone ringing. She turned and headed towards the front of the trailer, and after picking her purse up from the couch to dig through it, she retrieved her phone. Then she hit the answer call button and placed it against her ear. 

"Hello?"

"Hey gorgeous, how are you?"

"I'm good, and you?" 

"Not too bad. You were on my mind, so I thought I'd give you call. What are you up to tonight?"

"My neighbor invited me over to watch a movie, so I'm getting ready to head over to her house."

"Break your plans with her and go out with me, instead."

Cocking an eyebrow, she playfully asked, "And why should I do that?"

"Because you'd much rather be with me," he said matter of factly.

"Would I?"

"Of course you would. I think we both know that."

Her lips curled upward. "I really wasn't planning on going out tonight."

"I'll make it worth your time."

She felt a pleasant tingle sweep through her body from the huskiness in his voice. "Where would we go?"

"I know this cool bowling alley located downtown. They have a nice lounge with great food and drinks. How about we meet up there?"

"I think I know the place you're talking about. It's located off of Vista and Magnolia, right?"

"Yep."

Okay. Give me thirty minutes to get ready, and then I'll get on the road. I should be there in the next hour."

"Great, looking forward to seeing you."

"So am I. See you in a bit." She hung up the phone, then put it back in her purse and headed for the bedroom.

After stripping out of the towel, she put on a pair of lacy blue panties and a matching bra, then slipped into a form fitting black skirt that reached a few inches above her knees. She then put on a black bustier top, followed by a fitted blue cardigan, leaving the top three buttons undone so that a peek of the garment beneath could be seen. Then she put on a pair of black, strappy low heel mules. 

After applying her makeup, she ran a paddle brush through her hair a few times, then she headed for the door, picking her purse up from the couch along the way. After locking the door to her Airstream, she got into her car and headed off. Twenty minutes later she arrived at the bowling alley, and as she walked through the door, she was greeted by Cody, who was standing right next to the entrance. 

"Hey there." He pulled her into his arms for a hug, then leaned down to place a kiss on her lips.

"Good to see you," she said as they parted from the embrace.

"It's great to see you, too."

He gave her a charming smile and took her by the hand, leading her toward the lounge area. A song by Mariah Carey belted from the speakers as her video played on the flat screens located at the end of each lane. The sound of balls crashing against bowling pins mingled with the amiable chatter of the patrons, and blue neon lights lit up each of the lanes, giving the interior of the bowling alley a bright glow. 

Erica and Cody wove their way through circular glass tables until they reached a high back leather sofa. Once they were seated, Cody stretched an arm along the back of the couch. She caught the faint scent of his cologne, and as it entered her nostrils, she found herself unconsciously leaning in closer to him. 

Giving him a quick once over, she allowed her eyes to take in his jeans and black button down shirt. The first few buttons were undone, leaving a peek of his chest exposed, and she felt a strong urge to undo a few more of the clasps so she could have a better look. 

"Did I mention how sexy you look tonight?" He asked.

She felt a delightful shiver run up her spine in response to his compliment. "Thanks, you look nice too." Placing her palm on his thigh, Erica gave it a gentle rub, causing his eyes to drift down to her hand. He then looked back up at her with a surprised, but pleased expression. She met his gaze head on, making no attempt to hide the intense desire that she felt for him.

"I like that top you're wearing." He turned his gaze downward, allowing his eyes to briefly linger on the undone buttons of her cardigan, indulging himself in a tantalizing peek of cleavage. Then he glanced back into her eyes. "You smell really good, too."

"As do you." Their eyes locked, and just when she was certain she couldn't get any more turned on, he did something that really drove her crazy.

Leaning in closer to her, he placed his lips next to her ear and seductively whispered into it. "I bet you taste even better than you smell." 

Erica felt her inner muscles clench in response, and she gave a dry swallow, then licked her lips. "You may just be right about that." Her voice came out sounding husky.

"So when are you going to give me the chance to find out?" Cody asked.

His lips were a mere few inches from touching hers, and every time he spoke, the faint scent of mint entered her nostrils.

"I don't know. I guess you're just going to have to be patient and wait."

"Don't keep me waiting too long. I don't know how much longer I can keep this appetite of mine under control." 

She felt herself grow wet from his words, and shifted slightly in her seat, hoping to create a bit of friction to ease some of the tension that was building between her legs. The dim mood lighting in the lounge created a sultry atmosphere, and it only seemed to enhance the sexual energy that hung between them. 

A waitress outfitted in a mid thigh black skirt and a fitted white blouse that emphasized her cleavage strolled toward them, and as she reached the couple, she offered them a friendly smile. 

"Hi there, what can I get you two?" Despite the fact that that Erica was there also, the waitress kept her eyes pinned directly on Cody.

"I'll take a peach daiquiri," said Erica.

Making no effort to make eye contact with her, the waitress wrote Erica's order down on a small pad. "Sure thing." She then looked up from the pad of paper and focused her deep brown eyes back on Cody. "And what can I get for you?" 

"Do you guys have any draft beer? I don't see it on the list of drinks." He scanned the menu in his hands.

"We sure do." She bent over and placed a palm against the back of the lounge sofa, allowing it to rest a hairs inch from Cody's shoulder.

With the position she was in, it allowed the crease of her breasts to be on prominent display, and as Erica caught glance of her nametag, she saw that the woman's name was Alexis. The waitress pressed her finger against the glossy surface of the menu, then slid a long nail downward to motion along the area of where the list of draft beers were located. As her finger skated southward, it bumped against one of Cody's fingertips, a move that Erica was certain the waitress had planned.

"The draft beers are in the left column, right next to the where your thumb is resting." 

"Oh, right. Don't know how I missed that." 

"It's no problem." She gave him a brief touch on the arm, then stood back up to her full height. 

Cody took a short moment to look over the list, and then gave the waitress his order. "I'll take a bottle of Guinness."

"Sure thing. Coming right up." She flipped her long curly hair over her shoulder, then turned on her heel and walked away. 

As Erica watched her leave, she couldn't help feeling amused by the woman's exaggerated switch, and found herself a bit surprised by the waitresses' blatant attempt to flirt with Cody. 

"Looks like you have an admirer," she said.

"What do you mean?"

Her lips formed into a little smirk. "Oh come on, she was totally flirting with you."

"Yeah, I guess. Too aggressive for my taste, though. It's a turn off when a woman tries that hard."

"When she comes back to take our food order, I bet she'll make another pass at you."

"She can try all she wants, but my attention has already been captured, and once I find something I'm interested in, I keep it very close to me." 

He leaned in to nuzzle her neck, allowing his lips to lightly brush against her skin. Then he placed a tender kiss on her flesh. She felt her heart quicken, and a breathless little sound of contentment escaped her lips. 

The waitress arrived with their drinks, and sat them down on the glass table in front of them. Then she pulled out a pen and a little pad of paper, eyeing the couple's amorous display with a look of disappointment.

"Will you be ordering any food this evening?" Her voice was rife with impatience.

Cody pulled away from Erica's neck, then grabbed a food menu from the table. "Can you give us a minute, please? We haven't had time to look it over yet."

The waitress nodded, then headed off into another part of the lounge. Erica couldn't help but feel triumphant, and she leaned in to look at the menu Cody was holding. After a few minutes of scanning the various dishes, they settled on some appetizers. Neither of them were all that hungry, so they decided to just order some finger foods, rather than a full meal. The waitress came back to take their order with pen poised above pad, and a sour expression on her face.

"What would you like?" She asked Erica.

"Can I have the grilled cheese sliders, please?"

She nodded. "And for you?" As her eyes shifted to Cody her expression softened, and she offered him a flirtatious smile.

"I'll have the crispy chicken fingers. And can I get extra dipping sauce with it?"

"You sure can." She took the menus from them, then walked off.

Peering suspiciously at her drink, Erica said, "You think she put poison in it?" 

A light chuckle passed his lips. "No, but she probably spit in it."

"Oh, thanks." She sarcastically said.

His lips pulled into a grin. "I was only kidding."

"You're probably right, though. Which means she'll most likely do the same to my food." She set the drink down, deciding it might be better if she left it untouched.

"Oh babe, I was only joking around." He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer against him. "I don't want you to be afraid of enjoying your food and drinks. I want you to have a good time."

She glanced in the waitresses' direction, and saw that she was leaning over the bar counter, chatting with the bartender, who was a muscular black man with shoulder length dreadlocks. Realizing how hesitant Erica was, Cody picked up her peach daiquiri and tipped it to his lips. After taking a few swallows, he passed her the drink.

"Now that I've taken a drink, you take one as well. That way if she did spit in it, then at least we'll both have gotten her germs."

"That's got to be the most unconventionally romantic thing that anyone has ever done for me. You're willing to risk the possibility of spit germs just to put me at ease?" She leaned in to place a kiss on his cheek. "How sweet of you." She took a swallow of the drink and then set it down.

"I'd do anything to make you feel good. The last thing I want is for your evening to be spoiled."

"Well thank you, baby. I appreciate the gesture." She lay her head against his shoulder, and placed a hand on his chest. 

"So what do you think about playing some pool after this?"

"They have pool tables here?"

"Yep, they're located upstairs."

"Sounds like fun. I love playing pool."

The waitress approached with their food, then set it down on the table in front of them.

"Grilled cheese sliders," she said as she set the plate in front of Erica. "And crispy chicken fingers with extra sauce." Her eyes fixed intently on Cody's, and she pushed her chest out, as if she were serving herself up to him, instead of the food. "Is there anything else I can get you?" 

"Nope." He turned to glance at his date. "How about you, Erica?" 

"Nope, I'm all set."

"Alrighty, enjoy your meal." She bounced off, her curly hair moving along with the rhythm of her steps.

"So I'm guessing you're not the jealous type," Cody said.

"Not really. Jealousy leads to drama, and I've had enough of that in my past. And besides, there's no reason to be jealous of that waitress. I'm the one you're with."

"That's right, you are." He looked her straight in the eyes as he said it, then grabbed a chicken finger and swirled it in some dipping sauce. 

Erica picked up one of her grilled cheese sliders and studied it for a few moments, trying to see if there was anything unusual about its appearance. Cody watched her with a look of amusement.

"Think she left some DNA in there?"

She gave him a little smile. "I know, I'm being completely paranoid, aren't I?"

He grabbed one of the mini sandwiches from her plate, then dunked it into some dipping sauce. After popping it into his mouth, he said, "Your turn."

She aimed the slider for her mouth and pushed it inside, then took a bite. She gave a little sound of contentment. "Not bad." She pushed the remainder of the sandwich into her mouth.

"Sorry I can't offer you some of my appetizer."

"No worries." She picked up another slider and then positioned it over his sauce. "Mind if I try a bit of your dipping sauce?"

"Not at all. Help yourself."

She coated her appetizer with the dressing, and then popped it into her mouth. "Mmm, that's some tasty sauce."

"It is pretty good, isn't it?"

They ate the remainder of the food in contented silence, then once their plates were empty, they paid the bill and headed up to the second level of the bowling alley. Taking her by the hand, Cody led the way. Her heels clicked against the floor as she walked beside him, and as they passed by the area where the pool tables were located, Erica found herself wondering why he was continuing ahead.

"I thought you said we were coming up here to play pool?" She asked.

"We are."

She waited for him to elaborate, but he chose instead to remain silent. They continued along for a few more feet before finally reaching a black door, and he turned the knob and pushed it open, allowing her to enter first. As Erica walked inside, she saw there was a single pool table inside. A row of metallic lights hung above the table, and a few wall sconces provided the room with soft illumination.

She heard the click of a lock as he secured the door behind them, and then he walked over to the rack where the pool cues were located. After retrieving two pool sticks and chalking them up, he sauntered over to where she stood. She couldn't help noticing the predatory look in his eyes, and she began to wonder just what type of a game he truly planned for them to play.

"I didn't know they had private rooms here." Her eyes roved around the interior, noting the way that the dim lighting bounced off the dark walls to create a sensual atmosphere. "How much did the rental of this room cost you?"

"The amount of money I paid doesn't really matter. The only thing I'm concerned with is getting in some private time with you. And since you won't invite me over, I figured this is the next best thing."

Cody leaned the pool sticks against the edge of the table. Then he stepped behind her and snaked an arm around her waist. He pulled her hair back so that her shoulder was exposed. Then she felt his lips press against the crook of her neck, and she gave a little shiver at the feel of his breath against her skin. The first few kisses he gave her were soft and gentle, and then his mouth began to press more firmly, with increasing passion and desire. 

She felt a warm, wet sensation as his tongue peeked out to slide against her skin, and she released a little whimper in response. Erica tilted her head to allow him better access to her neck, and he lightly slid his wet appendage along the graceful arch of her neck. When he pulled his mouth away from her, she found herself craving more of his touch, and she unabashedly pressed her body closer against him.

"You know how badly I want you, don't you?" His breath ghosted against the wet trail that was left behind on her neck.

"Yes." Her voice came out sounding breathless, and her pulse began to race as she felt his palm slide down over her hips, tracing the womanly curves of her body.

"Does it excite you, knowing that I'll eventually capture you?"

"How can you be so certain you'll capture me?" 

"Oh, I will," he self assuredly said. "You sure are making me chase after you, though. I like that." 

His palm was now sliding down her leg, and right before it reached mid thigh, he suddenly changed course, maneuvering his hand so that it slowly moved upward. His fingers grazed along the inner part of her thigh, languidly traveling further northward towards the heat between her legs. Yet just before his fingers could reach her aching spot, she suddenly grabbed hold of his wrist, halting his movement before he could go any further.

"The more you deny me, the more I want you. You really know how to make me completely crazy for you, don't you?" His voice came out sounding husky.

"Of course, that's the idea."

"Can you feel my excitement for you?" He pressed his groin more firmly against her backside, allowing her to feel his straining erection. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 05



She nodded, emitting a small gasp.

"You're going to have to do something to help me relieve that." 

The dominating tone of his voice sent an electric current through her body. "Am I?"

"Oh yeah, you definitely are." He slipped his fingers into her locks, then lifted the strands to his nose and inhaled the scent of her shampoo. "I love the smell of your hair."

"Thanks." Her voice came out as little more than a breathy whisper.

Cupping her chin in his palm, he tipped her head back and moved his mouth closer to hers. Just a hairs inch from their lips meeting, he paused, then slipped his tongue out to snake it across her lips. Overcome with passion, her eyes narrowed to slits and she slid her tongue out to meet his. As Cody's hot tongue bumped up against hers, she engaged it in a languid dance, flicking her own wet appendage back and forth against his. 

Then their lips met for a kiss, and she released a moan as he plunged his tongue into her mouth. Delirious with desire, she kissed him with a fervor which equally matched his, pleasurably drowning in the kiss. By the time their lips parted, they were both short of breath, and found themselves locked into a deep, longing stare. Then he leaned forward and grabbed one of the cue sticks that was leaning up against the pool table. Handing it to her he said, "Ladies first." Then he released her from his hold.

Dazed from the kiss he'd given her, she gave herself a moment to come back down to earth, then she approached the table, which was already set up with the balls in position. Erica bent over the table to break the set, and just before she hit the cue ball with the tip of the pool stick, she felt Cody step up behind her. Pressing his groin firmly against her backside, he leaned over her. Then he placed a hand against her hip and maneuvered her body so that she was in position to properly break through the balls. 

"Make sure your keep the cue stick level, and use a nice, smooth stroke to hit the ball."

She nodded, and then made the shot. There was a cracking noise as the cue ball hit the others, and one of the striped balls went into a pocket. Cody released her from his hold so that she could walk over to another part of the table to line up her next shot, and as she bent over and got into position, she felt him place a palm against the small of her back, then slowly slid it downward so that it traveled over the swell of her ass.

He then cupped it in his hand, and offered it a nice, firm squeeze. She heard him give a deep grunt of appreciation, and then he gave her a light smack on the ass. The sensation of his palm on her butt cheek broke her concentration, and she felt a wetness grow between her legs. She glanced up and cocked an eyebrow him, and saw him offer her a crooked little smile. 

Turning her attention back to the balls, she mustered every bit of strength she had and took the shot. It came as no surprise to her that she missed, and she heard him give a little chuckle in response to her noticeably flustered state. 

"You did that on purpose," Erica said.

He gave a light chuckle. "Can't help it if I have that effect on you."

Cody walked around the table to check out the angles. He then bent down to line up a shot, and sunk one of the solid balls. Walking a few paces over, he studied the table for a few moments, then he leaned over to take his second shot.

Erica reached up to undo a button on her cardigan, and as more of her cleavage came into view, Cody's eyes shifted from the balls on the table and came to rest on her chest, zeroing in on the glimpse she was offering him. Seemingly unable to remove his gaze from her, Cody took the shot without looking at the balls, and ended up missing as a result. 

Her lips curled upward, and she walked to the other side of the table so she could take another shot. She leaned over, and as she trained her focus on the cue ball, she felt a hard object begin to slide up along the inner part of her thigh. 

Turning her head to look behind her, she saw that Cody was languidly trailing the pool cue up along her bare leg. The tip of the stick nudged the hem of her skirt up, exposing more of her thigh, and as the billiard cue moved closer to the heat between her legs, she felt an electric thrill course through her. 

Yet before he could use the stick to hitch her skirt up any further, Erica reached a hand behind her and grabbed hold of the stick, impeding its movement. Taking a look over her shoulder, she saw Cody's lips curve into a wanton smile, and he slowly pulled the pool cue back, sliding it from within the grip of her palm. 

Struggling to bring herself out of her lust filled haze, Erica turned her focus back on the balls and took a shot. To her astonishment, she sunk a solid in, and glanced over her shoulder to see Cody's brows raise in surprise. 

"Nice try," she said as she walked to another part of the table.

Cody walked over to stand beside her, and as she leaned into the table he molded his body against hers, allowing his chest to press against her back. Sliding his hands into her hair, he grasped a fistful of it, then leaned in to offer her a few tender kisses along the nape of her neck. She shivered from his touch, then took the shot and sunk a striped ball. As he stood up, so did Erica, and she turned to face him.

"You're better at this game that I thought you would be," he said.

"Oh, I'm good at quite a few games," she said with a little smile.

As she walked to the other side of the table, Cody trailed behind her. She didn't have to look over her shoulder to know that he was intently studying her body. She could feel the heat of his gaze, and knew that his eyes were intently tracing the curves of her body. 

Erica took a few moments to plan her next move, then leaned into the table and positioned the cue stick so she could take a shot. Yet before the cue stick made contact with the ball, she felt him slide the stick out of her hand, then place it against the green felt surface of the table. 

Turning to face him she said, "Afraid I'll win the game?" Her lips tugged into a smirk.

After releasing the pool stick in his hands, he grasped her by the hips, pulling her flush against him. "Not at all. I'm bored with pool. Let's play with each other, instead." His hands roamed downward to glide across her curvy backside, then he coasted his palm lower to lazily trace a finger along the bottom border of her skirt. "You have a fantastic ass."

"Thank you." 

He leaned in to place his mouth against hers, then snaked his soft, warm tongue between her pouty lips. Their mouths sealed in a deep, wet kiss, and their lips moved with hungry urgency, clashing together in a sensuous tango. No longer able to resist herself, she slid her hand up along his thigh until it bumped against his raging hard on. She heard him groan in response, then he withdrew his lips from hers and stared intently into her eyes. 

Grabbing hold of her hips, he lifted her up and set her on the edge of the table. Watching her with a steady look, he slid his hand up along her torso, allowing his palm to slide across one breast, and then the other. 

He grazed a finger against one of the pearly buttons on her cardigan, then trailed the tip of his digit slowly down the line of fasteners, until it reached the last button on her top. The passion he felt for her was visible on his face, and she eagerly anticipated his next move. 

"Show me," he said in a deep, low voice.

No other words needed to be spoken, as she knew exactly what he was requesting. 

"I can't. Not right here," she said.

"Of course you can. We're all alone."

Her eyes drifted around the interior of the room, seeing if she could spot any surveillance equipment. "But what if somebody is watching us? There must be cameras in here somewhere."

His shoulders pulled into a little shrug. "So what if there are? I'm not asking you to get naked for me, I just want a peek."

"And what will you give me?"

"You show me your chest, and I'll show you mine. It'll be an even exchange."

Her lips curled into a smile. "It seems like you'd be getting the better end of that deal." 

His lips tugged upwards. "Alright, then. I'll show you whatever you want. How about that?" His voice was deep and sexy, and his eyes penetrated hers with an impassioned gaze.

Erica placed her palms against the felt surface of the pool table and leaned back, resting her weight on her hands. "Okay. But you go first." Eyeballing the patch of skin on his chest that was exposed, she said, "Unbutton your shirt."

He began to undo the fastenings on his top, moving slowly so that his chest was gradually revealed. After he reached the last button of his shirt, he shrugged out of the garment and tossed it onto the pool table. She reached her hands out and slid them along his wide shoulders, then glided her fingers along his arms, tracing the ridges of his biceps. 

Her eyes feasted hungrily on his masculine form, and she found herself imagining what it would be like to be pinned beneath his body, naked and spread open as he thrust deeply into her core. The thought alone caused a shiver to ripple through her, and she lazily skated her fingernails across the bare flesh of his torso. 

Her digits traveled lower until they reached the lightly muscled plane of his belly, drifting further southward until they came into contact with the line of hair that trailed to his nether regions. 

Moving her hands back upward, she allowed her nails to trail against his flesh, and as her fingers came into contact with his nipples, she gave them a gentle twist. He gave a sound of pleasure in response, clearly pleased by her ministrations. 

She leaned in to place a kiss against his left nipple, and then his right one. Then she slipped her tongue out to offer it a lick. Cody gave an intake of breath, and he looked down at her with eyes which were clouded with lust. Erica pulled her mouth away from his skin, and met his intense stare with one of her own. She saw him direct his attention to her chest, and then he lifted his eyes once again. 

"Your turn," he said.

She undid a few buttons on her cardigan, then parted the material so he could see more of the bustier beneath. 

"Unbutton it all the way, then take the cardigan off," he said in a demanding tone.

"I'll unbutton it, but the cardigan stays on." Although she wouldn't have minded taking the button up sweater off, she didn't want to make it too easy for him. 

She could see from the look in his eyes that he hadn't quite expected her to challenge him, and there was a hint of a smile on his lips. As Erica reached the last button on her cardigan, the black bustier came into full view. His eyes trailed along the form fitting garment, taking note of the way it nipped in her waist, accentuating her feminine curves in a very seductive way. 

His gaze then landed on the cups of the bustier, lustily eyeing her generous cleavage. Placing his hands on her chest, he gave her breasts a nice, firm squeeze, causing her cleavage to pop further upward. 

As he leaned in to nuzzle his face against the crevice of her bosom, a deep masculine moan emitted from his lips, creating a light vibration against her chest. Then he began peppering light kisses against her skin. He darted his tongue out to sandwich it between her fleshy mounds, then slid it upward, tracing it along the outer curve of one breast, then the other. 

Pulling his head back, he began to circle her silk clad nipples with his thumb, steadily moving closer and closer to her peaks. She knew he was deliberately denying her what she needed most, and found herself frustrated by the little tease he was giving her. 

"Mmm." She thrust her chest toward him, silently conveying that she wanted more.

After what seemed like forever, his fingers finally grazed over the hard points, and her already erect nipples stiffened even further, jutting through the silky fabric of her bustier. He allowed his thumb to brush back and forth against her peaks a few times, then he leaned in to place a few kisses along the side of her neck. As his lips reached her earlobe, he took it into his mouth and gently sucked on it. His teeth grazed along the sensitive flesh, causing Erica to give a shudder. 

Releasing her lobe from his mouth, he said, "I bet you have beautiful tits. Why don't you show them to me?"

As the word 'tits' left his mouth, she felt a flush of heat between her thighs. She'd never had a man look at her with such raw desire before, and found that her arousal had nearly reached it's peak. She met his deep gaze with one of her own, but made no moves to expose any more of her skin. 

Cody slid a finger down along the small silver hooks of her bustier, all the while giving her one of his provocative looks. His eyes were so captivating she almost felt hypnotized, as if he were trying to use his alluring gaze to coax her into showing him her breasts. A few more moments of silence passed before he once again spoke.

"So how about it?" 

"I don't think so."

"You sound a little uncertain, so I'm guessing you're considering it."

"Sorry to say, but your guess is wrong."

He gave her a lopsided smile, then trailed the tip of his finger along the flesh just below her collarbone. "Are you cold?"

"No, why?"

"You have goose bumps all over your skin." 

She remained quiet, watching as he grabbed a pool cue from off the table. Placing the chalked tip of it against her leg, he slowly pushed it upward, edging it closer and closer to the heat between her legs. As it languidly slid higher along her thigh, she thought about stopping its journey, but it seemed that her palms were intent on remaining plastered to the surface of the pool table. 

A voice inside her was urging her to stop him before the stick reached its destination, but her need for stimulation was too strong for her to deny. As the tip of the pool stick bumped against the juncture between her thighs, she shifted her body slightly. She'd been feeling horny the entire evening, and now, an hour after they'd first begun their date, she found that her pussy was literally throbbing with the need to be manipulated. 

Placing the stick against her fabric clad sex, he gently traced the outer edge of her pussy lips, just barely allowing the pool cue to make contact. Then he wedged the stick between her folds, sliding the hard object back and forth against her moist, warm slit. 

Although he wasn't able to see beneath her skirt, he allowed the stick to guide his way, moving it back and forth against the sensitive flesh of her most intimate area. She felt him push the cue stick forward a bit, and as it prodded against the thin fabric of her panties, she arched her back and gave a little gasp of pleasure. 

His eyes stared intently into hers, and for one moment, she was certain he was going to penetrate her with the billiard stick. She could feel it pressing against her tight hole, and she knew that if he truly wanted to do it, he could. But instead of continuing to move the stick forward, he pulled it back, deciding instead to trail it along the petals of her swollen sex. 

He moved the pool cue so that it glided along the edge of her panties, then maneuvered the object so that it slipped beneath the fabric. She jolted a little as the cue made direct contact with her slippery heat, then gave a little whimper as he rubbed the hard object back and forth a few times against her clit.

He removed the cue from beneath the fabric of her underwear, then moved the tip upward so he could glance at it. Seeing that it was coated with the juices of her excitement, he rubbed the tip of his finger against it, then brought his digit to his lips to sample the taste of her. 

"Mmm, I knew you'd taste delicious." 

He set the pool cue down, then placed his hands on her thighs, sliding his palms along her silky skin. His palms were rough and calloused from years of rock climbing, and she found that the hard patches of skin provided a delicious friction against her thighs. It seemed that every inch of his body emitted a strong masculinity, and the visual of his large hands coasting against her flesh filled her with a sharp pang of desire. 

As his thumb met with the apex between her legs, he glanced up at her with raised eyebrows. "You're very wet." 

Her deep brown eyes were clouded with passion, and as he pressed the pad of his digit more firmly against her lace covered sex, she let loose a deep moan of pleasure. She'd dreamed many times about having his fingers pleasure her, and now that it was actually happening, she found herself overwhelmed by the wonderful sensation.

Pressing his thumb against her clit, he began moving it in a circular motion, going around and around in small, tight circles. A husky groan fled her lips, and she bucked her hips back and forth, encouraging him to apply more pressure.

"Aren't you the eager one?" His lips tugged into a little smirk.

The fact that they were engaging in such erotic behavior out in public was a huge turn on. She didn't know whether or not there were security cameras in the room, but even if there were, she didn't really care. In fact, the thought that someone might indeed be watching their every move only made her all the hornier. 

She'd never done anything like this before, yet she'd fantasized many times about engaging in a sexual act in public. She knew what they were doing was brazen, and there was certainly a risk of being caught, but wasn't that what made it so deliciously enjoyable? 

"Does it turn you on, knowing how badly I want to bury my cock between your legs?" His voice was deep and alluring.

"Yes," she throatily answered, shifting her hips in a circular motion to match the rhythm of his thumb.

"I've dreamed about you so many times...imagined my hard cock buried deep between these soft thighs." Using his free hand, he glided his palm against her left thigh, admiring the silky feel of it. 

As his thumb stimulated her clit, his index finger stroked back and forth against her delicate folds, feeling the silky texture of her soaking heat. Pressing harder against her engorged button, Cody increased the speed of his ministrations. A pleasured gasp escaped her lips, and she threw her head back, writhing beneath his ministrations.

"You like that, huh?" His voice came out in a husky sort of whisper. 

She nodded, allowing herself to indulge in the wonderful feel of his fingers, and he increased the pressure, rubbing her pleasure button in a rapid side to side motion. 

"Cody..." Her lips parted in a breathless cry, and she looped her arms around his neck to steady herself. His lips curled into a little smile at the reaction he was creating, and he relentlessly coaxed her to orgasm.

His dark eyes watched her closely, devouring the erotic contortions of her face. Pressing his lips to her neck, he placed gentle kisses along it, then nipped and sucked the sensitive flesh. Rolling her head back, Erica closed her eyes, focusing on the exquisite mix of sensations. The feel of his tongue on her skin, and the touch of his fingers between her legs sent tremors of heat through her body, and her pulse was racing from the provocative thrill of the moment. 

A sudden bang against the door caused Erica's eyes to shoot open and she whipped her head around, directing her attention to the entryway. Worried that someone was trying to gain entrance, she directed her gaze at Cody and fixed him with a wide eyed look. 

"It's okay, the door is locked," he said.

Although there was no real threat of discovery, the abrupt interruption was enough to give Erica a rush of adrenaline, and she could feel her heart thumping rapidly in her chest. Seemingly spurred on by the disturbance of their intimate moment, Cody continued his pleasurable assault on her sensitive bundle of nerves, manipulating her tight, wet heat with his talented fingers. Bucking her center against his hand, Erica released a throaty moan, followed by soft, breathy pants. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 05



She heard what sounded like rambunctious teenagers laughing from beyond the door, and then she heard their voices retreating down the hallway, away from the room where they were located. Still feeling a little on edge, her body was stiff and vestiges of unease were coursing throughout her. 

Noting the visible change in her body language, he offered a few coaxing words. "Relax, baby. Stop being so nervous and just let yourself go. Let me please you."

Heeding his advice, she submitted to his erotic caresses, and with a few more strokes of his experienced fingers, he pushed her over the edge. She tried her best to not to cry out loud, but failed, and as a guttural moan of passion swept from her lips, she jerked her hips forward, clinging desperately to his broad shoulders. 

Erica's body trembled as she came, her inner muscles spasming as her climax overtook her. It took a few moments to regulate her labored breathing, then once she came down from the orgasm, she released a pleasured sigh. Her vision was hazy from euphoria, and her body tingled from the release of endorphins.

Cody removed his hand from between her legs, then licked her juices from his fingers. Cupping her face in his hands, he leaned in to claim her lips. Their mouths collided in a deep, passionate kiss, and by the time they pulled back from the embrace, she found that her lips were swollen from the feverish lip lock. 

"You're very good with those fingers, aren't you?" She said in a still husky voice.

"Can't deny that I am." 

Her lips curled into a little smile, and she began to button up her cardigan. Yet before she could finish, he grabbed hold of her hand and guided it downward, placing it against his erection.

"Feel how hard I am for you?"

She nodded, and as his cock twitched beneath her touch, she felt a stirring in her loins. She'd just barely had an orgasm, and already her desire for him was being renewed. Erica grazed her palm lightly over the tent in his pants, then firmly grasped his erection and gave him a few firm strokes. 

Cody groaned and rocked his hips in time with her ministrations, his eyes keenly fixed to the movement of her hand. Even through the fabric of his jeans, she could feel the heat radiating off his impossibly stiff cock, and as she offered him a long, languid stroke, she heard him suck in an urgent breath. 

The exhale he gave came out sounding choppy, and his lips descended to brush lightly against hers. She felt the touch of his tongue as it skated against the pad of her bottom lip, then he began to gently suck on it. He didn't stop until her bottom lip was raw from his attentions, then he kissed his way down the column of her throat.

"Erica." He spoke her name breathlessly, as if he was short of oxygen and had to utilize every bit of strength just to make the words leave his mouth. 

She loved the sound of her name on his lips, and gave a slight shudder from the heat of his breath against her skin. His hands roamed across her chest, and as his fingers found one of the hooks on her bustier, he unclasped it. His digits moved with dexterity, hastily working to remove the barrier of fabric that obstructed him from touching her bare breasts. 

Within the span of a few short moments, he managed to undo four of the clasps on her bustier. Considering how tiny the hook and eyes were, she found herself surprised by how rapidly he was undoing them, and struggled to pull herself out of her daze of pleasure. 

"We shouldn't...." Rolling her head back, she released an urgent gasp, biting back a moan as she struggled to continue speaking. "Have to stop." As the words passed her lips, she found herself panting with desire.

"You don't mean that. Stop fighting it and just give in," he rasped against her collarbone.

So she did. Still caressing his manhood, she grasped the slider of the zipper and brought it down. His swollen erection was pressing so eagerly against the fabric of his trousers, that it seemed as if his cock, rather than her fingers, was guiding the fastener lower. Cody's erection popped out to greet her, and she wrapped her hand around it, applying firm pressure as she caressed his boxer clad hard on. Closing his eyes, he gave a dry swallow, then released a deep moan of gratification.

He continued to blanket her neck with passionate kisses, and as his mouth sealed to her flesh, he began to suckle it. The onslaught of sensations she was experiencing rendered her completely helpless, and she weakly grabbed hold of his wrist, trying to stop him from undoing anymore of the fastenings on her top. Then suddenly there came a loud knock on the door, followed by the sound of a deep, male voice.

"Whoever is in there, your time is up. We need the room." 

As Cody removed his lips from her neck, there was a faint sound of the suction being released, and he glanced at the door with a look of deep annoyance. His brows were deeply furrowed, and the frustration on his face was clearly visible. 

"Did an hour go by already?" He glanced at his watch, and as he saw the time, he cursed beneath his breath.

"I guess so." Her voice was laced with disappointment. 

Erica's fingers worked to fasten the clasps on her bustier, then once that was done, she started to button up her cardigan. Having finished with the fasteners on her sweater, she ran her fingers through her hair to neaten it up. After putting his shirt back on, Cody readjusted his erection, shifting it so that it was less noticeable. 

Walking over to where he stood, she placed her hands against his chest and glanced up into his eyes. Then she nodded towards the billiard table. "You owe me a game of pool."

"Do I?"

"Yep. You knew I was going to win, so you stopped me."

His mouth spread into a wide grin. "I interrupted the game, because you kept bending over, showing off that nice, round ass of yours." He caressed her plump butt cheeks with the palm of his hand. "Not because I was afraid of you winning. I never back off from a challenge."

"Neither do I."

"I'm going to remember you said that."

"I hope you do." She met his gaze head on.

There came another knock at the door, and the voice from beyond called out to them with impatience. "Hey, open up. What's going on in there?"

"Just give us a minute, alright?" Cody said with irritation in his voice. Then he turned his attention back to Erica. "You owe me something, as well." 

"Yeah, I know." She dipped her hand down to cup him through his denims, and as her hand made contact with his crotch, it caused a renewed bulge beneath his pants. "Don't worry, I won't forget." She could feel his balls through his pants, and offered them a gentle squeeze, causing him to give a small gasp in response.

"I'm not worried, I'm horny." 

She gave him a sly smile, then pulled her hand away. After adjusting his stiff length once more, he threaded his fingers through hers and they headed for the door. Once the lock was released, he pulled it open and they came face to face with a man who was dressed in an all black uniform. The darkness of his clothes enhanced the shock of his platinum blond hair, and he eyed them curiously as they exited the room. 

Briefly glancing down at his clipboard, he said, "You went over the time limit, so you're going to have to pay extra."

"No problem." A sly smile played on Cody's lips.

The blond took a few moments to scribble something on a perforated sheet of pink paper, then he tore it off and handed it Cody. "You can pay at the front desk. Have a nice evening."

"You too," Cody said. 

As the couple headed for the stairs that would take them to the lower level, they glanced at each other and shared a little smirk. Erica felt his thumb stroke against the back of her hand, brushing tenderly against her knuckles. 

"Just remember what you said about never backing off from a challenge."

"Oh, I won't." Eyeing him curiously, she wondered what was going through his head. 

Did he mean physical, mental or sexual challenges? She pondered it for a moment, and realized that he most likely meant all of the above. Knowing how spontaneous he was, she figured he had something planned, and it filled her with deep excitement. 

She never knew what was coming next with him, but that's what made it so thrilling. Dating a man like Cody meant that her boundaries would be pushed, and there were certainly interesting experiences on the horizon for them as a couple. 

As they descended the stairs and made their way to ground level, she found that every pore of her body was buzzing with excitement. The moments that were to come would be stimulating in a variety of ways, and she could hardly wait to find out what was coming next.



Peak of Desire Ch. 06



**Hey guys. I apologize for taking so long to update. I've had a lot going on, so I haven't been writing as much as I should have. I submitted Chapter 7 at the same time as this one, so it should be posted within the next day. 

Thanks for your continued interest, and I hope you'll find both this, and Chapter 7 to your liking. Thank you for reading!** 

At just past ten on Thursday morning, the buzzing of an alarm clock roused Erica from her sleep. After switching it off, she rolled over onto her back and tucked her arms behind her head,staring up at the curved Airstream ceiling. Several days had elapsed since her date with Cody at the bowling alley, but the provocative experience they'd shared still vividly played in her mind. 

All it took was the memory of his long, nimble fingers skillfully teasing her clit, or the thought of her palms gliding across his broad, naked chest, and she found herself in a state of intense arousal. The experience they'd shared in the pool table room had been one of the most erotic moments of her life, and if that was a sign of things to come, then she was eagerly anticipating more moments like it. 

She'd known Cody for nearly three weeks now, and it seemed that every time they came together, the attraction they felt for one another only seemed to increase. Like metal to a magnet, she was irresistibly drawn to him, and was intensely curious as to what their next encounter would be like. She could spend hours in bed fantasizing about him, but she had a free day ahead of her, and was eager to get a start on it. 

The bamboo flooring creaked lightly as she padded into the front of the trailer, and as she reached the small fridge, she pulled open the door and retrieved a fudge popsicle, then peeled off the paper surrounding it. She took a few generous licks of the fudgesicle, then turned on a small fan that was sitting on the kitchen counter top.

She plopped lazily onto the sofa, and as she enjoyed the rich chocolate flavor of her frozen treat, she thought about the various ways she could spend her day. By the time she'd eaten half of her popsicle, she'd decided on taking a bike ride down to a nearby creek. Maybe she would even take a swim while she was there, then go to one of her favorite restaurants and treat herself to a delicious lunch. 

Then once she returned home she would stop by Marisol's and see what she was up to. Air from the fan blew a gentle, cool breeze against her face, and she contentedly finished the rest of her popsicle. A chiming sound came from her cell phone, and as she picked it up, she saw she had a text message from Cody. 

*Hey there, beautiful. How are you this morning?*

A smile crossed her lips as she typed her response, then she hit the message send button.

~Doing well. What are you up to?~

*Horny. Woke up with a raging hard on.*

His text sent a flood of liquid heat to her core, and she quickly typed her response.

~If I were there, I'd give you a hand~

*I could use more than a hand*

~I'm sure you could~

Nearly a minute passed before another message from him came through.

*So when do I get that massage?*

~I don't know. When do you want it?~

*Right now would be good*

~You're not working today?~

*Nope. It's my day off*

Not wanting to seem overly eager, she let a few moments pass, then typed her response. Yet before she could send her message, her phone vibrated with another text.

*Can you be here in the next hour?*

Her heart rate increased as she thought about her hands caressing his toned, nude form. She'd only seen his chest, but she was beyond certain that the lower half of his body was just as exquisite as the top. Of course she would drape a sheet over him so he wouldn't be completely bare, but how long would it actually stay on? Their intense sexual attraction to each other guaranteed that the massage would most likely lead to sex, but was she actually ready for them to take things to that next level? 

She could try and resist him all she wanted, but being in the privacy of his home, combined with the allure of his nearly naked body would be far too powerful for her to resist. She'd never been very good at resisting temptation, and although she knew the power was ultimately in her hands, whenever she was around him, it seemed as if she became filled with insatiable lust. 

Physically speaking, she was eager to have sex with him, but was she emotionally ready for it? She took a few more moments to think it over, then typed her response. She was just finishing her message to him, when her phone vibrated with another one of his texts. 

*So when can you get here?*

It came as no surprise to her that he was getting impatient, and as she hit the button to send her message through, the sound of a ring tone floated from the rear of the trailer. Erica tossed the cell phone in her hands aside, then headed for her sleeping quarters. As she reached her bed, she picked up her business cell phone and placed the receiver against her ear.

"Erica's mobile massage. How can I help you?"

"Hello," said a female voice with a Slavic accent. "My name is Aksinya, and I'm calling on behalf of my boss, Mr. Stevens. I need to book a massage for him. Is it possible to get an appointment today?"

"Sure. What time would you like to set the appointment for?"

"One thirty."

"That's no problem, I can book you for that time. How long of a session does he need?"

"One hour."

"Will this be a Swedish or hot stone massage?"

"Swedish."

Erica grabbed her appointment book from a drawer beneath her bed, then set it on the mattress and poised a pen over the paper. "Can I get the name and address, please?"

As the client relayed the information to her, Erica wrote it down in her book. Then once the call was finished, she set the phone down and headed back to the front of the trailer. As she picked up her phone, she noticed she'd received three texts from Cody, and clicked a button to open the first text.

*Still thinking it over?*

She then opened the second message.

*So are you coming over or not?*

His third text message proved to be even more urgent than the previous ones.

*Why are you ignoring me?*

Erica typed back a response, then hit the send button.

~Wasn't ignoring you. Got a call on my business phone and I had to take it.~

She knew that Cody disliked being made to wait, so it came as no surprise that it took twenty minutes for him to respond. She figured it was his way of trying to regain control, and although it was frustrating, she couldn't help feeling a bit amused. As dominating and masculine as he was, he could sometimes be immature, and impatience was clearly one of his weak traits. The phone vibrated in her hand as his message finally came through. 

*Are you still coming over?*

~Nope. Just booked a last minute appointment, so it looks like I'll be busy~

*Any way you can get out of it?*

~Not really. I need the money, and the appointment's already set~

She waited for his response, but instead of the chime of another text message, her cell phone ring tone filled the air. She didn't have to look at the display screen to know that it was Cody, and after hitting the answer call button, she brought the phone up to her ear.

"Hey."

"Hi." He gave a short pause. "You got a last minute client, huh?"

"Yep. I really don't feel like working today, but I need the money, so there was no way I could refuse."

"I understand." His voice was rife with disappointment. "When will you be back home?"

"Three thirty, maybe four."

"So you'll be gone most of the day."

"Yeah, pretty much."

He gave a little sigh of displeasure. "That's too bad, because I was really looking forward to seeing you."

"Yeah, so was I."

"So this client of yours, is it a male or female?"

Her lips curled into a smile. "I knew you were going to ask that question"

"I'm not jealous, I just want to know what type of a situation you're going into."

"Okay."

"So, male or female?"

"Male."

"And what kind of a vibe did you get from him?"

"I didn't speak with him directly. His maid booked the appointment."

"Hmm, that seems a bit weird."

"Not to me. He's obviously rich, so he's probably got a whole staff of people to take care of all his needs."

"Just because he has a housekeeper, it doesn't mean he's wealthy."

"Judging by the address of his house, I'd say he's pretty loaded. He lives in Chandler Hills. Only people with serious money can afford to buy homes out there."

"How did this guy find out about you?"

"He was referred to me by a friend."

"Which friend?"

"I don't know. Didn't think to ask."

"You're not curious?"

"A little, but it isn't all that important. He's paying good money, so that's what matters most."

"What about your safety? Isn't that important, too?"

"Of course."

"Doesn't sound like it."

Cocking an eyebrow, she asked, "Why are you being so weird about this?"

"Caring about you makes me weird?"

"Look, I appreciate your concern, but there's no need for you to be worried. Everything will be fine."

"How can you be certain? He's a first time client, and you don't even know who referred him. Seems to me like he might be hiding something."

"I don't work purely on referrals, so it isn't a huge issue to me."

"You should have at least spoken to him. You need to know what type of a person he is."

"Yeah, okay. I guess you're right about that. I'll call back once I get off the phone with you." 

"I really hope you do."

"No worries, I will." After finishing the last of her popsicle, she threw the stick in the trash, then poured herself a glass of water. 

"Something about this client seems off."

Noting the apprehension in his voice, she said, "It'll be fine. There's nothing for you to worry about."

"You're going to a strange man's house to give him a massage, and you're telling me there's nothing for me to worry about?"

"It's my job, it's what I do. I don't know why you have to make it sound so dirty."

"Well how else can I put it? Because that's exactly what's going to happen."

"You make what I do sound cheap. This is a legitimate career I have, Cody. There isn't anything gross or shameful about it. I'm *very* professional."

"It's not you I distrust, it's the client."

A sound of exasperation passed her lips. "I can't believe I'm going through this with you yet again."

"Why does it bother you to know that I'm concerned? I'm a part of your life now, so of course I want you to be safe."

"It doesn't bother me, it just makes me wonder how you can take all sorts of crazy risks, and then lecture *me* on being safe."

"Oh, I get it. You're purposely taking risks to try and get back at me for free soloing. Is that it?"

"Get back at you? How ridiculous. You don't actually believe that, do you?"

"Well I see no other reason why you seem to be so intent on going against what I say. You don't like me climbing, and you know I won't stop, so now you're trying to get even with me."

She rolled her eyes. "You can't seriously think that."

He remained quiet, and after a few moments of silence, she began to wonder if he was still on the line. "Hello?" 

"Yeah, I'm still here."

"Why aren't you talking?"

"What's the point? You're not interested in taking any of my advice, and you're going to do what you want anyway, so there's really no point in continuing this conversation." 

She sighed heavily, then said, "Alright, then. Since you're no longer interested in speaking with me, then I'll just get off the phone."

"Fine," he retorted flatly.

Yet instead of ending the call, she kept the phone pressed against her ear. Although he wasn't speaking, she could tell he was still on the line, and was curious as to why he didn't just get off.

"Hang up," she said.

"*You* hang up."

"Fine, I will." She hit the call end button, then tossed the phone onto the couch.

A mere thirty seconds passed before her phone rang, and as she pressed the receiver against her ear, she emitted a little sigh which was part frustration, and part annoyance. 

As captivating and alluring as he was, Cody could also be quite pushy and controlling, and it was beginning to annoy her. She remained quiet, prompting him to speak first, and it seemed as if he was doing the same, because neither of them said a word. Then finally she heard him speak.

"You're heading blindly into a potentially dangerous situation. Think about what you're doing." 

"I already have thought about it."

"Then think again. Because I don't get the best feeling from this guy."

"You haven't even talked to him, so how can you know what he's like?"

"That's my point. You haven't talked to him, either. Why would you book an appointment without speaking to the client?"

"It isn't a common thing. This is the first time it's happened."

"Exactly. This is why the whole thing seems odd to me." 

"You love to be free to do what you want, yet can't stand the fact that I expect the same."

"I'm not trying to control you, I just want to make sure you're safe. That's what people do when they care about someone."

"I've had a mobile massage business for years, and nothing's ever happened to me. That isn't pure luck, it's because I've always been cautious."

He let out a heavy breath. "I really wish you could see things from my point of view."

"Welcome to the club. Now you know how I feel."

"You hate that I free solo, I get it. But putting yourself in danger isn't going to make me stop."

She cocked an eyebrow. "I never said that I wanted you to."

"You don't have to say it, it's pretty obvious."

"Listen, Cody. The last thing I want to do is control you, so that's not what this is about. I know you're passionate about rock climbing, and I think it's great. The only issue I have is when you do it without any safety equipment."

"You're basically doing the same thing."

"How? Since when am I climbing hundreds of feet without any protective equipment? Sorry, but it's not comparable."

"Actually, it is. When you go to a client's house, you're giving them the chance to hurt or kill you. You're small and defenseless, and there are guys out there who would just love to take advantage of that. How can that not scare you?"

"I'm not totally helpless. I know how to protect myself."

"I'm not saying you're weak, but most men are bigger and stronger than women, so you could easily be overpowered."

"Look, I know it's a possibility, okay? I get that. But I'm not going to let the thought of what could happen stop me from running my business."

Cody was silent for a moment, and then he said, "Why don't you work in a spa? Then you would have the safety of being around other people."

"Why would I work for someone else, when I have my own thing going? It's taken years to build my list of clients, and the money I make doing outcalls is way better than what I would earn as a spa worker."

A sound of exasperation came from Cody's end of the line. "Fine, keep exposing yourself to danger. I hope the money is worth it."

"Listen, you take way bigger risks than I do. You climb hundreds of feet without any protective gear, all the while knowing that you may fall to your death. You go willingly into ridiculously dangerous situations, and yet I'm the one who's being unsafe? Come on, Cody." She gave a humorless laugh, then shook her head.

"Yeah, whatever. Do what you want, because I don't care anymore."

His voice came out sounding flat and emotionless, and she felt her heart sink in response. Erica bit her lip, then said, "I appreciate your concern. I really do."

"Doesn't seem like it."

He was obviously peeved, so she knew the best thing to do was to try and smooth things over. "Please don't be upset with me." He said nothing in return, and as his silence stretched on, she realized it was up to her to once again speak. 

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Ignore me. That's what you did the last time you got mad."

"I have nothing more to say to you."

Vexed by his refusal to communicate any further, she blew out a little breath of air. "Guess I'll let you go, then."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye."

She placed the phone on the end table next to the couch, then rose up from the couch and headed for the bathroom. It had been a rough start to the day, but she wasn't going to let the conversation that she and Cody had sour her mood. They both disagreed about certain aspects of each others life, and that most likely wouldn't change, so they would just have to find some way to work things out. 

After stripping out of her night clothes, she climbed into the tiny shower and turned on the water. As Erica soaped up, she found herself overcome with uneasiness. With things now uncertain between her and Cody, she was starting to regret the fact that she'd been so stubborn toward him. 

She knew he was concerned about her, and that he wanted to ensure her safety, but how could he live his life so recklessly and not expect her to worry about him as well? Obviously something had to give, otherwise this situation could end up driving a wedge between them. And the connection they shared was way too amazing to allow things to get screwed up. 

Yet despite the fact that she and Cody weren't currently on the best of terms, she still felt optimistic about the day ahead of her, and promised herself that she'd make the best of it. She guessed he'd made a good point about her needing to speak with the client directly, and it was customary for her to do that, so she made a mental note to contact her customer before heading to his house. 

After finishing her shower, she dried off with an oversized towel, then headed for her bedroom to change. Her massage uniform consisted of a cream colored boat neck tunic that was tapered at the waist, and a pair of black, slim cut uniform pants. Once she was dressed, she did her hair and makeup, then slipped some money into the pocket of her pants. Her massage table was already in the back of her car, so the only thing left to do was to call the client, and then she would get on the road. She dialed in the number, and after three rings, a voice which she instantly recognized as the Slavic maid's, came through the phone. 

"Mr. Steven's residence." 

"Yes, hi. It's Erica, the massage therapist."

"Of course, I remember. What can I do for you, Ms. Collins?"

"Can I speak with Mr. Stevens?"

"He's on an important call right now, but I'd be happy to relay a message."

"There's no message. I just wanted to have the chance to speak with him directly. Do you know when he'll be available?"

"You could always try back in the next half hour, but Mr. Stevens is a very busy man. He prefers I take care of things for him. If there's an issue or concern, you can communicate it to me, and I'll let him know what it is." 

"It's nothing important. I just wanted to go over a few details with him."

"It's probably best if you do that in person. He really isn't fond of talking on the phone unless it's related to business, so I'm afraid you'll have to wait until you arrive."

"Oh, alright." Her voice was full of hesitancy.

"If it's going to be a problem, then I can just cancel the appointment and we'll hire someone else. My boss prefers I handle all his affairs, so I can assure you he's completely trustworthy."

There was a sharp edge to the maid's voice, and Erica could tell that the other woman was beginning to feel insulted. It hadn't been her intent to do so, and she did very much want to keep him as a client, so she decided to go ahead and keep the appointment. "No, it won't be any problem at all. I'll just speak to him in person."

"Wonderful. We look forward to seeing you at one thirty." 

"Great, see you then. Bye."

"Goodbye."

Erica slipped the phone into her pocket, then grabbed her keys and headed for the door. A few hours still remained before she was due to show up for the appointment, so she would grab a late breakfast, take care of a few errands, then head out to Chandler Hills to meet with her client.




Peak of Desire Ch. 06



She was quite curious about him, and was eager to find out what type of a person he was. Her inquisitiveness far outweighed her uncertainty, and while she didn't usually meet a client without first speaking to them, she supposed it wouldn't hurt if she made an exception this one time. 

After closing and locking the door behind her, she made her way to her Toyota. Erica had a feeling that there was something different about this new client of hers, but just what it was, she couldn't be sure of. She could already tell that the day ahead would prove to be interesting, but what she didn't know was that in the next few hours, she would receive quite an unexpected surprise.

* * * *

Oak and sycamore trees canopied the road Erica was driving along, and rays from the sun filtered through the leaves on the branches, throwing patterns against the pavement. The hill she was navigating was steep and narrow, and it seemed that the higher up she traveled, the more fabulously extravagant the houses became. Chandler Hills was a quiet, peaceful neighborhood located high above the city. 

Tucked away in the mountainous terrain of the Hollywood Hills, it's blissfully pristine surroundings made it a very attractive place to live, and since it was so private and low key, it attracted a great deal of celebrities, and well as other types of wealthy people who could afford to splurge on million dollar homes. 

As she continued to drive along the steep, winding hills, she found herself charmed by the woody surroundings, and cast several admiring gazes at the variety of beautiful homes-which ranged from funkily designed bungalows, to boxy, ultra modern houses. 

The neighborhood was so pleasant to drive through, that she felt a bit disappointed when the GPS system alerted her that she'd reached her destination. After pulling up next to the curb, she put her car in park, then exited the vehicle. She retrieved her massage table from the backseat of the car, and then headed for a flight of stone stairs that led up to the house, which was situated on a hillside bluff. 

In addition to the steps, there was also a winding driveway which provided easier access to the house, but during her conversation with the maid, Erica had been told not to access the residence from the driveway. Instead, she'd been instructed to park at the bottom of the hill, then climb the flight of steps to the top. 

She didn't understand know why she wasn't allowed to access the house from the driveway, but if she had to guess, she'd say that her client was one of those spoiled rich people who believed that hired help were beneath them, and therefore not allowed preferential treatment. 

As she reached the steps, she halted, gathering her strength before she began her ascension. Fashioned from sandstone, the stairs were steep and narrow. She estimated that it was at least thirty steps to reach the top, and since she was carrying her massage table with her, there wasn't a doubt in her mind that the climb to the top would prove to be taxing. 

Erica exhaled a little sigh of displeasure, then began her journey upward. By the time she finally made it to the top, she found herself short of breath and feeling hot. Needing to take a moment to catch her breath, she staggered towards a eucalyptus tree, and leaned against the trunk of it. 

The camphor-like scent of it wafted into her nostrils, and she took a few deep breaths, enjoying the strong fragrance. Once she'd regained her energy, she continued along her away, heading down a stone pathway that led to the residence.

Casting an admiring gaze at the tri-level house, she saw that it was contemporary style, with a cube shaped façade. Panoramic windows gave it a sleek look, and plenty of oak trees surrounded the residence, giving it a woodsy feel. 

Erica approached the double entry doors, which were crafted from frosted glass, and as she rang the doorbell, she heard a melodious chime emit from within. She heard the sound of footsteps approaching the door, then there was the click of the lock as it was released.

The door swung back to reveal a tall, voluptuous woman with striking blue eyes and pale skin. She appeared to be in her mid thirties, and was clad in a black dress with a white peter pan collar and cuffs around the sleeves. She wore a white bib apron over the dress, and her hair was styled in a tight bun, with bluntly cut bangs. 

"Ms. Collins?" The maid said in thick, Slavic accent.

Erica offered her a friendly smile. "Yes, hello. I hope it's okay that I showed up early."

"Of course. It's fine." Opening the door wider, she gestured for Erica to enter. "Please, come in."

After closing the door behind them, the Slavic woman said, "I'm Aksinya." She offered her hand for Erica to shake it.

"It's lovely to meet you." She clasped hands with her.

"Yes, likewise." Directing her gaze downward, Aksinya pointed to her shoes. "You must take them off."

"Oh sure, no problem." She slipped out of her sneakers, and as her eyes drifted to the other woman's feet, Erica couldn't help noticing that the maid had on a pair of black, low heeled pumps.

Noticing where her gaze was planted, she offered an explanation. "These are inside shoes only. That's why I have them on." She offered a little smile, then said, "Mr. Stevens has been eager for you to arrive. I'll take you to him."

Allowing Aksinya to lead the way, Erica followed behind her. She could feel the coolness of the marble floors through her socks, and as they headed further into the house, Erica curiously eyed the ultra modern surroundings. As they passed by the living room, the first thing she noticed was that one of the walls was made entirely of glass, allowing for a breathtaking view of the lush vegetation beyond. 

A black, curved sectional sofa was located in front of the floor to ceiling window, and black and white paintings which featured blocky shapes graced the walls. A white, rectangular coffee table with a lacquered surface was placed in front of the couch, and a large flat screen TV was mounted on the wall, flanked by slim, rectangular speakers. 

As she passed by the kitchen, Erica saw that it shared the same black and white color scheme as the living room, and as they reached a flight of black stairs, she found herself actively searching for color. As they approached a black staircase, she began to wonder if this client of hers had some sort of aversion to brighter colors, and was eager to find out what type of a person he was. 

Judging from the interior of their house, she'd have to guess that they liked things simple and neat. She was hoping to spot some personal artifacts or unique objects which would tell her more about the client, but every room she passed seemed to be devoid of any personal articles. It was a magazine house-too perfect, immaculately clean, and vacant of a comforting, lived-in feeling.

The house was a work of art, to say the least, and the contemporary style furniture was stunning to look at, but the overall vibe of the place was cold and stark. There was no sense of coziness, and she found herself wondering how anyone could feel comfortable living in such a highly stylized residence. 

The maid continued to lead the way, and as they reached a black flight of stairs, they made their way upward. Once they reached they second floor, they walked toward a set of black double doors. As they reached them, the maid pressed down on the handles, and then swung open the doors. 

Stretching her arm out, the maid gestured for Erica to enter the spacious room. Then she said, "Mr. Stevens is in the shower, but he'll be right with you."

"No problem. Is there any particular area in the room that he prefers me to set up the table?"

"No, he didn't mention it. So you're free to set up anywhere you like."

"Great."

"Well then, I guess I'll be leaving you here." She gave her a little smile, then turned on her heel to leave the room.

Aksinya shut the doors behind her, then there was the sound of her heels clicking against the floor as she retreated down the hall. Now alone in the bedroom, Erica was free to visually explore her surroundings. 

The expansive room measured eighteen feet, and had panoramic windows which let in a flood of sunlight. There was a platform bed with a black lacquered headboard to her left, and a white, cube shaped nightstand table which sat adjacent to it. An attached bathroom was located to the far right of her, and she could hear the sound of the shower running from beyond the door.

Just like the rest of house, the bedroom had a black and white theme, but she did manage to spot at least a few splashes of color. There was an abstract painting on the wall over the bed that had spatters of silver and gold in it, and there was a ceramic vase with yellow tulips on the dresser. Attracted to the bright color of the flowers, she walked over to get a closer look at them, then bent down to inhale the fresh, clean scent.

Her eyes were drawn to the panoramic windows, so she walked over to glance out at the view beyond. Houses were scattered along the hilly terrain, and as she looked further ahead, she realized she could see downtown Los Angeles in the distance. Although a layer of smog partially obstructed her view, it was still a beautiful sight, and she could only imagine how amazing it looked at night, with the city all lit up and shining.

Deciding to set up next to the window, she unfolded her massage table, then set it on its legs and covered the surface of it with a cushiony pad. Once that was done, she retrieved a massage cream from a black tote bag she'd brought along, then placed it on a little shelf that was located beneath the table. Everything was now set up and she was ready to begin, so the only thing left to do was wait for the client to come out of the bathroom. 

Spotting an s-shaped lounge chair with a stainless steel frame, she walked over to it and took a seat, testing it out to see how it felt. As she'd expected, it was quite uncomfortable to lounge on, and she realized it was one of those pieces of furniture that was more for style, rather than functionality. 

As the sound of running water in the bathroom finally came to a stop, she rose up from the seat, then headed back to the massage table. Directing her attention to the bathroom door, she watched in curiosity as it pulled open, and as her client came into view, she found herself staring in amazement at the man who was sauntering toward her. As her brown eyes met his stunning green ones, she saw his lips curve into a smile.

"Jacob?" 

"Hello, Erica." 

The last time she'd seen her massage school classmate was four months ago, and she never would have imagined that he'd reside in such a luxurious residence. Her eyes roved across his features, and she was surprised to find that his presence still managed to ignite a spark of attraction within her. 

Her gaze drifted to his shiny midnight black hair, which was wet and slicked back from the shower, and then her attention moved downward to catch a brief glimpse at his form. 

He had a swimmer's body-muscular but lean, with a v-shaped torso. There were ripples of muscle beneath the tan skin of his abdominals, and as her eyes met with his towel clad waist, her gaze suddenly halted. 

She lifted her eyes to once again meet with his, and as their gazes met, she saw that he was giving her a full blown smile. Erica suddenly realized that she'd just openly gazed in admiration of his body, and a flush of embarrassment heated her cheeks. Clearly pleased by the desire in her eyes, Jacob's smile had transformed into a grin.

"You seem surprised to see me," he said.

"Of course. The last thing I expected, was for you to be my client."

She was trying to keep her eyes planted on his face, but it seemed as if they were intent on drifting back downward. He was certainly easy on the eyes, and his nearly nude, wet body only made him all the more enjoyable to look at. It also didn't hurt that he had a striking resemblance to a young William Baldwin, and she supposed that was the reason why she'd always found herself so attracted to him. 

Yet as handsome as he was, he still wasn't nearly as alluring as Cody, who was the ultimate man of her dreams. And besides, she'd come here to do a job, and was committed to remaining professional. There were tons of questions that she wished to ask him, but there was one thing in particular that she was itching to know.

"Why didn't you just contact me directly, instead of having your maid do it?"

"I've been trying to call you for weeks now, but your voicemail always picks up. It seemed like you were ignoring me, so I figured the only chance I'd have of seeing you again, was to book an appointment."

"I wasn't ignoring you."

"So why weren't you taking my calls?"

"I've been pretty busy lately. It's nothing personal." 

"Oh, okay. I guess that means you're seeing someone."

She nodded. "I have a boyfriend."

His face fell. "Yeah, I kind of figured that." He gave a short pause, then said, "Well as long as you're happy, that's good. Can't say I'm not disappointed, though."

She gave him a little smile. "You live here alone?" Her eyes roved around the room, taking in the affluent surroundings. 

"Yes, why?" 

"Just curious. Seems like a big house for one person to live in."

"I like having plenty of space around me."

"Weren't you living in an apartment just three months ago?"

"Yep."

"Wow, talk about an upgrade." Her eyebrows rose in appreciation of the extravagantly decorated room. Suddenly realizing that he might take her statement the wrong way, she said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to say it that way."

"It's fine, you don't have to apologize. That dinky little box I used to live in could hardly be called an apartment."

"It wasn't that bad."

"But it wasn't that great, either, was it?"

"I thought it was just fine."

"That's kind of you to say. You always were polite, not to mention beautiful."

Her cheeks heated up from his compliment. "Thank you." Eager to switch the subject back to his new digs, she asked, "So what changed since three months ago?" 

His lips pulled into a crooked smile. "You're wondering how I can afford a place this. That's what you really want to ask, right?"

"I know it's none of my business, so if you don't want to discuss it with me, it's okay."

"Actually, I don't mind at all. Why don't we get started first, and I'll tell you as you massage me?"

"Okay, sounds good."

"Let me just put some music on first." He headed over to a floating wall shelf that held an expensive looking radio, then turned it on and slipped in a CD of gentle, ambient music. With the mood now set, he approached the massage table, coming to a stop a few inches away from it.

As he positioned his hands against the towel around his waist, she turned her back to him so he would have privacy to disrobe. There was a soft swishing noise as he removed the towel and allowed it to fall to the floor, then she heard the creaking of the table as he climbed up onto it. 

"Okay, I'm all set." He called out to her.

Erica turned to face him, and saw he was lying face down on the massage table. She draped a lavender scented sheet over the lower half of his body, then grabbed a container of massage cream from the shelf beneath the table and unscrewed the top. "Are there any problem areas that need special attention?"

"I've been really sore around my shoulders and the back of my neck, so if you could really work on those spots, that'd be great."

"Sure thing, I can loosen those muscles right up for you." 

She dipped her fingers into the jar of cream and retrieved a generous glob. After setting the container back down, she went to work at massaging his shoulders. The first touch of her hands against his skin released a sound of deep contentment from his lips, then she heard him release a little sigh.

"It's been way too long since I last had a massage from you. Your hands are just as amazing as I'd remembered them." His voice came out sounding muffled, due to the fact that his face was pressed into the donut shaped hole of the massage table.

"Glad to hear you're enjoying."

Her fingers slowly worked over his shoulder blades, expertly kneading out the kinks. Jacob emitted a sigh of pleasure as her fingers did their work, and as her digits pressed against the area between his shoulder blades, she heard him emit a noise which was seemed to be a mixture of pain and pleasure.

"I'm guessing I just hit a sore spot," she said.

"Yeah, It's been bothering me for days. Feels wonderful, though. Don't stop. "

"Do you know what caused it?"

"I've been doing a lot of swimming lately, so I'm thinking I just overexerted my muscles."

Her fingers continued to manipulate him, and after ten minutes of massaging his shoulders and the back of his neck, she moved her hands downward and began to work on the muscles of his back.

"So aren't you curious?" He asked.

"Curious about what?"

"My sudden windfall of money."

"Of course I am, but I didn't want to come across as nosy, so that's why I didn't ask."

"It's cool, I don't mind sharing."

"Okay, so tell me."

"Remember that screenplay I was working on? The one that kept getting rejected?"

"Sure, I remember. It was called Blind Aces, right?"

"Yep. Well, I finally sold it to a production company, and they've agreed to turn it into a big budget movie."

"Jacob, that's incredible! Congratulations!" She momentarily paused the massage to give him an affectionate rub on the shoulder. "I'd give you a hug if I could, but...well, you know." A smile tugged at her lips.

He lifted his head up so he could make eye contact with her, then clasped her hand in his large one and said, "I want to thank you."

"For what?"

"You were always so supportive of me. I threw that screenplay in the trash once, remember that?" 

She nodded. "Sure do. I fished it out, and told you to keep trying."

"And that's what I did. If you hadn't pushed me, I never would have found success."

"Of course you would. It might have been with a different script, but it was bound to happen, sooner or later." 

"Maybe so, but you played a key part in all this."

"You're giving me way too much credit."

"No, I'm not." His sea colored eyes stared intently into hers, and he lightly stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

"It's no big deal. That's what friends are for, right?" She broke her gaze from Jacob's, then withdrew her hand from his.

Once he was lying back down, she resumed the massage. Placing her palms against his back, she began making small circles up and down on one side of his spine. As her hands slid over a knotty band of muscle, a deep grunt came from Jacob's mouth. 

She recognized what that sound meant- it was "good pain." Having massaged him countless times before, she knew the spots where he most needed the tension released, and was pleased to know she was doing her job well. "

Sounds like I found one of your trigger points," she said.

"Oh yeah, right there." He released a heavy sigh. "Keep going. You're hitting all the right spots."

"Good. That's what I'm here to do." Her hands continued to expertly knead his flesh. "You have a lot of knots in your back. Still keeping up with those swim routines?"

"Yep, everyday. I have a great pool out back. You should come over for a swim, sometime."

"Maybe I will."

A light chuckle fled his lips. "Don't sound so enthused." A moment of silence passed before he once again spoke. "So this guy you're seeing. What kind of a personality does he have?"

"He's chill, laid back...loves to do stuff outdoors." 

"What's he do for a living?"

"He's a high rise window washer. Why?"

"Just curious." A few moments passed before he spoke again. "So what's he think about you being a masseuse?"




Peak of Desire Ch. 06



Her eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Why do you ask that?"

"I've had some female masseuses tell me their boyfriends can't stand what they do. So I'm wondering if your guy feels the same."

"Well he's not crazy about it. But with him, it's more of a safety issue, rather than a jealousy one." 

"So he's okay with you continuing to do it?"

"Yeah. He just doesn't like me having a mobile business. Says he'd rather I work in a spa."

"That's not what you want though, is it?"

"No. I enjoy being mobile."

"Then continue doing it. Don't let him change you."

Although she knew Jacob meant well, she couldn't help feeling a bit uncomfortable with his inquisitiveness. She was a fairly private person, and other than her mother or very close friends, she preferred not to divulge too much information regarding her love life. 

Preferring to remain quiet, she continued to knead the flesh of his back, hoping that he wouldn't say anything else. But being the talkative person that he was, Jacob's voice once again filled the air.

"Do you still think about us?"

Erica hesitated before responding. "What do you mean?"

"The kiss we shared."

"That was a long time ago."

"Sure, but it still happened." Her silence prompted him to continue speaking. "So have you thought about it since?"

"A few times, but not lately."

"I think about it quite often."

Unsure of how to respond, she remained quiet.

"You're not saying anything, so I guess you didn't enjoy it very much."

"Well to tell you the truth, I hardly remember it."

"No need to spare my feelings, Erica. Just come right out and tell me exactly what you think." His voice dripped with sarcasm.

"I didn't mean it that way. We were at a party, and we were both a little tipsy that night, so I don't remember a whole lot of what happened."

"I do. We always had an attraction to each other. I wanted more, and so did you. Why didn't we fully explore that?"

"To tell you the truth, I think it's best that we didn't go any further. It would have totally ruined our friendship."

"Yeah, I guess." Disappointment was evident in his voice.

Her fingers continued to work their way down his down his body, and as they reached his upper legs, she began working on his hamstrings. She used a gentle but firm pressure, and her palms moved across his flesh with a long sweeping motion, getting deep into the muscles of his thigh. 

A muffled noise of gratification escaped his lips, then he murmured, "Mmm, feels so good. Can you just keep massaging me forever?"

Her lips curved into a smile as she kept working her magic on him. Once she finished with the back part of his body, she gave him a gentle tap on the leg. 

"Turn over, and I'll massage your front."

Once Jacob had flipped over, she went to work at skillfully manipulating his tissue, gliding her palms and kneading her knuckles against his tanned flesh. Moving the sheet upward so that more of his legs were exposed, Erica began to massage his inner thighs. 

After a few moments of working this area, she noticed that the sheet covering his groin had begun to form a tent. She averted her eyes and pretended not to notice his erection, but as obvious as it was, it was pretty hard to ignore.

She heard Jacob clear his throat, and in a voice rife with embarrassment, he said, "I'm sorry." 

"No worries. It happens sometimes." 

Although it wasn't the first time she'd had a client who got an erection during a massage, it was certainly the first time that Jacob had received one while beneath her hands, and she found herself wondering what she'd done that had triggered it. 

Hoping to lessen his excitement, she slid her palms away from his upper thighs. Then she changed her pressure and technique, switching to a deep tissue massage so that her caresses were less gentle, and more rough. 

After a few minutes passed, the tent beneath the sheet lowered, and once his erection was no longer visible, Erica resumed her usual massage routine. The remainder of the session went painfully slow, and an uncomfortable tension hung between, as neither spoke a word. The only noise in the room was exotic sounding East Indian music, which had a relaxing, ambient rhythm to it. 

As the buzzing noise of her massage timer finally filled the air, she reached down to grab it from the little shelf beneath the table, then switched it off. 

Relieved that the hour was up, she said, "Looks like our session has come to an end. I'll step out of the room so you can have some privacy while you're getting dressed." 

Jacob lifted himself from the reclining position, making sure to keep the sheets wrapped around his midsection so that his groin remained concealed. "Don't worry about leaving. I'll put my clothes on in the bathroom." 

"You sure?"

"Yep. It's no problem at all."

He wrapped the sheet tightly around the lower half of his body, then walked toward his bed and retrieved a neatly folded set of clothes. "Back in a bit." He gave her a little smile, then continued along his way. 

While he was putting his clothes on in the bathroom, she set to work at folding up the massage table. Then she put her supplies in the black tote bag, and once that was done, she took a few moments to glance out the panoramic windows, enjoying the gorgeous view. 

She found herself wondering what it was like to live in a fabulous house like this, way up in the hills away from the rest of the common population. It seemed to be a pretty blissful existence, and she guessed that the residents of Chandler Hills didn't have too many cares in the world. 

Turning away from the window, she allowed her eyes to rove around the room, and found herself thinking about just how quickly things had changed for Jacob. Just three months ago, he'd been living in a tiny studio apartment, and now here he was, living it up big time in a spacious mansion. She was happy he'd sold his screenplay, and hoped nothing but the best for him in the future.

Casually sauntering around the expansive room, she noticed how immaculately clean it was, and how everything was perfectly in its place. Then her eyes caught sight of something lying next to the bed, and as she walked closer to it, she saw what appeared to be a necklace lying on the floor next to the frame of the bed. 

Her curiosity piqued, she ventured over to have a closer look. From afar they appeared to be those Mardi Gras type of beads, and as she reached the object on the ground she bent down to retrieve it. It wasn't until she was holding them in her hand that she suddenly realized it wasn't a necklace she was holding, but a long string of anal beads. 

She'd never seen any in person, but she'd looked at pictures of them online, so she knew exactly what they were used for. Her face wrinkled into an expression of disgust, and she promptly dropped them from her hand, then got onto her feet and hurried toward her tote bag, which sat on the floor next to her folded up massage table. After retrieving two sanitizing hand wipes from the bag, she began to vigorously rub them against her left palm. 

While she was cleaning her hand off, she heard the sound of the bathroom door opening, and turned her head to see Jacob walking towards her. He was clad in a pair of khakis, and gray v-neck polo sweater which was layered over a white, button up shirt. His hair appeared to be freshly pomaded and was combed back from his forehead. As he reached her, the scent of his cologne wafted into her nostrils. 

"That was an amazing massage, Erica. Thank you so much." 

"You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it." 

His eyes drifted to her hands, and he spotted the multiple sanitizing wipes she was using to clean off her palm. "Do you normally clean your hands with disinfecting wipes after massaging a client, or is this only reserved for me?" His lips pulled into a faint smile. 

She gave him a sheepish look. "Of course it's not you. I'm just trying to get the massage cream off my hands. If I let it dry, then it starts feeling sticky. You know how it is."

"It's been months since I last massaged a client, so I guess I've forgotten what it's like."

"You rich people have no idea what it's like for us common folk, do you?" She playfully shook her head, then said, "So typical." 

He offered a light chuckle. "If you'd like to wash your hands, you're welcome to use the bathroom." 

"Yeah, I think I will. I'll only be a minute."

"No rush, take your time." 

She made her way toward the bathroom, and once she was inside, she closed the door behind her. After pumping a few generous globs of liquid soap into her palm, she vigorously scrubbed away at them, then rinsed them off using the hottest water she could stand. 

By the time she finished washing her hands, her palms were red and felt a little raw. But despite the fact that she'd thoroughly washed them, she still couldn't help feeling grossed out. She'd just held a string of beads which been pushed inside someone's ass, so it was going to take some time before she felt like her hands were truly clean again. 

After drying off her hands, she exited the bathroom and was surprised to find Jacob standing in the middle of the room with a willowy brunette of medium height. His arms were wrapped around her waist, and his lips were sealed to hers in an intense kiss. 

They were so consumed in their make out session, that they didn't even take notice of Erica as she came into the bedroom. She cleared her throat to catch their attention, and as the couple broke apart, they both offered her a look which made her feel extremely awkward.

"Sorry to interrupt. I'll just grab my stuff, and then be on my way." She headed over to where her massage table and tote bag was located. After slinging the strap of her bag over her shoulder, she reached out to grab the handle of her massage table, but before she could, Jacob took hold of it. 

"Why don't I carry this out to the car for you?"

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

He gave her a little wink. "No problem." Turning to face his girlfriend, he said, "You don't mind paying her, do you, Rebecca? I haven't had a chance to go by the bank yet, so I'm running low on cash."

Rebecca rolled her eyes and released an exasperated sigh. "Fine." She picked up an oversized clutch and began rooting through it for her some money.

"Thanks, honey." He leaned in to give her a quick peck on the lips, then turned his attention on Erica. "You're parked at the bottom of the stairs right next to the curb, right?"

She nodded. "Yep."

"Cool. Meet you out there."

"Alrighty." 

Once Jacob had left the room, Rebecca fixed Erica with a steely expression, then began to speak. "You didn't give him one of those happy ending massages, did you?" 

"No, of course not." Erica's brow creased.

She uttered a humorless chuckle. "Why am I asking you for? Even if something did go on, it's not like you'd tell me." She shook her head, then pulled out a thick wad of bills and unfolded them. 

"Nothing happened, and that's the absolute truth."

Rebecca cast a long, hard glance at her. "Yeah, right. I know what you massage girls do, so you're not fooling me."

"Excuse me?" She stared in disbelief at the other woman, flabbergasted that Rebecca had dared to insinuate that the massage she'd given had been anything but professional. "I don't do that kind of a massage," she said in a firm tone of voice. 

"Yeah, sure you don't, sweetie." Her lips curled into a sneer as she coldly asked, "What's the fee?"

"Eighty-five dollars." She impatiently held her hand out, wanting to distance herself from this unpleasant woman as soon as possible.

After counting out the bills, Rebecca threw them onto the floor, where they scattered in different directions. Then she put out a pair of oversized sunglasses and placed them on her face. She then turned on her heel and walked away, her stiletto heels making clicking noises against the marble floor as she exited the room. 

Both stunned and infuriated by Rebecca's behavior, all she could do was stand there with a pinched expression on her face. She briefly thought about going after Jacob's girlfriend and letting her know exactly how she felt, but then realized that confronting her would do no good. It would only create a messy situation, and the last thing she needed in her life was drama.

Suddenly catching movement out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that there was a dark haired woman standing next to the door. She was tall, with olive toned skin and long, dark brown hair. Her coral colored lips pulled back to reveal a set of perfectly straight, white teeth, and her stunningly curvy figure was outfitted in a strapless floral print summer dress.

Crossing the threshold to enter the room, she gestured with her head in the direction which Rebecca had walked off. "Don't mind her, she's got a permanent stick up her ass." She stretched her hand out for Erica to shake. "I'm Shoshanna, by the way. Jacob's sister."

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Erica." She clasped hands with the other woman, giving her a smile.

"Yes, I know. My brother's spoken of you before."

"He's told me about you, as well."

"Good things, I hope."

"He's mentioned quite a few times that you're a brilliantly talented dentist, so I'd say that's a pretty good way to describe you."

"He always did love to exaggerate."

"I'm sure you're well deserving of that title."

She gave Erica a broad smile, then bent down to pick up the bills that had been scattered on the floor. After arranging the currency in a neat stack, she handed it over to Erica. 

"Thank you."

"No problem. And sorry about Rebecca treating you like that. She's pretty bitchy with almost everyone she comes into contact with. Including me."

"I was wondering what her deal was. She seemed pretty certain that something was going on between me and Jacob."

Shoshanna rolled her eyes. "She is so paranoid. He can't even look at another girl without her going off."

"I've gotta say, I feel bad for him. She seems like she'd be a handful."

She blew out a breath of air and shook her head. "You don't know the half of it." 

Erica's lips tugged upwards. "Well, Jacob's waiting for me outside, so I guess I'd better be on my way."

"Let me walk you to the door." 

They made amiable chit chat along the way, and as they passed by the living room, Erica noticed that Jacob's girlfriend was lounging on the curved sofa, with legs tucked beneath her. As the two women passed by, Rebecca fixed her attention directly on Erica, flipping her hair back and giving her a haughty look. 

Erica contemplated giving her the evil eye, but decided that her energy would be better spent on other things. She could give a damn if Rebecca didn't like her, and she wasn't ever coming back here to give Jacob another massage, so it wasn't as if she would ever have to see her again. As they reached the door, Shoshanna pulled it open.

"You have any business cards on you? Jacob's always saying what a fantastic masseuse you are, and knowing how picky he is, that's really saying a lot."

"I sure do." She reached into a small side pocket located inside of her tote bag and retrieved three business cards, then handed them to Shoshanna. "I gave you a few extra, just in case you have any friends who'd be interested."

"Cool, I'll pass them along." She tucked them into the pocket of her dress, then pulled out a card of her own. "You ever need a dentist, call me. I just opened a brand new office in Pasadena."

Erica took the car from her, then slipped it into her tote bag. "I am in need of a deep cleaning, so I'll definitely keep your card on hand."

"Great." She casually stuffed her hands into the pockets of her dress, then said, "Guess I'd better be letting you go now. My brother's probably wondering where you are. It was nice meeting you."

"Nice to meet you, too. Take care, Shoshanna."

"You too. Drive safe." She offered Erica a wave, then closed the door behind her. 

Erica headed down the steep flight of steps, and once she reached the bottom, she spotted Jacob leaning against her car. 

Taking a glance at his watch, he said, "It's about time. Took long enough." The tone of voice he used was joking, and as Erica approached the car, she gave him a smile.

"I was talking to your sister. She's just as cool as you described her."

"Yeah, Shoshanna's awesome. It's pretty much impossible to dislike her."

The car emitted a beeping noise as she hit the button on her keyless entry remote, and after opening the door, she stepped aside so that Jacob could put her massage table in the back seat. 

Once that was done, she glanced up at him and said, "Thanks for bringing the table down."

"No problem."

A short moment of awkward silence passed between them, then she said, "Oh by the way, my mom needs some work done on her website. Think you could help her update it?" 

"Sure, I'd be happy to."

"Great. Just give me a minute to write down her number." She dug into her purse to retrieve a writing utensil, but before she could find one, Jacob retrieved a silver fountain pen from his pocket. 

"Here you go," he said as he handed it to her.

"Thanks." She scribbled her mother's number down on a slip of paper, then handed it to him. 

"I'll give her a call tomorrow."

"Sounds good." She recapped the writing utensil, then took a moment to admire the dragon design that was etched into it. "Neat pen. Where'd you buy it?"

"At a stationary store. You can keep it, if you want."

"Really?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Thanks." She slipped it into her purse. "Guess I'd better hit the road. It really was nice seeing you again."

"The pleasure was all mine." He leaned down and took her in his arms, wrapping them around her in a tight hug which crossed the line of friendly, and bordered on intimate.

She was first to pull back, and her keys made a jingling noise as she fished them out of her tote bag. "I hope your movie is a huge success, and don't forget to send me an invite to the premiere, okay?"

"That's a long time off. How about you come over for dinner next weekend?"

"Jacob, you have a girlfriend. And I'm seeing someone. We can't start dating."

"It won't be a date, just a dinner between friends."

She shook her head. "I don't think so."

"Come on, Erica. How are we going to maintain a friendship if you refuse to see me?"

"I don't mind us meeting up for coffee and having a chat sometime. But having dinner is crossing the line."

"Okay, forget dinner. I'm having a cocktail party in a few weeks. Other people will be there, including Shoshanna. And you can bring your boyfriend along with you. Will you come to that?" 

"I don't know, maybe."

Please do. It'd be nice to see you again. Plus It'd give me a change to meet this guy you're dating."

"I'll keep it in mind, okay? But I can't make any promises."

"That's cool. Just as long as you'll think about it."

She gave a light nod, then said, "Gotta get going. See you later." She headed for the driver's door, and after opening it, she tossed her tote bag onto the passenger's seat.

"Wait," he called out.

Glancing up at him, she said, "Yes?"

"Can I book a massage for next Friday?"

"I'm pretty certain my schedule's full." 

"How about the following week?"

"I'll take a look at my appointment book and get back to you, okay?"

"If you don't want to massage me, you can just come out and say it. You don't have to make excuses." 

She released a sigh. "I just don't think it's a good idea, okay?"

"Is this about me getting an erection? Because that was completely out of my control."

Although that was part of the reason she didn't want him to book another appointment with her, the last thing she wanted was to make him feel bad about it, so she avoided giving him the blunt truth. "I know you couldn't control it, Jacob. Sometimes it just happens."




Peak of Desire Ch. 07



Erica exited the yoga studio and headed out into the warm summer night, walking along the familiar route which would lead to the RV park. She only lived four blocks away from the building where her yoga class was held, so she saw it as an opportunity to get in some exercise and walk home, rather than driving her car. 

A calm breeze drifted past her, carrying the smoky scent of meat grilling on a barbeque. From somewhere in the distance, there came the sound of a dog barking, and as she turned onto a residential road, she admiringly glanced at the various houses which lined the streets.

It was a pleasant evening, and the sun was just beginning to dip in the sky. Following her massage appointment with Jacob, she'd gone home and changed out of her work uniform, lounged around a bit, then had a lunch of grilled salmon, a cheesy baked potato and salad. 

Following her meal, she'd attended a late afternoon power yoga class. The vigorous session had lasted thirty minutes, and although she'd had to bend her body into a number of challenging poses, it had left her feeling very invigorated. 

Glancing at her cell phone, she saw it was six p.m., and was disappointed to see that she still hadn't received a phone call, nor a text from Cody. She was itching to call him, but pride held her back from dialing in his number. 

She knew he'd felt miffed after the conversation they'd had earlier that morning, but she hadn't expected him to drag out this non-communication for so long. Now she was left wondering when she would hear from him again. 

She found herself wondering how he would spend his Thursday evening, and guessed he would probably go out and enjoy himself. Knowing what a chick magnet Cody was, he would probably meet all sorts of women. 

The mere thought of it turned her stomach, and she began to feel pathetic for spending so much of her time and energy thinking about him. She was pretty darn certain he wasn't obsessively thinking about her, and eagerly awaiting her call. So why was she?

She'd just arrived home and crossed the threshold of her Airstream when her phone vibrated, then chimed with an incoming text. After slipping her shoes off, and releasing her rolled up yoga mat, she pulled her phone out of her pocket and clicked the button to open the message. 

*Meet me at Cherry Creek. I'll be at the rock pools. 7pm*

Short and to the point, the text left her wondering why he wanted her to meet him there. Her fingers pushed against the buttons on the phone as she keyed in her response.

~Why Cherry Creek?~

She then hit the message send button, and awaited his text. She'd been waiting hours to hear from him, and now that she finally had, she was intrigued by his spontaneous text message. No hi, no how are you, just a 'let's meet up here at this time.' The text he'd sent her wasn't even a request, but rather a command. 

It wasn't exactly surprising, given Cody's dominating nature, but she couldn't help feeling a little annoyed that he just expected her to meet him when and wherever he wanted. 

Although she didn't have anything special planned for that evening, what if she had? It seemed he hadn't even taken that into consideration, and she shook her head lightly at his expectancy for her to unquestioningly do as he told. 

Minutes ticked by, but still no response from Cody came through, so she tossed her phone onto the couch, then headed for the bathroom. After taking a nice, cool shower, she put on a pair of denim cutoffs, as well as a white, cotton tank top. 

Craving the taste of something sweet, she padded toward the kitchen counter and picked up a large glass canister, then twisted the top off and reached inside to retrieve a handful of M&M's. As she was munching on them, a melodious noise emitted from her phone, alerting her that she'd received a text message. She picked her phone up from the couch, then opened the message and read it. 

*Just come*

She was very curious to find out just what he had in mind for them to do, but his over confidence was a little off putting. She was used to men catering to her, not the other way around, so why was she even entertaining the idea of meeting up with him? He was one of the pushiest and most stubborn men she'd ever met in her life. 

But wasn't that also part of the reason why she was so attracted to him? She thought back to the way he'd aggressively approached her on the first evening that he'd come into the bookstore, and recalled how she'd been hopelessly drawn to him. 

Like an addictive drug, he'd managed to work his way into her bloodstream, and now she was pretty much immune to resisting him. Of course he knew this, and was using it to his full advantage, but that didn't mean she had to play right into his hands. 

The last thing she wanted was to become a love junkie, as she'd been there, done that, and wasn't about to retrace that same path. Pressing her fingers against the keys on her phone, she input her response. 

~And if I don't?~

Her phone lit up with his incoming text.

*You will. See you there*

She cocked an eyebrow, then fed a few more M&M's into her mouth. Even through an electronic device, he could clearly pick up on her vibes. Cody had her hooked, and despite her attempt to remain aloof, he knew she would undoubtedly come. There was a fine line between cocky and confident, but somehow Cody was able to evade coming off as egotistical, and instead appeared as a self-assured, dominatingly sexy man.

Simultaneously irritated and turned on, and this mixture of feelings was doing quite a number on her. Feeling too energized to remain in her small living space, she grabbed her keys off the counter, then slipped her feet into a pair of low top converse and headed for the door. After locking it behind her, she walked down the pathway that led out of the RV park, heading off into the summer night. 

* * * *

By the time she made it to the creek, it was ten minutes past seven, and after a short, easy hike, she'd reached an area known as the swimming hole. It was a large body of water surrounded by large boulders and volcanic cliffs, and cave-like alcoves provided areas where one could climb inside and look down at the beauty of the creek below. 

The air was filled with the sound of chirping crickets, and a red-orange glow created by the approaching sunset illuminated her surroundings, adding to the beauty and serenity of the atmosphere. 

Stepping carefully on the rocks and stones that lined the body of water, she navigated her way along the water's edge. Wondering where he was, she halted in place, surveying the area around her with curious eyes. She saw no signs of Cody, but she definitely sensed his presence. 

There wasn't a doubt in her mind that he was watching her from a distance, observing every step that she made. She briefly contemplated sending him a text, but before she could, her phone lit up with a message from him. 

*Nice top. Your tits look great in it*

A flush of heat shot through her body, and she quickly typed in her own response.

~Where are you? I don't see you~

*You're not supposed to*

Her first thought was to text him back and question him about his exact location, but then she suddenly realized that he didn't want to be found. What he wanted was to remain out of sight. He was the hunter, after all, so why would he allow himself to be visible? 

Erica had never played a game like this before, but she was definitely intrigued by it. Since she was his prey, that meant he was trailing her every move, and he was probably fixing her with one of his sensually dark gazes. The mere thought of it caused a shiver of desire to dance along her spine, and her eyes curiously roved the area which surrounded the creek. 

There were a number of places he could be hiding-in one of the small caves which were carved out of the cliffs, or perhaps he was obscured behind the foliage of the sycamore and oak trees located a few yards away from the creek's edge. Wherever he was, she could feel him watching her, and her lips curved into a little smile. 

Erica headed toward the edge of the creek, and once she reached it, she slipped off her shoes. After unbuttoning her denim jean shorts, she slowly stripped out of them, then tossed them aside. 

Now clad in only a stretchy white tank top and a pair of sheer white boyshorts, she slid her hands along her hips, allowing her fingers to coast along the border of her panties. Erica teasingly slipped one of her digits beneath the thin fabric of her underwear, allowing it to coast against her bare skin.

Uncertain as to just where her spectator was, her eyes wandered from trees, to large boulders, and then to the volcanic cliffs which surrounded her. It was thrilling, being half naked and out in the open like this. 

As far as she knew, Cody was the only one watching her, but even if he wasn't, it certainly wasn't going to stop her from putting on a little show. She turned to face the swimming hole, then headed forward.

The ground felt damp and cool against the bottoms of her feet, and she slowly made her way into the flowing creek. The water was cold, but very refreshing, and she gradually ventured deeper, allowing more of the crystal clear water to surround her. She continued wading in until her feet no longer touched the bottom, then dunked her head under so that she was fully immersed. 

She remained underwater for a good fifteen seconds before resurfacing, then swam toward the shallow end of the creek. Once her feet were able to touch the bottom of the swimming hole, she came to stop, then lifted her hands to her head and rung out her hair. Previously straight, it was now a voluminous mountain of loose curls, and she found that having her hair in its natural state only made her feel all the more sexy. 

Now standing in waist level water, the soaking wet material of her white tank top had become transparent, and her dark areolas were fully visible for Cody's eyes. 

Placing her hands against her shirt, she sensually glided her hands along the fabric, and as her palms met with the roundness of her breasts, she firmly cupped them. Although she was wearing a bra, it was made from a flimsy, gauzy material, so it appeared as if she was completely bare beneath the tank top. 

Cody still hadn't given her any sign of where he was located, but that didn't stop her from feeling completely turned on. Here she was, completely vulnerable and exposing parts of her body for his viewing pleasure, and he was nowhere to be seen. She imagined it was a pretty slim chance of anyone happening by the creek during these early evening hours, but of course she couldn't be sure, and that's part of what made it so exciting. 

Continuing to play with her breasts, Erica began to encircle her chocolate areolas with her fingers. The circles got tighter as her digits drifted closer to her nipples, and as the tips of her fingers finally made contact, she released a small moan of gratification. 

Her peaks were rock hard from being exposed to the cold water, and every flick of her fingertip caused her desire to grow. If she was aroused before, she was now downright horny, and was desperately craving Cody's touch. 

Erica slipped a finger beneath one of the spaghetti straps of her tank top, then slid it down over her shoulder. After sliding down her bra strap, she ran a finger along the top hem of the shirt, pulling the fabric down slightly so that the edges of her areolas were exposed. 

Erica slowly caressed her breasts, kneading and stroking them for a few moments, before beginning to tease her nipples. She gave her swollen buds a light pinch, then began twisting them between her thumb and forefinger. 

The sensation of her fingers manipulating her aching peaks was nothing short of exquisite, and a breathy little moan escaped her lips. It'd been quite some time since she'd felt so in touch with her body, and as her hands continued to fondle her curved mounds, she closed her eyes and lost herself in the moment. 

The soothing sounds of flowing water, coupled with the feel of the summer breeze caressing her skin, put her in a state of tranquility. She began to imagine that it was his fingers on her, and wondered what it would feel like to have him lick and suck her tits. 

Her nipples were now so erect that they poked obscenely through the thin fabric of her shirt, and despite the fact that she was standing in cool water, a heat had begun to pool in her lower stomach. 

Having passed the point of longing for him, she was now impatient for his touch. Anxious for him to make his presence known, she opened her eyes and allowed them to dart from one spot to the other. Seeing no sign of him, she began to feel frustrated by the lack of his visible presence, but then suddenly she spotted him. 

Perched on a ledge of one of the volcanic cliffs that surrounded the water, he was staring down at her soaking wet form. The ledge he was squatting on was narrow, and although it came as no surprise to her, she still found it interesting how comfortable he seemed crouching in a spot that severely restricted his movement. 

Cody's body was as still as a stone statue, and as her eyes fixed upon him, she found herself wondering how he could remain so motionless. She couldn't help but be in awe of his amazing balance, and continued her erotic display. 

Her hands had abandoned her breasts, and her fingers were now toying with the top of her shirt. She slowly peeled down the fabric, gradually exposing more of her skin until the see through cups of her bra were visible. Her stiff nipples jutted forth invitingly, and she enticingly played with the straps of her bra, slowly pulling them down, and then pushing them back up again. 

She repeated this same move a few times, before finally allowing the straps to remain down, and as one of her fingers drifted to the front clasp of her bra, she saw Cody come out of his stationary pose. 

Clad only in a pair of boxer shorts, he dove off the cliff and into the creek. There was a loud splash as his body hit the water, and he swam over to the shallow end where she was located. As soon as he reached Erica, he snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her firmly against him.

Time seemed to stand still as they stood there looking at each other, neither speaking a word as their eyes locked into an impenetrable gaze. She felt his palms coast along the soft curve of her ass, then he gave it a nice, firm squeeze. 

He lifted slowly to touch her face, and he gently began to stroke her cheek. Shivering beneath his touch, she looped her arms around his neck. The air was thick with their arousal, and she could feel the heat radiating off his body. As he slowly leaned forward, she tilted her chin upward, her lips tingling as she anticipated the touch of his lips.

His lips pressed to hers in a wet, hungry kiss, and their tongues bumped hotly against each other, tangling in a rhythmic dance. Cody's hands roamed the top half of her body, palms sliding against her breasts through the wet fabric of her top. 

Her fingers tangled into his hair, stroking his long, wet strands as he relentlessly dominated her mouth. Their lips moved passionately, and although neither wanted the kiss to end, they knew that it must. Starved for oxygen, their mouths parted with great reluctance. 

Grabbing the hem of her tank top, he slowly slid it upward, peeling the wet fabric off her body. She lifted her arms to assist him, and once her shirt was over her head, he tossed it aside, where it landed in the water with a small plop. Her mind was so clouded by lust that she didn't think about the fact that her shirt was being carried off by the flowing water of the creek, nor did she really care. 

All that mattered right now was having his hands on her. For nearly a week, her body had been starving for his touch, and as his fingers ghosted over the sheer fabric of her bra, her already rigid nipples grew to achingly swollen points. 

Palming her soft breasts, he bounced them in his hands, testing the fullness of them before allowing the pads of his fingers to brush against her peaks. She gazed downward as he fondled her breasts, watching intently as he tenderly caressed one bud, and then the other. 

His digits then dipped beneath the material of her bra, and as his calloused fingers made contact with her bare skin, a breathy moan escaped her mouth. The rough pads of his fingertips circled her areolas a few times before touching the very tips, and then he began flicking the pert points of flesh. 

His ministrations sent a shiver through her body, and she traced her palms over the broad curves of his shoulders. Her hands moved lower to caress the musculature of his chest, then continued their journey southward until they bumped against the waistband of his boxers. 

Her fingers slipped languidly beneath the fabric, moving lower until they met with his firm length. As her palm wrapped around the heat of his erection, he uttered a carnal groan, casting his eyes southward to watch the movement of her hand beneath the fabric of his boxers. 

His cock felt long and thick in her palms, and it didn't take long before she'd built up to a nice, steady rhythm. Cody's breath came out in short, harsh gasps, and within a short amount of time, she had him trembling with desire. 

She could tell from his body language that his orgasm was drawing closer, but instead of continuing to stroke him off, she slowed her pace, then came to a complete stop and removed her hands. Intense frustration etched into Cody's handsome features, and his eyes fixed hers with an inquisitive look. 

She said nothing, only offered a crooked little smile, then pulled away from him. She stepped back a few paces, then once the level of the water began to rise, she sunk down into it, allowing her body to float in the water. 

Like a fish on a hook, she reeled him in, and he began to follow her into the deeper end. She did a few backstrokes, then flipped onto her stomach and swam away. Although she could no longer see him, she could hear the sound of him trailing behind her. 

It didn't take long for them to reach a small cave that was located on the other side of the swimming hole, and as she came upon a narrow ledge, she lifted herself onto it. Cody climbed up into the cave to join her, following behind her as she walked further in. 

Wanting to make sure they had enough privacy, she took a few more steps, then turned to face him. Pressing her hands against his chest, she pushed him against the wall of the cave. 

She coasted her palms down his well built torso until they met with his straining erection, then allowed her fingers to lightly dance along it. His cock twitched in response, and she slipped her fingers beneath the elastic band of his boxers. Eager to bare his manhood for her eyes, she tugged his underwear down, then bent onto her knees so that she was eye level with his arousal.

The sight of his penis jutting proudly in the air made her anxious to taste him, and she snaked her tongue out to sample his flavor. The first touch of her wet appendage against the engorged head of his cock withdrew a gasp of pleasure from Cody, and he placed his hands against the wall, bracing himself for the onslaught of pleasure. 

She swirled her tongue around the swollen crown a few times, then licked a bead of precum that had collected at the slit of his penis. She savored the salty taste of it, and as she engulfed him in her mouth, he emitted a carnal moan of gratification. 

His hands found their way to her hair, burrowing deep into her voluminous curls. Placing her palms on his hips, she firmly held onto him. Loving the velvety feel of his thick shaft, she moaned in pleasure, proving him with a vibrating sensation. This withdrew a throaty noise of pleasure from his lips, and spurred on by his response, she took him deeper into her mouth. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 07



He gave a hiss, then said in a whispery groan, "Oh, Erica." 

The sound of his labored breathing filled the air around them, and as her mouth continued to pleasure him, the wet sounds of his cock sliding in and out of her mouth bounced off the cave walls. With each passing moment, she was becoming increasingly turned on. 

The grunts and moans he was making caused a liquid heat to pool between her thighs, and the fact that she was orally pleasuring him in a semi-public spot only added to her arousal. 

Her head moved quicker as she picked up the pace, and she felt the flexing of his abdominals beneath her palms. Her lips were wrapped around him in an impenetrable seal, and she felt his fingers caressing her hair as she continually slid his throbbing shaft in and out of the heat of her mouth. 

"Oh fuck yes...suck me, baby, just like that."

His breathing had grown shallow, and as her fingers came in contact with the sensitive skin of his balls, she began to massage them, enjoying the heavy weight of them in her palm. Her other hand was holding his shaft, and as she glanced up at him through her eyelashes, she saw he was staring down at her. His eyes were half lidded, pinned intently on the sight of her plump lips surrounding his cock. 

She loved having him watch her, and every contortion of his face told her that he was immensely gratified by the experience. She sucked him with such enthusiasm that it even surprised herself, and she found that the longer she had him in her mouth, the deeper her desire for him grew. Never before had she so enjoyed sucking on a cock, and she found that she just couldn't get enough of his virile masculinity. 

It wasn't just his taste that she loved, but also the smell of him. He had an irresistible outdoorsy scent, and she also caught the faint smell of sweat, combined with a musky fragrance which furthered her sexual hunger for him.

Wanting to fully immerse herself in the moment, she shut her eyelids, and focused on the sensation of her tongue sliding across the veins that corded his shaft. 

She swore she could feel them throbbing, and hearing him utter an especially heady moan, she groaned around his penis. She felt his fingers skate against her cheek, then there was the sound of his sensually deep voice. 

"Open your eyes, I want to see you watching me." 

She lifted her lids and stared up at him, maintaining eye contact as she continued her erotic ministrations. It made her feel so naughty, being bent on her knees before him, servicing him in a very intimate way, as he gazed down at her with his penetrating eyes. 

She was loving ever minute of it, and she supposed he could sense it, because she noticed a faint smile play at his lips. His lips suddenly parted in a gasp, and a ragged moan quickly followed as she began to suck harder and faster. 

Still holding his balls in her hand, she noticed that the skin surrounding them had grown very tight, and judging by the desperate rocking of his hips, she knew he was on the verge of a powerful orgasm. Clenching fistfuls of her hair, he groaned and arched his back. 

She barely had time to withdraw his erection before he lost control, and as soon as it exited her mouth, a large spurt of semen erupted from his penis, landing on her neck. Offering him a few pumps with her hand, she aimed his cock for her chest, allowing a second stream of cum to bathe the swell of her breasts. 

The feel of his thick, warm seed landing on her skin caused her pussy to clench in response, making her urgently long for stimulation. She didn't stop stroking until she'd milked him of every last drop. Then she lavished his softening penis with her tongue, cleaning off the remnants of his excitement as he released a pleasurable whimper. 

After releasing it from her hands, she pulled his boxers back up, then stood up to her full height. Cupping her face in his hands, he leaned in to claim her lips, probing her mouth with his warm tongue. Erica melted into the kiss, and as their mouths parted, she gazed at him with lust darkened eyes. 

Cody had a dazed expression on his face, and his lips tilted upward into a smile of pure satisfaction. "Damn, girl. That was amazing."

He mouth curved into a little smile of her own, and she rested her palms against his hard chest.

"Glad you enjoyed."

He let out a deeply contented sigh, then looped his arms around her waist. "I wasn't expecting that at all." He lifted his eyebrows and gave her a look that clearly conveyed his surprise. "That was just...wow." 

Her lips pulled back to reveal a flash of teeth, and she placed a tender kiss to his chest. Taking her by the hand, he led her over to a large, flat rock. Once they reached it, he motioned for her to lay down. 

She bent down to sit, then reclined so that her back was resting against the cool slab of stone. She felt the heat of his body as he climbed on top of her, and she uttered a pleasured sigh as he began peppering her neck with kisses.

His fingers fiddled with the front clasp of her bra, and once it was undone, he removed the material from her breasts. Freed from their confines, her breasts were now fully exposed for his eyes. Leaning in closer, he grazed his lips with a feather light touch against her bare skin.

"Perfect," he whispered in a barely audible voice.

His tongue then peeked out to slide across the swells of flesh, slowly moving closer to one of her pert nipples which stood erect. Cody's mouth went to work on her right breast, licking and suckling the plump bud, while he possessively cupped her other breast in his palm. 

After bathing her right nipple with his hot tongue, he lavished attention on the other one, rolling his tongue in a skillful way. Arching her back, Erica let out a small whimper. 

Light from the sunset which filtered in from the entrance to the cave was quickly dwindling, causing their bodies to appear as little more than silhouettes. The lighting effect was quite erotic, and she found that it only enhanced the moment. He released her nipple from his mouth, then began trailing kisses down her torso. 

As his lips made contact with the flimsy fabric of her panties, he hooked his thumbs beneath them and slid them downward. She lifted her hips upward to assist him in removing the article of clothing, and once they were off, he spread her legs. 

He glided his tongue downward in a straight line, and once he reached the lips of her pussy, he offered her clit a few gentle lashes. His ministrations resulted in a bucking of her hips, and she firmly held onto his head, eager to feel more of his tongue. 

Placing two long digits at her opening, he slowly slid them inside, pushing deeper and deeper until they could go no further. He pumped them in and out a few times before withdrawing them from her heat, then lifted his fingers to his lips. As he licked them clean, a groan of enjoyment escaped his mouth. 

Placing his thumbs against her tender folds, he parted her like a flower, then buried his head between her legs to have a proper taste. Cody's hard tongue dove between the succulent lips of her pussy, and as his wet appendage made contact with her slick heat, she released a husky moan.

He caressed her delicate flesh with a combination of long, languid strokes and quick, short flicks. The pressure of his tongue steadily increased, and her body jerked in time with the rhythm of his tongue.

For months on end, she'd been yearning to be eaten out, and now that it was finally happening, she found it nearly impossible to keep from reaching instantaneous orgasm. 

The sensation of him tonguing her was absolutely blissful, and she didn't ever want this moment to end. Suddenly withdrawing his tongue from her velvety flesh, he lifted his head and glanced up into her eyes. 

"Hook your legs over my shoulders so I can get in nice and deep."

Mesmerized by his lust coated voice, she promptly followed his command. After lifting her feet to place them over his shoulder, he continued his vigorous feasting. The slight change in her position did indeed enable him to slide his tongue deeper, and she released a ragged gasp as he feverishly licked her tight, wet heat.

Deeply penetrating her with his tongue, he withdrew a steady stream of moans and whimpers from her mouth. The sound of her cries echoed in the cave, mingling with Cody's muffled groans as he relentlessly stroked her with his tongue. 

Increasing the pressure even further, he tirelessly lapped away at her pussy, while simultaneously flicking her swollen button with the rough pad of his thumb. 

The friction it provided was nothing short of exquisite, and brought to the brink of orgasm, she arched her back and cried out his name. Still moving his tongue, he continued his torturously pleasurable ministrations, and unable to take anymore contact with her ultra sensitive pussy, she helplessly whimpered beneath him. 

Cody slowed his intimate caresses, gradually reducing the intensity of his oral assault until it was feather light, then removed his head from between her legs. 

After taking a few moments to recover, she lifted herself up so she was no longer reclining on the slab of rock. After reclasping her bra and slipping back into her panties, she looped her arms around his shoulders. 

Their breaths mingled, followed by the melding of their lips. His juice coated mouth pressed eagerly against her own, sharing the taste of her arousal, and their tongues provocatively intertwined.

As their lips parted, she breathlessly said, "That was incredible." 

His lips curled into a smile of satisfaction, then he grabbed her by the hand and helped her to her feet. As they exited the cave, they saw that the orange colored sky had faded to an indigo color. They both stepped onto the ledge that led down from the cave and into the water, and just before jumping in, Erica cast a glance at Cody.

"Race you to the other side."

He gave a little smile and a nod in response, then they both jumped in. There was a resounding splash as their bodies hit the water, and focusing all of her energy, she propelled herself forward. She swam as fast as she could, but despite her best efforts, Cody still made it to the edge of the creek well ahead of her. No surprises there, as she knew he was the type of person who had to be first in everything. 

As she reached the edge of the swimming hole, she saw him casually sitting on a fallen log next to the edge of the gurgling creek. A smug smile of victory creased his face, and he was running his fingers through his long, wet hair. She stepped out of the water, then padded across the wet earth toward the spot where she'd left her shorts. 

As she passed by Cody, she gave him a little smile. "Yeah okay, so you made it here first. Big deal." 

"I didn't know you were a sore loser." He rose onto his feet and grabbed his clothes which were located behind the log. 

She pulled her denim cutoffs on, then buttoned them up. "I'm not."

"Could've fooled me." He was now wearing a full blown grin. 

After slipping into a pair of jeans and a gray tank top, he put on a pair of well worn boots. She guessed they were his favorite pair of shoes, because he always seemed to be wearing them.

"You must live in those things, huh?" She cast a glance down at his footwear. 

"I've had them since college. I'm never throwing them away." He grabbed a well-worn flannel from next to the log, then handed it to her. "You can wear this back to my truck."

"Thanks." She slipped into it, then buttoned it up. It had the feel of a shirt that had been washed many times, and her nostrils caught the alluring scent of him, which was embedded in the fabric.

He hooked his thumbs in her belt loops and pulled her flush against him, then cupped her hips in his palms. "So since I won the race, what do I get as a prize?" 

Her lips tugged into a smirk. "You want a reward?"

"Sure, why not?" 

"Hmm, I don't know." She gazed up into his deep set eyes, losing herself in the beauty of them.

Cody lifted his hand to her face, then tenderly stroked his thumb against her cheekbone. "I have an idea. It'll be something fun that we'd both like."

"What?"

He dragged his digit toward her lips, then lightly traced the poutyness of them. "You'll have to wait and see."

He now had her thoroughly intrigued, and the look he was giving her caused coils of desire to build in her abdomen. She felt his soft lips caress hers with a languid kiss, and then he pulled back and released her from his embrace. His hand clasped with hers and they walked away from the swimming hole, heading towards a trail that led the way out.

* * * *

After maneuvering his Chevy pickup into a parking space, Cody put the car in park, then he and Erica made their way toward a white building with blue trim. A neon sign in the shape of a swirled ice cream cone sat atop the building, and as they approached the establishment, the heavenly scent of freshly baked waffle cones emitted from the structure. A locally famous mom and pop business, Landon's Dairy Whip was a nostalgic ice cream chain with drive-thru service and a walk up window. 

Ever since she was a kid, Erica had been a loyal customer, and every time she came for a visit, she found that it always brought back pleasant childhood memories.

Once they reached the counter to order, they took a few moments to look over the menu. Enticing posters of the various types of frozen treats they offered were plastered on the windows, and as she scanned the colorful images, she found herself anticipating the creamy texture of a soft serve ice cream cone. 

Once they'd both decided on what they were wanted, Erica and Cody gave their order to the fresh faced teenager that stood behind the pane of glass. It only took a few short moments before their frozen treats were ready, and after retrieving them from the pick up window, they made their way to a circular concrete picnic table with a hard plastic umbrella over it. 

As soon as they sat down, they dug into their ice cream. Erica had gotten a cone of chocolate and vanilla swirl, while Cody had chosen a peanut butter sundae. 

Indulging in the flavor of their frozen sweets, they sat in silence for a good three minutes. Half of Erica's ice cream had been consumed before she noticed that Cody was eyeing, and lifting her eyes to meet his, she gave him an inquiring look. 

"What's on your mind?"

His lips tugged into a lopsided smile, and his gaze drifted downward to land on her shirt. "Just thinking of how cute you look in my flannel."

"And what else?" She could clearly tell from the expression on his face that carnal thoughts were on his mind. But then again, he always seemed to be in an erotic sort of mood.

"I'm also thinking how nice it would be if you opened a few of those buttons and let me have a peek at your breasts."

She felt an arrow of desire shot between her legs in response to his words. "You just saw them half an hour ago."

"I want to see them again."

She felt a bit guilty for feeling so turned on, and chastised herself for the level of stimulation she felt. Why did it excite her so much to have this man give her orders? She'd previously dated other guys who had tried to dominate her in various ways, but she'd refused to let them get away with it. 

So what made her give Cody a pass? Just what exactly was it about him that made her eager to do as he said? Then she realized that despite the fact that her regularly coaxed her into submission, he'd never once made her feel cheap. He truly had the art of seduction down, and while other men may have failed at their attempts to dominate her, Cody was clearly excelling.

"And if I refuse?"

"Then I'll respect that. But people don't usually refuse to do something they'd enjoy." He stared straight into her eyes as he said it, daring her to argue against him.

Erica took a quick glance around her, and saw there was a couple sitting a few tables away from them. There was also a small group of females who were ordering at the walk up counter, but since her back was facing them, she figured it would be safe enough to give him a fast glimpse. 

Lifting her hand to the shirt, she inconspicuously undid one button, and then another, continuing her way downward until a glimpse of her bra cup was visible. She could feel the heat of his stare as he watched her, and she slowly peeled back one of the halves of her shirt. 

She did it in a way so that her exposed bra cup was visible only for Cody's eyes, and as the gauzy material was uncovered, she felt her nipple stiffen, both from his gaze and from the mild summer breeze that blew past them. 

Casually continuing to eat his ice cream, he fed another spoonful into his mouth. His face had a serious expression on it, but his chocolate brown eyes had a hunger in them. As his gaze lifted to meet hers, she met it head on. 

"Very nice," he said in a voice thick with lust.

She buttoned her shirt back up, keeping her eyes planted on him the entire time she did it. Then she resumed eating her ice cream. As she finished up her treat, she suddenly had the feeling that someone was watching them, so she averted her attention from Cody and scanned the surrounding area. 

Her gaze came to land on an empty table nearby, and she saw a well-tanned man with dark brown hair which was worn in a military buzz cut. His eyes were directed at Cody and Erica's table, and she noticed that the man was offering Cody a fiery look. His thin lips were drawn in a hard, straight line, and his jaw was tense. She wasn't sure why he seemed so fixated on Cody, but she did pick up on the vibe he was sending their way, and it wasn't a very pleasant one. The sound of Cody's voice redirected her attention to him.

"What are you looking at?"

She briefly contemplated telling Cody about the strange man, but decided against it. "Nothing." She took another lick of her ice cream, then said, "So what are you getting into later tonight?"

"Hopefully you." 

His response sent a rush of heat to her center, followed by a quickening of her pulse. Although they'd shared an intimate experience at the swimming hole, she still felt a flush come to her cheeks, and she briefly averted her eyes. Her gaze fell on his broad, shoulders, then lowered to briefly admire the hard muscles of his arms.

Her tongue peeked out to take a languid lick of her cone, and after swallowing the frozen cream, she licked the remnants off her lips. As she turned her attention back to his face, she saw him lean in closer across the table, so that his lips were a mere few inches from her cone.

"Can I have a lick?"

The word 'lick' was all it took to create a dull ache between her legs. The way he said it caused her nipples to pucker against the thin fabric of her bra, and she was immediately reminded of the intense oral pleasure she'd received from him. 

Gazing into his tapered eyes, she said, "Sure, help yourself." 

As his tongue peeked out to take a lick, so did hers, and they simultaneously slid their tongues against the creamy dessert. She directed her wet appendage towards Cody's, and as their tongues made contact, a spark was set off between them. Eager to feel his lips on hers, Erica moved the ice cream cone so they could share an unimpeded kiss. 

She felt his cold mouth press to her own, then there was the silky touch of his tongue sliding across the pads of her lips. He sucked them lightly, withdrawing a breathless noise from her mouth. Then his mouth pressed to her in an exploratory kiss, stroking her with his masterful tongue. They indulged in the taste and feel of each other's mouth, and when they finally broke the kiss, Erica felt as if some of her energy had been drawn from the kiss. It wasn't a creepy feeling, but rather a wondrous one. She'd had some damn good kisses before, but none of them had ever measured up to what she'd just experienced.




Peak of Desire Ch. 07



"I'm ready to split, how about you?"

"Same here."

He gave her a little smile, and they both rose up from their seats. After throwing his empty sundae container away, Cody threaded his fingers through hers. Once they reached the car, he hit the keyless entry, then they both climbed into the cab of the truck. 

As the engine rumbled to life, Cody asked, "Where to, now. Your place?" 

"How about we go to yours, instead?" She ran her fingers through her curly locks, which were sexily disheveled, and gave him a seductive look.

The corners of his lips pulled into a smile, and without a word in response, he put the truck in drive, then drove off.



Peak of Desire Ch. 08



*Huge thanks for the feedback and votes, guys. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter, and thank you so much for your continued interest!*




Following a thirty minute drive, they arrived in the city of Venice Beach, a waterfront district located on the westside of Los Angeles. Known for its bizarre boardwalk, eclectic atmosphere and house lined canals, the city was a hub for all things unique and artistic. 

As they approached a gated parking lot that was located behind Cody's apartment, he pushed a button on a remote control that was clipped to the windshield visor. The gate parted to let them through, and after steering the truck into a space, he put it in park and they both got out. 

They strolled hand in hand to a warehouse style building, with a concrete façade which was painted a dark gray color. As they reached the rear of the apartment, he punched in a code on the security keypad, and the door emitted a buzzing noise. 

He swung the door open to let her in first, then walked in behind her, guiding her down a cement floored hallway. They reached a wide elevator, and a few seconds after he pressed the button, the doors parted to let them in. Once they reached Cody's floor, he led her down a short hallway toward his apartment, where he slid his key in and unlocked it.

The door opened to reveal a relatively large loft, with exposed wooden beams and metal framed square windows which stretched floor to ceiling. Iron stairs which led up to the sleeping area gave the living space a strong industrial feel, and ceilings which stretched fifteen feet high provided the feeling of unobstructed freedom. 

After flipping the suspended lights on, Cody tossed his keys on the entryway table, then headed for the open kitchen, which flowed seamlessly into the living room. "You want a drink?"

"Sure, what do you have?" 

As he reached the fridge he pulled open the door, then bent down to have a look inside. "Pineapple juice, beer, water..." He reached in to grab something from the back of the top shelf, then brought it out for her to see. "I have one bottle of coffee soda left. If you want it, it's yours." 

"Caffeine *and* sugar? I'll be up all night if I drink that."

"Yeah, that's the idea." His lips tilted into a crooked grin.

"Okay, i'll give it a try."

There was a hissing noise as he popped the cap off, then he headed to where she was standing and gave her the beverage. "Wrap your lips around that, and see how you like it."

She encircled her palm around the chilled bottle, then brought it up to her lips to have a taste. Sweet with a strong coffee flavor, it tasted quite delicious, and she followed the first sip up with a second. 

"I'll take that as a sign you're enjoying it." He gave her a pleased look, then said, "Hang tight while I go to the bathroom."

She watched him head off down a narrow hallway, then she began to casually amble around the room. Drawn to the vibrant color of the exposed brick walls, she reached a hand out to touch them, slowly sliding her palm against the cool surface. Noticing a few polaroids lined up on the mantle of the fireplace, she went over to have a look. Immediately zeroing in on one in particular, she saw it was a snapshot of two women. 

The female on the right had long glossy hair, full lips, and striking angular features which reminded her a lot of Cody's. The other lady in the picture had an exotic look to her, and it was clear she was a mixture of various races. Ethnically ambiguous, she had tawny skin and big, doe shaped eyes. Jet black hair framed her oval shaped face, and her lips were curled into a dazzling smile. 

Standing directly next to her was Cody, with his arm slung over her shoulder and a goofy grin on his face. He looked to be giddily happy, and she found herself curious as to what his relationship was with this other woman. She quickly scanned the other photos on the mantle, which consisted of various other snapshots that Cody had taken with friends, as well as a few of him attending family gatherings.

Turning her back to the mantle, she sauntered toward an espresso colored suede couch and sat down it, tucking a leg beneath her as she rested her back against the arm of the sofa. A Navajo style throw blanket with a terra cotta red, cream and black geometric pattern was stretched out against the back of the couch, and she coasted her palm against the fabric, enjoying the feel of it beneath her hand. 

There was the sound of Cody's footsteps against the hardwood floor, then she felt the couch dip as he took a seat beside her. Mirroring her tucked up leg position, he rested a hand against her bare thigh.

Noticing her admiration of the blanket, he said, "Nice, isn't it?"

She gave a nod. "Very. Is it handmade?"

"Yep. My mom, who's an expert weaver, made it. The skill was passed down to her from my grandma, who learned it from her own mother."

"Impressive work."

Cody took hold of her hand and threaded his fingers through hers, tenderly clasping her soft, smaller hand in his large, calloused one. They contentedly held hands, resting them against the fabric of the blanket as their eyes met in a lingering stare. It was one of those moments when silence stretched on, and yet she didn't feel uncomfortable at all. 

She'd only felt this way with a few people in her life, and actually found it a good sign when someone could enjoyably sit in complete silence with her. Cody's other hand, which was positioned on her thigh, was sliding along her soft skin with a stimulating touch. Suddenly remembering the photos on the mantle, she decided to inquire about his family.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"One sister, no brothers. You?"

"I'm an only child."

"Ever wish you had a sibling?"

"I almost did. My mom had a boy four years after I was born, but he died at birth."

"Sorry to hear." 

"Yeah, I guess sometimes those things happen." She let a few moments pass before speaking again. "There's a picture of you with two women on the mantle of your fireplace. Is the one with long black hair your sister?"

"Yep, that's her. We took that photo a few years back, during a trip to Window Rock."

"Where's that?"

"In Arizona. It's not far from a city named Lukachukai, which is where I grew up."

"So what made you come out here?"

"The girl I was dating at the time, she was the one who suggested it. I figured why not, so we packed our stuff, drove out to L.A., and I've been living here ever since."

"You ever miss home?"

"Sure, I miss the people I grew up around, and I especially miss my mom and grandparents."

"I imagine you're close to them. Must be hard for you, being so far away."

"Yeah, it can be. But at least I'm still relatively close, so I'm able to drive out and visit them pretty regularly."

"Well that's good." She took a languid sip of her soda. "The girl who's in the picture with you and your sister...is she the one you moved to L.A. to with?"

He gave a light chuckle. "No, that's Mia. She's a good friend of mine. Actually she was one of the first people I met when I arrived in L.A."

"You've been friends for awhile, then. You must be pretty close." 

"Yeah, she's a pretty interesting person. The only female gear head I've met."

"She fixes cars?"

"And rock climbs. She's not too bad at it, either."

"Sounds like a pretty cool girl." She studied Cody for a few moments, then jokingly said, "Actually she sounds a little too interesting."

"No need to be jealous. Trust me on that."

"Oh I'm not. Only curious."

"About?"

"She's into rock climbing just like you, and she's definitely an attractive girl. Not to mention you've been friends for many years. So how have you two not hooked up?"

"One word. Lesbian."

"Oh. Well I guess that's a pretty good reason then, isn't it?"

He snickered, then said, "Even if she was into men, we could never work out as a couple."

"Why not?"

"We're alike in too many ways. Not to mention we both have dominating personalities, so that would just create a horrible clash."

"I guess you've got a good point there."

"I think you'll like her, though. I'm sure she'll like you." He gave her a little smile.

Erica rolled her eyes, then said, "Just because she's a lesbian, doesn't mean she'll like me in *that* way."

"Oh, she will." His lips curved further upward.

"Why do I get the feeling that you're thinking something dirty?" There was a playful tone to her voice.

"Maybe it's cause you have a naughty imagination." He slid his hand along her leg until it met with the junction of her thighs, then he began gently rubbing the moist heat beneath her denim shorts. "You act all shy sometimes, but underneath it all you're quite a naughty girl."

His eyes drifted to the bottle of soda she was holding, and after gently grabbing it from her hands, he set it on the coffee table in front of the couch. Then he grabbed hold of her hips and coaxed her onto his lap. 

"You're the naughty one." She sat straddling him, glancing deep into his eyes as she returned his gaze of intensity with one of her own.

Cody offered a crooked smile. "So when am I gonna get that massage you promised me?" He cupped her chin in his palm, then lightly grazed her lips with his thumb.

"I wasn't aware I made a promise."

"Trying to make me beg for it, huh?"

An expression of amusement crossed her features. "That'd be a first for you."

He gave a light chuckle. "Or we could just skip the massage and..." His voice drifted off as he moved his hand southward.

As his fingers met with the juncture between her thighs, she exhaled a sigh of pleasure. Her body yearned deeply for him, but emotionally the time wasn't right just yet. It wasn't about trying to be a 'good girl' either, because she'd never followed the so-called rules. 

She did, however, want to protect her heart, and felt that waiting a little longer would give her more time to see just where this relationship was going. Cody looked questioningly at her, his eyes full of hope as he silently waited for her to give him a signal. 

"It'd be a shame to skip the massage," she seductively said. "I've been told I'm very skilled with my hands."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mhmm." 

She slid her tongue against the pad of his lips, and as he parted his mouth, she slid her wet appendage inside. They engaged in a devouring kiss, tongues colliding as their lips moved with abandon. When their passionate embrace came to an end, Cody was first to speak.

"Let's take this upstairs, so you can massage me on the bed."

She nodded, then slid off his lap and allowed him to lead the way to the iron staircase. Once they reached the elevated sleeping area, he adjusted the dimmer switch on the wall, filling the room with soft lighting. Then he began to disrobe, keeping his gaze pinned on her the entire time he was doing it. 

She took a seat on the bed, watching with eager eyes as he peeled his shirt off to reveal the hard smoothness of his chest. His hands then drifted southward to undo the button on his jeans, and after tugging them down his legs, he kicked them off his feet, then removed his boxer shorts. 

Her eyes traveled over the expanse of his leanly muscled body, feasting on the pure masculinity of his form. Years of rock climbing had given him a perfectly toned frame, with nicely developed biceps, a taut, flat abdomen, and strong, hard thighs. 

Although he wasn't erect, he wasn't completely limp either, and she found herself gazing appreciatively at his well-built manhood. As he walked toward her, she locked her eyes into his, completely enraptured by his commanding presence. Once he reached the bed, he climbed onto it and laid flat on his stomach, tucking his hands beneath his chin as he eagerly waited for her to join him.

After stripping down to her underwear, she got onto the bed, adjusting her body so that she was straddling him. 

She pushed Cody's hair over his shoulders to fully expose his back, then said, "You have any oil?"

"There's a cabinet in the bedside table. You'll find a bottle there."

She leaned over the side of the bed and opened the small compartment, then reached inside to retrieve an unopened container of massage oil. 

"Brand new bottle, huh? I'm guessing you just knew I was going to give you a massage."

A light chuckle passed his lips. "I figured I'd better be prepared, just in case."

Her lips tilted upward, and she removed the protective seal on the bottle, then set it down on the mattress. Deciding to start off with a cranial massage, she slipped her fingers into his silky hair, lightly caressing his scalp with the pads of her fingers. Although she couldn't see his face, she could definitely tell he was enjoying it, due to the sounds of gratification that slipped past his lips. 

After a few minutes of massaging his head, she made her way down to the base of his cranium, lightly massaging the area where his neck bones met his skull, then moved her hands lower so that her palms were against his back.

Using one hand to retrieve the massage oil, she flipped the top up, then squirted some onto his back. A noise of contentment passed his lips as her palms slid across his skin, slowly moving upward to sweep across his shoulder blades. Her hands worked against him with a gentle thoroughness, kneading and prodding his toned flesh with admirable skill. 

As she reached his lower back, she placed a palm over the back of her other hand, then began to move her hand in small circles, traveling up his back, and then down. She did this on one side of his spine and then the other, withdrawing throaty sounds of gratification from his lips.

She then began using her knuckles against his skin, lightly dragging them up to meet his shoulders, and then coasting them back down. Her pleasurable ministrations caused a rash of goose bumps to break out along his back, and she found herself pleased by the level of pleasure she was able to give him.

Her hands continued to masterfully manipulate him, and as she reached his cute little butt, she began to lightly knead it, following up with sensual caresses which earned her moans of appreciation from Cody. After spending a generous amount of time on his glutes, she continued downward to work his inner thighs, another spot on his body that she gave some extra attention to. 

She spent a few solid minutes massaging his thighs, then gave him a light pat one of his ass cheeks. "Turn over and I'll do your front."

He eagerly flipped his body so that he was lying with his back against the mattress, then tucked his arms behind his head and stared up at her with an expression of pure contentment. "I must have really good karma to deserve an amazing woman like you."

She beamed from his compliment, then squirted some oil onto his chest. "I'm guessing you're enjoying the massage."

"It's beyond enjoyment." 

The look of adoration he was giving her caused her to feel deeply treasured, spurring her to continue working her magic on him. 

"Your hands...." A breathy sound escaped his lips as she coasted her palms against his torso, massaging every inch of his coppery skin. "The way you touch me is amazing."

"Feel good?"

"Oh yeah." His voice came out in a husky whisper, eyes half mast as he looked up at her.

Noticing his drowsy state, she offered a little smirk. "Don't fall asleep on me, now."

He sleepily grinned at her. "You really wanna keep me awake, you can take that bra off and let me look at your tits."

"Ask nicely and maybe I will."

"Please take it off and let me stare at your beautiful breasts."

She halted her ministrations and reached up to unclasp her bra. After slipping her arms free of the straps, she tossed the flimsy fabric aside, where it landed on the floor.

"Mmm, nice." his eyes desirously wandered from one breast to the other, as if he couldn't decide which one to focus his attention on. "Did I ever tell you how gorgeous you are?"

"Are you talking to them, or to me?"

A light chortle exited his mouth. "You, of course. Although they are quite lovely, as well." A groan of pure enjoyment exited his mouth as she used rhythmic movements along his abdominal muscles. "You're damn sexy, you know that?"

"Am I?" 

The motion of Erica's hands made her breasts jiggle, causing Cody's eyes to dance with excitement. "Sure are. You're my little hottie." 

Her mouth curved into a smile, eyes lowering to rest on the space between his thighs. His magnificent arousal jutted in the air, and as she stared at his erection, she noticed there was a large bead of precum which had sprouted from the slit of his cock head. Her mouth watered at the memory of his slightly salty, musky taste, and she found herself eager to slide her tongue along his warm, stiff length. 

Her fingers began to manipulate the tender flesh of his inner thighs, gradually moving closer to his increasing erection. She came dangerously close to touching his fleshy sacks a few times, but always moved her fingers away before they could make contact. 

"You are such a tease." A faint smile crept up his lips.

She cast a seductive look at him, using a gentle pressure to glide her hands across his pliant flesh. She continually built his desire until she was certain he could take no more, then grabbing the bottle of oil, she squirted some into her palm. One hand reached down to cup his balls, while the other encircled his shaft. 

She started off by stimulating the swollen head of his penis, moving her thumb in a circular motion against the slit of his cock. Then she gave him a few pumps, twisting her wrists on the upstroke so that beads of precum were continually expelled. Cody gave a wanton groan, writhing beneath her as she used her other hand to play with his balls.

She watched as he removed his hands from behind his head, then wrapped them around her waist. His palms slid lazily along the curve of her hips, continuing their way upward until they reached her breasts. He cupped them in his hands, gently squeezing them in his broad palms, then ran his thumb over her peaks until they puckered beneath his ministrations. 

She gave a moan, arching her back as she continually caressed his penis. Her nipples had always been very sensitive, so the lightest touch could bring about some very pleasurable sensations.

They continued to pleasure one another, maintaining unwavering eye contact the entire time. She gave him slow, languid tugs, maintaining an unhurried, yet steady pace that withdrew faint noises of pleasure from his lips. 

After a few minutes of stroking him at that speed, his hips began to thrust upward in an attempt to create more friction, and she could tell from his shallow breathing that he was growing increasingly impatient with the torturously languid rhythm of her hand.

"Want me to stroke you quicker?" She asked in a soft, sensual voice.

He nodded in response, and as her hand sped up, he gave a carnal moan. His sounds of pleasure caused heat to flood her nether regions, and as his bucking movements grew more desperate, she knew he was at the verge of orgasm. Soon her hand was little more than a blur, and with a few more jerks of her hand, she brought him to the pinnacle of bliss. 

His body spasmed, hips twitching as he released a delicious cry of ecstasy. A large stream of cum erupted from his shaft, landing hotly against her stomach. Her palm continued to manipulate him, milking him of every last drop, and once the last of his semen had been expelled, she released his deflating penis. 

Spotting a box of Kleenexes on the bedside table, she reached over to grab a few, then cleaned the creamy fluid from off her stomach. Once that was done she wiped his shaft clean, then threw the tissue into a small wastebasket next to the bed.

She then contentedly stretched out on the bed beside him, lying on her back as she stared up at the exposed aluminum ducts which snaked across the ceiling. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 08



Weakened from the orgasm, Cody could do little more than simply lay there, chest rising and falling as ragged breaths escaped his throat. Once he came out of his haze of orgasmic bliss, he rolled onto his side, then cradled his head in the palm of his hand. 

Feeling him watch her, she shifted her focus and returned his stare. His hand reached out to touch her hair, fingers threading their way into her curls. He studied her closely, eyes roving from her facial features to the strands of her hair. Then he slowly leaned in and touched his lips to hers in a long, tender kiss. She felt the vibration of him moaning into her mouth, then he pulled back from the oral embrace. He gazed deeply at her for a few moments, then spoke.

"Thank you for the massage. It was wonderful."

"You're welcome."

He gently kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose, and ended with a quick peck on the lips. Then he took her hand in his and said, "Sorry about earlier today. I know I can be a little overbearing sometimes."

"A little?"

He gave a small chuckle. "Okay, a lot. I'm really not trying to control your life, though. I just want to make sure you're safe."

"I appreciate that. But you have to realize that I can take care of myself."

"I know that, Erica. You're a smart, independent woman and I love that about you. But it would feel weird for me to not share my feelings about certain situations. I can't just keep quiet about something that internally doesn't feel right."

"I wouldn't expect you to, but sometimes the way you say things makes it seem as if you're trying to boss me around. And that makes me uncomfortable."

"Yeah, I get that." He gave a brief pause, then said, "I'll try not to do it anymore, okay?"

She nodded in response, and they shared a moment of stillness, each drinking in the features of the other's face. Then his voice broke through the silence.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"Only a penny? I think they're worth more than that."

"Okay, a buck."

"From a penny to a buck? Wow, I didn't know you were such a big spender."

"Money's no object when you're involved."

She smiled, then casually draped a leg over one of his.

"So tell me. Let me into that mind of yours," he said.

"Just thinking about how much of an Aries you are. You have the classic personality traits."

"Such as?"

"Courageous, sexually charged, athletic, confident."

"And what else?" Clearly enjoying her speak about his positive traits, he urged her on.

"Reckless, dominating, bossy, controlling...need I go on?" She offered a little smirk.

"Point taken. Now tell me some more positive traits." 

She chuckled, then said, "I'm sure you're well aware of the best aspects of your personality." 

"Of course, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to hear about them."

She offered a playful scoff. 

"I'm only joking, of course." He tucked a curly lock behind her ear, then said, "I'm not big on astrology, but I can still share some of the things I like best about you."

"Okay, tell me."

"You're beautiful, independent, adventurous, ambitious...I could go on, but I don't wanna stroke your ego too much." 

"Someone in this room has a big ego, but it certainly isn't me."

"I'm confident, sweetheart. Not egotistical. There's a difference."

"Yeah, alright. Whatever you say." There was a look of amusement on her face. "So what are my negative traits?"

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "You're stubborn, overly trusting, and irresponsible."

"Hmmm...I can't argue with the first two traits, but how am I irresponsible?" Her brows slightly crinkled.

"I'd rather not go any further into this."

"Why not?"

"I just don't want to."

"Well you can't call me irresponsible, then refuse to explain why."

Cody's chest rose and fell in a heavy sigh. "You take unnecessary risks."

"So do you."

"I do take risks, but not unnecessary ones."

She felt compelled to say more, but the last thing she wanted was for them to get into an argument, so instead she bit her tongue and simply said, "Okay."

They lay in silence for a minute, then Cody reached out and placed a hand against her right breast, tenderly massaging it as he gazed into her eyes. She arched into his touch, and as he made lazy circles around her areola, she felt goose bumps prickle along her skin.

"I love how naughty you were earlier today."

Her body heated up at the memory of the erotic experience they'd shared at the swimming hole. "That was fun, wasn't it?"

"Fun isn't the word for it." His thumb and forefinger closed around a nipple, gently twisting and pulling on it until her peak was pebbly hard. "I wasn't expecting the reaction I got from you, but then again I guess I shouldn't be so surprised."

A breathy sigh escaped her lips as he continued to manipulate her nub. "What do you mean?"

"It's usually the quiet ones that surprise me the most. Sometimes they do and say things you don't expect, and when they let loose, they *really* let loose. I saw that uninhibited side of you today."

Her thoughts reverted back to the steamy experience they'd shared at the swimming hole, and she felt her body grow hot in response. "It was you that brought it out of me."

"Oh yeah?" 

She nodded, feeling herself melt beneath the touch of his fingers against her breast.

"You have work in the morning?"

"Yep. Afternoon shift. What about you?"

"Yeah, but I don't really wanna go." His gaze traveled along the curves of her body, lustily eyeing her feminine form. "I'm thinking about calling in sick tomorrow."

"And do what, instead?"

"You." 

Her lips tilted upward. "But I'll be working."

"Not if I keep you from going in."

"How exactly do you plan on pulling that off?"

"If you're too sore to walk, you won't be able to get out of bed."

She felt a familiar heat begin to build in the pit of her stomach. "The thought is definitely tempting." 

"So play hooky with me. We'll spend the day enjoying each other."

"I'd love to, but we've got a boatload of inventory coming in at the bookstore tomorrow, so I kind of have to be there."

"Kind of, or definitely?"

"Let's just say that if I don't show up, my boss wouldn't be too happy."

"You think he'd fire you?"

She shook her head. No, Iggy wouldn't do that. I have a really good track record, and I'm always covering other people's shifts."

"Even more reason for you to call in. You're a faithful employee, so one day of missed work shouldn't be that big of a deal."

"Yeah, I guess."

"So call in." He gave her one of his deeply seductive looks.

"I'll think about it."

He gave her a little smirk, as if he already knew without a doubt that she would give in to his request. He brought a hand up to her hair, winding his fingers through her curly strands, so he could check out the texture and thickness of it. 

His digits burrowed in deeper, and as the pads of his fingers met with her scalp, he began to gently massage it. A sound of contentment came from Erica's mouth, and she closed her eyelids, immersing herself fully in the moment. 

"Feel good?" He asked.

She gave a little murmur in response, then let loose a quiet sigh. After a few minutes of steadily caressing her scalp, Cody withdrew his fingers from her hair, then rested his cheek on the pillow and gazed straight into her eyes.

"Tell me something about you."

She lifted her eyelids to look at him. "Like what?"

"I don't know. Something I don't already know, or wouldn't expect."

She thought about it for a moment, then said, "Before I became a massage therapist, I was seriously thinking about becoming a tattoo artist."

"Really?" A smirk played at his lips.

"Yes, really. Why is that so funny?"

"I just can't imagine you doing something like that." 

"Why not?"

"Well for one thing, you don't have any tattoos."

"No, but if I'd gone into it as a career, then obviously I would have gotten some."

"Do you ever think you will?"

"Sure, someday."

"What's stopping you from doing it now?"

"I'm just not sure I'd be willing to commit to something that permanent. What happens if I wake up one day, and end up hating the design I got inked? Then what?"

"You get it removed."

"No thanks. Too painful, not to mention expensive." She made a little sound of displeasure then said, "No way am I going through all that." 

"So pick something you know you'll never get tired of. Like my name, or an image of my handsome face." 

A smirk played at the corners of her lips. "Naw, it's gotta be something meaningful." 

"Oh, nice!" Cody sarcastically said, then gave a light chuckle. "I see how it is. Now that you've bedded me, you're showing your true colors." 

Her lips curled into a wide grin, and she reached a hand out to touch him, tracing patterns against his chest with the tip of her finger. "So what about you? Tell me something I don't already know." 

He hesitated for a moment, then began to speak. "Well, I've been meaning to tell you this for awhile. I just wasn't quite sure when the time would be right."

"What is it?" Apprehension built in the pit of her stomach, and she gave him an eager look.

"I was born with a heart condition."

"What kind?"

"A leaky heart valve."

"How serious is it?"

"Mild to moderate, meaning it's no big deal."

"So you're okay, right? You don't have any lingering issues?" The look of hope in her eyes seemed to silently beg him to give her a positive answer.

"I'm fine. I had the valve repaired as a kid, so things are okay."

"Glad to hear." Concern etched into her face as she said, "Not trying to get on your case or anything, but I wish you'd told me this sooner."

"I wanted to. But I know how you feel about me rock climbing, so I figured it would only add to your worries."

She remained quiet, simply studying him with her deep brown eyes. She could tell from the expression on Cody's face that he was waiting for her to speak again, but not wanting to come across as nagging, she'd chosen instead to remain silent. 

"Go ahead, say it," his voice urged her.

"Say what?"

How foolish I am for climbing with a heart condition."

"No need for me to say anything. I know you're gonna do what you wanna do, no matter what. And I've learned to live with it." 

The air around them grew very still, with only the noise of their breathing to break the silence.

"Don't look so worried, I'll be fine." His fingers worked to smooth away a crinkle of worry that had formed between her eyebrows.

She gave him a weak smile. "Yeah, I know." She nuzzled against his chest, pressing her lips to his flesh in a tender kiss. 

He gave a sound of contentment, pulling her closer up against him. They lay there in perfect contentedness for nearly five minutes before Erica felt the urge to ask a question.

"Cody?"

"Hmm?" He drowsily said.

"Is there a chance of something happening..." her voice trailed off as she thought of a way to say it without sounding so solemn. "I mean, could anything end up going wrong?" 

"Chances are pretty low. My condition is moderate, not severe, so there's no reason for you to worry, okay?" 

She gave a nod, lovingly caressing his torso as he skated a finger against the tender flesh of her inner thigh. Their body heat mingled, legs tangling as they basked in each others presence. Comforted by the feel of Cody's body, Erica closed her eyes and gave a little murmur, lulled to sleep by the strong, rhythmic pattern of his heart.

* * * *

The sound of Erica's cell phone alarm woke her from a deep sleep, prompting her to roll onto her side and grab her mobile from the bedside table. After silencing the alarm, she stretched languidly on the mattress. 

Noticing that the space next to her was empty, she got out of bed and slipped into the same garment she'd been wearing the day before-Cody's plaid flannel shirt. She could hear the faint sound of her lover's voice, floating up from the lower level, and descended down the iron staircase to see what he was up to. 

As she reached the first floor, she spotted him with phone in hand, sitting nude in a large black armchair in the corner of the room. She wasn't sure who he was taking to, but judging from his end of the conversation, she guessed it was one of his climbing buddies. Completely famished, she headed for the kitchen to see what he had in the fridge. 

After pulling the door open, she bent down to have a look inside and saw several packs of lunch meat, a large jug of milk, a loaf of bread, and two cartons of eggs. There were also some bottles of soda, as well as a few cups of yogurt. Deciding on a container of strawberry yogurt, she pulled it out of the fridge, then grabbed a spoon from one the drawers.

After pulling the foil top off, she threw it in the trash, then headed for the living room.

As she walked toward Cody, he watched her with a lustful gaze, keeping his eyes pinned on the generous amount of cleavage that peeked from between her barely buttoned shirt. 

Erica's eyes were keenly fixed on what lay between his deliciously toned thighs, and she found herself captivated by how perfect his nude form was. Sitting casually with his legs spread, Cody seemed to be proudly displaying his virile masculinity, and she felt her inner muscles clench in response. 

As she reached the chair he was sitting in, she climbed up onto his lap, leaning in for what she thought would be a quick peck, but when she tried to pull away, he held onto the back of her head, preventing her from evading the passionate caresses of his velvety tongue. 

She moaned deeply into his mouth, happily allowing him to do what he did best-drive her absolutely insane with desire. When he finally allowed their lips to part, he resumed his telephone conversation.

"Yeah, I'm still here," he spoke into the phone, then wrapped an arm around her waist, watching as she dipped the spoon in and began to eat her yogurt.

She felt his hands gradually move upward to unclasp the button on the flannel she was wearing, then he part the halves of fabric so he could gaze at her bare breasts. His eyes roved to the cup of yogurt she was holding, and after dipping his finger inside, he painted her nipples with the custard-like food. 

"Sure, what time did you wanna come over?" He moved the receiver away from his mouth, then leaned forward and glided his tongue over the flesh of her right nipple. After licking off every trace of yogurt, he gave her other peak the same attention, then offered each of them a gentle nip. 

Erica dipped the spoon into the yogurt and scooped out a generous portion, then positioned it next to Cody's mouth. He parted his lips to take in the spoonful, and after sliding it out, Erica scooped out another portion for herself. 

Continuing his phone conversation, he said, "Really? Because there's someone I want you to meet, too." He placed his hand on her thigh and gently caressed it, maintaining eye contact with her the entire time. "About three weeks." 

Erica couldn't deny that it made her feel good to hear Cody mentioning her to one of this friends, and her lips curved into a little smile. Having emptied her yogurt cup, she set it down on the floor beside the chair, then placed her palms against his chest and began to tenderly caress it.

His eyes followed the journey of her palms, watching as she grazed her hands over the smoothness of his chest. As her fingers were exploring his chiseled torso, she leaned in to give him a few light kisses against his breastbone, enjoying the feel of his warm flesh against her lips.

A sound of contentment passed his lips, then he spoke into the receiver. "She's sweet, sexy, has a good sense of humor..." His voice tapered off to give the person on the other end of the line a chance to speak, then he said, "Oh yeah, most definitely." His eyes trailed along the curves of her body, while his hands slid leisurely over her smooth skin.

Erica could never tire of his gentle, yet manly touch, and she adored the way he lovingly caressed her skin, as if it were velvet or some other luxurious type of fabric. She felt his fingers drift downward, and as they bumped against the fabric of her underwear, she glanced into his eyes and saw he was meeting her gaze head on.

He released a light chuckle then said, "Not sure if she'd be up for that. You're gonna have to ask her yourself."

Erica cocked an inquisitive eyebrow at him, but all she received in response was a little wink. With her hands now on his hard stomach, she slid them further down until they made contact with his groin, then lightly danced her fingers along his unerect penis. He shifted beneath her touch, releasing a breathy noise that was barely audible.

Lust danced in her eyes as she admired the sight of his hard-on, and she took a firm hold of his cock, gripping the base of it in her palm. Unable to stop herself from playing with it, she gave him a long, languid stroke, then followed it up with another. She placed soft kisses along the side of his jawbone, then trailed her way down his neck. 

As her lips made contact with the hump of his Adam's apple, she peeked her tongue out to offer it a gentle lick, then softly sucked on it. This withdrew a little moan from his lips, and he tilted his head to offer her unobstructed access. 

Her warm, wet tongue traced a path down the rest of his neck, and as her lips reached his collarbone, she peppered kisses along it. Now fully erect, Cody's hot thickness was held firmly in her hand. Giving him a seductive smile, she manipulated his most sensitive area, her eyes staring straight into his as he carried on the conversation.

"Alright, well I better get off now." He bit his lip, seemingly attempting to force back a sound of enjoyment. "Yeah...uh-huh, okay. See you then. Bye."

After pressing the call end button, Cody tossed the phone aside, then fixed her with an expression of carnal desire. 

"You are so naughty."

"You're naughtier." 

Their mouths met in a hungry kiss, lips smacking together as they released soft moans of enjoyment. When their lips broke apart, she curiously posed a question. 

"Who were you talking to on the phone?"

"My friend, Mia. I mentioned her last night, remember?"

"Yep. So is she coming over?"

He nodded. "She's on her way now. Says she wants to pick up some rock climbing equipment, but I think she really just wants to meet you."

"So in other words, she wants to size me up."

"Yeah, probably. Not to worry though, she does this with every girl I date."

"Has she gotten along with any of your previous girlfriends?"

He hesitated a few moments before answering, as if he was giving himself time to recall past events. "No, she's pretty much hated all of them."

"Wow. Well I guess it's good to know what I'm up against."

He offered a little smile. "Even if she doesn't like you, which I highly doubt, it's not a big deal. I date who I want, regardless if she likes them or not. So don't worry about it."

"I won't." A moment of silence passed before she spoke again. "So what exactly did you mean when you said to her, 'I'm not sure if she'd be up for that'? Was it something sexual?"

"Oh, that. It's just a little something she suggested." 

"What? A threesome?"

His brows lifted in surprise. "You're into threesomes?"

"I was joking, Cody. So don't get all excited."

He gave her a look of amusement. "For a minute there I thought you were serious."

"But now you know I'm not." She said it firmly, hoping to erase the little glint of hope in his eyes.

"Mmm, won't stop me from thinking about it, though."

"You are such a perv!" She gave him a playful slap on the chest.

"Hey, I'm only joking."

"Yeah, right. I know how that mind of yours works."

"Takes one to know one." His lips pulled into a grin.

"So have you ever had one?"




Peak of Desire Ch. 08



"What?"

"A threesome."

"Yeah, back in college."

"What was it like?"

"Overrated."

"Really?" Her voice was laced with amazement.

"Yep."

"In what way?"

"Well..." his voice tapered off as he contemplated a way to best describe it. "It's not that it wasn't enjoyable, but the aftermath was pretty awkward."

"How so?"

"When you do things like that, the dynamics of relationships change. And not always in the best of ways." A faraway look came into his eyes.

"Sounds like you regret it." 

"Yeah, I guess you could say I do." The dreamy look on his face dispersed as he came back to the present moment, and he offered a little shrug. "Guess it's just one of those things in life that are better left as a fantasy." He encircled his arms around her waist, pulling her closer as he said, "And besides, one on one is so much better." 

"Definitely." 

He leaned in to nuzzle her neck, his breath tickling her skin as he breathed in her natural scent. Her lips brushed against his silky hair as she placed a kiss on the top of his head, then she began to speak.

"Guess we should put some clothes on. Your friend will be here pretty soon, won't she?" 

"Yep." He murmured against her skin, then lifted his head and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

They both rose onto their feet and headed for the stairs which led up to the sleeping loft, and once they reached it, they slipped into some clothes. Glancing at the alarm clock on the bedside table, Erica saw it was nearing half past ten, and realized it was a mere few hours before she was due to show up at the bookstore.

"What time do you go to work?" She asked.

"Twelve thirty. You?"

"One, but I need to go home and take a shower first, as well as change, so it'd probably be a good idea if we got on the road soon."

He nodded. "No problem. Mia shouldn't be staying long, so as soon as she leaves, we can eat some breakfast, then I'll take you home."

"Sounds good."

She followed him down the stairs into the living area, and as they reached ground level, she made a right and headed down the hallway which led to the bathroom.

"I'm gonna just freshen up a bit." 

"Take your time. And if you need a toothbrush, there's a brand new one in the cabinet beneath the sink."

"In other words, my breath stinks." She called out over her shoulder.

"Didn't say that. Just thought you might wanna know." 

"Well thanks for the heads up," She said with a smile on her lips, continuing towards the bathroom.

Once she reached it, she pushed open the door, then closed it behind her. Although the bathroom was small, it was far from being cramped, and was kept fairly clean. The first thing she did was empty her bladder. Then once that was done, she checked out her reflection in the mirror. 

Her face looked peaceful and well rested, but her hair was an entirely different story. It had a wild, untamed look going on, but that was pretty much to be expected, since she hadn't put it into any braids or twists before going to sleep. 

Seeing that her curls needed rejuvenation, she turned on the faucet, then got her hands nice and wet. She combed her fingers through her hair to dampen the strands, then wet her hands once again and brought them back up to her hair. Once her curls had been reactivated, she reached into the cabinet beneath the sink to retrieve the toothbrush that Cody had told her about. 

Having always been curious about what people kept in their bathroom cabinets, she took the chance to be nosy and see what types of objects he stored there. A bottle of mouthwash, painkillers, a couple bars of soap, and some toilet paper. Nothing too fascinating, she thought, but then she spotted not just one, but two bottles of baby bubble bath. Her lips curled upward at the sight of it, amused by the visual of Cody relaxing in a tub of bubbles. 

Realizing she'd done enough snooping around, she shut the cabinet door and grabbed a tube of toothpaste from off the shelf above the sink. After spreading a layer of minty paste on the bristles of her brush, she started to clean her teeth. 

Once that was done, she splashed some cold water on her face, then patted it dry with a fresh washcloth from the cabinet beneath the sink. It was nice having a clean face and fresh smelling breath, but the lack of makeup on her face left her feeling rather plain. 

Suddenly remembering that she sometimes kept a spare tube of lip gloss on her, she reached into one of her pockets and retrieved a small tin of cherry lip balm. She'd just uncapped the container and was spreading some on her lips when she heard the doorbell chime. 

A few moments later there was the sound of a female voice, followed by Cody's deeper one. Judging by the sound of their voices, they were carrying on a pretty animated conversation, and she found herself eager to get out there and join them. 

After exiting the bathroom, she made her way down the hall, and as she entered the living room, three pairs of eyes turned in her direction. Despite the fact that there were two women sitting side by side on the couch, she zeroed in on one in particular, and knew without a doubt that the ethnically ambiguous female she was looking at had to be Mia. 

Her hair, which was cut into a pixie punk hairstyle with whispy sideburns and short bangs, perfectly complemented her exotic features. Aside from a bit of black eyeliner and a dab of lip gloss, her face was devoid of makeup. But when one had jutting cheekbones and flawless skin, she supposed that makeup served little purpose, except to cover up the beauty that was already naturally there.

As she reached Cody's side, he looped an arm around her waist, gently pulling her down to sit on his lap. "This is my girl, Erica. Erica, this is Mia, and her girlfriend Lauren. 

Erica leaned forward from the armchair that she and Cody were sitting in, holding out her hand for Mia to shake. "Nice to meet you."

Mia's hazel colored eyes danced with amusement, and her full lips tugged into a crooked little smile. "It's good to meet you, as well." She clasped hands with Erica, revealing a tattoo on her inner wrist, which was of a date in roman numerals.

Erica briefly wondered not only about the look that Mia was giving her, but also about the meaning behind her tattoo. But she didn't have time to indulge any of her curiosities, because Mia's girlfriend was making eye contact with her, holding her hand out as she waited for Erica to shake it. 

Turning her gaze on Lauren, Erica saw that she had deep brown skin and shiny black hair, which was worn in cascading waves over one shoulder. 

"Nice to meet you, Erica."

"Likewise." She offered a friendly smile.

Without a moment's hesitation, Mia asked, "So how long have you two been together?" 

"I'd say about three weeks." Cody glanced at Erica for confirmation.

She nodded, then said, "That sounds about right."

"And how did you meet?"

"I was doing some high rise work in downtown Burbank. We caught each other's eye and ever since then, we've been dating." He gave a brief pause, then offered his girlfriend a little smirk. "I guess you could say she fell for me."

Erica's lips tugged upward, her cheeks growing hot at the embarrassing memory. 

Noticing the adoring looks they were giving each other, Mia responded with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "How cute." She was silent for a moment, simply observing them with her captivating eyes. Then she once again spoke. "So Erica, what do you do for a living?"

"I work in a bookstore, and I also have a mobile massage business."

"Oh, so you're a massage therapist. Lucky you, Cody." She gave him a little smile.

"Lucky is definitely the word for it." He tenderly caressed Erica's thigh with the palm of his hand, causing goose bumps to prickle on her skin.

Struggling to keep her focus, Erica decided to inquire about Mia's occupation. "What type of job do you have?"

I'm assistant editor for a magazine called Fever. I also dabble in fetish modeling."

"Sounds interesting. How long have you been doing that?"

"The modeling, or the editing?"

"Modeling."

"Almost a year. I originally did it just to make a few extra bucks, but turns out I'm pretty damn good at it. So I'm thinking about doing it full time."

"You must make pretty good money."

"Yeah, I do alright."

She gave a smile and nod, then turned her attention to Mia's girlfriend, who was silently observing the conversation. "What do you do, Lauren?"

"I'm a wardrobe assistant."

"Nice. Sounds like a fun job."

"Yeah, it's pretty amazing."

"That's cool. It's always nice to have a job that you enjoy."

"Definitely."

The sound of Cody's ringing cell phone caused him to lean forward and retrieve it from the coffee table. As he glanced at the display screen, he gave Erica a gentle pat on the thigh, urging her to move off his lap so he could stand up.

"I'm gonna need to take this call, honey. It's my mom."

"Oh sure, no problem." She rose up from his lap so he could get onto his feet. 

Perhaps sensing her nervousness at his temporary departure, he offered Erica a few words. "Mom's not much of a phone person, so I shouldn't be too long." Then he turned his attention to Mia and Lauren. "Back in a few." 

They nodded in response, watching him walk off. Erica's eyes followed him as he headed up the stairs for the bedroom, then once he was out of sight, she allowed her eyes to drift towards Mia, who was gazing back at her with a steadfast expression.

"Funny thing, Cody not mentioning he had a girlfriend. He usually tells me as soon as he starts dating somebody new."

"Well maybe he wanted to be certain about us before he let you know."

"I guess that's a possibility." She gave a short pause, then posed a question. "How old are you?

"Twenty seven. You?"

"I turn thirty one next month."

"Have anything interesting planned for your birthday?"

"I've got a couple things in mind. Why do you ask?"

"No special reason. Just making conversation." 

Hoping to reduce the uncomfortable tension in the room, Erica's eyes shifted towards Lauren so that she could be brought into the conversation, but to Erica's disappointment, she saw that Lauren was only paying attention to the object in her hands. 

Her nails made a clicking noise as she fervently pressed the keys on her cell phone, hair partially obscuring her face as she stared down at the screen of her blackberry. Realizing it was impossible to use Lauren as a buffer zone, she shifting her attention back to Mia, who was apparently unwilling to avert her eyes for even one short moment.

"Not trying to be rude, but just what exactly do you and Cody have in common?" Mia asked.

"You want me to make out a list?"

Her perfectly arched eyebrows rose, as if she'd found herself surprised by Erica's sassy answer. "I was only asking a question."

"And I was only answering it."

A small smile played at her lips, as if she found their tense exchange amusing. "Well I'm sure you guys have sex in common, that's pretty obvious. But besides that, what else is there?"

"We enjoy each other in a variety of ways beyond just the physical. And not to be rude, but I really don't think it's any of your business to question me about it."

Still engrossed in her blackberry, Lauren continued to quickly depress the keys, seemingly oblivious to the increasingly heated words that were being shared between the two women. Erica could hear the faint sound of Cody's voice floating down from the bedroom upstairs, but other than that and Lauren's texting, there was a lingering silence between her and Mia.

"Fair enough. But I still don't think you can handle him," Mia said.

"Well thanks for your opinion, but it really doesn't mean a damn to me."

"It should, because I know him a whole lot better than you do."

"I'm sure you do, but that doesn't make it right for you to try and destroy the relationship we're building."

"Relationship?" She shook her head, then continued to speak. "Oh sweetie, he's completely wasted on you. He needs a different kind of woman to hold him down."

"And let me guess, that woman is you." 

A light chuckle passed her lips. "You're joking, right? In case you haven't noticed, I'm not into dicks. Never have been, never will. So this isn't about me wanting him for myself."

"Then what is it about?"

"I'm trying to warn you, to save you from a broken heart. Cody conquers, he doesn't commit. And if he does happen to get into a relationship, it usually doesn't last very long."

"Well thanks for the concern, but I'm sure I'll be just fine. So I'd really appreciate if you'd stop sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

Mia remained quiet, offering nothing in return except for a steely gaze. Erica returned it with one of her own, matching the intensity. They could have remained like that for several minutes, but the sound of Cody's footsteps caused both women to avert their eyes, and redirect their attention towards him.

"So, how are you two getting along?"

"Famously." Mia's voice was thick with sarcasm.

Cody cocked an eyebrow at her, then glanced at Erica, who offered no words in response. As he reached the armchair she was sitting in, Erica got onto her feet and let him sit down, then plopped down on his lap. 

"Alright, what's the deal?" His attention was directed at Mia.

"Nothing's the deal. We just aren't clicking, that's all."

Cody glanced at Erica, giving her a look that silently expressed his curiosity about the tense energy that hung between the two women. 

Placing a hand against his chest, she offered it a light caress. "It's cool babe, no worries." 

"Yeah babe, it's cool." Mia mockingly parroted.

Erica threw her a look of annoyance in response, and her eyes narrowed slightly as gave the other woman a death glare. 

Hoping to disperse the heated energy between them, Cody turned a serious gaze on Mia, then said in a firm tone of voice, "Be nice. Erica's my girl, and I don't want you treating her badly." 

Erica guessed that Cody's stern words must have had a stinging effect on Mia, because she quickly averted her eyes from Erica's, then got up from the couch. "I need my climbing gear. Where is it?" She asked in a cold tone of voice.

"Where I always leave it, in the closet next to the front door."

As Mia turned and headed for the closet, Erica noticed that she had a vertical tattoo of interesting looking symbols beginning at the nape of her neck, and continued southward. Although the fabric of Mia's tank top obscured the remainder of the ink, Erica imagined that it probably trailed at least halfway down her spine. 

As Mia reached the closet, she pulled it open, then began rummaging around inside, noisily throwing various objects out of the closet as she searched for her belongings.

Having been silently engaged in a texting marathon for nearly ten minutes, Lauren suddenly came to back to the present moment and asked, "Mind if I get something to drink?"

"Help yourself, there's soda and juice in the fridge," Cody said.

"Thanks." She rose up from the couch and headed for the kitchen. 

Once she was gone, he turned his attention back to Erica, speaking in a lowered voice so that only she could hear him. "Sorry about Mia. I really was hoping you two would get along."

"Yeah, so was I. Don't know what her problem is, but she hates my guts."

"Give her a little time. She'll come around." He cupped her cheek in his hand, stroking it tenderly with his thumb.

"I very much doubt that." 

He gave her a little smile, tenderly brushed noses with her, then placed a gentle kiss to her lips.

She looped her arms around his neck and returned his oral embrace, caressing her lips firmly against his. She willingly lost herself in the sweet, languid kiss, and would have happily remained sealed to his lips for a lot longer, but Mia's impatient voice rudely broke them from the moment.

"We're leaving now. Not that you would care or anything." 

Both Cody and Erica turned their heads to see Mia standing hand in hand with her girlfriend. She was holding a climbing harness and some ropes in her other hand, and was giving the couple an irritated look.

Although she would have gladly remained on Cody's lap, she knew that he'd want to see his friend off, so she rose onto her feet and allowed him to say his goodbyes. She followed behind him, not because she had any intention of offering Mia any parting words, but because she didn't want to appear rude to Lauren, who had remained perfectly civil and friendly towards her. 

As Cody approached her, Mia asked, "You going climbing this weekend?" 

"I don't know. I may be doing something with Erica, so I'm not sure just yet."

A look of disappointment crossed her face. "Okay. Well if you decide to go, give me a call."

"Yep." He turned to Mia's girlfriend, who was sipping on a bottle of cream soda. "Nice seeing you again, Lauren."

"Good seeing you too, Cody. And thanks for the soda." 

"No problem."

Erica offered her own goodbye to Mia's girlfriend. "Nice meeting you." 

"Likewise. Hope to see you again soon."

Purposely addressing only Cody, Mia said, "See ya." Then she headed out the door, with Lauren following behind her.

After shutting the door behind them, Cody pulled Erica into his arms and gazed down at her. "Sorry again about Mia's behavior."

"It's cool, I can handle her." She brought her hands up to rest on his shoulders.

"Yeah, I know. Small but tough, I like that about you." 

She smiled up at him, gliding her palms over the hard plane of his chest, then allowing them to graze over his muscled biceps. "I wonder what her deal is." 

"She's fiercely protective. I'm one of the few people she's really close to, so I think that's made her pretty territorial over me."

"Well I understand her caring about you, but she could have at least taken the chance to get to know me as a person." 

"I know, I agree." He smoothed a palm over her curls, then said, "It may take a little while, but she'll eventually get used to you."

"She's gonna have to, cause I'm not going *anywhere.*"

"Darn right you're not." He leaned in to claim her mouth with a searing, open mouthed kiss, then pulled back from her lips. "Now what do you say we get some breakfast?"

"Sounds good, what's on the menu?"

"How about bagels and cream cheese, with scrambled eggs on the side?" No sooner had the words left his mouth, did a realization come over him. "Oh wait, you can't have eggs. You're a vegetarian."

"Yes I can. I'm an ovo-lacto."

"An ovo what?" His brows crinkled.

She laughed lightly. "It means I can consume dairy."

"Oh. Well why didn't you just say that?"

"I did."

"No, you used a fancy term for it. Trying to impress me, huh?"

She playfully snorted and shook her head, then gave him a light poke in the side. "My stomach is growling. Get to it, already."

"What am I, your man slave?"

"That's right."

"Do these slave duties also involve kinky sex?"

She smiled in response and lightly chuckled, then took his hand and led the way towards the kitchen.

* * * *

Half an hour after eating breakfast, Cody and Erica pulled into the driveway next to her Airstream trailer. After he put the car in park, they both released their seatbelts and exited the truck, heading towards the trailer door. 

Erica unlocked it and pushed it open, then stepped inside with Cody following behind her. The bamboo floor creaked under the weight of his large boots, and he eyed his surroundings with curious eyes.

"Nice little place you got here." 

"Emphasis on little, right?" She grabbed a jar of M&M's from off the kitchen counter, then unscrewed the lid and grabbed a handful.

"Actually the size doesn't bother me at all. I could get used to hanging out here." Spotting the large aquarium tank where her tarantula was housed, Cody walked over to it, then bent down to have a look through the glass. "Where's your spider?"




Peak of Desire Ch. 09



*Sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out, but I do hope you'll enjoy it. And thank you all for voting and providing me with feedback. It's truly appreciated!* 

Saturday and Sunday went by fairly quickly, due to Erica working both at the bookstore and also massaging clients. With hardly any free time to spare, she had no choice but to fall into a grueling routine of waking up, heading to her regular job, then driving out to her client's homes so she could cater to their needs. Her mobile massage business was steadily getting busier, and with all the extra hours she'd been putting in, she was making quite a nice profit. 

The following week passed quickly, and as Friday drew nearer, she found herself growing steadily more excited. Always up for an adventure, Erica was looking forward to the rock climbing trip that she and Cody would take. Yet as eager as she was, she couldn't help feeling a bit of apprehension about the trip. 

Cody was a driven, fit climber, so there wasn't a doubt in her mind that he was going to challenge her and push her to reach a new level. She didn't mind that, as she enjoyed working towards goals, but climbing outdoors would be an entirely different experience from being in an indoor gym. She had no way of knowing just how well she would do, but she supposed that was part of the beauty of experiencing something new. You weren't quite sure just what would happen, and something about that really appealed to her. 

So as Thursday evening arrived, she found herself experiencing a nervous kind of excitement, and after finishing dinner and washing up the dishes, she pulled out a travel backpack and began to pack her overnight items. She'd nearly completed her packing when her cell phone rang, and after a quick glance at the display screen, she hit the answer button, then brought the phone up to her ear. 

"Hello? 

"Hey cutie, what are you up to?"

"Not much, just packing an overnight bag. What about you?"

"Going over last minute stuff, making sure I bring enough gear and supplies."

"Should I bring anything in particular along?" 

"Might be a good idea to pack an extra layer of clothes, but other than that, I've got plenty of stuff for the both of us."

"Alrighty." She pulled a few items out of the drawer beneath her bed and placed them inside her backpack, then sat cross legged beside it. "So you'll come by and get me around half past six, right?"

"Yep. And if it's not too much trouble, you think you could make us a few sandwiches so we'll have something to eat while we're out there?"

"Sure. I've also got packages of trail mix, so I'll bring those along as well."

"Cool. I've got granola bars, juice boxes, and plenty of water, so between the two of us, we should have plenty to eat." He gave a short pause, then there was a crunching noise, followed by the sound of him chewing.

"What are you eating?"

"Beef tacos." A few smacking noises came from his end, as well as a sound which clearly conveyed his enjoyment of the food.

"Sounds like you're having a good time, there."

He lightly chuckled. "Am I that loud?" 

"Yeah, but it's okay. Food is meant to be fully enjoyed." 

"Most definitely." He took another bite, then said, "So what did you have for dinner?"

"Vegetable Lasagna."

"Sounds good. What about dessert?"

"A slice of cheesecake."

"Nice. Sounds like I should have skipped the fast food and swung by your place instead."

Her lips curled into a little smile. "You're welcome here anytime."

"Good to know I've got a free pass, because I'll definitely be using it." 

Erica felt a spike of arousal from the suggestive tone in his voice. "I'm really looking forward to tomorrow."

"So am I. I've been thinking about you all week."

"Me too."

"You've been thinking about you, too?"

A small chuckle fled her mouth. "You know what I mean."

"So tell me, what exactly comes to mind when you think about me?"

"A variety of things...your eyes, your hair, the way your naked skin feels against my own."

"Mmm, and what else?" His seductive voice had taken on a husky tone.

"I think about your body, and how nice it feels to slide my palms against your strong chest, traveling further down until I reach that nice, thick cock."

Cody emitted a heavy sigh, undoubtedly a sign that he was growing increasingly aroused. "I love hearing you talk dirty. It gets me so turned on."

"Does it?"

"Oh yeah."

"Are you hard right now?"

"Sure am."

"Mmm, I wish I could touch you."

"So do I." There was a moment of silence, then he said, "I can still smell you in my sheets."

"And what do I smell like?"

"Soap and honey."

A faint smile touched her lips. "And what about my other scent?"

"Oh, you mean the one between your legs?"

"Yep." 

"You've never smelled yourself before?"

She hesitated a moment, then said, "Yeah, maybe a few times." 

"Nothing to be embarrassed about. "It's perfectly natural to be curious about your own scent."

"I'm not embarrassed."

"Okay." He made a faint sound of amusement, then said, "Ever tasted your pussy before?"

She felt a surge of arousal from the sound of him speaking that word. "Of course. I've kissed you after you've gone down on me, haven't I?"

"No, I'm not talking about that. I was wondering if you've ever pushed a finger inside, then pulled it out and sucked your fingers off."

"Sure, I've done that before."

"And what did you think of the flavor?"

"It was interesting. Kinda reminded me of a sweet tart."

He lightly chuckled. "That's a good way to describe it. Tangy and sweet, and completely delicious."

Her lips curled upward. "So what about you? Ever sampled your own flavor?"

"Secondhand, through kissing someone else. But I've never just sat down and jerked myself off to see what I tasted like."

"Why not?" 

"I don't know. Guess I'd have to be aroused in order to do it, and by the time I get off, I'm not really in the mood anymore. So there'd be no reason for it."

"Yeah, I guess you've got a point there." A light snicker passed her lips.

"What's funny?"

"I just find it amusing that we're actually having a conversation about the taste of our own bodily fluids."

There was a smile in his voice. "Yeah, well I guess that's why we get along so well. We can talk freely about all sorts of stuff."

"Yep. Gotta love the randomness of our conversations."

"Definitely."

Glancing at her digital alarm clock, Erica was surprised to see that it was already nearing nine p.m. She still had yet to wash and straighten her hair, which would easily take an hour and a half, so if she wanted to get a good night's sleep, she would need to get a move on. "Guess I'd better start getting ready for bed." She stood up from the floor and gave a languid stretch, emitted a pleasured groan as the joints in her back popped. 

"That's probably a good idea. We've got an early morning ahead of us, so we both need our sleep."

"So I'll see you at six thirty?"

"Yep." 

"Cool. Well have a good night, and sleep well."

"You too. Night, beautiful."

"Night."

She tossed her cell phone onto the bed, then finished up her packing. After putting her last item in the backpack, she zipped it up, then glimpsed at the clock once more. 

Eager for the morning to arrive, she saw that only nine hours remained before she would be on the road with Cody, heading for Joshua Tree. Filled with enthusiasm, she thought about the journey that lay ahead of them, and had a feeling that the experience they'd share would surely be unforgettable.

* * * *

At half past six on Friday morning, Erica and Cody were on their way to Arizona, traveling along the highway which would take them to the Mojave Desert. With a three hour drive ahead of them, they had plenty of time to discuss a number of topics, ranging from their experiences growing up, to musical tastes, as well as their favorite books and films. 

As the amount of miles they traveled increased, Erica found that the scenery was steadily becoming more interesting to look at. The highway they'd started out driving along had been pretty nondescript and there weren't many interesting sights to see, but once they connected with a different Interstate, she found that their surroundings began to drastically change. 

Also known as twenty nine palms highway, Interstate 62 provided a visual feast. As Erica's eyes first landed on the twisty, spiky Joshua Trees, the first thing which came to mind was how cartoonish they looked. There was an otherworldy quality to them, and she almost felt as if she'd been transported to a fantasy world. 

Among the rocky outcrops and iconic trees were hundreds of windmills, blades propelling in the wind as they harnessed the power of nature. The stunning desert scenery stretched as far as her eyes could see, and to say that she was awed by its beauty would be putting it lightly.

After three hours and five minutes of traveling along the highway, Cody pulled off the road and steered the truck into a campsite named Jumbo Rocks. True to its name, the area was scattered with huge goldish-red boulders, which not only offered a terrific surface to climb on, but also provided plenty of rock clusters where one could create their own little private campground. 

After parking a few yards away from the main campsite, they exited the car and headed around back to retrieve their supplies from the bed of the truck. The heat of the blazing sun provided a stark contrast to the pleasant, air conditioned interior of Cody's car, and each time Erica inhaled, she found that her breath was nearly choked off from the dry desert atmosphere. 

Taking note of her shallow breaths, Cody opened the back door of the truck and retrieved a chilled bottle of water from a large cooler, then handed it to her. 

"Arizona summers aren't the easiest to deal with. Just give it some time, and your body will adjust."

"I sure hope so." The stifling heat made it difficult for her to get the words out, and after unscrewing the cap, she tipped the bottle to her lips and took a large gulp, emptying half of it in the process.

"Sure you're up for this?"

She nodded and recapped the bottle. "Yeah, I'll be fine. I came out here to rock climb, and that's what I'm gonna do. No excuses."

"Beautiful and determined, what isn't there to like about you?" He pressed his lips to hers in a gentle peck, then reached into the bed of the truck. He pulled out a pair of shoes, then presented them to her. "Before we start climbing, I want you to change into these. Those Converse you have on aren't going to cut it." 

She eyed the rugged looking footwear curiously, then flipped one of the shoes over to have a look at the size. "How'd you know I was a seven?" 

"I remembered you mentioning it to the attendant at that indoor gym we went to."

"Oh right, when I rented the shoes." She took a seat on the tailgate of the truck bed so she could change her footwear. "Well thanks for getting them, I appreciate it."

"No problem. Just wanna make sure you're properly outfitted."

Once she was clad in the new shoes, Cody handed her the gear she would need for their climb, then grabbed his own equipment. He pressed a button on the key fob to lock the truck doors, then they both made their way toward the campsite. 

Erica was dressed in a pair of black capris and a racerback tank, and her hair straightened hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail. Hoping to keep from sweating out her hairstyle, she'd donned a cute hair band to cover up her edges. Cody's rock climbing attire consisted of black cargo shorts that came to just below his knees, and on the upper half of his body, he wore a gray tank top. 

As they reached the campground, Cody led her through the maze of jumbled granite rocks, continuing past a few campsites where tents were set up until they reached an area where nobody else was located. He finally came to a stop in front of a rock that had a slight vertical tilt to it, then set down a large, square shaped pad which resembled a gym mat. 

"I think it'd be best if we started you off with some bouldering," he said. "That way you can get an idea of what outdoor climbing is all about." 

Glancing up at the intimidating looking rock, she said, "I'll be secured with a rope, right?"

"Nope. Bouldering is done without any equipment."

She glanced at him, cocking an eyebrow in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?" 

"What, you think you can't do this?" 

"No, it's not that..." Her voice trailed off as she once again eyeballed the tall granite formation. 

"So go for it. That wall you climbed at the indoor gym was thirty five feet. This can't be any higher than fifteen.

"I was secured in a harness at the gym. Plus there were holds sticking out of the wall for me to grip onto."

"This rock has handholds as well, they're just not man-made. No big deal, you can still do it."

"So if I fall, that thing is supposed to keep me from getting hurt?" She directed her eyes at the cushiony pad on the ground.

His lips curved into a little smile. "That thing is called a crash pad. And yes, it will definitely break your fall."

She offered it a wary look, but said nothing in return.

Realizing she needed additional persuasion, Cody once again spoke. "I'll also be spotting you, so even if you do fall, I'll be right below you to make sure you don't get hurt." 

She nodded, then exhaled a small breath and said, "Alrighty. Guess I'm ready, then." She secured a chalk bag around her waist, and after covering her palms with the powdery limestone, she began her ascent up the large boulder. 

To her relief, the rock had plenty of nooks and crannies for her to use as hand and footholds, so it made the climb a bit more manageable. She felt clumsy and awkward ascending the rock, and more than a few times she'd frozen in place, unsure of how to continue upward, but Cody's encouraging words spurred her on. Her physical strength was definitely being put to the test, not to mention her focus and problem solving abilities.

During her journey along the granite surface, she misjudged several footholds and nearly fell, but her body was kept stable by the presence of Cody's hands, which he firmly wrapped around her hips. Once she'd regained a firm hold on the rock, he released her from his grip and allowed her to continue on. 

As she came closer to reaching the top of the rock formation, she found herself progressing with more confidence. Her moves were sporadic and lacking in grace, but that didn't matter to her, because she was sticking to it and accomplishing a daunting task.

The places where she jammed her fingers and the tips of her feet into the granite formation were growing further apart, but she continued to steadily close the distance. Excited about her progress, she took a glance upward to see how close she was, but all this earned her was a light scolding from Cody.

"Stop looking up and just keep going. You're slowing yourself down," His voice called out to her from below.

"I'm not supposed to look up?" Her words were laced with irritation.

"You're doing it too often. It's gonna throw you off."

She knew that Cody was only trying to help her, but he had a pushy way of going about it, and this resulted in her feeling annoyed. Fueled by pure stubbornness, she went against his words and decided to keep her eyes on the summit, figuring it would inspire her to ignore her growing fatigue. This, however, proved to be a bad decision, because both of her feet entirely missed the crevices she was trying to jam them into. 

She did her best to anchor herself with her hands, but she lacked the upper body strength to do it. As her fingers slipped from the handhold she was gripping, a small cry escaped her lips, and a surge of adrenaline filled her body as she fell back off the rock.

Expecting her fall to be broken by the crash pad, she was surprised to find that she landed in Cody's arms. The force of her body caused him to stumble back only slightly, and his strong arms firmly locked around her waist, holding her flush against his body.

She felt safe and secure in his arms, and was happy that he'd caught her, but she also couldn't help feeling disappointed. She'd been so close to reaching the top, but had failed, and now she'd have to start all over again.

"Told you I wouldn't let you get hurt." He gave her a kiss on the top of the head, then released her from his arms. "Hopefully now you'll have more faith in me."

"I do have faith in you." 

"Then why'd you go against the advice I gave you?"

"What, you mean when I was looking up?" She re-chalked her hands in preparation for a second try.

"Yeah. I told you it was gonna throw you off, and it did."

"Wrong. Your voice was what threw me off."

"You're joking, right? You can't blame me for your fall."

"If you hadn't said anything, I would have made it to the top. You broke my concentration."

"I was just trying to give you tips."

"Well all it did was make me nervous."

"That wasn't my intention." He waited her to say something else, but when she didn't, he once again spoke. "Wait, you're not seriously mad at me, are you?"

She purposely avoided eye contact with him, choosing instead to direct her gaze at the large boulder in front of her. "Not mad, just disappointed."

He took a step closer to her, then pulled her into his arms, offering an apologetic look. "Sorry if I distracted you, sweetie. I just want you to do well. This time I'll let you climb without butting in so much, okay?"

She nodded, giving him a little smile. "It's okay. I can't blame it entirely on you. I am only a beginner, after all, so I guess it's not surprising I fell."

"But this time you're gonna reach the top." He tilted her chin upward and gave her a gentle peck, then freed her from his arms.

Although her second climb up was difficult, it definitely proved easier than her first attempt. As she ascended the boulder, she moved with increasing surety, yet also made sure that she continually had a tight hold on the foot and hand grips. Cody kept quiet for the majority of her climb, only speaking when he found it necessary to offer her safety tips. 

Having learned her lesson about glancing up too often, she chose to focus instead on the present moment, rather than the ultimate goal, which was reaching the summit. 

Still a bit worn out from her previous attempt, it took some time for her to reach the top, but after twenty minutes, she finally made it. As to be expected, the climb down was more challenging, and took more skill and balance, so she patiently shifted her weight from foot to foot, hand to hand, until she was back on the ground.

"Nice work," said Cody. "You made it all the way up and came back down without falling once. I'm impressed." 

"I slipped a bunch of times, though. And from the way my fingers look, I'm willing to bet I'll have some pretty serious blisters later on." She held up her hands so he could see how red the tips of her digits were. 

Cody gave a few of her fingertips a tender kiss, then said, "I'm afraid it comes with territory. No worries though, your fingers will toughen up after awhile." He lifted the crash pad from the ground so he could carry it by its handles, then grabbed the rest of his supplies. "Think you're up for another climb?"

"Depends how hard it is."

"It's nothing you can't manage." 

In other words, the climb was certain to bust her ass, so she began mentally preparing herself for what was to come. Cody led the way to an area further beyond the campsite, and as they passed the various rock outcroppings, she found herself admiring the unusual shapes of them. 

Some were perfectly round like giant marbles, while others were pyramid shaped, but many of the boulders were uniquely formed into shapes which couldn't be described with words. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 09



After half a mile of walking, they reached a forty foot high granite formation chalked up with climbing routes which ranged from easy to difficult. They came to a stop a few inches away from the face of the rock, then Cody set his climbing equipment on the ground. He assisted Erica in securing a harness around her, then once that was done, he tied a rope to her harness and gave her a helmet. 

She slipped it onto her head, then clipped it in place with the little strap beneath her chin. He clipped a chalk bag to the belt loops of his shorts, and after covering his palms in the powdery substance, he retrieved a coil of rope and a few metal clips from the ground, then stuffed them both into one of his cargo shorts pockets. Then he took off his shirt, throwing it onto the dry, cracked ground. 

The sight of his bare chest quickened her pulse, and she felt a familiar heat build in her lower stomach. She wasn't sure how long her eyes were pasted to his torso, but she figured it must have been longer than she expected, because when her gaze lifted to meet his, she saw that Cody was glancing down at her with a seductive smile. 

"Just give me some time to climb to the top and anchor the rope, then I'll come back down." He turned to face the rock, then placed his palms on the granite surface and lifted his legs to climb upward. 

"Wait, what about your helmet?" She called out to him. 

"Don't need one."

"What do you mean you don't need one?" She paused and waited for a response, but when he remained silent and continued to ascend, she once again spoke. "I have one on, so why not you?"

"I've been rock climbing for years, I know what I'm doing." 

A small sigh of exasperation passed her lips, and she lightly shook her head. Watching as he continued to scale the rock, she tried her best not to say anything else, but it was very hard not to. She could only imagine how pushy he'd have become if she'd chosen to forgo the helmet, but it seemed that he expected her to accept every decision that he made, regardless if it was logical or not. 

Realizing there was nothing she could do, she decided to just relax and watch him do his thing. Stressing out about something she couldn't control would do no more than provide her with unnecessary stress. 

Cody propelled himself upward with spiderlike skill, moving with a grace and speed that she couldn't help admiring. His biceps rippled, calf muscles flexing as he continued toward the summit. She loved seeing him in action, and found that the sight of him was like an aphrodisiac for her. 

Few things turned her on more than watching a man engage in physical activity, and even from where she stood on the ground, she could hear little grunts of exertion coming from Cody's mouth. 

To say he was incredibly adept at climbing would be putting it lightly, and she was nothing short of fascinated by the strength he possessed. In what seemed like an amazingly short amount of time, he reached the top and set the anchor in place. Then he began his journey back downward. 

At certain points along his climb downward, the places where he jammed his fingers and the tips of his feet into the granite surface were very far apart. This resulted in him having to rely purely on the strength of his arms, leaving his legs to dangle completely free. Whenever this happened, Erica felt her heart rate speed up, and although she knew what a skilled climber he was, she still couldn't help but worry about his safety. 

He was still far enough from the ground so that if he did fall, it would undoubtedly result in serious injury, or possibly even death. She didn't like thinking such morbid thoughts, but it was difficult not to when he was scaling a forty foot rock without any type of safety equipment. 

It wasn't until his feet were once again planted on ground that she felt completely at ease, and as he approached her, she noticed there was an excitement dancing in his eyes. Clearly exhilarated by the climb, he smoothed a few strands of stray hair away from his forehead, then offered her a little smile.

"Anchors in place. You ready to go up?"

She glanced briefly at the towering slab of granite, then allowed her eyes to drift back to him and offered a little nod. 

"Don't worry, it looks more intimidating than it actually is."

"Easy for you to say, you're an expert climber."

"Took me years to get there, though. Just like you, I started off with the basics." 

"You call this basic?" Her eyes darted to the rock that loomed above them.

A look of amusement crossed his face. "Let's get you strapped in." 

Cody clipped her in to the rope that was secured to the top of the rock formation, then put on a harness of his own. He then grabbed hold of the other end of the climbing rope and threaded it into a device that was attached to his own harness. 

After checking to make sure it was securely attached, he directed his gaze at her, then said, "Whenever you're ready, you can start going up."

A look of astonishment crossed her face. "You're not climbing with me?"

"I'm the belayer, which means I'll stay on the ground and hold the rope to make sure you're safe and secure."

"What if I get stuck on a certain move and need help? Then what?" 

"It's not likely to happen. I've done plenty of routes in this area, and this is one of the easiest ones. I wouldn't have picked it out if I didn't think you could manage it."

She took a glance upward at the wall of rock, remaining silent as she psyched herself up to scale it. Perhaps mistaking her stillness for apprehension, Cody offered some more words. 

"Me going up there with you won't make it any easier, you know. It's your own arms and legs that'll have to do the work, not mine."

Erica nodded, then without another moment of hesitation, she began to move upward. Tackling the forty foot granite formation was definitely more challenging than climbing a wall at the gym, but just as Cody had said, it wasn't anything she couldn't handle. Whenever he noticed her having difficulty, he yelled out tips from his position on the ground. 

She made it nearly halfway up before making her first mistake, and as her foot slipped from one of the crevices, she fell back off the rock. Since Cody had control of her rope, her fall was considerably shortened, so she was able to quickly reposition herself and continue the climb.

After thirty five minutes of straddling cracks and clutching onto stone, she finally reached the summit. The view from the top was nothing short of spectacular, and Erica was awestruck from the bird's eye view that she was afforded from her position on top of the rock. 

Beneath bright sun and boundless blue sky, weathered granite cliffs and rugged mountains of twisted rock were dotted along the desert landscape, interspersed with twisted, spiky Joshua trees. There was the screech of a hawk as it soared high in the sky above her, and she felt the gentle caress of the Mojave wind as it blew against her face.

Casting her eyes down at Cody, she saw that he was little more than a small spot on the ground. Being so high up really put things in perspective, and she couldn't help feeling a small rush of pride from having ascended such a monolith rock. 

After climbing back down and once again reaching ground level, she found that her arms were burning and her leg muscles were sore, but none of that mattered, because she'd managed to accomplish quite a feat. It may not have been comparable to scaling Mt. Everest, but it was still quite an achievement. 

Clearly proud of the fact that she'd successfully scaled the forty foot high rock, a pleased smile touched his lips. "Nice climbing. You did well." 

He bent down to brush his lips tenderly against hers, and she looped her arms around his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss. When their mouths parted, Cody saw that Erica's lips were tugged into smile, and he offered her a questioning look.

"Are you smiling from the kiss, or the climb?"

"Both."

He gave her a look of amusement. "So how it?"

"Scary, exciting, amazing." She watched as he unclipped her from the rope that was attached to the anchor, then undid the knot on her harness. "It gave me a huge buzz. Like nothing I ever felt before." 

Visibly pleased by the excitement in her voice, his lips creased into a smile. "Told you it'd give you a rush." 

Once they'd both took their climbing harnesses off and the rope was released from the anchor, they gathered up their supplies and headed back to the campsite. Upon reaching the car, they placed their climbing equipment in the bed of the truck. Figuring they were going to stay and set up camp, Erica grabbed hold of her travel backpack so she could sling it over her shoulder, but her movement was halted by Cody's words.

"Keep your backpack in the truck. We won't be staying."

Disappointment etched her face. "I thought we were camping out?"

"We are, just not here." 

Cody hit the keyless entry to unlock the truck doors, and once they were inside, he stuck the key in the ignition and brought the engine to life. 

"So if we aren't staying here, then where are we going?" She glanced out at the clusters of rock formations, feeling sorry that they were departing such an amazing looking place.

"The only place you can go to fully appreciate the desert. Backcountry." He pressed his foot to the gas pedal and the car moved forward, heading off down the asphalt road.

* * * *

The backcountry of Joshua Tree was a remote area with visually stunning rock formations, scrub vegetation, and bizarrely shaped trees. Outside the confines of a developed campground, they were completely surrounded by wilderness. 

Harsh desert land stretched as far as their eyes could see, providing a vast, open space that was devoid of anything man-made. The landscape surrounding them was visually stunning, and as they exited the car and stepped out onto sandy soil, their shoes kicked up dust. 

They both made their way to the back of the truck, and after slinging their backpacks over their shoulders, they grabbed the remainder of their camping gear. Among the supplies they'd brought along were two sleeping bags, a few jugs of water, a shopping bag of snacks, and a portable fire pit.

Cody grabbed the cooler from the backseat of the car, then they both made their way toward an area that seemed to be perfectly set up for camping. Enclosed by a circle of tall, smooth boulders, it had a sense of coziness about it, and the height of the granite walls suggested that it would effectively shield them from the evening desert winds. 

Once they reached the spot, they set down their supplies and began to set up camp. Then they took a seat on a large, flat rock and began to eat lunch, munching hungrily on tuna fish sandwiches and fruit salad. After their bellies were full, they set out on a short hike, exploring the cool, shaded areas that lay between towering canyon walls. 

Their surroundings were so peaceful and quiet, that they could hear the flapping of a bird's wings as it flew overhead, and the scent of dry, baked earth filled their nostrils. Four miles and two canteens of water later, they headed back for camp and upon arriving, they both treated themselves to some leftover fruit salad. 

The remaining daylight hours passed quickly, and as dusk arrived, the desert atmosphere took on a magical quality. The bright glow from the sunset cast a purplish orange hue on the boulders around their camp, and their eyes were treated to a breathtaking light show in the sky. The evening light was extraordinarily beautiful, and as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, she found herself speechless from the showcase of beauty. 

Cody set up the portable fire pit so they could cook dinner, and after consuming a meal of canned soup, sausages and roasted veggies, they rolled out their sleeping bags and prepared to change into their night clothes.

After retrieving a change of clothes and some toiletry items from her backpack, Erica excused herself and headed a few yards away from the campground. She picked a spot where she was certain to be obscured, then squatted down so she could empty her bladder. 

Once that was done, she freshened herself up by stripping off her clothes and giving herself a quick rubdown with baby wipes, then sprinkled a bit of talcum powder under her armpits and between her legs. It didn't compare with showering, but at least she wouldn't have to worry about smelling bad around Cody. After slipping into a fresh pair of underwear and a long t-shirt, she headed back to the campsite. 

While she was gone, Cody had started a campfire on the portable fire pit, and had also zipped their sleeping bags together so that it created one large pallet for them to sleep on. 

As she approached his reclining form, he offered her a come hither look, flipping the top flap of the sleeping bag over in an invitation for her to join him. Once she was lying on her side next to him, he looped an arm around her waist, drawing her close against his body. 

As her panty clad crotch met with his own, she realized he was nude, and felt a pang of desire shoot through her. He brought a hand up to her face, tenderly stroking her cheek as he gazed deep into her eyes. Then he moved his hand to her hair and gently pulled it loose from the elastic band. 

He tenderly ran his fingers through her hair, eyes gazing into hers with smoldering intensity. The only thing to break the silence around them was the noise of the wind whistling through the canyons, which seemed to add to the mystical tranquility of the desert atmosphere. 

As Erica's palms roamed along the hard lines of his body, Cody's caressed the smooth softness of her feminine curves. His palm slid languidly along the silky skin of her thighs, then slipped beneath the hem of her long T-shirt to venture further up. 

His fingers met with the warmth between her legs, and as his thumb began to caress the sensitive crease between her thighs, a breathy sound of pleasure escaped her throat. 

He pressed his mouth to hers, greedily devouring the soft pads of her lips. Their tongues gently tussled, and as their passion continued to grow, their kisses became more urgent. When their mouths finally parted, they both found themselves breathless, and feeling an insatiable urge for gratification, they wasted no more time in fulfilling their desires. 

She felt his hand tug at the hem of her shirt, and after lifting herself up from the reclining position, she assisted him in stripping the garment off. After throwing it uselessly aside, he hooked his fingers beneath the fabric of her panties and slowly slipped them off. 

Now completely bare for his eyes, she resumed her lying down position, trembling with anticipation as he hungrily took in her soft, feminine curves. His hands coasted against her silky brown skin, causing goose bumps to rise in their wake. The way he was looking at her made her feel as if she were some kind of goddess, and the touch of his hands caused every nerve ending in her body to tingle.

There was the sensation of his calloused palms pushing her thighs apart, and as her most intimate part was exposed for his eyes, she heard him emit a throaty sound of desire. 

As he positioned himself over her body, the faintly musky scent of him filled her nostrils, resulting in a tightening in her loins. She brought a hand up to coast it along his well toned chest, admiring the way his copper colored skin reflected the glow of the campfire. 

Beyond eager to have him inside her, she arched her chest and planted her palms on the small of his back, releasing a little murmur of need. Unable to hold back any longer, Cody grabbed the base of his cock and guided himself between her legs, and as she felt the sensation of his warm, hard manhood slide into her, she let loose a primal moan of gratification. 

Erica felt the plump crown of his penis slide between the lips of her pussy, and as he pushed his hips forward, it entered her tight, wet entrance. He slowly thrust inside her with one fluid movement, withdrawing a gasp of pleasure from Erica's lips. 

Her hands clung to his back as he burrowed even deeper, and she emitted a little cry as her narrow walls parted to accommodate him. Having sunk as deeply as he could go, Cody exhaled a breathy noise of contentment. His face contorted in the deepest of pleasure, eyebrows furrowing as he pulled halfway out, then lunged back forward. 

He began a slow pumping rhythm, giving her inner muscles time to stretch around the thickness of his shaft. As he gradually increased the pace of his hips, Erica settled into a synchronized motion beneath him, meeting his deep, sensual thrusts with an increasingly urgent rocking of her hips. 

His biceps flexed as he supported his weight on his arms, continuously driving in and out of her snug, wet hole. With each thrust that he gave, her moans grew louder, hips rocking in time to her lover's deep, languid thrusts.

It'd been far too long since she'd last had the pleasure of a man inside her, and as his warm, wet tongue swept across one of her puffy nipples, a breathy moan escaped her throat. He sloppily suckled and licked her pert peaks, bringing them to impossibly stiff points nearly instantaneously. 

After a few minutes of lavishing them with attention, he removed his mouth from her swollen buds, leaving them thoroughly licked and glistening with saliva.

His mouth pressed to the crook of her neck, lips peppering kisses along the sensitive flesh, and as his tongue reached her mouth, he glided it across her bottom lip. Erica opened her mouth in an invitation for him to explore, and their mouths came together in an all-consuming kiss, passion steadily building as their hips bucked and bodies perspired. 

Her hands moved upward to thread into Cody's long, dark hair, and as his movements grew more urgent, she broke her lips from his and let loose a carnal sound of pleasure. His powerful, masculine form rocked against hers with wanton need, and his eyes captured her own with a ravenous stare. 

Filled with an insatiable hunger for him, she bucked her hips urgently against his, and as the movement of her lower body grew more fevered, Cody took notice. 

"Want it harder, baby?" His voice came out raspy and thick.

She gave a nod, her mouth dropping open in a hot gasp as he hit a particularly sensitive spot deep within. 

Lowering his lips to her ear, he softly spoke into it. "Then ask for it." 

A slight shiver ran through her from the sensation of his breath tickling her earlobe, and she parted her lips to speak. "Fuck me harder...please." 

More than happy to oblige her request, Cody's hips jerked quicker in response, grasping her waist firmly as he steadily coaxed her toward mind-numbing pleasure. 

Her cries of delight seemed to spur him on, and he slipped his hands beneath her legs to assist him in plunging even deeper. The way he angled his thrusts caused his shaft to sink even further, and every stroke he made withdrew louder sounds of pleasure from her throat. Erica's breasts jiggled in response, and she tightly encircled her palms around the hard lines of his hips. 

His mouth hovered a few inches above hers, and she could feel the heat of his breath against her lips. The deep pools of his eyes held her entrapped, leaving her with no choice but to dazedly stare up at him. 

Erica slid her palms down his back, allowing them to journey further southward until her fingers coasted along the tight muscles of his buttocks. She flattened her palms against his backside, staring straight in his eyes as she tilted her hips and met him thrust for thrust. 

The strokes he gave her were exquisitely gratifying, and just when she was certain she could take no more, he slowed the movement of his hips, then completely halted his thrusts. As he pulled out, she whimpered from the loss of contact, but the look in his eyes told her he was far from being done.




Peak of Desire Ch. 09



"Flip over so I can take you from behind."

Without a second's hesitation, she followed his request and got into position. Tilting her hips, she anxiously waited for him to penetrate her. She loved the feeling of total submission that came along with being in the doggy style position, and she trembled with desire at the thought of how much deeper he would be able to slide in. As he imbedded her with his manhood, she gave an almost mournful cry, arching her back to push her bottom further up.

"That's it baby, help me push this cock in deeper." With her assistance, he languidly slid further into the tight wetness of her pussy, submerging himself inch by inch until his balls met the flesh of her ass. 

A lusty moan fled her lips as he bottomed out, and she grabbed onto a pillow in preparation of the oncoming thrusts. Erica hadn't imagined she could experience any more pleasure than he'd already given her, but being in this new position enabled his cock to slide in at a particularly intense angle. 

"Mmm, you have such a great ass." He coasted his palms along the curve of her cheeks, then gave them a gentle squeeze. 

Using short, deep strokes, Cody began to thrust inside her, gradually increasing the pace until he picked up a nice, steady momentum. It didn't take long before Erica's cries of ecstasy filled the air, and she tightly gripped the cushiony fabric of the pillow as he continually drilled her tight, moist heat. 

Each stroke of his cock caused her body to jerk forward, and the sound of his feral grunts only furthered her arousal, causing a rush of heat to flare through her. With each push inward, his groin slapped against her ass, causing it to quiver from the force of his thrusts.

In a voice raw with desire, he asked, "Like the way I fuck you?" 

Overcome with pleasure, the words she tried to speak were obscured by a throaty moan. The unrelenting in and out motion of his thick, rigid penis felt torturously good, causing her to helplessly writhe and claw at the pillow beneath her. 

Cody's heady groans intertwined with her desperate gasps, his hips pumping faster as he relentlessly prodded her slick, tight heat. As the pleasure built to unimaginable proportions, she found herself at the peak of ecstasy, and gratefully succumbed to a blinding climax. His name tumbled from her lips, followed by a long, drawn out moan as her body quaked uselessly beneath him. 

His fingers dug into her hips, not letting up for even a moment, and after half a dozen more pumps, he buried himself to the hilt, then spilled his seed into her. A deep, shuddering moan erupted from his throat, and with a few more bucks of his hips, he emptied himself completely. 

She felt his softening cock slip free from her clenching muscles, then he removed his hands from her hips and collapsed onto the sleeping bag. Erica laid down beside him, caressing a palm gently against his slightly sweaty chest. He gave a contented murmur, basking in the aftermath of their lovemaking. 

After some time passed, he rolled onto his side and reached a hand out to sweep it across her hair. He pressed his lips to her forehead, then to the tip of her nose before finally gracing her lips with a tender, open mouthed kiss. She moaned into his mouth, and as their lips parted, she smiled, remembering how he'd kissed her the same way during their last intimate encounter. 

She lifted her hand to his face, and as her finger came into contact with the scar next to his right eye, she lightly began to stroke it. 

A curious look came into Cody's eyes, and a faint look of amusement crossed his face. "You like touching it, don't you?" 

Her gaze drifted from the imperfection, and met with his deep brown eyes. "I like touching a lot of things." She coasted her palm down his sculptured torso, then slid a finger lazily along the silky line of hair that led down to his pubic area. A small noise of pleasure fled his lips in response, and his lips pulled into a lazy smile. 

With dusk having departed, the sky was now a blue black color, with a touch of deep violet. Surrounded by the untamed beauty of the desert, they lay there gazing into each other's eyes. A sprinkle of stars shined brilliantly above them, and for the moment it seemed as if they were the only two people in the world. 

The fire pit illuminated their campsite with a warm glow, and the crackling sound of the wood added to the peacefulness surrounding them. It was a rapturous feeling looking out into the far beyond and seeing nothing but wide-open desert, and being alone with Cody in such a mystical place was an experience that she was sure to remember for a lifetime. 

Cody cradled her jaw in his palm, then lightly brushed his thumb against her cheekbone. He pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that was soft and sweet, but nothing short of intoxicating. 

Then he pulled back from the embrace and rested his forehead against hers, staring deep into her eyes. "Nice, isn't it?"

Shivering slightly from the warmth of his breath on her lips, she lost herself in his inescapable gaze. "What is?"

"Just you and me, out here in the desert." He brought a hand up to her hair and threaded his fingers through her strands, allowing them to slide through his fingers. "I really like being with you."

"I like being with you, too."

"Whenever I spend time with you, I feel like anything is possible."

A faint smile crossed her lips, and she offered him a curious look. "What do you mean?"

"Well, we're both open minded and adventurous. And we also have an incredible sexual connection."

A pleasant warmth pooled between her legs in response to the latter part of his sentence. "Mmm, it was amazing, wasn't it?"

"Definitely." He pressed his mouth to Erica's and gently coaxed his wet appendage between her lips, briefly twining his tongue with hers in a carnal dance. Their lips made a moist sound as they pulled apart. "It's not just the sex, though. I really feel like we connect on a deeper level."

"So do I."

He nuzzled his nose affectionately against hers, and with a look of admiration, he said, "You're my woman."

Shivering slightly from the warmth of his breath on her lips, she lost herself in his inescapable gaze. "And you're my man." 

As soon as the words passed her lips their mouths once again melded, and beneath the desert sky they kissed, sharing a moment in time that was nothing short of perfect, yet all too fleeting.



Peak of Desire Ch. 10



*Thanks to everyone for continuing to comment, rate and vote. And a Big thanks for the continued support. I hope you'll find this chapter entertaining.* 

*

The sound of coyotes howling at dawn roused Erica from sleep, and as consciousness slowly returned, her eyes were met with the sight of a pinkish purple sky. Her gaze then swept from sky to earth, and she took a moment to appreciate the horizonless landscape that stretched out before her. 

She rolled onto her side, and as her gaze fell on Cody's handsome face, she noticed he was deep in slumber. His lips were slightly parted, and each time he exhaled, she felt the warmth of his breath against her skin. 

Offering him a lingering look, she noted a slight furrow between his brows, and reached out a finger to try and smooth the crinkle away. Judging from the intent look on his face, she figured he was dreaming, and she began to wonder just what exactly was going on in his unconscious world. A few moments passed before he let loose a grunt, then he mumbled garbled speech. 

She lay there watching him for a few moments, the close proximity of their faces causing their noses to nearly touch. His chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, and the pained expression on his face displayed a vulnerability that touched her to the core. Finding it difficult to look away, she continued to watch him for awhile longer, noting the way his eyes moved rapidly back and forth beneath his eyelids. 

This led her to assume that the dream he was having was pretty intense, and wishing to provide a bit of comfort, she reached out her hand and tenderly grazed it against his cheek. The touch of her palm caused him to flinch, and he gave a little cry, shoulders slightly jumping as he was startled awake.

"Sorry honey, I didn't mean to scare you." Her face was filled with deep concern.

Disoriented from the dream, his eyes darted upward to land on Erica's face, and as his gaze focused on her, his features began to soften. Clearly pleased to have her by his side, he snuggled closer against her warm body, wrapping an arm around her waist as he buried his head in the crook of her neck. 

She brought a hand up to gently stroke his hair, languidly running her fingers through his dark locks. "Bad dream?" 

He nodded, then released a little sigh. "Recurring nightmare."

"Mind if I ask what it was about?" 

Erica could feel the tenseness in his body, and as she placed a consoling hand to his cheek, she realized it was slightly sweaty.

For a few moments he said nothing, then finally he gave a muffled response. "Don't feel like talking about it right now."

Taken aback by his hasty words, she said, "Oh, okay. No problem." 

Feeling disappointed, she couldn't help wondering about his reluctance to discuss the dream. She guessed he must have had good reason for it, but hadn't they'd spoken about a variety of other topics, as well as shared their bodies in the most intimate of ways? 

It seemed to her that once you had sex with someone, you should feel comfortable discussing just about anything, but apparently Cody didn't feel the same. Ever since they'd first met, Cody had been pretty much an open book, so his sudden closed-offness was definitely out of character. 

Deciding that all she could do was shrug it off, she simply laid quiet beside him, casting her eyes on a rocky hillside that was kissed by the golden glow of early morning light. After five minutes of lying in silence, an ache in her bladder signaled need for release, so she pulled back the flap of the sleeping bag and made a move to slip out from beneath it. 

Her movement, however, was halted by Cody's hands, which tightly gripped hold of her waist. He pulled her back down so that she was lying next to him, then nuzzled his mouth against her ear. 

"And where do you think you're going?" He huskily asked.

"To use the bathroom." A pleasured murmur passed her lips as he tenderly grazed his lips along the edge of her earlobe.

"Not before you give me a kiss." 

Her mouth curled into a smile, and she tilted her head back, inviting him to claim her mouth. His lips devoured hers with searing passion, palms sliding across the bare flesh of her thighs. 

Rendered helpless by the power of his lips, she allowed herself to be drawn deeper into the kiss. Their mouths would have remained fused together if not for Cody pulling back, and as she was freed from the oral embrace, she found herself in a bit of a daze. 

Clearly pleased with the effect he had on her, he offered a prideful smile. "You're free to go now."

He released her from his grip, then rolled onto his back and tucked his hands behind his head. A contented sigh escaped his lips as he gazed up at the sky, and he crossed his legs at the ankles.

She rolled her eyes playfully at him, then shook her head at his smug display. "Always the modest one, aren't you?"

He directed his gaze to her, and with an innocent look on his face, he said, "I didn't say a thing."

"You don't have to. It's all over your face." 

He chuckled, then stared back up at the sky. "

After slipping out from beneath the warmth of the sleeping bag, she rose onto her feet, then walked toward her backpack which was sitting next to the cooler. After retrieving a toothbrush, baby wipes and a bottle of water, she slipped into some shoes. Then she headed off to answer the call of nature. 

After relieving herself behind a large boulder, she washed her face and body, then brushed her teeth. She then headed back to their campsite and upon reaching it, she saw that Cody was sitting on a folding camping chair that was placed in front of the fire pit. He'd placed a pot on the grill, and was spooning instant coffee into two enamel mugs. As she reached their campground, she slipped into the long t-shirt she'd been wearing the night before, then took a seat in a chair that was located right beside him. 

"Sorry I can't offer you anything better than instant coffee. I used to have a French press, but it broke on my last camping trip."

"It's cool. I prefer instant over the real thing, anyway."

"Really?" 

"Yep. I also prefer fake maple syrup, concentrated orange juice, and the cheese that comes in a can." 

A sound of disgust passed his lips. "Are you kidding me? That stuff tastes terrible." 

"Not to me, I love it."

He shook his head in disbelief, then said, "You're a vegetarian. Aren't you supposed to be healthy?"

Erica pulled her shoulders into a little shrug. "Hey, I'm only human. Just like everyone else, I've got my weaknesses."

His lips tugged into a smile and he lifted the pot off the grill of the fire pit, then poured hot water into the mugs. 

Picking up a plastic container from the ground, he asked, "Creamer?" 

She gave a nod. "Two spoonfuls."

After scooping out the powder and adding it to her cup, he passed the mug to her. Then he added some creamer to his own cup. They enjoyed their coffee without saying a word, simply content to stare out at the unique scenery that lay before them. Other than the sounds of them sipping, and the occasional rustling of reptiles scuttling in the dry brush, they were surrounded by stillness. Then suddenly his voice cut through the silence.

"That dream I had. It was about my father."

Noting his somber tone of voice, she turned her gaze on him. Sensing he was going to once again speak, she patiently waited for him to continue.

"It's the same damn dream every time. Never changes." He took a sip of his coffee, eyes remaining focused on the clusters of boulders that dotted the landscape. "He leaves the house, heads down the street, and then I run after him."

She continued watching him, noting the way his Adam's apple bobbed as he gave a dry swallow.

"Of course I can never catch up to him. I just keep running in place, yelling out for him to stop. But he just keeps on walking."

His voice had grown thick, leading her to guess that a lump of distress was caught in his throat. She fiddled with the mug in her hands, briefly directing her gaze to the dark liquid in the cup. 

Continuing to relay his dream, he said, "When he gets to the end of the block, he turns to me and waves. Then he just disappears, and that's when I always wake up."

Feeling the urge to ask, yet hesitant to actually do it, she allowed a moment of silence to pass. Then she finally inquired. "So your dad...is he still around?"

"Physically no, but spiritually, yes."

She felt as if she should speak some words to comfort him, but what exactly was one to say in a situation such as this? Words of condolence seemed most fitting, but a part of her felt as if the words 'I'm sorry for your loss' would come cross across as lame and cliché. So instead she remained quiet, her facial features softening in response to his melancholy mood.

"He was on his way home to celebrate my fifteenth birthday, but he never made it. I knew something was wrong, because my dad never broke a promise. He was the most solid guy you'd ever meet." He took the last sip of coffee, then set the mug down. "By the time we found out, it was well past midnight. The police came to the door and let my mom know. Then she woke me up and gave me the news."

"How'd it happen?" She softly asked.

"Hit and run."

Erica took hold of his hand, then threaded her fingers through his and lightly stroked the pad of her thumb against his skin. The entire time he'd been speaking, Cody's gaze hadn't diverted from the view in front of him, so she hadn't been able to look into his eyes. Yet she didn't really need to, as she could clearly feel the heaviness that hung in the air. An emotional wound had been opened from the dream, and it was obvious he was trying his best not to display his internal feelings. 

"Did they ever find out who did it?"

He shook his head. "Whoever it was got off free and clear." For a few moments he said nothing, then his jaw suddenly tightened. "They just left him to die like a dog, like it was no big deal they'd just run down a man."

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, then offered a little sigh. "I'll never understand how people can do that. Surely it must haunt them for the rest of their lives."

"Even if it does, that doesn't make me feel any better. It was his life that was lost, not theirs." Anger was evident in his voice, and his body had grown visibly tense.

Erica nodded, casting a glance at a lizard as it scuttled into the crevice of two large rocks. "I can't even imagine how difficult it was for you. To suddenly lose one of the most important people in your life..." She blew out a heavy breath and shook her head. The mere thought of losing one of her own parents caused her heart to tighten.

"When he died, a part of me did as well. But at the same time, I like to think that I carry a bit of him inside me. He taught me to be brave, and to always go after what I wanted, no matter how impossible it may seem."

She glanced admiringly at him. "And that's why you have such a fearless spirit. Because your dad put it in you."

"Yep, and I think that's part of why I push myself so much. Because I know he's out there watching over me."

She gave him a little smile. "You can feel him around you, can't you?"

Cody nodded. "I see him in my dreams, too. He comes to me pretty regularly."

"Really?"

"Yep. The week after he died he started showing up in dreams, having conversations with me. At first I figured it was just wishful thinking, that it was purely my imagination. But the dreams kept coming, and he would mention random stuff that was going on in my life. So then I knew it was real, that he was actually communicating with me. And ever since then, we've been in contact."

"That's pretty amazing. Must be a pretty rare thing to have that happen. Especially on such a regular basis."

"I think it can happen to anyone, you just have to be receptive to it. My belief is, he's been able to come through because he taught me from an early age to open my mind to all sorts of possibilities. That's had a huge effect on pretty much every area in my life." 

"Sounds like he taught you a lot. I'm guessing he was a really open minded person."

"He definitely was." He stared out at the desert landscape for a few more moments, then directed his gaze at her. "You've never really talked about your parents before. What are they like?"

"My mom's basically an older version of me. Free spirited, adventurous, loves trying new things. And my dad is just a really laid back, simple kind of guy."

"And what do they do for a living?"

"My mom has a pottery business, and my dad illustrates children's books."

"Interesting. So they're both creative people."

"Yep." She drank the last bit of coffee in her mug, then set it down on the ground beside her. "What's your mom like?"

"If I could only use a few words to describe her, I'd say she's kind hearted, generous and incredibly strong. Simply put, she's amazing." His eyes shone with admiration.

"I imagine she must be. Having to deal with your father's death, and raising you all on her own. I don't know her personally of course, but I can tell she's done an incredible job."

"She really has. One of the most inspiring people I know." 

Cody's obvious adoration of his mother made Erica's attraction to him all the more stronger, and she found it cute how her inquiry about his mother had instantly brought a little smile to his lips. There weren't many things that attracted her more than a man who deeply respected his mother. 

"What type of a job does she have?"

"She owns a little store out near the reservation with my sister. They sell woven Navajo rugs and jewelry. Most of the rugs are woven by my mom and grandma, and the jewelry is made by my sister and a few other family members."

"Cool. Sounds like a nice business."

"They've had the store for going on ten years now, so I'd say it's doing pretty well." He stood up from the chair and headed for the cooler which was located a few feet away, then opened the top and began to look through it. "You hungry?"

"Starving. What have you got in there?"

"Cinnamon rolls..eggs..a couple of apples." He dug deep into the cooler, then said, "Oh, and I brought along something special for you."

"What?" She eagerly asked.

After retrieving the package from the cooler, he held it up for her to see. "Veggie bacon."

As she caught sight of the familiar label, she said, "How thoughtful of you. It's my favorite brand, too. Thank you, sweetie."

Clearly pleased by her positive response, he gave her a smile. "Lucky guess on my part. I just blindly picked it out." After retrieving a small skillet from his backpack, he set it on the grill of the fire pit. Then he added some oil and cracked a few eggs over the skillet. 

"Need any help?" She started to get out of the chair, but as he shook his head, she sat back down.

"Naw, It's cool. Just relax, and I'll take care of it."

As the skillet heated up, the eggs began to crackle, and the scent of them cooking began to fill the air around them. She watched as he stuck a fork into the pool of yellow liquid, stirring it around until the eggs became a fluffy mound. Then he scooped a portion out onto a paper plate, and after sticking a plastic fork into the eggs, he handed them to her. 

"Munch on those while I fry up your bacon," he said.

"Mmm, smells great. Thanks honey." She dug into the eggs hungrily, enjoying the taste and texture of them. After a couple of bites, she asked, "If you don't mind me asking, what was your father like?"

"He was a really funny guy. Always cracking jokes and making people laugh. But the thing he really had a talent for was playing guitar." He scooped the remaining scrambled eggs onto a plate for himself, then placed a few strips of veggie bacon into the skillet. 

"Did he play professionally, or just for fun?"

"Professionally. He fronted a band, so sometimes he would spend days on the road traveling to gigs around the southwest. But when he was home, we were pretty much inseparable. Wherever he went, so did I." 

Sizzling noises came from the skillet as Erica's veggie bacon cooked, and turning his attention to the grill, Cody used a spatula to flip over the strips of fake meat. He then directed his gaze back at Erica, offering her a deep, soulful look. "My dad used to always tell me, live your life as if you'll die tomorrow, and I used to think it was a morbid saying." A faraway look came into his eyes and he lightly shook his head with a sad little smile. "It wasn't until he died that I realized just how great of a statement it is. That's what life is all about, you know? Living it to the fullest, because you never know when your time will be up." 

Then suddenly, as if broken from a spell, his eyes shifted to once again focus on her. "Well enough philosophizing. I'll just finish cooking this bacon, and then I'll warm up our cinnamon rolls." 

Erica nodded, then gave him a weak smile. She'd never felt skittish about discussing death, but for some reason, talking about it with Cody made her nervous. She wasn't sure why exactly, but she guessed it had something to do with the fact that he had a heart condition. 

Sure he'd told her that it had been repaired as a kid, but she still couldn't help wondering about the long-term success rate of such an operation. And being the way that he was, even if there was a risk of something happening, Cody would never mention it to her. He was the type to downplay dangerous situations, not bring light to them. 

As she watched him finish cooking their breakfast, she felt a surge of amorous feelings toward him, and knew without a doubt that this was a sign she was falling hard for him. Ready or not, she was headed down that path, moving toward a future that was unpredictable, yet certain to never offer a dull moment.

* * * *

At just past seven on Saturday evening, Cody and Erica arrived back in town. Once they arrived at Erica's trailer, Cody put the truck in park and they both exited the vehicle. After grabbing her backpack out of the back of the truck, he followed her to the door. She slipped the key into the lock, the pushed it open and walked inside. 

Cody walked in as well, and after setting her backpack down next to the couch, he grabbed hold of her waist and pulled her against him. His mouth connected with hers ravenously, as if the mere taste of her lips provided him with a life sustaining energy. Then their lips parted, leaving them to look into each others eyes.

"I had a fantastic time," he said.

"So did I." Her arms were looped around his neck, fingers gently stroking the bottom of his hairline.

"So I guess you know what question is coming next."

A smile touched her lips. "I've got some free time coming up on Wednesday."

"Anything special you'd like to do?"

"Nothing I can think of right now. But if something comes to mind, I'll let you know."

"Cool. Then I'll see you on Wednesday." 

"Already looking forward to it."

As their lips met for one last kiss, Cody palmed her round ass, causing Erica to emit a muffled moan. She felt his crotch press up firmly against her own, and as their kiss deepened, Erica knew she was powerless to do anything but allow him to work his magic. 

Weakened from the intensity of their oral embrace, she felt her legs grow weak, and as a result stumbled back a few steps. Still holding her by the waist, Cody coxed her toward the rear of the trailer. As he took a step forward, she took one back, and within a short amount of time, they reached the bedroom. She took a seat on the edge of the bed, her face barely a few inches away from the bulging tent in his pants. 

Filled with a level of desire she'd never experienced before, Erica slid her hands beneath the hem of his t-shirt, then undid his belt buckle so that his raging erection could be unleashed. A pleasured little murmur fled his lips as she undid the button on his denims, but before she could slide the zipper down, there came the sound of the screen door creaking open. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 10



"Hello...anyone here?" A voice called from the rear of the trailer.

Instantly recognizing the thick Cuban accent, Erica emitted a displeasured sound, then glanced up at Cody, who was giving her an inquiring look.

"It's my neighbor from across the way." 

He exhaled a breath of frustration, then buttoned up his pants. "Great. Perfect timing."

Calling out to her friend, she said, "Give me a minute, Marisol. I'll be out in few." 

She rose onto her feet, then smoothed out her shirt and ran her fingers through her hair a few times. Glancing at Cody, she saw that he was buckling up his pants, and also noticed that the fabric of his jeans still showed visible signs of his excitement.  

Seeing where her gaze was planted, he spoke to her in a disappointed voice. "I'll be out in a minute."

She nodded, then stepped out through the beaded curtains and headed for the living area. As she came into view, Marisol offered a smile. 

"Hi Erica. Long time since I last saw you."

"Yeah, I know." She leaned against the kitchen counter, then stuffed her hands into the pockets of her denim jeans. "Sorry I haven't been around lately, but I've been kind of busy."

"Yes, I remember you mentioning you had a new man in your life. The truck that's parked outside, it belongs to him?"

"Yep."

"So where is he?" 

"I think you already know the answer to that question."

The smile on Marisol's face turned into a smirk. "Sorry if I'm interrupting. I'm just really curious to see him. Hope you don't mind."

"And if I did?" There was a joking tone to her voice. 

"Then I would leave."

"Mhmm, sure." She crossed her arms in front of her chest, offering her friend a crooked little smile.

The beaded curtain which sectioned off her bedroom gave a little rattle as Cody parted it, causing both of the women to direct their attention his way. 

"Marisol, this is my boyfriend Cody. Cody, Marisol."

Obviously taken by the gorgeous man in front of her, Marisol's eyebrows rose in appreciation of his tall, manly form. "Nice to meet you, Cody." She held out her hand for him to shake.

"Likewise." He clasped hands with her. "Sorry I can't stay, but I need to be getting home. It was nice meeting you, though." 

"Yeah, same to you." 

Cody's gaze turned to Erica. "Walk me to my car?"

She nodded, accepting his hand as he led the way to the door. Glancing over her shoulder, she said, "Make yourself comfortable, Marisol. I'll be back in a bit." 

The Cuban woman nodded in response, plopping onto the couch as she watched the couple head outside. As soon as they were by his truck, Cody cradled her face in his hands and captured her mouth with a firm, tender kiss. Both were reluctant for the moment to end, but out of necessity to breathe, their lips finally separated.

His thumb glided over her kiss swollen lips. "I'll give you a call tonight, okay?" 

"Alright, drive safe." 

She watched as he got into the car, then started up the engine. He offered a wave before hitting the gas and she gave one in return. Then he drove off down the road, heading out of the RV park. 

After climbing the steps leading up to the trailer, she opened the screen door and stepped inside. Marisol greeted her with a smile, and as she reached the fridge, Erica pulled out two cans of soda. She handed one to her friend, then sat next to her on the couch. 

"So tell me your about your weekend. I want you to hear everything about this trip."

"Everything? I may have to censor a few parts."

"No censor. Tell me every last detail." 

Erica cocked an eyebrow and gave her a look of amusement. Then she popped the tab on the soda and took a long sip. After quenching her thirst, she began to share the amazing events of the weekend she'd spent with her lover, a pleasant little smile tugging at her lips as she did it.

* * * *

As Cody and Erica entered the grocery market, they were greeted by the beeps of checkout scanners, as well as the easy listening music that emitted from the store's speakers. They'd spent the earlier part of their Wednesday strolling the block of Abbot Kinney, an area in Venice that was full of mom and pop stores, vintage boutiques and art galleries. 

After working up an appetite, they'd stopped for lunch at a little fish and chip spot, then drove out to a specialty health food store a couple miles away. 

Now here they were, contentedly walking side by side as they perused the produce aisle. Erica's choice of clothing for the day consisted of a black denim skirt that reached mid-thigh, a floral print tank top that clung tastefully to her breasts, and a pair of black flat sandals. Cody was dressed in a pair of black jeans, a faded screenprinted tee, and as usual, his favorite pair of worn out boots. 

After picking out a variety of fruit and putting it into little plastic bags, they headed for the vegetable section. They came to a stop in front of the cabbages, and as Cody grabbed hold of one, the vegetable directly below it fell from the pile. It hit the floor with a soft thud, then rolled nearly a yard until it came to a stop in front of a display of strawberries. 

With a smirk on her lips, Erica looked at him and said, "Smooth." 

"Yeah, whatever. Not my fault it decided to jump ship."

She lightly chuckled, watching as he went off to retrieve the cabbage. Once he had it in hand, he walked back over to where she stood. 

"Think it'll still get sold?" He held the cabbage out for her to look at.

Taking a glance at it, she saw it was covered in hair and dirt. "Oh, gross. You're not gonna put it back on the pile, are you?"

"Should I?" His lips tugged into a wide grin. 

"You are so bad." A smile creeped onto her lips as she shook her head in disapproval. 

"I'm only joking. Look, I'll put it down here, so that nobody picks it out." He dropped it into a cardboard vegetable box that was placed on the floor next to the cabbage display.

Noticing she was inspecting the cucumbers, he sidled up beside her, watching with intent interest. Erica didn't have to look at his face to tell that he was looking on in amusement, and she eagerly waited for the moment when he would tell a penis joke. Yet several moments passed and still not a word from him, which led her to inquire about his uncharacteristic silence.

"Go ahead, say it."

"Say what?"

"Whatever penis joke you're currently formulating."

"I don't know what you're talking about." 

Although she hadn't removed her eyes from the stack of cucumbers, she could clearly hear the smile in his voice. "Uh huh. I know you're itching to say it."

"Sorry to disappoint you darling, but you're wrong. I'm not nearly that predictable."

"Okay, sure." She playfully rolled her eyes, then grabbed a nicely shaped organic cucumber.

After slipping it into one of the little vegetable bags, she picked out another, offering it a light squeeze to test out the firmness. As she was doing this, Cody walked off to check out some papayas that were on sale. She was just picking out a third cucumber when she felt the warm sensation of a breath against the back of her neck, followed by the sound of her lover's voice.

"You like them long and thick, huh?" 

She turned to look behind her, glancing up to see Cody smiling down at her. The corners of her lips twitched, threatening to break into a wide smile, but she turned her head before it could happen.

"Duh, it's a cucumber. It's supposed to be thick."

"Those ones aren't." He pointed to a variety of gherkins that were visibly thinner. "So why not pick one of them?"

"I prefer the bigger ones."

"Why?"

"I just do."

A light snicker escaped his throat, and he lightly pressed his hips against her backside, then encircled her waist with his arms. After positioning his lips next to her ear, he began to speak. "I've got something long and thick, and it's far more satisfying than a cucumber." 

A slight shiver ran through her from his words, and as the image of his penis came to mind, she felt herself become instantly horny. The mere touch of his body and the sound of his deep, sexy voice always put her in the mood, and she suddenly felt a strong urge to quickly complete their shopping trip. 

"Is there ever a time when you're *not* thinking of sex?" She asked.

Although there wasn't anyone within range of hearing he still spoke softly, as a precautionary measure. "You can't tell me you're not turned on by what I just said."

Erica remained silent, focusing her eyes on the phallic shaped vegetables in front of her.

"So tell me. Just how badly do you want me inside of you?" 

The grazing of his lips against her neck caused her body to flush in arousal, and she felt the spot between her thighs began to grow wet. "Cody, come on. We're in public." She glanced nervously to her right, then to the left, hoping that nobody was approaching.

"What's the big deal? I'm only hugging you." 

As his breath grazed against her neck it created a tickling sensation, causing her to release a giggle. She tried to loosen his arms so she could free herself, but before she had the chance, a familiar female voice suddenly came from behind them. 

"Erica?" 

They both turned to face the source of the voice, and found themselves standing in front of a tall, curvaceous brunette.

"Oh hey, Shoshanna. How are you?" Her face creased into a smile at the sight of Jacob's sister. 

"I'm doing good, how about you?"

"I've been well, thanks. So what brings you to this neighborhood?"

"I'm out here visiting my boyfriend. He lives not too far from here." Casting her eyes toward Cody, she said, "You must be the boyfriend."

He nodded in response, then offered his hand for her to shake. "Cody."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Shoshanna."

As a handsome East Indian man took his place beside Shoshanna, she launched into an introduction. "This is Ashwin. Ashwin, this is Erica. She's a friend of mine. And this is Cody, her boyfriend."

Ashwin offered his hand for Cody to shake, then clasped palms with Erica. After everyone had finished exchanging pleasantries, Erica and Shoshanna resumed their conservation.

"Funny thing, running into you here," said Shoshanna. "I've been meaning to call you for days now, but for some reason I just never got around to it. You're coming to Jacob's cocktail party on Saturday, right?"

"To tell you the truth, I'd completely forgotten about it. I might stop by, but I'm not completely sure just yet."

"Only a maybe? Come on, it'll be fun." 

"I don't know...I'm just not sure if it would really be my thing. Plus I don't even know if Cody is interested." She briefly looked at him, sending a clear signal with her eyes in hopes that he would pick up on her complete disinterest in attending. 

"Actually, I'd love to go."

"Really?"

"Sure, why not?"

Shoshanna's coral colored lips cocked into a smile. "Great, so you'll both be coming."

Trying her best to hide the disappointment in her voice, she said, "Looks like it. The only thing is, I don't have any cocktail attire."

"Well that just means we'll have to go shopping for some. What are you doing Friday evening?

"Nothing as of yet."

"I'm free as well, so we can look for a dress then. I know this great boutique in Santa Monica. They have high quality stuff at very affordable prices."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Cool, I can't wait." She flashed her perfect teeth, then said, "Well it was great seeing you again." She wrapped her arms around Erica in a brief hug, then offered some parting words to Cody. "Nice meeting you."

"Likewise." 

Shoshanna's boyfriend offered both Erica and Cody a nod in parting, then gave them a smile. 

"I'll give you a call Friday afternoon so we can set up a time and place to meet up," Shoshanna said.

"Okay, cool. Talk to you then."

"Later." She gave Erica a little wave, then walked off hand in hand with Ashwin. 

Once Shoshanna was out of hearing range, Erica glanced up at Cody, offering him a look of pure annoyance. "That signal I was sending you, did you pick up on it all?"

"What signal?" A huge smile creased his face.

"You know what signal. My eyes were letting you know that I wasn't interested in going to that party. So why did you tell her you were interested in attending?"

"Because I am."

"Why?"

"Why not?" He pushed the shopping cart forward and they both made their way out of the produce aisle.

"It'll probably be boring."

"Maybe. But we won't know for sure unless we show up." 

As they reached the breakfast food aisle, Cody browsed the shelves, trying to decide among the large variety of boxed cereals. "This Jacob that's giving the party...how do you know him?"

Erica's lips pulled into a crooked little smile. "Oh, so that's why you wanna go." 

He cast his eyes briefly in her direction. "I'm not jealous, if that's what you're thinking. Just curious as to how you know him." 

"We went to massage school together. I've mentioned him before."

"Oh yeah, now I remember. You used to practice on each other, right?" The way he said the word 'practice' made it seem as if the word left a bitter taste in his mouth. 

"Yep."

He grabbed a box of corn puffs off the shelf, then placed it in the cart. "And what's the basis of your friendship now?"

She offered a little shrug. "I don't know. We talk every now and again, but other than that, we aren't really in close contact."

Spotting a bottle of artifical syrup, her retrieved it from the shelf, then put it in the basket. Knowing that he'd picked it out especially for her, she gave him an affectionate rub on the back. "Sweet of you to remember I like the fake stuff." 

"Gotta make sure I keep your favorites on hand, don't I?" He gave her a little smile, then wheeled the cart forward. "So when was the last time you saw this guy?" He asked as he veered the shopping basket into the next aisle.

"Around two weeks ago."

"Hmm, that sounds pretty recent for someone you're not in close contact with."

"We didn't meet up to hang out. He ended up being my massage client."

"He hired you to give him a massage?"

"Yep." Eyeing the peanut butter, she walked over to where it was located and grabbed a jar of extra chunky.

"Wow, he must be desperate."

A light chuckle fled her lips. "What do you mean?"

"Well if he was truly interested in only friendship, then he would ask you to go out for coffee or something. But instead he hired you to come to his house and give him a massage. It's pretty obvious he's trying to get into your pants."

"He knows there's a line, and he's not going to cross it."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I've known Jacob for a couple years now, and not once has he tried to take advantage of me."

"That's good to know, but I still find it creepy he hired you to massage him." He spent a few moments looking over the different brands of honey, then decided on a bottle that was bear shaped. 

"I think he was just trying to rekindle our friendship. We hadn't spoken for months, so I guess he figured that was the best way to get back in contact with me."

He shrugged. "I guess so."

"Anyways, he's certainly no threat to you."

Turning to face her he said, "Of course he isn't. You're my girl and nothing's gonna change that." Then he took hold of her waist and gazed into her eyes. "And besides, I'm the one that's captured your heart."

Leaning into him, she rested her palms on his broad shoulders, enjoying the feel of his fingers as they grazed against the small of her back. "I wasn't aware I'd given it away."

"That's why I used the word captured."

Erica's lips curled into a little smile, and as he leaned in to kiss her, she tilted her chin upward, allowing him to claim her lips. The kiss they shared was soft and tender, and as he pulled back from her mouth, he stared deep into her eyes. 

"You've got my heart as well. You know that, right?"

She nodded in response, allowing one of her palms to lay against the left side of his chest, feeling the beat of it against her palm. 

"My heart is fragile, so please be gentle with it." The expression in his eyes was full of seriousness.

Although she was certain that it hadn't been his intention, she couldn't help noticing just how poignant of a statement that was. He literally did have a compromised heart, and it only made the moment they were sharing all the more touching.

"I'll take good care of it," she said.

"I know you will." He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, then placed a soft kiss against her forehead. "Now let's hurry up and finish shopping so we can get out of here and go home." 

Her lips tugged into a little smile and she nodded, walking beside him as he pushed the cart forward and down the aisle.

* * * *

Having spent the last hour primping her face, body, and hair, Erica now stood in front of her full length mirror, studying her reflection with a look of satisfaction on her face. Clad in a cocktail dress with a rhinestone encrusted bodice and a flared skirt made from black organza material, she was perfectly attired for Jacob's party. 

The heels she had on elongated her shapely legs, and the smoky eye shadow she'd applied made her look like some kind of femme fatale. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing though, as she liked the mysterious look that it gave her. 

Erica retrieved a bottle of hairspray from the shelf above her bed, then pressed the little white button to dispense a light mist of the haircare product. After recapping the bottle she set the can down, flipped off the light switch, then headed for the front of her trailer. 

Glancing at the clock on the wall above the kitchen counter, she was it was half past six, which meant that she and Cody had half and hour left before Jacob's cocktail party would begin. She'd just poured herself a glass of water and was taking a sip when she heard a knock at the door. 

After setting the glass down, she retrieved her mini black clutch off the couch and went to answer the door. The look on Cody's face when she pulled it open was one of definite approval, his eyes roving up and down her body as he openly admired her well dressed form.

"You look absolutely stunning." 

Her lips pulled into a wide smile. "Thanks. You look quite handsome yourself." Taking in his attire, she saw he was wearing a black dress shirt, dark gray slacks, and a black suit jacket. 

After stepping outside and locking the door behind her, she turned and gave him a peck on the lips. He clasped hands with Erica to keep her steady as they descended down the short flight of RV steps, then they made their way toward his car. 

When they reached it, he opened the door for her, seeing that she got up into the cab of the truck without any problems, then he closed the door behind her. After walking around to the driver's side, he climbed behind the wheel and they took off. 

Forty minutes later, they arrived at Jacob's house, yet instead of having Cody park at the curb, she navigated him up along the winding driveway that would lead them to the contemporary style house. After pulling in behind a black Mercedes, Cody put the car in park and they both got out, heading for the door.

Curiously eyeing the boxy shape of the ultra modern house, he said, "Interesting looking place. The guy must be loaded to be able to afford a pad like this."

"He wasn't always this rich." A little smile tugged at her lips as she recalled his previous residence. "Not even four months ago, he was living in a one room studio apartment."

"So how'd he upgrade to a place like this?"

"He had a recent windfall of money."

He gave a nod in response. "Well good for him. Can't hate on the guy for having some good fortune."

As they reached the entryway, Cody pressed the doorbell and a pleasant chime noise rang from within. The sound of heels clicking against a hard surface followed, then the door opened to reveal Shoshanna.




Peak of Desire Ch. 10



"Hey guys! So glad you could make it." She pulled the door wider and gestured with her arm for them to enter. "Come on in and join the party."

The buzz of chatter and clinking of silverware against plates greeted them as they entered, and soft jazz music provided a soundtrack for the background. 

"You look *amazing* in that dress." She offered Erica an admiring look. "And I love your hair and makeup." 

"Thanks, you look gorgeous as well." Her eyes roved over Shoshanna's attire, which was a one shoulder dress made from pink silk chiffon that tastefully accentuated her sexy hourglass figure.

"I'm so glad I decided to go with this dress instead of the other one. Having you along on that shopping trip really was a big help."

"Well thanks for having me along."

"It was my pleasure. We'll have to make a point of hanging out again soon." Directing her eyes at Erica's boyfriend, she said, "You look good too, Cody. The formal look really suits you."

"Thank you." 

He offered her a smile, then directed his gaze at Jacob, who was casually sauntering their way. Coming to a stop at Shoshanna's side, Jacob directed his eyes at Erica, his lips peeling back to flash a set of white teeth. "Glad to see you made it." He then gave her a brief hug, and upon pulling back, offered a few more words. "You look fantastic, by the way."

"Thank you." She placed her hand on Cody's arm, then introduced him. "This is my boyfriend, Cody. Cody, this is Jacob."

"Great to meet you, Cody. Thanks for coming out tonight." He stuck out his palm to offer a handshake.

"Good to meet you as well." 

After releasing hands with Cody, Jacob motioned for them to follow him. "Come along you two, there's someone I want to introduce you to."

As the doorbell rang, Shoshanna's attention was directed toward the entryway, and giving Erica a friendly pat on the arm, she politely excused herself. "Catch up with you later, okay?"

Erica nodded, then trailed behind Jacob as he led her and Cody into the living area. There were around twelve people in the spacious room, and as Erica scanned the guests, she saw that the majority of them were giving her and Cody a curious look. 

The first person Jacob introduced them to was a Caucasian man of medium height, with black framed glasses and a salt and pepper beard. He had a friendly demeanor about him, causing Erica to feel instantly at ease in his presence.

"This here is the man who's responsible for all my success," said Jacob. "Without him, I would still be living in a one room hovel. Right, Gary?" 

The middle aged man chuckled lightly in response, then offered a nod to both Erica and Cody. "I think he may have exaggerated just a little. The truth is, Jacob is a very talented screenwriter, and that's why I persuaded the studio to greenlight the film."

"Are you the director?" Asked Erica, taking a glass off a platter as a bow tied server offered her a drink.

"Oh no, I never made it that far. I'm just the lowly producer." The tone of voice he used clearly conveyed lightheartedness.

Jacob shook his head in amusement. "This is the guy who gets things done. Without him, my screenplay would have never have seen the light of day. I owe a lot to him."

He waved his hand as if to dismiss Jacob's words. "Stop it, before you give me a complex." He lightly chortled, then spotting someone a few feet away, he excused himself from the couple's presence. "Excuse me, my wife is waving me over to the hors d'oeuvre table. It was really nice meeting you two." 

Both Cody and Erica offered their own pleasantries in parting, then directed their attention back to Jacob.

Now holding a glass of champagne, Cody took a sip, then asked, "So you're a screenwriter?" 

"Yep. I have a film coming out called Blind Aces."

"And what's the premise?"

"It's about this card shark who gets in deep with a couple of gangsters. A few odd characters are thrown into the mix along the way, and before he knows it, this protagonist's life just snowballs out of control."

"So it's a drama."

"Yeah, with a dash of comedy thrown in."

"Cool. Well I hope it does well."

"Thanks man, I appreciate that."

A female server approached, holding out a platter of fancy looking appetizers as she gave them a friendly smile. "Hors d'oeuvres, anyone?" 

"What is it?" Cody's brows furrowed as he offered the food a suspicious look.

"Smoked brie topped with salmon roses, sir."

"No thanks, I'm good."

Amused by the expression on his face, Erica held back a smirk. "I'll take one, please." 

The sever held the platter closer to her so she could take one of the appetizers, then offered one to Jacob, who shook his head in dismissal. 

"So what do you do for a living, Cody?"

"I'm a high rise window washer."

"Oh yeah? Can't say I've met anyone who did that before." He took a sip of his wine, then said, "How do you like it?"

"It's good work. I'm paid well, get to spend all day outdoors, and it gives me a sense of freedom I wouldn't be able to find in any other career." 

"Cool. Well it's good you enjoy it. Nothing worse than having a job you don't like." He drank the last of his wine, then signaled for one of the servers to bring him another drink. "Must be dangerous work, though. You ever had a close call before?"

His brows slightly knitted in response to Jacob's question. "No, can't say that I have. Why?"

He shrugged. "Just wondering how common that sort of thing is."

"A few of the guys who work for the company I'm with have had a couple of scary experiences, but luckily none of them have been fatal."

"That's good." As a server appeared next to him, he placed his empty wine glass on the tray, and retrieved a fluted glass full of chilled champagne.

As Erica caught sight of a brunette across the room, she felt an unpleasant reaction in her body. The first thing she recognized was the tall, stick thin body, then the chestnut colored, meticulously styled hair. 

Erica wasn't thrilled to be in such close proximity with Jacob's girlfriend, but she had to admit there was a part of her that had been secretly hoping for another meeting. Rebecca's rude behavior during their last encounter had left Erica feeling pretty pissed off, and more than a few times since then, she'd imagined herself telling Rebecca just exactly what she thought of her. 

Yet as badly as she was itching to do it, she would choose instead to remain civil. The last thing she wanted to do was get into some petty argument, especially not at a classy affair such as this, so she would just bite her tongue and stay as far away from Rebecca as possible.

Erica guessed that the energy from her thoughts must have been strong enough for Jacob's girlfriend to subconsciously pick up on, because all of a sudden the willowy brunette averted her attention from the man she was chatting with, and stared Erica straight in the eyes.

Erica met Rebecca's gaze head on, silently conveying that her icy stare didn't intimidate her in the least. Intent on not allowing the brunette to win the glaring contest, Erica would have gladly continued staring her down, but the sound of Jacob's voice broke her concentration, forcing her to break eye contact with Rebecca.

Having entirely missed what he'd said to her, she asked, "What?" 

"I was just wondering if you still have that tarantula. What breed is it again? An Italian Red Knee, or something like that, right?"

"Mexican red knee."

"Ah, well I was close." He gave her a little smile and tipped the drink to his lips.

To Erica's disappointment she saw that Rebecca was heading their way, and upon reaching Jacob's side, she possessively linked her arm through his.

"Glad you're here, honey," Jacob said to his girlfriend. "You remember Erica, don't you?"

"Of course." She offered a cold gaze, her red lips showing not even a hint of a smile. 

He gave a nod towards Erica's beau. "This is Cody, her boyfriend." 

"Hi."

"Hello."

Directing her attention back to Jacob, Rebecca placed her hand on his chest, proudly displaying a sparkling diamond bracelet. "Yuki wants to know if you'll show her your new corvette."

"Oh that's right. I promised I'd take her to the garage, didn't I?"

Rebecca nodded. "She's been asking me for nearly half an hour now, and it's driving me completely crazy." Taking him by the hand, she coaxed him to follow her. 

Yet clearly not ready to leave Erica and Cody just yet, he remained in place. "You two are more than free to come along as well." 

"Sure, that'd be cool," said Erica.

"Cody?" Jacob offered him a hopeful look, clearly wanting to show off his new toy.

"I'm not much of a sports car guy, but thanks for the offer. Think I'll just hang out here." He then offered Erica a glance. "You don't mind, do you sweetie?"

"No, of course not." 

He pressed his lips to hers in a quick, tender peck. "I'll just mingle while you're gone. See you in a bit, alright?" 

"Okay." 

Feeling disappointed, she left his side and trailed behind Jacob and Rebecca, who led her over to Yuki-a twenty-something Asian woman with waist length black hair. Once she was in tow, the four of them made their way across the living room and toward the kitchen, which was attached to the garage.

Just before exiting the living area, Erica caught sight of Cody, who was chatting with a pint sized blonde clad in a strapless black dress and studded leather pumps. Standing at barely five feet, the contrast between the blonde's height and Cody's was so ridiculous it was amusing, and Erica couldn't help taking a good, long stare as she passed by them. 

Although the woman was very attractive, Erica felt no threat at all. For one, she felt that jealousy was a large waste of time, and two, she couldn't hate on someone who was rocking such a stylish pair of pumps. Her eyes met with Cody's along the way, and as he gave her a little wink, her lips tugged into a smile. She continued following behind Jacob as he led the way through the house, and as they reached the door that led from the kitchen into the garage, he pushed it open and stepped inside. 

The room was large and cold, and as they walked across the smooth concrete floor, the soles of their shoes made a click-clacking noise, bouncing off the walls to create an echo. 

Parked in front of a wall of stainless steel cabinets, Jacob's corvette was definitely something to be admired. The electric blue color of the car enhanced it's already flashy appearance, and its chrome wheels were so shiny, that one could easily view their reflection in it. 

Clearly proud of his expensive possession, Jacob walked up to the car and lovingly coasted his palm across the hood. "Beautiful, isn't she?"

"This is one hot car." Yuki leaned down a little to peer through the windows, then said, "What is it like driving this thing?"

"It's kind of hard to put into words, but if I really had to, I'd say it's like having the best sex of your life." His eyes fixed intently on Erica as he said it, and his lips tugged into a wanton smile.

Amazed by his brazen flirting, she quickly averted her gaze from his, planting it instead on the vehicle. "How much does a car like this go for?" 

Before Jacob could even answer the question, Rebecca offered a snotty answer. "Why? It's not like you could ever afford one." 

Erica's eyes darted toward the svelte brunette. "Well thanks for butting in, but I was speaking to Jacob, not you."

She shifted on her feet slightly, but gave only a hard stare in return.

The expression on Jacob's face conveyed his amusement in the hostile interaction of the two women, and sticking his hands casually in his pocket, he said, "Just over seventy five grand."

"Is that all?" Erica said in a voice loaded with sarcasm, glancing through the driver's window to have a look at the interior. 

"If you ladies are interested, I could take you for a drive."

"Really?" Yuki enthusiastically asked. 

"Sure, why not? Might be a bit of a tight fit, but I should be able to cram everyone in."

"Awesome." Yuki's eyes lit up with excitement. "Well get your butt behind that wheel, Jacob, and let's get going." She then opened the driver's door and stuffed herself into the back seat. 

"How about it, Erica? You up for a drive?" 

"Sounds like fun, but I'm gonna have to take a rain check. Cody's waiting for me, so it'd probably be a good idea if I got back to the party." 

"Oh, alright." Disappointment was etched in his face. "Guess I'll see you in a bit, then."

"Yep. Have fun." She offered a smile in parting, then turned and headed for the short flight of steps that led up into the kitchen. 

She'd just reached the top of the stairs when the corvette's powerful engine rumbled to life, then there was the screeching of tires as he drove out of the garage and peeled out onto the street. 

Once she was back in the house, she headed straight for the living area, but after a quick scan of the room, she saw that Cody was nowhere to be seen. Wondering where he could be, she glanced out the floor to ceiling windows that offered a view of the pool area. She saw there were a few people chatting around the edge of the pool, but from what she could see, none of them resembled Cody.

Unsure of where else to look, she headed for a hallway that led to one of the guest bathrooms. After reaching the end of it, she camp upon the door to the bathroom, and knocked against it a few times. Hearing nobody call out from within, she opened the door and entered. Yet seeing there was nobody inside, she turned to exit the bathroom. 

Her progress, however, was impeded by a tall masculine figure that stood blocking the doorway. Her eyes roved upward to land on Cody's face, and as his dark, alluring eyes locked into hers, he offered a seductive smile. 

"I've been looking all over for you," she said. "Where have you been?" 

"Just hanging around." Placing his hands on her waist, he coaxed her backward so that he could step further in, then closed the door behind them.

Intrigued by his vague response, she posed a question. "And what exactly does that mean?" 

She heard the click of the lock as he engaged it, then he gently pushed her toward the sink, and as her back bumped against the edge of it, she offered him an inquisitive look.

"Why are we in the bathroom?"

"Why do you think?" One of his large manly hands held her firmly by the waist, while the other one moved up to tenderly cup her face.

"We can't have sex in here, if that's what you're thinking."

An amused smile tugged at his lips. "You make it sound like it's impossible."

She said nothing in response, only focused on the feel of his palm as it slid down her hip. Once his hand reached the bottom of her skirt, he slipped it beneath the fabric. She felt his palm coast against the bare skin of her thigh, and as his fingers made contact with the heat between her legs, she let loose a breathy noise.

Cody slipped a few fingers beneath the fabric of her panties, then pushed a digit between her slick, hot folds. He dragged his finger back and forth a few times to saturate it with her juices, then suddenly thrust it up into her tight, welcoming hole. 

A pleasured little whimper escaped Erica's mouth as he did it, her head tilting back as he built up a steady, pumping rhythm. It didn't take long before he had her squirming against his hand, and as he slipped a second digit inside of her, she released a delightful gasp. 

"Mmm, I love how tight and wet you are." Cody gave her a few long, drawn out strokes with his fingers, caressing her soft, moist flesh with carefully measured movements.

Each in and out motion of his digits increased her flow of juices, bringing about wet, squishy noises that filled the air around them, and as he upped the tempo of his fingers, a throaty moan escaped from her lips.

"Cody...oh babe, you're gonna make me cum." Needing something to hold onto, she grabbed the edge of the sink behind her, holding onto it so tightly that she chipped one of her nails against the marble. 

Her enthusiastic response spurred him on, and he continually penetrated her with quick, short pumps. His long, skillful digits worked her with incredible skill, and as he leaned in to kiss her, she eagerly tilted her chin up to offer him her lips. 

Their mouths met in a hot, wet kiss, tongues mating fervidly as his fingers relentlessly pummeled her. The passion they felt for one another was all consuming, and as their lips pulled apart, Erica was left hungering for more.

Sensing her urgent need for more gratification, he removed his fingers from the warmth of her soaking channel, then got onto his knees. Hooking his thumbs beneath the fabric of her panties, he slowly slid them down her legs, then off around her ankles. He then cast his gaze upward to offer her a look of utmost desire, and in a voice thick with lust, he gave her a command. 

"Slip one of your legs over my shoulder."

She wasted no time in obeying, and once her leg was in place, he hiked up her skirt and went to work. The first touch of his tongue withdrew a cry of pure delight from her throat, and as his wet appendage swept across her tender folds, she felt an electrifying jolt sweep through her body. 

Using feather light pressure, he ran his tongue in languid circles around her pleasure button, coming dangerously close to touching, yet never quite allowing it to make contact. He continued this tease for what seemed like a torturously long time, and as her arousal steadily built, she squirmed impatiently above him. 

Then finally he gave in, and as she felt the flick of his tongue against her erect clit, she released a heated moan, pushing his head more firmly against her in hopes that he would apply more pressure. After a few torturous moments of lashing the stiff little piece of flesh, he gently suckled on it, then slipped his hot, velvety tongue into the crevice of her swollen pussy lips. 

It plunged deep between her folds, and as it continually probed deeper, she exhaled a husky cry. Delving her fingers into the silky strands of his hair, she watched intently as his head moved between her legs, his tongue working tirelessly to provide her with the utmost gratification. 

He hungrily devoured her pussy, feasting with such enthusiasm that she helplessly quivered against him. He was clearly enjoying every minute of it, and as he released a long, deep moan, it created a delicious vibrating sensation against her pussy. 

Having been steadily eating her out for several intense moments, Cody pulled his head back so that he could replenish his oxygen. Then he softly spoke a few words, his breath ghosting hotly against her in the process. 

"You taste so delicious, baby." He stuck his tongue out and lazily dragged it along her weeping slit, then reattached his mouth to the plump lips of her pussy.

As he resumed his oral ministrations she lolled her head back, thrusting her hips forward so that her center was pressed more firmly against his mouth. 

"Oh yes....fuck me with your tongue," she breathed. 

Lost in the pure pleasure of the moment, she moaned and cried his name, helplessly bucking her hips as he skillfully stroked her to ecstasy with his agile tongue. Her hands fisted into his hair, holding him against her as if she were afraid he would suddenly cease his erotic ministrations.

The sensation of his thick tongue alone was enough to make her legs tremble, and as he began to manipulate her tender clit with the pad of his thumb, she lost all control of her body.

The scream that threatened to pass her lips was abruptly cut off as she bit down hard on her tongue, and as the orgasm ripped through her body, she rode the blissful waves of intense pleasure.

The spasming of her inner muscles was promptly followed by a trickle of wetness, and a relieved whimper fled her lips as she basked in the vestiges of her climax. Due to her oversensitized pussy, the sensation of Cody's tongue against her was now nearly painful, but at the same time it felt amazingly good.




Peak of Desire Ch. 11



*So there will be some changes happening in this chapter. I figured it was time to shake their world up a little, so this is the result. I hope you all will enjoy, and thanks Everyone for continuing to vote, read...and I also truly appreciate those who faithfully send comments every chapter. (yes, I notice you guys :) *

A pleasant evening breeze blew through the open windows of Cody's truck as they traveled along the road, drifting lazily over their skin and playing through the strands of their hair. Completely content to cruise toward their destination, Cody drove in a way so that the needle on the speedometer didn't go past forty miles. Erica, on the other hand, was not quite as content with their driving speed, and was more than a little impatient for them to reach the RV Park. 

She'd made the suggestion for them to spend the night at Cody's apartment, but having yet to sleep over at Erica's, he'd seemed more interested in driving out to her place instead. Wishing to avoid traffic on the freeway, Cody had chosen to take the street, and they were now traveling along a quiet road that seemed to endlessly stretch before them. With few cars traveling the same length of pavement, it seemed likely that Cody would drive the car at a quicker speed, but to her disappointment, he made no attempt at all. 

It wasn't like her to be so impatient, but the erotic experience she'd shared with Cody in Jacob's bathroom had really whet her appetite, and left her deeply longing for more. 

The images which played in her head were entirely of an erotic nature, and every time she recalled the memory of Cody's head being buried between her legs, she felt a strong pang of lust shoot through her body. To say that she was horny would be putting it lightly, and there was nothing she wanted more right now than to have him satisfy her sexual hunger.

Perhaps picking up on the strong vibes she was emitting, Cody briefly glanced away from the road and gave her one of his deeply seductive gazes. This resulted in a quickening of her pulse, and as his hand came to rest on her thigh, she felt a tightening in her loins. 

She wondered if his desire for her was as strong as what she felt for him, and if so, why didn't he drive at a faster pace? Glancing at the speedometer, she saw that the needle still hadn't passed the 40 mph mark, and she emitted a little sigh, fidgeting slightly in her seat. Cody offered her another glance, lips curling into a little smile as he took note of her body language.

"A little impatient, are we?" He asked.

"Maybe a little." She glanced over at him as he offered a chuckle. "Why are you driving so slow, anyways?"

"I don't know. Just thought it'd be nice to cruise."

"I can think of something a lot more enjoyable than cruising." She reached a hand out and placed it on his lap, then offered his thigh a firm squeeze.

"Feeling horny?" 

"Sure am. What about you?"

"Of course. Nothing new there." A small smile crossed his face. 

She returned it with one of her own, then said, "From the way you're driving, it seems like you're in no hurry to get to my place."

"Just trying to build the anticipation. It makes the payoff a whole lot sweeter."

"You've got a point there." Resting her head against the back of the seat, she emitted a little sigh as Cody's hand slid up and down her thigh. 

Erica's enjoyment of the presence of Cody's hand, however, was shortly lived, as he removed it from her leg to answer his cell phone. As he glanced at the screen his brows lightly furrowed, then he shook his head in a way as if to convey his disinterest in speaking with the caller. Curious as to who it was, she decided to ask.

"Who's calling?"

"Nobody important." He put his cell phone back down, then allowed his hand to once again rest on her thigh.

His vague answer made her want to inquire further, but not wanting to come across as prying, she decided against it. "So what'd you think of the party?"

"It was okay. Kinda boring, but our naughty little moment made up for it." He briefly averted his eyes from the road to offer her a lascivious glance. 

Feeling a surge of desire course through her, she said, "Mmm, it was nice, wasn't it?"

"Only nice?" The hand on her leg slid further upward until his fingers met with the moist warmth between her thighs. 

"You're right, nice isn't the word for it. Amazing is more like it." Glancing at his face, she noticed the corners of his lips tilt into a pleased smile. 

They drove along in comfortable silence for awhile, simply enjoying the presence of each other. Then after about five minutes had passed, the sound of a ringtone cut through the stillness. Releasing a huff of breath through his nose, Cody reached for his cell phone so he could check the caller ID. 

Noticing the expression of agitation on his face, she found herself very interested as to who was trying to reach him, but guessing that he wasn't interested in sharing with her, she decided to remain silent. As she'd expected, he didn't answer the call, and after setting the phone back down, Cody steered the car towards an upcoming exit, leading Erica to wonder about their destination.

"I thought you were spending the night at my place. Why are we pulling off the freeway?"

"Just have to swing by and grab something from my apartment. It'll only take a minute, then we'll be back on the road."

"What do you need to pick up?"

"Just some medication."

"What for?"

"My heart."

"I didn't know you had to take medication. What kind of pills are they?"

"Blood thinners."

"Oh." As they exited the freeway and pulled onto the street, she glanced out the window at the passing scenery. Then after a bit of time passed, she turned her head and looked back at him. "So what happens if you don't take them?"

"I'd probably develop blood clots, and my heart wouldn't work as well. Why?"

"Just wondering." Leaning her head against the back of the seat, she silently studied his face. 

Hoping to ease her mind a bit, Cody offered a few reassuring words. "Nothing to worry about, I just take them as a precaution." He then grabbed hold of her hand and brought it up to his mouth, gracing the back of it with a kiss.

Giving a little nod, she couldn't help feeling worried, but knowing it would do no good, she decided to push the negative thoughts aside and change the subject to something less troublesome. "So what'd you think of Jacob?"

"He seems okay. A bit of a showoff, though."

"How is he a showoff?"

"He took you and that other girl to go see his Corvette, didn't he?"

"Yeah, but it's not like he volunteered. He only did it because of a request."

"I guess." 

She waited for him to say more, but when he didn't, she decided to speak. "So who was that lady you were talking to?"

"Which one? I spoke to a few."

She playfully scoffed, then gave her response in a voice laden with sarcasm. "Of course, what a silly question. Guess I should have known you'd be occupied by multiple women while I was gone."

"It wasn't like that. I just had a friendly chat with a few different people."

"And they all happened to be female." 

He shrugged and said, "Yeah, but it's not like I approached them. They came up to me."

She smiled and lightly shook her head. "That's the last time I leave you alone at a party."

"I came and left with you though, didn't I?" His fingers moved along her inner thigh, tenderly stroking the sensitive skin there.

"Sure did." A delicious shiver danced along her spine in response to the feel of his fingers. 

"So which woman were you wondering about?"

"She was blonde and really tiny. Couldn't have been more than five feet."

"Oh, her." He turned the steering wheel slightly to follow a curve in the road. "Her name is Hilary. She's a casting agent."

"Okay." She allowed a moment to pass before once again speaking. "So what did you guys talk about?"

"Hollywood stuff, mostly. She mentioned a few upcoming projects she thought I'd be good for." 

"Films or TV shows?"

"A commercial."

"Interesting. What kind?"

"Body wash." As a snicker passed Erica's lips, Cody gave her a curious glance. "I say something funny?"

She shook her head lightly in amusement. "Obviously she would cast you in a part that requires removal of your shirt."

He gave a slight shrug. "I don't see any problem with it."

"Neither do I." She studied him for a few moments with a little smile on her lips. "So this might be the start of a whole new career for you, huh?"

"I doubt it. It's just one commercial, no big deal."

"Yeah, but who knows. This commercial might lead to a TV show or film."

"I guess it's a possibility, but it's not something I'm trying to make happen. I'm perfectly happy with my current job."

"Well just in case it does work out, please don't go all Hollywood on me." She offered him a playful side glance. 

Cody emitted a light chuckle. "Trust me, that would *never* happen."

"It better not." She stroked his thigh softly, then sensually coasted her palm toward his crotch.

"Better be careful with those hands." He shifted slightly as her fingers came in contact with his denim clad manhood.

"Why, you don't want me to play with it?"

"I'd love for you to, but stroking me off while I'm driving probably isn't the best idea."

"Then why don't you pull over?" Her fingers toyed with his zipper, eyes meeting his in a sensual gaze.

"Seriously?" His brows lifted in surprise, and as they came to a stoplight, he took the chance to stare her deeply in the eyes.

"Sure, why not? It looks like there's a quiet little back road up ahead. Make a right onto it, and we'll have plenty of privacy." Briefly casting her gaze downward, she noticed that his swelling erection was straining against the fabric of his jeans. 

"You're in such a naughty mood tonight." His eyes danced with curiosity and excitement. "What's gotten into you?" 

"I don't know. I guess it was our little encounter in Jacob's bathroom." The memory of it sent a jolt of arousal through her. "You have *such* an amazing tongue." 

His lips tugged upward. "And you have a delicious pussy. I just love eating you out." The tips of his fingers pressed up against the fabric of her panties, lightly brushing back and forth against her fabric clad pussy lips.

"Mmm..." She leaned in closer to kiss him, but before her lips could even touch his, the sound of Cody's ringing cell phone once again filled the air. 

A sound of irritation passed Erica's lips as he pulled away from her to answer his phone, and as he glanced at the screen, she heard him give an exasperated sigh. 

"Okay, who is this that keeps calling?" Her voice was rife with suspicion.

"Nobody you need to be concerned about." The phone emitted a little noise as he shut it off, then he set it back down in one of the drink holders.

"Okay, so what exactly does that mean?"

"It means it's not something you need to be worried about, okay?" As the light turned green, Cody pressed on the gas and the car once again began to move forward.

She couldn't help picking up on the sound of agitation in his voice, and found herself more eager than ever to uncover the identity of the caller. 

"This is the third time your phone has rang in the last five minutes. You've refused to answer it each time, and you're telling me I don't need to be concerned? Think about what you're saying, Cody."

Keeping his eyes locked on the road in front of him, he said, "It's this girl I used to know. We didn't have a serious relationship or anything, we just kinda dated."

"Kinda dated? So was it like a friends with benefits type situation?"

"No."

"Then what?"

He blew out a little sigh. "I told you about her before." 

"Well you're gonna have to refresh my memory, because I really don't remember."

"We used to live in the same apartment complex. We only hung out for a couple of weeks before I found out she was married, so I broke it off with her. Then she started stalking me, and I ended up having to move to another place." He paused for a moment to allow her to respond, but when she didn't, he once again spoke. "Back when you and I first started dating, I told you all about this woman. Don't you remember?"

"Yeah, I remember. But why is she calling you?"

"I don't know. I have no idea how she even got my new number. I changed it seven months ago."

"Well aren't you curious?" 

"About what?

"As to how she got your number, and why she's calling you."

"Well I already know why she's calling me, and yes I am curious as to how she got my number, but it's not gonna make me answer the phone."

Offering no response in return, she cocked an eyebrow and simply stared at him. Feeling the intensity of her gaze, Cody briefly glanced at over at her. "So what, you don't believe me?" 

"Did I say that?"

"No, but you didn't have to. I can see it in your eyes."

Choosing to remain silent, she glanced out the window and focused her attention on a hot pink Cadillac that was driving along the road beside them. The last thing she wanted was to come across as a nosy type of girlfriend, but what else was she to do? 

Simply sit there and act as if it didn't bother her to watch him ignore successive phone calls? A few moments passed where there was nothing but tense silence between them, then finally Erica's voice filled the air.

"Look Cody, my issue isn't so much that this chick is contacting you, it's the fact that you were being secretive as to who she was. Not only that, but you refused to pick up the phone." 

"Why should I? I want nothing to do with her."

"Yeah, I get that. But you have to understand how it appears through my eyes. Your phone has been ringing nearly nonstop for the past five minutes, and you've refused to answer it. I had to question you twice before you finally admitted it was a girl, and now that I know who she is, I can't help being a little curious as to why she's so eager to get in contact with you."

"I've already made it clear that this woman is a stalker, so it's pretty obvious why she's continuously calling me. Just what exactly are you still unclear about?"

Feeling a little stung by his sharp tone of voice, she crossed her arms over her chest and stared straight forward. It was beyond her why Cody was acting irritated, because she hadn't done a thing to him. If anyone had the right to be annoyed, it was her, and she certainly didn't appreciate him speaking to her in that way. 

Just less than ten minutes ago, she'd been incredibly horny and eager to spend a passionate night making love to him, but now all that she felt was little more than anger and annoyance. Completely turned off by his behavior, she was seriously considering having him simply drive her home, then return to his own apartment for the night.

The tension between them was so thick, it was nearly smothering, and as Cody pulled the truck into the gated parking lot behind his apartment, Erica kept her gaze focused on the view beyond the window. After pulling into a space and putting the car in park, he cut the engine, then sat there with her in complete silence. 

Neither of them wanted to be the first to break free from pride, so they both sat there for an awkwardly long full minute. Then finally, realizing how ridiculous it was to sit in utter stillness with darkness surrounding them, Erica decided to speak.

"I think we should just forget about hanging out tonight." 

"You don't want me to sleep over at your place?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Well obviously we aren't getting along very well. And I really don't appreciate the way you've been speaking to me."

"What do you mean? All I've done is try to explain about the phone calls, so what exactly did I do wrong?"

"It was the tone of voice you used. Towards the end of our conversation, you were staring to get snippy with me."

"No I wasn't."

"Yes, you were." 

For a few moments he said nothing in response, then finally he offered some words. "I don't want to fight with you, Erica. So what do I have to do to make things right between us?"

"An apology would be nice."

"An apology?"

She gave a nod.

"For what?"

"See, this is exactly what I'm talking about. You can't even admit when you're wrong."

"I don't even know what I did." His voice was filled with exasperation.

"I already told you. If you can't remember, then just forget it." She directed her attention away from him and stared out the window.

Cody gave a little sigh, then unbuckled his seat belt and leaned in closer to her. Cupping her face in his palm, he gently turned her head so that her eyes met his. Then he tenderly brushed his thumb over her cheekbone, looking deep into her eyes as he did it.

"I'm sorry, okay?" 

She nodded, feeling herself instantly melt beneath his sensual touch. 

"And I want you to know that I wasn't trying to hide anything from you. I would never lie to you, Erica."

"I know." Her voice came out soft, nearly a whisper.

"I love being with you, so the last thing I would ever want to do is hurt you. You know that, right?" 

"Yes." Enraptured by the beauty of his dark eyes, she lost herself in his gaze.

Their faces gradually moved closer to each other, lips drawing nearer as if controlled by a magnetic force. As he continued to caress her face, her eyes became half-lidded, a soft sigh escaping her lips as he allowed his free hand to roam beneath her dress. 

"Let me stay over tonight." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, then pulled back to once again look her in the eyes. "You want me to make you feel good, don't you?" 

As he pressed two fingertips against her lace clad sex, she emitted a light moan, feeling a deep and urgent ache build between her thighs. "Mhmm." There was a huskiness to the way she said it, and as his lips found hers, she happily succumbed to his dominating kiss.

After a deep, lingering embrace, their lips parted to take in the breath that they'd lost. Deeply aroused by the hungry kiss they'd shared, Erica found herself greedily wanting more, and as Cody removed his hand from the heat between her legs, she released a sound of disappointment.

"Just gonna grab a few things from my apartment. Be back in a bit, okay?"

She gave a nod in response, and after giving her one last peck on the lips, Cody opened the car door and got out. She watched as he headed for the security door, and upon reaching it, punched in the code to open the door. 

Once he was out of sight she settled her back against the seat, impatiently awaiting his return. Noticing that he'd left his cell phone in the car, she thought about turning it on to see if he'd received another phone call. 

Her urge to do this didn't stem from distrust of her lover, but rather from a curiosity to know more about this woman who was relentlessly pursuing him. So despite her feelings of guilt about snooping through his phone, she picked it up and pressed the button to turn it on. The phone emitted a melodic chime, followed by the illumination of the screen as it offered a welcome message. 

As the display screen loaded, the phone vibrated in her hand, then emitted multiple chimes to alert her of text messages received. Amazed to see that he'd received eight texts and three voicemails, she clicked the button to open the first text message.

*It's Natalie. Please call me. I really need to speak to you.*

She then opened the second text, which proved to be even more urgent than the first.

*Husband found out about us. Really need you to call me. IMMEDIATELY*

Thinking back to what Cody had told her about this woman, Erica recalled that he had mentioned her being married. Suddenly realizing that this was far more of a serious situation that she ever could have imagined, she wasted no more time in finding out more.

After pressing the button that gave her access to the mail box, she eagerly followed the prompts that the automated voice gave her, then nervously waited for the first message to play. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 11



"Cody, this is Natalie," spoke a frantic sounding female voice. "I know you told me to never contact you again, but this is an emergency. My husband is back from deployment, and I have no idea how it happened, but somehow he found out about you. I tried to tell him you didn't know I was married, but he wouldn't listen." She exhaled a shaky breath, then continued to speak. "Anyways, we got into a huge argument, and just five minutes ago, he left the house. Said he'd found out where you lived and that he was going over to have a talk with you. I'm not for certain but I think he-"

Natalie's voice suddenly halted, then there came the sound of a deep voice in the background, leading Erica to assume that it was none other than Natalie's husband. What followed next was the sound of raised voices, then noises which indicated some sort of a struggle. Then there was absolute silence as the line went dead. 

A beep signaled the end of the message, followed by an automated voice which prompted Erica to either delete or save it. Uncertain of what to do, she pressed a shaky finger against one of the buttons on the keypad and saved it to archives, then anxiously listened to the computerized voice as it introduced the second message.

"Next message, sent today at 8:15 p.m."

"Listen asshole, nobody fucks my wife and gets away with it," an angry male voice boomed through the receiver. "I know where you live, and I'm coming after you. Your days are limited, shithead." 

There was a beep as the message ended, and wasting not a moment longer, Erica hit the button to disconnect from voicemail. After quickly unbuckling her seatbelt, she hastily exited the car, making quick steps towards the entryway that led into the apartment complex. 

As she reached the security door, she quickly scanned the list of names until she spotted Cody's, then punched in the code that would allow her to call his apartment. 

The line rang one, twice, three times before Erica became certain that something was terribly wrong, and as her imagination began to concoct images of a dismal nature, she felt her chest tighten with dread. Grim expectation made seconds seem like minutes, and she waited with baited breath as the line continued to ring on and on. 

"C'mon baby, please pick up." Her voice was filled with desperation, eyes fixed intently on the call box, as if she could will him to answer through the power of her mind. 

Each tone that emitted through the intercom box came out sounding increasingly ominous, her hope plummeting as the line endlessly rang. It got to a total of eight rings before Erica felt a rush of panic overtake her, but as Cody's voice suddenly emanated from the call box, she was filled with an overwhelming sense of relief.

"Hello?"

"Cody, it's me. Let me up."

"Hey, babe. Sorry I took so long, but I'm on my way down right now."

"No, just stay where you are. I don't think it's safe to come out here."

Picking up on the seriousness in her voice, he said, "I'm buzzing you in now. Get up here as quickly as you can."

As soon as she was past the door, she made hasty steps for the elevator. After waiting for what seemed like an extraordinarily long time, the elevator finally reached ground level, and as the doors parted she quickly entered the lift. 

After reaching the floor that Cody lived on, the car emitted a beep, then the doors parted to let her off. She only had to travel a few feet down the hallway until she came to his door, and upon reaching it, realized it stood ajar. 

Uncertain if the door had been left open in anticipation of her arrival, she cautiously entered. Except for a dim light which shone from the sleeping loft above, the interior of the apartment was dark, making it difficult for her to make out her surroundings. 

"Cody?" Her voice wavered, palms growing sweaty as she stepped further inside. "Sweetie, are you okay?"

The energy in the room was oppressive and foreboding, and although she'd received neither audible nor visual proof, she became strongly convinced that there was an intruder in the midst. 

The urge to flee was nearly overpowering, but the love she felt for Cody proved to be even stronger, providing her with the courage which was needed to remain in the apartment.

She moved with slow steadiness, glancing to her right, then left, before casting a suspicious gaze up toward the bedroom. Still grasping Cody's cell phone in her hand, she began to punch in the digits that would connect her to emergency.

"If there's somebody in here you'd better get out now, because I'm calling the police." 

She'd clearly intended for the statement to serve as a threat, but the unsteadiness of her voice made it obvious just how scared she was. Having finished dialing in the numbers, Erica pressed the call button and brought the phone up to her ear. 

"911, what's your emergency?" Came a woman's voice through the phone.

Before she even had a chance to respond, the light in the elevated sleeping area suddenly shut off, casting the entire loft in complete darkness. There was the sound of heavy footsteps moving hastily against the floor of the bedroom, then a loud crash as glass was shattered. 

All of these things happening in such quick succession sent her spiraling headfirst into confusion, and as a burst of adrenaline coursed through her body, she was spurred into action. 

Suddenly remembering that she'd called 911, she hurriedly spoke into the receiver. "Please send help! Someone's broken into my boyfriend's house." 

A second crash emenated from the bedroom, and in a fit of panic, she hastily backed up against the edge of the coffee table. As her legs met with the solid object, she went tumbling over it. 

A cry of pain tore from her throat as her body collided hard with the glass of the table, and the cell phone she'd been holding fell from her hands, sliding just out of reach across the hardwood floor. Thrown off balance by her fall, but too afraid to remain still, she struggled to get back on her feet. 

With her eyes still adjusting to the darkness, she was just barely able to make out the silhouette of a broadly built man as he dashed down the stairs, and upon reaching ground level, made a mad rush for the open door. 

As he reached the threshold, he sprinted across it, footsteps echoing loudly as he retreat down the hallway of the apartment complex. No sooner had he left did she quickly rise to her feet, rushing for the staircase that would take her to the sleeping loft. 

In her haste to climb the steps she tripped a few times, and as she finally reached the top, she entered the bedroom. Cast in complete darkness, she was unable to see a thing, so she slid her palm across the wall until it made contact with the light switch. 

As darkness gave way to light, she saw that Cody was lying facedown next to the bed, and quickly made her way toward him. As she reached his body she dropped to her knees, and that was when she noticed a stab wound in his lower back. 

"No...no, oh please no!" Her panic stricken voice cut through the silence around them, and a mournful sound erupted from her mouth as she noticed a second wound, located in the upper part of his back. 

A small stream of blood was flowing from both wounds, seeping into the fabric of his top, and realizing the quantity of blood he was losing, she knew that time was of the essence. She quickly grabbed a cordless phone off the bedside table, then input the number for emergency. 

As a technician came onto the line, she hastily explained the situation, and after being told that an ambulance was on the way, tossed the phone aside. Laying a gentle hand against her lover's head, she lovingly stroked his hair, moving it back away from his face. 

"Please don't die." Her eyes stung from the tears that were flowing, blurring her vision. "It can't happen like this...please be okay. *Please.*" As she repeated it over and over, it became like a mantra to her, and she bent her head down to place a tender kiss against his cheek. 

Lying completely still, Cody's eyes were half mast, and although he wasn't moving, she could tell from his shallow breaths that he was still alive. She had no idea how long it'd been since he'd gotten stabbed, but if there was something she was certain of, it was a need to reduce his bleeding.

Spotting a lone sock that was lying on the floor, she grabbed hold of it, then fashioned it into a ball and pressed it firmly against one of his injuries. 

Too afraid to apply pressure to the wound next to his spine, she'd chosen the one located in his lower back. She couldn't help noticing the amount of blood that was oozing out of his other injury, and began to seriously wonder what his chances of survival were. 

Not only was he losing a serious amount of blood, but she also worried about the effect of stress on his heart. The more blood that he lost, the harder it would have to work, which would only reduce his chances of enduring this ordeal. She heard a particularly distressing groan pass his lips, and as his face took on a pinched expression, she felt a pang of sorrow shoot through her. 

"Come on Cody, you gotta stay with me. Please don't leave me, baby." Her gaze was trained on his face, taking note of the way his eyelids were steadily becoming more droopy, as if falling victim to sleep. 

Yet knowing it wasn't slumber trying to claim him, but rather death, she felt her chest tighten with dread, and the tears which slid down her cheeks promptly became twin rivers. 

"No, you can't. Please...baby, don't.." Her voice cracked, too overcome with emotion to finish speaking.

Overcome with dread at the thought of her lover dying, she focused her attention on the breaths that he took, noticing how they were becoming increasingly labored. 

His respirations were now accompanied by an alarming wheezing noise, and as she directed her attention to his face, she noticed that his eyelids were nearly shut.

Having felt a steady wave of pain and sadness, she was now also experiencing a flash of anger. Even with the fabric of his dress shirt being dark, she could still tell it was soaked in blood, and could only imagine the amount of pain he was going through. And for what? All because of a destructive emotion called jealousy. 

It wasn't only Natalie's husband Erica was angry at, but Natalie herself, as her complete lack of common sense had directly led to this dismal situation. Who in their right mind would purposely engage another in a relationship, yet fail to mention the fact that they were married? 

When two consenting adults knowingly entered into an affair, it was a different story entirely, and it certainly wasn't her place to judge. However, when one of the parties knowingly allowed the other to remain ignorant of their marital status, it was just plain wrong in her book. 

It just wasn't right for Cody to die like this, stabbed because of a complete misunderstanding, and she would be damned if the person who had committed this heinous act was allowed to roam free for very mush longer. 

Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, she was amazed to see that only three minutes had passed since she'd dialed 911. To her it felt as if half an hour had gone by, but despite the short span of time, she still found herself wondering just what was taking so long. Each minute brought him closer to death, increasing the chances for him to succumb to his violent injuries.

Allowing her right palm to continue pressing against the blood soaked sock, she allowed her left hand to meet with Cody's. She threaded her fingers through his, softly stroking the back of his hand with her thumb. Then she leaned down to place her lips against his ear, and shakily whispered into it.

"You can't give up, Cody. You're an Aries, remember? The ram never quits."

His fingers gave a weak twitch in response, just barely enough to indicate that he was still alive, but that was more than enough to instill her with hope. Suddenly there came a loud rapping at the front door, followed by the sound of a male voice.

"Paramedics. Anyone here?"

"We're in the bedroom, on the second floor," she shouted.

She heard the sound of their footsteps as they made their way up toward the sleeping loft, and as they reached the top of the stairs, she glanced up to see two healthcare professionals enter the room. 

The crackling static noises their walkie talkies emitted only made the situation seem more surreal, and as they hurried to Cody's side, the female paramedic began to ask questions. 

"What happened?"

"He was stabbed."

"How many times?"

"As far as I know, only twice."

"Know who did it?"

"Yes. Not by name, though."

"You weren't present when it happened?"

"No, I was outside. Waiting in the car, and..." She struggled to get the rest of the words out, but found that they just wouldn't come. A choking noise came from her throat, then her chest began to heave with emotion. 

Noticing how distraught she was, the male paramedic offered a few words. "It's okay, ma'am. Just take your time." 

Erica nodded, brushing away the tears as she watched the paramedics lift Cody onto a stretcher. 

"Does he have any family you can call?" The female paramedic asked.

"Yes."

"Get in touch with them immediately." 

The seriousness in her voice sent a chill down Erica's spine, and she worriedly observed as they lifted the stretcher and carefully made their way down the stairs. Erica followed behind them, and as they reached ground level, the paramedics unfolded the legs of the stretcher and wheeled it towards the door. 

After grabbing Cody's cell phone where she'd dropped it on the ground, she began to search for the keys to his apartment. To her relief she was able to quickly spot them, and after retrieving them from the kitchen counter, she followed the ambulance crew members out into the hallway. 

After locking the door to the apartment, she walked beside the stretcher, holding Cody's hand as the paramedics wheeled him along. behind the paramedics, allowing them to lead the way towards the elevator. 

As they headed for the elevator, she noticed a few inquisitive people open the doors of their apartments and pop their heads out to have a look. Their voyeurism caused Erica to feel not only uncomfortable, but also extremely annoyed, and she gave a few of the nosy neighbors a dirty look. 

This caused a few of them to retreat back into their residences and close the doors behind them, but a few others continued to watch, seemingly unbothered by the hard glare that Erica was giving them. Deciding to ignore the unwanted attention from the lookyloos, she chose instead to direct her eyes at the male paramedic.

"Is he going to be okay?" The tone of voice she used seemed to beg for an affirmative answer.

"The stab wounds are quite deep, and there's been a serious amount of bleeding, so his condition is fairly serious," he said. "However, only a doctor can determine the full extent of his injuries."

The pressure began to rise in her chest, and she could feel herself gearing up for another cry, but determined to stay strong, she forced back the tears. It was imperative that she pull herself together and contact Cody's family, so using her free hand, she manipulated the cell phone keypad with her fingers. 

After a few short moments of searching through the phone's address book, she found the number she was looking for. She then hit the 'send' button, and as the line began to ring, she nervously waited for an answer.

Having reached the elevators and pressed the button to go down, the paramedics began to talk amongst themselves, speaking all sorts of medical terms that she didn't quiet understand. 

Every once in awhile, however, she did pick up on a few things, which led her to realize that Cody's condition was definitely in the red zone. The elevator beeped to signal it's arrival, and as they stepped onto the lift, the person she'd been trying to contact finally came onto the line.

"Cody, hello. It's so good of you to call your mother. How are you, son?"

Hating to be the messenger of bad news, she reluctantly began to speak. "Hi. You don't know me, but I'm Cody's girlfriend, Erica." Trying her best to keep from breaking down, she released a shaky breath, then continued. "I'm really sorry to call you with this news, but Cody's been badly injured."

"How? What happened?" She anxiously asked.

"He was stabbed." 

Clearly wrecked by the news, a grief stricken sound erupted from her mouth. "He's alive though, isn't he? Please tell me he's alive." The tone of voice she used was of desperate pleading.

"He is."

"Oh thank God." She let loose a relieved sigh. "Is he going to be okay?"

Not wanting to break his mother's heart, she briefly hesitated, trying to figure a way to say it without causing too much grief. But how exactly was one supposed to minimize the seriousness of such a situation?

"I don't know much at all yet, only that his condition is serious." As the elevator reached the ground floor, the doors parted and the paramedics wheeled the stretcher out, with Erica following behind them. "The paramedics are about to load him into the ambulance, then we'll be on our way to the hospital."

"Tell me what hospital they're taking him to." The urgency in her voice caused the words she spoke to come out more as an order, rather than a question. 

After asking the paramedics, Erica relayed the information to Cody's mother.

"I'm on my way right now," she said. "I'm driving from Arizona, so I won't arrive until late this evening, but I will be there."

"You need anything at all, just call me on this line. I'll update you with information as soon as I get it." 

Having arrived at the ambulance, Erica watched as they loaded Cody in, and once Erica was seated in the back of the emergency vehicle, the female paramedic slammed the doors behind them. 

As the ambulance took off, sirens blared, causing Erica to press one of her palms against her ear so she could catch the last few words that Cody's mom spoke.

"They need any information about Cody's health history, have them call me. He has heart issues, and there are certain things they need to know."

"Of course, I promise to have them contact you as soon as possible." 

"Thank you," she said in a quivering voice. "And Erica?"

"Yes?"

"I know you can't do a lot..." She gave a pause, then took a shaky breath, as if struggling to go on. "But please make sure they take good care of my son."

"I will."

"I need to get on the road now, but thank you for calling."

"Not a problem."

"Goodbye."

"Bye."

Glancing down at Cody lying on the stretcher, Erica noticed how weak and helpless he looked. There was an oxygen mask over his face, and each breath that he took seemed to grow more shallow. 

So used to seeing him as a strong, capable, and intensely active person, it was quite a strange sight to see him simply lying still with his eyes closed, clad in a bloody shirt as he was driven in an ambulance to the hospital. Feeling a desperate urge to touch him, she grabbed his hand, firmly holding onto it as her face creased with worry.

She knew there were a number of other people that needed to be contacted about his condition, but as of right now, she needed to focus her attention entirely on him. 

As soon as they arrived at the hospital, he would be taken into surgery, and there was no telling how long or intense of an operation it would be, so she needed to fully appreciate this moment she had with him. 

Erica watched as the female paramedic began to take Cody's blood pressure, and as she took note of the reading, a deep crease appeared between her eyebrows. "B.P. 90/60," she called out to the ambulance driver. "His pulse is quickly dropping!" 

While she set to work at putting an IV in his arm, the second paramedic who was driving the ambulance spoke into a radio. "This is Unit 5. En route with a 32 year old male, stab wounds to his middle and lower back. Patient was semi-alert when we arrived, but has now lost consciousness."




Peak of Desire Ch. 11



"What's his status?" Came the reply. 

"Critical. Pulse is rapidly dropping and there's massive blood loss. Needs immediate surgery."

"Noted. OR will be ready."

With Erica being in such a state of panic, it seemed that everything around her was happening in a blur. In a state of complete shock, she stared dazedly down at her lover, feeling as if she were in some sort of a nightmare. 

Although she knew it did no good to dwell on passed moments, she couldn't help recalling how upset she'd been with him when they'd first arrived at his apartment. 

Why had she been so quick to mistrust him about the phone calls? She should have known he wouldn't lie to her. As long as they'd known one another, he'd been entirely straightforward and had never given her reason to mistrust him. 

So why had she chosen to give him such a hard time? Shaking her head with a sadness in her eyes, she brought his hand up to her mouth, then graced the back of it with a light kiss. 

No sooner had the ambulance pulled to a stop in front of the ER entrance, did the medical attendants waiting outside the hospital rush for the back doors. 

The second paramedic who had been driving the ambulance came around back, and assisted his partner in unloading the stretcher that Cody was lying on. Erica was last to exit the vehicle, and as the paramedics wheeled the stretcher into the hospital, a doctor rushed up to meet them.

"What's his status?" Asked a female surgeon, walking quickly alongside the stretcher as the paramedics scurried forward.

"Two stab wounds, one upper spine, one lower back. He's lost a hell of a lot of blood, so he's gonna need a transfusion. And his pulse rate is rapidly dropping."

"So he's in a critical state. Has anyone contacted his family?" 

"Yes, I have," Erica suddenly spoke, causing the doctor to take notice of her.

"Are they on their way?"

She gave a nod in response.

"Good. The sooner they arrive, the better." She then directed her attention back to the paramedics. "Alright, let's move it. Get him to OR." 

The stretcher was hastily moved further down the hall, and as it reached the emergency room double doors, the medical team wheeled Cody inside. Erica tried to enter as well, but her progress was suddenly halted by a male nurse. 

"Ma'am, you're not allowed in the ER. I'm sorry, but you you're going to have to wait out here." He gestured toward the waiting room, where a number of other anxious looking people were sitting in chairs. 

Desperately wanting to be by her lover's side, she directed her gaze toward the ominous looking double doors, taking one last glance at Cody on the stretcher before the barriers swung shut. 

Then with great reluctance, she headed for the waiting room. She sat with shoulders hunched, focusing her eyes on her hands, which were nervously clasped in her lap. 

Suddenly realizing that her palms were covered in blood, she held her right one up in front of her face. She eyed it curiously, as if unable to believe the sight before her, and as the iron-like scent of his blood wafted into her nostrils, she felt a crushing wave of sadness come over her. 

Knowing it would do no good to release more tears, she bit her bottom lip to stop it from quivering, then made herself busy by going through Cody's list of cell phone contacts. 

Since Mia was the only friend of Cody's that Erica had met, she knew it was important to inform her of his condition. She was definitely the last person that Erica felt like currently dealing with, but since it was an emergency, she knew it was important for her to put her personal feelings aside and just make the call. 

After locating Mia's number, Erica hit the send call button, then brought the receiver up to her ear. The line only rang twice, then the sound of Mia's voice came through the phone. Erica took a deep breath to stabilize herself, and after reining in her emotions, she began to speak, somberly delivering the bad news. 

* * * *

Twenty minutes after Erica placed the call, Mia arrived at the hospital. Beyond the necessary communication, the two women had spoken very few words to each other, and were now angstfully waiting for word from the doctor. The minutes dragged painfully slow, causing them both to repeatedly check the clock. 

Thirty minutes finally turned into an hour, and as the minutes ticked on, Erica found herself becoming increasingly nervous. She didn't know why it was taking so long to get an update, but desperate to receive some type of news, she got onto her feet and made her way toward the nurses station.

Her sudden presence caught the attention of a mousy looking nurse, who looked up from a clipboard she was writing on. "May I help you?"

"My boyfriend has been in surgery for an hour now, but I haven't received any word back from the doctor. Is there any way at all I can get some sort of an idea about his condition?"

"I'm sorry but there's nothing I can tell you at the moment. I'm afraid you'll just have to wait for the doctor to inform you."

Erica gave a weak nod, then turned and went back to her seat. It wasn't until she was once again seated that she noticed Mia intently watching her, looking her up and down with an expression of clear animosity. With Mia seated in a chair directly across from Erica, she was afforded the chance to stare directly at her. 

Erica tried her best to hide her discomfort of being the subject of such a heated gaze, but it was a very hard thing to do with the hostile energy that Mia was sending her way. Completely fed up with the other woman's rude behavior, Erica met Mia's penetrating look with one of her own.

"What's your deal?" The tone of voice Erica used clearly conveyed the annoyance she felt. 

"What's *yours*?"

"You're staring at me."

"And?"

"It gives me the creeps."

"So move somewhere else. Nobody's forcing you to stay in that seat."

"You're the one with the staring problem, so why don't you move?"

"Because I don't want to." 

A scoff passed Erica's lips, and she averted her eyes, choosing to focus instead on a watercolor painting of swans that was affixed to the wall. She'd been staring at the picture for less than a minute before she heard the sound of Mia's voice.

"So what's with that getup, anyway?"

She turned her head, giving Mia a sour look. "What do you mean what's with it? It's a cocktail dress."

Lifting an eyebrow, she gave Erica's garment a scrutinizing look. "Seems more like a Halloween costume to me." 

"Are you seriously criticizing my outfit? What are you, in high school or something?"

"Whoa, major burn." Her voice was laced with sarcasm. "That really hurt my feelings."

Erica's irritation reached its peak, causing her to angrily respond. "Is it really necessary for you to be this bitchy? I mean just what exactly do you get out of it?"

"Look, I don't like you, and you don't like me. So why should we pretend? Why not just come right out and say what we think of each other?"

"Because it doesn't accomplish anything."

"So you'd rather just be fake? Make believe that we don't hate each others guts?"

"I don't hate you, Mia. I may dislike you, but I certainly don't hate you."

"Yeah, right." 

"It's the truth. I don't have the time or energy to waste on such a destructive emotion, and I think it's a real shame you can't realize that."

"Yeah, whatever." She rolled her eyes, then emitted a little noise as if to convey how absurd she found Erica's statement. 

"Look Mia, I know you're having a hard time accepting it, but the reality is that I'm Cody's girlfriend. So you may as well just deal with it, because that isn't going to change."

A humorless chuckle escaped her lips. "You're not his girlfriend. You're just somebody he's screwing." 

"What Cody and I have goes far beyond just sex. He cares deeply about me, and I feel the same about him."

"Yeah, okay. Whatever makes you feel better."

The smug look on Mia's face was nothing short of infuriating, and Erica suddenly had the urge to give the other woman a good, hard slap. Yet knowing that Mia was the type to feed off anger, she did her best to remain composed, choosing to seethe in silence.

"You're the third girl Cody's dated in the past four months," Mia said. "And just like all the others, you're completely boring and totally spineless. I bet he walks all over you." She shook her head in a disappointed way, then said, "I will *never* understand his taste in women."

"Interesting you should say that, because you're a woman as well. You do realize that, don't you?"

Suddenly realizing that her insult had been unintentionally self-directed, a shamefaced expression briefly crossed her face. "I was referring to the ones that he dates."

"Of course, you're exempt because you're just his friend." She gave a nod then said with a little smile, "Got it."

Mia narrowed her eyes in a predatory way, but it didn't cause Erica's gaze to falter in the least. Engaged in an intense stare down, neither woman noticed the doctor in light blue scrubs enter the waiting room. 

Upon reaching them, she asked, "Excuse me, are you two family of Cody Begay?"

"I'm his best friend," said Mia.

"And I'm his girlfriend."

She offered them a nod, then said, "I'm Doctor Anderson. I know you're both anxious to hear about Cody's condition, so I'll get right to it. He's currently stable but he's lost a lot of blood, so he'll be getting a transfusion. He is out of the red zone, but there is one issue in particular...something very serious that I need to mention."

"What?" Julia felt a knot of anxiety begin to form in her stomach. 

"There's been some spinal damage. We haven't been able to determine just how serious it is yet, but we do know for certain that he won't be able to function at the same level he did before he was injured."

"Are you saying he's paralyzed?" Mia asked.

"Yes, but not totally. He has something called central cord syndrome, which means he's affected with incomplete tetraplegia. While his sensation to touch and pain has been preserved, he'll have a huge reduction in the motor function of both his arms and legs."

Erica heard a soft curse slip from Mia's mouth, then saw her cover her face with her hands. In a state of shock herself, Erica stared in utter disbelief at the doctor, temporarily at a loss of words. 

"I know how difficult this is for the two of you to hear, so I'll give you a bit of news that may make this a bit easier to swallow. His spinal cord was fractured, not severed, so there's a good possibility he will recover. To what extent and how quickly that recovery will come about is unclear at this point. I'm not making any promises that he'll ever be the same, but I just want you to know that there is hope."

"So this could be a temporary thing, then," The deep sadness in Erica's voice seemed to lessen just a little.

"Yes, that's what it looks like. But again, this doesn't mean I'm making any promises he'll ever possess the same level of functionality he did pre-injury. Chances are, he'll require help with daily living for quite some time. Whether it will be months or years, I'm unable to say at this point."

Erica nodded, then blew out a quivering breath. Her eyes were growing moist again, and she could tell that tears were threatening to fall.

With a concerned look on her face, the doctor asked, "Does he have family, anyone directly related?"

"Yes. I called his mother and she's on her way," said Erica. "It'll take her some time to get here though, because she's driving from Arizona." 

"Allright, well it's good to know he has relatives. I'm sure you two will be wonderful support for him, but when these sort of things happen, it's very important for family to come together."

"I agree." Her voice wavered, lips trembling as she struggled to hold in her emotions. Unfortunately her attempt was met with failure and she promptly burst into tears. 

The doctor grabbed a box of kleenex off the end table next to Erica's chair, then held it out for her to take a few. After pulling a few of the tissues out, Erica wiped the salty liquid from her eyes, then dabbed at her nose. 

"I'm very sorry to give you such bad news. I know it can't be easy hearing something like this, especially with you being his girlfriend and all." Doctor Anderson placed a hand on Erica's shoulder, giving it a compassionate rub. 

Feeling weak and foolish and completely out of control, she mustered every bit of strength and willed herself to stop crying. After a few moments of focusing her energy on more positive thoughts, her tears subsided, and she was once again able to speak. 

I'm sorry, it's just.." Her shoulders heaved and she did her best to swallow the sobs which threatened to tear from her throat.

"Take your time, it's no rush," came the doctor's reassuring words.

"Everything's changed so quickly. Just a few hours ago, everything was normal. And now..." Feeling an overwhelming sense of melancholy, she shook her head in dismay.

"I know, it's all so sudden, isn't it? Unfortunately that's the way these things happen. Swift and without any warning at all." 

"When will we be able to see him?" Asked Mia.

"Not for another hour, possibly even two. Sorry for the long wait, but we want to make sure he remains completely stabilized before he receives any visitors." 

Mia gave a nod in response, then blew out a heavy breath.

"If you guys would like some coffee, there's a machine right down the hall, and if you get hungry, the cafeteria is located on the basement floor."

"Thanks, but I'm fine for now," said Erica.

"Allright. Once again, I really am sorry. As soon as Cody's ready to receive visitors, I'll come out and let you two know."

"Okay. Thanks doctor."

"You're welcome, Erica." She then turned on her heel and left the waiting room.

Neither Mia nor Erica spoke a word, and both directed their gazes downward, staring at the linoleum tile floor of the waiting room. Erica heard sounds of people coughing and the low volume of the flat screen TV on the wall, as well as the overhead paging system, but despite the noises of activity in the hospital, she felt very disconnected. 

Of course she'd known that Cody's injuries were serious, but never in her wildest imagination would she ever have expected for them to result in paralyzation. Cody, paralyzed? He was the most active, driven, and energetic person she'd ever met, so knowing that he'd become largely immobile was just too difficult for her to even process. 

Yet as heart breaking as it was for her, she could only imagine how incredibly devastating it would be for Cody once he found out. Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted as Mia's voice cut through the air. 

"I can't sit here any longer." She abruptly rose to her feet, then said, "Gonna go outside and get some air." 

Erica watched as Mia made hasty steps toward the automatic doors that led outside. Once she was out of sight, Erica tilted her head back and allowed it to rest against the wall behind her. Staring up at the ceiling, she tried to figure out how everything could have gone so terribly wrong in such a short amount of time. 

* * * *

The sensation of someone shaking her awake caused Erica's eyelids to open, and she moved her head forward so that it no longer rested against the wall. She then focused on the person in front of her, and seeing it was Doctor Anderson, she gave her an expectant look.

"Hi Erica. If you'd like to come along with me, I'll take you to go see Cody."

"Okay." 

As she got onto her feet she wobbled a bit, due to the fact that she was not only still wearing heels, but also a bit disoriented from recently waking up. Noticing that Mia was standing near the doctor, she offered her a brief glance, and couldn't help noticing that her eyes were red and puffy. 

To her surprise, Mia quickly averted her gaze, choosing instead to direct her attention at something else. This led Erica to guess that Mia was trying to hide the fact that she'd been crying, and judging from the swollen bags beneath her eyes, she'd obviously been doing quite a bit of it.

The doctor's sneakers made a squeaking noise against the linoleum floor as she led them down the hall toward intensive care, and as they reached Cody's room, she pushed the door open. 

The hospital bed Cody was lying in had been adjusted so that his head was elevated, and the beeping of a heart monitor filled the air around them. 

Both Mia and Erica rushed to his side, glancing down at his bed ridden form. Clearly in pain and in a weakened state from surgery, he focused his eyes on Erica. Meeting his gaze with a sorrowful expression, she leaned over the bed rail to give him a soft kiss on the cheek, then reached for his hand and held it in hers. 

"Hi, baby." She gave him a weak smile.

"Hey, Cody." There was deep somberness in Mia's voice, and the expression on her face clearly conveyed her feelings about the distressing sight before her.

Cody's eyes shifted from Erica to Mia, then back again. He blinked a few times, as if to clear his vision, then emitted a little moan. 

"He just woke up half an hour ago, and he's had a lot of meds pumped into his system, so he's still a little groggy," said Dr. Anderson.

"He looks like he's in pain," said Mia. "Are you sure you gave him enough medication?"

"The nurse administered a dose just before he woke up. It just takes a little time for it to kick in." She briefly paused, then once again spoke. "I'll let you two be alone with him. You have twenty minutes." 

Erica gave the surgeon a nod in response, watching as she left the room, then directed her attention back to Cody. Tenderly stroking his hand, she asked, "How're you feeling, honey?"

"Horrible," he mumbled. "I can't move my arms at all."

"What about your legs?"

"A little, but it takes a lot of effort." 

"The doctor said it may not be permanent. She told us there's a chance you'll fully recover."

"Yeah, she told me that too. She was just saying it, though. She doesn't really believe it." 

"She wouldn't lie to you, Cody." 

"Why not?"

"Because doctors don't lie to their patients. If she says you have a chance at recovering, then you do. 

"I saw it in her eyes. She gave me this look of pity, like she knew the truth but just didn't wanna say it."

"You have to have faith that things will work out."

"And if they don't?"

"Don't talk like that. You will get better, I know you will."

"Yeah, you're tough," said Mia. "You can't just give up and accept this."

"Exactly. And besides, since when you are a quitter?" Erica looked him deep in the eyes.

Averting his gaze from hers, he chose to focus instead on the door. Perhaps sensing that he needed some extra encouragement, Mia said a few words. 

"You're the strongest person I know, Cody. Anything you put your mind to, you accomplish. This is just another challenge you'll overcome."

"She's right," said Erica. "You never back down from anything, so I know you're gonna work through this."

He let loose a heavy sigh, then irritatedly said, "Would you two knock off the pep talk? I'm really not in the mood for it right now."

Mia and Erica shared a brief glance, equally taken aback by Cody's angry words. Although it was completely expected for him to be distressed, neither had been prepared for his sour disposition. Yet despite the fact that he seemed immune to positive encouragement, Erica refused to give in and just let him wallow. 

"We're not trying to upset you, sweetie. We just want you to know that you can do this. We care about you, and we want you to know that things will get better."

"No they won't. My life will never be the same again."

It pained her to the core to see Cody in such a dismal state, and an expression of deep sadness etched into her face. "Please don't give up. You can't just let this happen."




Peak of Desire Ch. 12



*Chapter 13 will be submitted within a day after this one, so be sure to check back for it. Sorry for such a long wait, but I hope you'll enjoy both this chapter, and the next. Thanks for your continued interest!* 

Just after eleven a.m. the next morning, Erica arrived at the hospital. After checking in at the nurse's desk, she headed down the hall which led to Cody's room, the soles of her low heeled boots softly clicking against the floor. As she continued along her way, her thoughts turned to the previous evening. 

After leaving the hospital, she'd driven directly to the police station to speak with a detective about Cody's attack. She'd not only provided them Natalie's cell phone number, but had also allowed them to listen to the threatening voice mail that had been left by her husband. 

Since she hadn't been able to get a good look at the suspect, Erica was unable to provide a detailed description of Natalie's husband. All she'd been able to say about Cody's attacker was that he was 'tall, heavyset, and white.' It was her hope that Natalie would provide the police with more than enough details in order for them to make an arrest. 

Before leaving the police station, the detective had promised to give her a call as soon as he had an update, and ever since then, she'd been anxiously waiting for a phone call. Of course she knew that it might take some time for that call to come through, but it didn't stop her from feeling impatient.

As she reached the door to Cody's hospital room, she turned the knob and pushed it open. The two pairs of eyes which glanced her way belonged to women who had similar features to his, leading Erica to guess that they were family members.

Giving them a little nod, she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Erica. Cody's girlfriend."

The youngest of the two women rose to her feet and walked toward Erica. "Noelle. I'm his sister." She offered her hand to shake.

Tall with jet black hair which came nearly to her waist, Noelle was dressed in a pair of boot cut jeans and a white, form fitting t-shirt.

"Nice to meet you, Noelle." She clasped palms with her.

Erica then directed her attention to the other woman in the room, who was sitting beside Cody's bed. Clearly his mother, she had shoulder length hair and stood about medium height. She had the same deep set eyes as her son, and wore a beige colored blouse and long black skirt.

"I'm Helen, Cody's mother." 

"It's great to meet you, Helen." She extended her hand. 

"Nice to meet you too, Erica."

As they clasped palms, Erica took the chance to study the other woman's face. Although she looked good for her age, Erica could tell that as a young woman, Helen must have been quite stunning, and she found it remarkable just how similar Cody's features were to his mother. 

Helen seemed to study Erica with equal interest, her eyes alight with curiosity. After releasing hands they offered each other a little smile, then Erica took a glance at Cody, who was asleep in the hospital bed.

"How's he been doing?" She asked.

"He was in quite a bit of pain earlier." As she said this, deep sorrow etched into Helen's face. "They gave him a dose of medication an hour ago and that made him pretty drowsy, but he should wake up in a bit."

"Any updates from the doctor?"

"She did tell us that he'll be here for at least five days, possibly longer depending on the condition of the wound. Other than that, not much else has changed."

Erica nodded, then walked closer to his bedside. She leaned down to give him a light kiss on the cheek, then took his hand in hers. 

"I still can't believe he's paralyzed," Noelle said. "When the doctor told me, I thought it must be some mistake, because it just didn't seem possible." She shook her head in dismay, eyes full of deep sadness. "The person who did this to him is truly sick." 

"I don't know how much he told you guys, but apparently the man who stabbed him is the husband of some woman he used to date."

"Natalie, right?" Noelle asked.

"Yep."

"I remember him mentioning her to me back when he was still in contact with her. Told me what a nut job she is. I guess her husband is just as crazy as her."

"Clearly so." She released a little sigh. "I stopped by the police station yesterday evening to talk with a detective. Gave him all the information I could. He said he'd bring Natalie in today for questioning."

"Good. She'd better tell the truth."

"Even if she doesn't, I have the voicemail her husband sent saved on Cody's phone, so she has no chance of getting away with any lies."

"You saved the voicemail?"

"Yep. Figured that Cody would want to hear it, so he would know who he was dealing with." As she cast a gaze down at his sleeping form, a look of deep regret came into her eyes. "Unfortunately I didn't reach him in time enough to give him the warning."

"I'm sure you did your best." Noelle took a lingering glance at her brother, then said, "If you don't mind, could I could listen to the voicemail? I just wanna hear what this guy said to him."

"Yeah, sure." She retrieved Cody's cell phone from her purse, then handed it over to Noelle. "It's his phone anyway, so you might wanna hold onto it until he gets out of the hospital.

"Thanks." She pressed a few buttons on the keypad, then after accessing his voice mail, she placed the receiver against her ear.

As she listened to the message, Noelle's brows deeply furrowed and her body tensed. Erica noticed her give a thick swallow, then once the voice mail came to an end, she removed the phone from her ear and slipped it into her pocket. 

Offering her daughter an inquisitive glance, Helen decided to question her about the voice mail. "What did he say? 

"A lot of bad words, mom. Nothing you want to hear."

Noelle bit her bottom lip and raked her fingers through her hair, then quickly averted her glance. After walking over to a small couch that was placed in front of a window, she sat down on it. 

Then she lowered her head so that her long hair obscured her features and buried her face in her hands. The shaking of her shoulders was accompanied by quiet weeping, which caught the attention of both Erica and Cody's mother.

Helen stood up from her seat and made her way over to her daughter, and upon reaching her, took a seat beside her. Wrapping an arm around her daughter's waist, she pulled her against her, tenderly stroking the top of her hair as she spoke some words in Navajo. 

Although Erica couldn't understand what they were saying, she could tell from the soothing tone of Helen's voice that it was clearly meant to stabilize Noelle, and provide her with some strength.

Observing such an emotional moment made Erica feel a little awkward, as if she should step out of the room and let them have their privacy. She began to strongly consider doing it, but then Cody suddenly stirred awake. As his eyelids lifted, a small groan passed his lips. His gaze then focused on Erica, who gave him a little smile.

"Hey babe, how you doing?" She coasted her palm against his face, allowing her thumb to gently caress his cheekbone. Suddenly she noticed an expression of deep anguish cross his face, and she instantly became alarmed. "Sweetie, what's wrong? Are you in pain?"

The sound of deep worry in her voice caused both Helen and Noelle to rush to his bedside, and they each gave him a concerned look.

"What is it, son? You need another dose of medication, I can call the nurse." She reached a hand out to hit the call button.

"I'm not in pain, mom. I'm okay." 

"Are you sure?" She placed her palm to his forehead. "You feel a bit warm. The doctor said there was a chance of you coming down with a fever from bacteria in the wound."

"Really, I'm okay." He exhaled a distressed breath, then said, "I had a dream."

"A bad one?" Asked Noelle.

"No, a good one. I was normal again, and walking. And I could use my arms." 

"Oh, honey." Erica caressed the back of his hand with the pad of her thumb.

"It was so real. Then I woke up, and I realized that nothing had changed. That I was still here." He shook his head and cast his gaze downward, perhaps not wanting the three women to see the emotion in his eyes.

"You won't be in this hospital forever, and you are going to get better. Your legs will work again." Helen grabbed his free hand and gave it a light squeeze. "That dream was sending you a message of hope, letting you know that you'll recover." 

"You really think so?" As he glanced up at his mother, the shadow across his face lessened.

"I know so. I told you this is only going to be a temporary thing. The doctor says you have a great chance at recovery, so that's what you have to focus on."

"I'm trying, but it's really hard, mom. I can barely even move my feet."

"You have to give it time, Cody."

"How much time? How long am I going to be like this?" His voice had grown hoarse with emotion, and he glanced deep into his mother's eyes, seeming to beg her for an answer.

"I don't know, baby. But you're a strong man. You remember what your father used to say about obstacles, don't you?"

"Yeah, I remember."

"Use that advice he gave you. It'll help you push through this."

He gave a nod, then there came the sound of someone knocking on the door, followed by a nurse entering the room. Dressed in pink scrubs, she had a curly bob hairstyle that was parted on the side.

"Hello." She gave them all a smile, and after putting on a pair of latex gloves, she brought a blood pressure machine over to Cody's bed. "Sorry to interrupt, but I need to check his blood pressure and take his temperature."

Noelle and Helen moved aside, taking a seat on the couch to clear a spot for the nurse. Julia started to retreat from the bed as well, but the sound of the nurse's voice halted her movement. 

"You're okay, sweetie. You don't have to move." She slipped the blood pressure cuff around Cody's arm, then pressed a button on the machine so that it would take his stats. 

As the machine was running, she slipped a thermometer into his mouth. Once both the blood pressure machine and digital thermometer gave a beep, she checked the display window for the results. "Your blood pressure looks just fine, but you're temperature is a bit high, so I'll be giving you another dose of antibiotics." 

"How high is his temperature?" Asked Helen from her spot on the couch.

"Just over 101. A second dose of antibiotics should take care of it, though."

She removed the pressure cuff, then took the thermometer out of his mouth. Then she bent down to glance at the catheter bag which hung on the side of his bed. "It looks like you aren't having any issues voiding, so that's good news. Have you had any pain while urinating?"

"No." 

"Good." She flipped his bedsheet back, then wedged her hands beneath the left side of his body. "Okay Cody, on the count of three, I'm going to roll you over to check your wound dressings, okay?"

He gave a nod in response. 

"One, two, three." After rolling him onto his side, she carefully studied his back. "Oh yeah, these bandages definitely need changing." Taking a glance at Cody's visitors, she said, "This might be a good time for you guys to take a coffee break, because this really won't be the easiest thing to see."

"I'd rather stay," said Helen. "He's my son, I can handle it."

"It's alright, mom. I'll be okay." Cody's voice came out sounding muffled, due to the fact that the side of his face was lying against the mattress.

She remained sitting for a few moments, then reluctantly got to her feet. She walked up to the bed and lovingly stroked his locks, then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'll let you have your privacy, then. See you in a bit, sweetheart."

"Okay." 

"Be back in a little while, honey." Erica gave him a light peck, and after Cody's sister gave her own words in parting, the three women headed for the door.

After stepping out into the hallway, they made their way toward the coffee machine, but halfway there, Noelle offered a suggestion. "Why don't we go down to the cafeteria, instead? You haven't eaten anything since we got here earlier this morning, mom."

"I'm not hungry." 

"You still need food in your stomach." 

"Alright." With reluctance in her voice, Helen strolled alongside the other two women as they made their way to the elevators.

After reaching basement level, they headed for the cafeteria, which was buzzing with activity and filled with a conglomeration of greasy food scents. They each grabbed a tray, and after picking out some items from the menu, they went to the cashier to pay for their lunch. 

Once they were seated at a table, they each started on their meals. After taking a few nibbles of her macaroni and cheese, Cody's mom focused her attention on Erica, who was spooning some minestrone soup into her mouth.

"So Erica, how long have you and Cody been seeing each other?"

"Going on six weeks now."

"And how did you meet?"

"First time I spotted him, he was washing the windows of this high rise building, but it wasn't until he came down that I was able to see his face." She smiled at the memory, recalling the moment when they'd first locked eyes. "He looked at me, and I looked at him...then like a dork, I tripped and fell."

A small chuckle escaped Noelle's lips. "Seriously?"

"Yep. Flat on my face."

"How embarrassing," said Helen. "It's also kinda cute, though."

"Oh believe me, I'm sure I looked like a complete fool." 

"Couldn't have looked too terrible. You caught the eye of my son, didn't you?" 

"Yeah, I guess I did." 

A thoughtful look came into Noelle's eyes as she said, "Yep, my brother's always had that effect on women. For as long as I can remember, he's gotten way more attention than he knows what to do with." 

"Not surprising, cause he's completely gorgeous." Erica's voice was filled with admiration.

Noelle and Helen shared a look of amusement, their lips tugging into light smirks.

Suddenly feeling foolish, Erica lowered her gaze, staring sheepishly into her soup. "Sorry, I'm gushing aren't I?" 

"It's okay," said Helen. "That's what you're supposed to do when you really like someone."

"It's not only his looks, though. I love how courageous he is. I'm so amazed by his climbing skills."

"He is very good at rock climbing," said Noelle. "He told me once that if he could rock climb for a living, he'd do it without a moment of hesitation. Guess that's why he decided to become a window washer. It's the next best thing."

"I don't like him climbing, and I don't get why he enjoys it so much." Helen shook her head lightly, then continued. "It's so dangerous. I always worried that he might fall and get hurt."

"I admired him for being so brave, but of course I worried about him too." Cody's sister gave a brief pause before continuing. "It's kinda funny how sometimes the things you worry about most never end up happening. And the things you'd never imagine, end up turning your world upside down."

"Yeah, no kidding. Life can be strange like that sometimes." Erica wrapped her lips around the straw in her cup, taking a languid sip of her root beer.

The women ate in silence for a few moments, each contemplating the ever-changing nature of life. Then after some time had passed, Helen retrieved her wallet from her purse. After undoing the clasp on her pocketbook, she retrieved a photo from one of the see-thru picture slots, then slid it across the table toward Erica.

Picking it up to have a look, Erica saw it was a snapshot of Cody as a young boy, standing beside a tall man with long hair. The resemblance between Cody and the man was striking, and Erica was left with no doubt as to their relation. 

Focusing on the background of the picture, she spotted a number of people dressed in beautiful regalia, and realized that the photo had been taken at a pow wow.

"Cody was nine in that picture. If you notice the outfit he's wearing, it's like a miniature version of the clothing his father had on." 

Studying their attire, Erica saw that Helen was right. Both Cody and his father were wearing blue jeans, a black t-shirt, and a jean jacket. She also noticed that Cody had mimicked the same pose as his father-hands stuffed casually into the pockets of his denims.

"How adorable. He looks so cute."

The corners of Helen's lips tugged upward. "That was a really good day. The memory is still fresh in my mind, as if it just happened last week." 

"It's such a trip looking at this picture. He was so young." She shook her head in amazement.

"Cody idolized his dad. Everywhere he went, so did Cody. Even if it was just down to the corner store." A faraway look came into her eyes, then a sad little smile graced her lips. "They really were quite a pair." 

Erica handed the photo back to Helen. "Cody tells me his dad was a musician."

"Johnny was a very talented guitar player. Taught Cody everything he knew."

"Cody can play guitar?"

"Oh yes, he's quite good at it, too. Or at least he was."

"He gave it up, huh?"

"Yep. When his dad died, he just quit playing." She took a swig from her can of Coke, then glanced at her watch. "We should probably be getting back now. Half an hour should have been plenty of time for that nurse to change Cody's bandages." 

They stood up from the table, and after clearing their trays off, stacked them on top of the trash can. Then they made their way to the elevators, and upon reaching the ninth floor, made their way to Cody's room. 

They entered the room to find Mia by his bedside, holding a glass of water as he sipped through the straw. She turned her head to look them, and as her gaze met with Erica's, her eyes hardened. She then averted her attention, giving Helen and Noelle a friendly smile. Focusing her attention on Cody's mother, she offered her a greeting.

"Hey, Mrs. Begay."

"Hello Mia, how are you?"

"I'm hangin' in there. It's good to see you again."

"It's nice to see you as well." She sat down in the seat next to Cody's bedside, then took his hand in hers and began chatting with him. 

Mia set the glass of water down on the tray next to his bed, then addressed Cody's sister. 

"Good to see you too, Noelle. It's been some time since we last saw one another." 

"Yeah, what's it been? Three years at least, huh?"

"Yep. It was that weekend me and Cody drove out to Arizona for that pow wow. You and Helen had a booth there, remember?"

"Oh yeah, that's right. Wow, that was a long time ago." She took a seat in a chair next to the one Helen was sitting in, then crossed her legs. "I see you cut your hair."

Mia ran a palm over her pixie style haircut. "Yeah, I like it better this way. Plus it's just easier to take care of."

"Well it looks good you."

"Thanks. And of course you're as gorgeous as ever."

"Yeah, right. I've been up all night. There's no way I look even remotely attractive right now."

"Well I still say you look good." Spotting the last available seat next to Cody's bed, she sat down in it.

With Mia purposely hogging Noelle's attention, and Helen and Cody conversing, Erica had no choice but to take a seat on the sofa by herself. She felt kind of strange just observing everyone else, but what else was she to do? 

As she glanced at Mia, she realized that her dislike for the other woman was continually increasing. Each time that they came in contact, the tension between them heightened, and she was now certain that it was only a matter of time before things came to a head.

She'd tried her very best to be civil towards Mia, but it was obvious that their interaction would be anything but. Studying Mia from her spot on the couch, Erica noticed that she and Noelle were engaging in quite an amiable chat. 

Judging from the words that had passed between Mia and Noelle, Cody had taken Mia out to Arizona with him on one of his visits back home, and it became obvious to her that Mia and Noelle had somewhat of a bond. Erica felt a strong pang of jealousy as she realized that Mia had already known Cody's family for years, while she, on the other hand, had barely met them just an hour ago. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 12



Of course she was aware that Mia and Cody had known each other for quite some time, but Erica still couldn't stand the fact that Mia was accepted and liked by his mother and sister. Couldn't they see her for what she was? 

It wasn't only Mia's hateful attitude that bothered her, but Erica also got the strong feeling that there wasn't something quite right about the woman. There was something sneaky about her, and every time Erica was in close proximity with her, she began to feel very uncomfortable. 

To say that Mia was unstable would be putting it nicely, because Erica had a feeling that she was batshit crazy. She hadn't yet done anything to completely confirm Erica's suspicions, but she guessed it was only a matter of time before something happened to prove her right.

Releasing an irritated sign beneath her breath, she continued to watch Noelle and Mia talk, feeling not only incredibly out of place, but also sad. She was Cody's girlfriend, so what sense did it make for her to feel like an outsider? It just didn't seem fair or right, and if Mia thought she was going to drive a wedge between her and Cody, she had another thing coming. 

Catching movement from out of the corner of her eyes, she averted her gaze from Mia, and realized that Cody's mother was waving her over. As she reached Cody's bedside, Helen offered a look of concern.

"Why are you sitting all by yourself? You look so sad and lonely." 

She gave a little shrug. "I noticed you and Cody were talking, so I thought I'd give you some privacy."

"There was nothing private about it, we were just discussing old times. Right, Cody?" She patted him on the hand.

"Yep."

Helen's eyes shifted from her son to Erica, then she suddenly got to her feet and said, "I'm gonna take a restroom break. Keep Cody company while I'm gone." She offered Erica a little smile, then headed for the door.

Laying her palm on his chest, Erica gently caressed it. "Your mom's really nice." 

"Yeah, she's awesome. She seems to like you, too."

"Really? What did she say?"

"She said you seem like a lovely girl, and that she thinks we make a good match."

Her face visibly brightened. "That's kind of her to say." 

"Mom is always right, so if she says we make a good couple, then it must be."

"I never doubted that we did. Did you?"

"Of course not."

Erica leaned down to press her lips against his forehead, then tenderly brushed noses with him. She was just pulling away when he made a request.

"How about one on the lips?"

Feeling a bit self conscious about Cody's sister being only a few feet away, she hesitated. Yet the power of his stare and the temptation of his lips proved to be too strong to resist. She joined her mouth with his in a tender peck, then pulled away. 

"That was too quick. Give me another."

"Cody, your sister." She cocked an eyebrow, briefly darting her eyes in the direction of Noelle."

"So what? She knows I kiss."

A smile tugged at her lips, then she once again sealed her lips to his. It'd been her intention that the second kiss they shared would also be brief, but the sensual power he wielded over her caused her lips to linger over his for a little longer than she'd planned.

"Hey you two, get a room!" Noelle jokingly called out. 

As Erica abruptly pulled her lips from Cody's, he said, "We do have a room." 

Noelle gave a light chuckle in response. Mia, however, seemed anything but amused by the loving moment that Erica and Cody had shared. The look she gave Erica was nothing less of complete animosity, and her hazel eyes had narrowed to near slits. Offering Mia a brief glance, Erica curled her lips into a pleased smile, then directed her attention back to Cody. 

She reached into her purse, and after grabbing hold of a square shaped object, lifted it up for him to see. "I thought you might like to listen to some music, so I brought you an iPod." 

Rudely interjecting, Mia said, "You do know his arms are paralyzed, right?"

She whipped her head around, and addressing Mia in a sharp tone of voice, said, "It's incomplete paralysis, which means he can still use his hands." Then she looked back at her boyfriend. "Right, Cody?"

"Yep. I appreciate you bringing the iPod, but you didn't have to go out and buy one."

"I didn't. My mom bought it for me awhile back, but I already have an mp3 player that I use, so this one's just been sitting around collecting dust."

"Well thanks, I appreciate it."

"No problem."

Clearly irritated that her attempt to embarrass Erica had failed, Mia promptly shifted her attention from the couple, choosing instead to continue her conversation with Noelle. 

Happy to have Mia's attention off them, Erica turned on the iPod and started flipping through the menu. "I created a playlist for you. Just a couple of albums I thought you might like." She scrolled through the list so Cody could have a look at them.

"These are all bands I love. How'd you know my taste in music?"

"The first day I came to your house, I took a peek at your CD collection."

"And you remembered what I liked, huh?" 

"Yep."

"Cool. Well thanks again, it'll be nice to have some tunes." 

"You're welcome, sweetie." She placed her hand over his, caressing it with her palm. "Have you been able to move your legs at all yet?"

"No, not even a little." 

"It's only the second day after surgery. I'm sure with a bit more time, you'll get your mobility back."

"Yeah, maybe."

"You still have sensation in your limbs, though. So that's good."

"Yeah, I'm real lucky." His voice was dripping with sarcasm. 

Realizing he didn't like discussing his lack of mobility, Erica decided to change the subject. "Bet it'll be good to get back home, huh? You can sleep in your own bed, and you won't have to eat hospital food anymore."

"I won't be able to sleep in my bed. It's on the second floor, remember?"

"Oh yeah, that's right."

Glancing off into the distance, a faraway look came into his eyes. "I won't be able to do anything like I used to. I won't be able to get up to my bedroom, I won't be able to cook or use the bathroom on my own...." His voice trailed off and a look of dismay came into his eyes. "I'll be completely helpless. I won't be able to do the simplest things."

Realizing he was slipping into a dark place, she did her best to boost his mood. I'll be there to help you. So will your mom and sister. You'll have all our support."

"Exactly, I'll have to depend on other people to do everything for me."

"Only for awhile. You'll get your independence back."

Taking no notice of the words she'd spoken, Cody continued to talk. "I won't be able to wash windows anymore, either. What the hell am I gonna do for work? And rock climbing...I won't ever be able to do that again." A look of intense sadness crossed his face. "My life is gonna be horrible."

"No it won't. Honey, you have to stop talking like that. You have to believe that you will walk again."

"So what if I do believe and it doesn't happen? Then what?" He gave her a hard stare.

Uncertain of just how to respond, she said, "Just try to focus on the positive."

"That's easy for you to say, you're not the one who's paralyzed." 

Deeply distressed by the swift change in his mood, she could only sadly look back at him. She was unsure of what to do or say, and as Noelle joined her at Cody's bedside, she saw the other woman give her a faint smile. 

Noelle didn't have to speak a word for Erica to understand that Cody's sister felt badly about the sudden tension that had risen between her and Cody. 

Reaching out to take hold of her brother's hand, she said, "Listen, I know this isn't easy for you. You're the one lying in that bed, so of course we don't fully understand all that you're going through. But you've gotta realize that getting angry and lashing out isn't going to solve anything. All it will do is push people away from you, and I know you don't want that."

"What I want is for people to cut the bullshit and stop trying to make it seem as if everything will be okay."

"So what should we do? Just accept you'll be paralyzed forever?" She shook her head. "No way, I refuse to do that. When I say I believe that you'll walk again, I really mean it. Whether it's weeks, months, or years from now, I don't know. But in my heart, I know it's gonna happen."

He emitted a deep sign, briefly averted his eyes from Noelle's, then looked back at her. "I'm trying to be positive, I really am, but it's hard to do when everything's so screwed up."

"I know, Cody, I know. But you've never backed down to any challenge before, so why would you start now?"

A thoughtful expression came onto his face, but he said nothing in response, only silently stared back at his sister. 

"See, you can't even answer the question. So you know you can get through this."

"Yeah, I guess."

"You guess? That doesn't sound like the Cody I know."

"Maybe that's because I'm not the same Cody. Getting stabbed in the back kinda tends to change a person."

The expression on Noelle's face conveyed that she was trying her best to remain positive, but her brother's somber mood was clearly making it difficult for her to continue the positive encouragement. 

"We aren't giving up on you, Cody. Just know that." She released his hand and retook her seat next to Mia.

Glancing at her watch, Erica saw she only had half an hour left before she was due at the bookstore, so she leaned in to give Cody a peck on the lips. "I have to go to work now, but I'll stop by later tonight, okay?"

"You don't have to come out for a second visit. You can always see me tomorrow."

"I don't feel like waiting until tomorrow. I wanna see you again tonight." She allowed a moment to pass, waiting for him to speak, but when he didn't, she posed a question. "Do you not want to see me, or what?"

"No, it's not that."

"Then what is it?"

"I just don't want you to feel like you're obligated."

"Why would I feel obligated? You're my boyfriend, and I care about you."

"It takes half an hour to drive here from your place, which means that coming and going makes an hour of travel time."

"I don't care how long it takes. I'm stopping by tonight," she said in a firm tone of voice. "Allright?"

He nodded. 

"I should be by around eight. See you then, okay?"

"Yep."

She leaned in to give him a peck on the lips, then leaned back a few inches so they could make eye contact. Then looking him straight in the eyes, she said, "I'm in this for long haul. Whatever path you go down, I'm going along with you."

He gave a slight nod, but the look in his eyes told her there was still some doubt in his mind. It made her heart ache to see his lack of belief in her, but of course she was fully aware that the road they were taking would be anything but easy. Yet despite this fact she knew she would do everything in her power to keep them together. 

* * * *

Three days after filing the police report, Erica was contacted by the detective who was handling Cody's case. Upon arrival at the police station, she checked in at the front desk, and after giving her name and the purpose of her visit, her message was relayed to the detective. She took a seat on one of the uncomfortable wooden benches while waiting, watching as cops brought handcuffed suspects into the building. 

A large bulletin board on the far right wall was filled with missing persons flyers, and photos of retired officers hung on the opposite wall. The scent of pine sol mingled with the rich smell of coffee, creating a fragrance which was mildly unpleasant. After what seemed like forever, she caught sight of the detective, who gave her a smile in greeting. 

"Thanks for coming in, Erica."

Detective Hanson's hair was golden blonde, worn in a slicked back style which emphasized his receding hairline, and his bushy mustache, which was in need of a trim, reminded Erica of the thick, bristly whiskers of a walrus.

"No problem," she said, offering a weak smile.

"Follow me." He turned on his heel and led her down the hallway. 

As they reached his office he gestured for her to enter first, then followed behind her and took a seat in a creaky wooden chair with wheels. Clasping his palms, he allowed them to rest on the surface of his desk. "So, last time we spoke, I told you we brought Natalie in for questioning. 

She nodded. "You also told me that she gave you a lot of information about her husband, but that you hadn't found him yet." She gave a brief pause. "Please tell me you guys were able to locate him."

He gave a deep sign. "We *were* able to locate the suspect, and we did make an arrest. His name is Richard Hewson. The bad news is, we won't be able to charge him with anything more than aggravated battery."

"That's it? Why not attempted murder?"

"The injuries your boyfriend sustained aren't life threatening, so we're filing a lesser charge."

"But you heard the voicemail with your own ears. He threatened Cody's life." 

"That's still not enough."

"What about the fact that's he paralyzed? Shouldn't that increase the severity of the charges?"

"Yes, but even still, if he does get convicted, he most likely won't get anymore than six months to a year."

She gave him a look of utter disbelief. "You're kidding me, right?" 

He shook his head. "That's if he does serve time."

"There's a possibility he might not? He stabbed and paralyzed my boyfriend. Cody could have died, and you're telling me this nutcase might walk free?"

"I know it's hard to believe, but there's two reasons why we may not be able to convict him. One, we don't have enough evidence connecting him to the crime scene. And two, you haven't been able to provide us with a detailed description of him."

"I told you, it was dark in the apartment and he ran out the door. I didn't have time to see much of anything."

"I understand that. But we need more than just a general description. Tall, Caucasian and heavyset male doesn't help us narrow things down."

"Did you interview any of the neighbors? Maybe somebody got a good look at him."

"We did speak with the neighbors, and one of them did report a suspicious looking man entering the building just before nine p.m. The description she gave us fits Richard's body type."

"There you go, you've got another witness."

"But she wasn't able to give a description of his face."

"Alright, so there isn't a facial description. But there must be a surveillance camera at that door. Why don't you guys study the tape to see if you can get a look at his face?"

"We already did that, but the hood he was wearing obscured his face."

"You refer to this guy as if you're certain that he's guilty." Erica cast her eyes intently on Detective Hanson. 

"I am certain. But I can't prosecute the guy, I can only investigate."

She blew out a breath of exasperation. "Have you guys located the knife yet?" 

"Yes. But there weren't any fingerprints on it. Anybody with half a brain would obviously either wear gloves, or wipe off the prints." 

"What about that search you did in Cody's apartment? Did you find any of this guys DNA?"

He shook his head.

"Nothing? Not any fingerprints, or even a hair from his head?"

"He was most likely wearing gloves, and we weren't able to locate one strand of his hair. We did, however find his footprints outside of the apartment security door."

"You've got footprints, a threatening phone call, two witnesses tying him to the scene, and you're telling me that isn't enough to convict him?"

"We have to prove it was him beyond a reasonable doubt. There's very little evidence that ties him to the stabbing, and the fact that there's no DNA linking him to the crime will make it easier for his lawyer to get him off.

"So basically you're telling me he'll most likely get off scott free." 

"At this moment, yes, it does look this way."

"I don't believe this." Releasing a heavy sigh, she raked her fingers through her hair. "So what happens if this guy comes after Cody again?"

"If you're really feeling uneasy about this, then I strongly urge you to contact the police. They'll protect your boyfriend."

"Somehow I doubt that."

"Look, I know how frustrating this must be for you, but you've gotta understand that we're doing our best."

"Really? Because it doesn't seem like that at all." 

"Hey, I know it's difficult to know that this scumbag may walk free, but in order to bring a maximum charge against him, we have to leave no question that he was the one who did it. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is."

"Feeling irritation rise inside of her, she abruptly got to her feet. "Right. Well if that's it, then I'll be on my way."

"We have him in custody, Ms. Matthews. I think that's worth something." 

"You're right, it is. But you need to keep him in custody, not allow him to walk free." She turned on her heel, then headed for the door.

"We'll try our best. That's my promise to you. But either way, we'll let you know what happens," he called out after her.

She paused at the door, gave a weak nod, and then headed out into the lobby.

* * * *

The sound of a ringtone woke Erica from sleep, and after rolling onto her side to grab her cell phone off the bedside table, she hit the call answer button.

"Hello?" She spoke sleepily into the receiver.

"Ms. Matthews?"

Instantly recognizing the voice, she rose from her reclining position. It had been four days since she'd last met with the Detective, and was eager to know what was going on.

"Yes, hi Detective Hanson."

"I didn't wake you, did I?"

"Yes, but it's fine." Glancing at the alarm clock, she saw it was a few minutes past nine p.m. "So what's the update?"

"You want the good news or bad news first?"

"Let's start with the good."

"The good news is, we were able to convict Richard. SO he will be spending time behind bars."

"And the bad?"

"He's only getting six months."

"Six months?" She blew out a heavy breath then said, "Unbelievable." 

"Yeah, I know. I was hoping he'd get at least a year, but apparently his lawyer was able to negotiate a lower sentence."

"Damnit," she angrily said. "How can he only get six months for stabbing someone? This isn't right at all."

"I know, and if it was up to me, he'd serve a hell of a lot longer than a year. But I don't have the power to make that happen. I'm sorry."

"I'm not blaming you, Detective. I know it isn't your fault. But it really makes me angry knowing that this sick bastard is getting off so easy."

"I understand how you feel. During my years on the force, I've seen all sorts of cases, and it burns me up knowing there are criminals out there who should be sitting in a prison cell. So believe me, I know what you're feeling." He gave a brief pause, during which a sipping noise emitted from his end of the line. Then he once again spoke. "Not that it's any consolation, but it looks like he's been ordered to pay restitution to your boyfriend.

"No amount of money is going to make up for all that Cody has been through."

"Of course it won't. I just thought I'd mention it." 

"Okay. Well thanks for the call."

"You're very welcome, Ms. Matthews. And once again, I really am sorry that I couldn't do more."

"You did your best, Detective. I appreciate that."

"No problem, It's what I'm here to do. Take care of yourself, and I hope that your boyfriend will make a full recovery." 

"Thanks. Goodbye."

After ending the call, she stared at the display screen for awhile, wondering if she should call Cody and give him the news right away, or wait to tell him in person. Deciding it would be best to inform him right away, she dialed in his number, then taking a deep breath, she brought the receiver up to her ear.

* * * *

After four weeks in the hospital, Cody was finally released. During the time that had passed since surgery, he'd gained motor function in both his arms, but his range of motion was still limited. Other than being able to wiggle his toes, Cody's legs were still nonfunctional, so he'd been fitted for a wheelchair. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 12



The weeks he'd spent in the rehabilitation department had provided him with the opportunity to learn how to transfer himself from the chair to his bed, maneuver himself to the toilet and shower, and also how to self catheterize. 

He'd also worked with a physical therapist who'd shown him how to perform a variety of wheelchair exercises. Diagnosed with C7 incomplete quadriplegia, Cody was able to move his fingers and hands, as well as bend and straighten his elbows. This gave him the ability to use free weights, which had steadily been allowing him to improve his upper body strength. 

Due to the limited muscle function in his arms, and inability to move his legs, his physical therapist had provided him with addresses to several stores which carried adaptive clothing. Designed for people with physical abilities, the specially constructed garments would enable him to dress without having to bend or rotate his muscles or joints. 

The intensive therapy he'd received in hospital rehab had helped him to gain a bit of independence, but for the most part, he would still need quite a bit of assistance with daily living. 

On the day of his release, Erica had first driven to Cody's apartment and after parking her car on the street, she'd then carpooled to the hospital with Helen, Noelle and Mia. They'd arrived at the medical center well before his checkout time, and after being officially discharged, Cody, along with the four women, made their way through the automatic hospital doors. 

Once they were all seated in Mia's gray Nissan, she pulled away from the curb and they were on their way to his apartment. As they were driving away from the hospital, Erica felt a mixture of emotions. On one hand, she was relieved that Cody would no longer be in a hospital environment, but on the other hand, she felt uncertainty. 

It'd been a month since Cody had been home, and now that he was paralyzed, there would clearly be a number of things that he would find himself unable to do. This period of adjustment would be anything but easy on him, and his inability to engage in a high level of physical activity would no doubt cause him to feel a sense of inadequacy. 

It'd been her hope that with each passing week, his outlook would improve and he'd regain that naturally driven attitude, but unfortunately it seemed as if he was becoming increasingly downcast. 

Of course she knew this was a life changing transition for him, so it was fully understandable that he wouldn't improve overnight, but it still filled her with great sadness that her lover seemed to be stuck in such a negative frame of mind. With Mia driving and Noelle sitting in the passengers seat, Erica and Helen were seated in the back, with Cody sandwiched between them. 

Then were each holding onto one of his hands, and as they made the drive to his apartment, they made an attempt to engage in small talk. Cody, however, seemed uninterested in conversing, so after a few failed attempts to speak with him, both Helen and Erica had chosen to remain quiet. 

It was clear to the both of them that he had a lot on his mind, and needed the silence to reflect on the changes in his life.

After a twenty minute drive, they arrived at Cody's apartment, and after parking the car and assisting him in getting seated in his wheelchair, they all made their way toward the security door. 

As they entered the lobby, memories of that fateful evening flashed through Erica's mind, and she recalled how thirty days earlier, the paramedics had hurriedly wheeled Cody out of the building. His face had been covered by an oxygen mask, and the dress shirt he'd been wearing had been covered in blood. 

He'd looked so helpless just laying there and Erica would never forget how scared she'd been. To say she'd been sick with worry wouldn't describe the level of alarm that she'd felt, and fearing that he might have been on the verge of death, she'd nearly thrown up. 

As the elevator ascended floors, Erica cast a glance at Cody and briefly studied his face. She couldn't help but wonder if he was also recalling the events of that terrible night, and guessed that he most likely had to be. She lay a palm on his shoulder and gave it a compassionate rub, but he offered little more than a slight shift of his head in return. 

After exiting the elevator and reaching his apartment, Noelle unlocked the door and they all entered. The first thing that Erica noticed was that a Japanese style room partition had been set up to completely separate the space between the kitchen and living room. 

Since Helen and Noelle had been occupying Cody's apartment during his stay in the hospital, it was clear to Erica that they'd been the ones behind this change. 

Glancing at Helen, Erica saw that there was a look of eagerness in her eyes, and as she walked alongside her son in the wheelchair, Noelle led the way toward the partition. Upon reaching it, Noelle turned to face Cody.

"Since you won't be able to access your bedroom upstairs, we figured the next best thing would be to transform the living room into a bedroom space." She gave a brief pause, then said, "I hope you like it."

She slid the wooden panels of the partition along their track, and as the bedroom cum living room space was revealed, they all checked it out. Scanning the space, Erica saw that a bed was placed length side against one of the walls. A Navajo throw blanket was stretched out across the bedsheets, and black throw pillows of various sizes were propped up against the wall to make the bed appear more like a sofa during the day. 

A dresser was situated on the opposite wall next to the TV, and a floor mirror was located in front of the oversized windows. There was also an espresso colored couch, and just like every other piece of furniture in the room, it had been positioned close to one of the walls, leaving plenty of space in the center of the room for him to maneuver around. 

"So, what do you think?" Noelle cast a hopeful look at her brother.

"It's nice." Placing his palms against the wheels of the chair to propel himself forward, he took in the renovated space. "Looks completely different in here. I like it, though."

Her lips tugged into a smile. "Great, I'm so glad you do."

"How'd you guys get my bed down here?"

"Nathan came over and helped us."

"That was nice of him."

"He figured it was the least he could do. You guys are rock climbing buddies after all."

"Not anymore," he sadly said.

Erica saw Noelle give her mother a quick glance, and seeing that her daughter was feeling uncomfortable, Helen quickly changed the subject. 

"We got you a new mattress." She walked over to the bed, then pressed her palm against the cushiony surface. "It's memory foam."

"I had a perfectly good mattress already, mom. You didn't have to go out and spend money."

"Your physical therapist recommended it to me. She said it'll keep away the bedsores, and make your bed to chair transfers easier."

"I'll pay you back for it, of course."

"No you won't. Your sister and I split the cost."

"I'm still giving you the money for it."

"You will not," Noelle said. "This is something that mom and I wanted to do for you, so please just accept, it okay?"

He gave a little nod. "Thank you." 

"No problem, little brother." She gave him an affectionate rub on the shoulder. "Hey mom, why don't you show Cody the new lighting system?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot all about that." Helen grabbed a little remote from the dresser, then hit a button on it, causing a lamp by the window to illuminate the room.

"Pretty cool, huh?" asked Noelle.

"Yeah, it's nice. Thanks a lot. I appreciate you guys setting it up."

"No problem. We were happy to do it."

"We also made some changes to the bathroom. Follow me, and I'll show you what Nathan helped us do." 

She led the way to the bathroom, and once they were there, Helen began pointing out the changes.

"As you can see, the cabinet beneath the sink was ripped out. That'll give you plenty of room to wheel your chair underneath it. We also installed some grab bars next to the toilet." She then gestured toward the shower. "Luckily you have a walk in shower, so you can wheel your chair right up to the edge, then transfer to the shower chair."

"We also moved the shower head holder lower, that way you'll be able to grab it at sitting level," said Noelle. 

Taking a quick glance around the interior of the bathroom, Helen said, "And that's basically it. But if you think of anything else at all, just let us know."

"Will do. I appreciate you guys doing this. It really means a lot."

"There's no need to thank us, honey. That's what we're here for." Helen bent down to place a kiss against his cheek.

"Anything to make sure you're comfortable," said Noelle as she took his hand in his and gave it a gentle rub. 

After making their way back to the front of the apartment, Helen and Noelle went off into the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Cody, Erica and Mia hung out in the bedroom/living room area. Wheeling himself up to his bed, Cody maneuvered his wheelchair so that it was at a slight angle to his bed. 

After locking the brakes, he scooted to the edge of the chair, then placed his right hand against the surface of the bed. He attempted to lift himself up out of the chair, but still lacking upper body strength, he found himself unable. 

He gave himself a moment before trying once again, then once he was ready, he made a second go of it. This time he was able to lift his butt out of the chair, yet still found himself unable to transfer to the bed. 

Heaving a sigh of frustration, he settled back into his chair. Unable to stand the sight of him struggling, Erica walked a few steps closer so that she was by his side.

"You need help, honey?" 

"No, I'm fine." 

Wasting not a moment longer, he made a third attempt to lift himself up and out of the wheelchair, but to his great frustration, still found himself unable. A loud curse tore from his lips, followed by a grunt of anger. 

Placing her palm on his shoulder, Erica asked, "You sure you don't want me to give you a hand?" 

"I said I was fine, now leave me alone," he snapped.

Feeling as if she'd just been slapped in the face, she took a few steps away from him. She stood there watching him for a few more moments, then feeling a pair of eyes on her, she turned her head to see Mia giving her a hard, long stare. 

It came as no surprise to Erica that there was evil smirk on Mia's face, and feeling a deep sense of vexation, she met Mia's intent glare with one of her own. 

Between Cody's sounds of irritation and the look of pure malice on Mia's face, Erica could feel hostility surrounding her, and suddenly felt the need to remove herself from the area. 

After stepping out through the opening in the partition, she headed for the kitchen, where Cody's mother and sister were busy at work preparing dinner.

As she entered the roomy kitchen, she asked, "Need any help?"

Helen briefly looked up from the cutting board where she was chopping carrots. "No, I think we've pretty much got it under control. Just relax, spend time with Cody."

"Not really sure if he wants me around right now."

"Yeah, we heard him." Noelle, who was cutting meat into cubes, offered her a look of sympathy. "He's obviously feeling really frustrated and is taking it out on you, but please don't allow that to drive you away. Despite what he may have you think, he does want you around him." 

"Then he needs to be nicer."

"I know, just give him some time, okay?"

Erica gave a little nod. "Are you sure I can't help you out with anything? It may be good to let him cool off for awhile."

"You could chop up some celery," said Helen.

"Okay." 

After washing her hands, she got busy at chopping up the green vegetable. Then once that was done, she added the celery to a large pot. 

"What kind of dish is this?" Erica asked.

"Mutton stew," said Helen. She added the cubed beef, then carrots and chopped potatoes. "You ever had it before?"

"Can't say that I have."

"You'll love it. " 

"Actually, I won't be able to eat it. I'm a vegetarian."

"Really?" Her eyes widened a bit.

Unable to help feeling amused by the look of surprise on Helen's face, Erica gave a little smile. "Yep."

"Can I ask why?"

"It's the way my parents raised me."

"Interesting." She added a few shakes of salt and pepper to the pot, then used a large metal spoon to stir the bubbling contents.

"What does Cody think about you being a vegetarian?" Noelle asked.

"He doesn't seem to mind it."

"That's good."

"You aren't trying to convert him, are you?" The look on Helen's face was one of genuine worry.

"Definitely not. The last thing I wanna do is try to change him."

Helen gave a pleased nod, then placed a top on the pot.

"I can't imagine Cody as a vegetarian," said Noelle. "That would just be way too wild." 

"I know, right? He would never go for it," Erica said. 

With her spirits having risen a little, she now felt ready to spend time with Cody. After excusing herself from the kitchen, she made her way back toward Cody's bedroom. She was glad to see he'd finally managed to transfer himself from the wheelchair to his bed, but found herself pissed that Mia had decided to plant herself right next to him. 

Ignoring the evil eye that Mia gave her, Erica took a seat on the other side of Cody. As soon as she sat down, Cody placed his hand on her thigh, averting his attention from Mia so he could look into Erica's eyes. 

"I'm sorry," he softly said.

From the look he was giving her, she could see that he truly was, and taking his hand in hers, she offered it a gentle stroke.

"It's okay, I forgive you."

She gave him a quick peck on the lips, then maneuvered herself on the mattress so that her right leg was tucked underneath her, then possessively draped the left one over his leg. 

The fabric of her skirt rode up a little as she did it, and she noticed that Cody's gaze drifted to the exposed skin of her thigh. As he glanced back up at her, she saw there was a look of desire in his eyes, and she lay a palm against his chest.

"Tempting me, huh?" He asked.

"Sure am. You got a problem with that?"

"Not at all." He moved his hand to her thigh, allowing it to rest there. 

Clearly displeased that his attention was off of her, Mia spoke in an irritated voice. "So Cody, I was thinking I could stop by tomorrow afternoon and show you my new modeling shots. I just wanna get your opinion and see what you think."

"Sure, no problem."

"Cool. I'll stop by in the morning, before I go to work."

"Okay."

"What type of shots are they?" Erica asked.

Clearly surprised that Erica had asked a question, Mia hesitated before answering. "Why does it matter?"

"Because I'm curious." She met Mia's stare head on.

"They're fetish modeling shots."

"I already know that. I was asking for more details about the pictures themselves."

"It was a latex, leather and pvc photo shoot. Does that answer your question?" 

"Hey, come on, Mia," Cody said. "She's just curious, okay? You don't have to get upset."

"I'm not upset, and she's not being curious, she's being jealous. And I don't like what she's insinuating."

"And what is that?" Erica asked.

"That I'm desperate for his attention. That my only reason for showing him the photos is to see if he'll get excited."

"I never said that."

"That's why I used the word insinuate. You're going about it in a roundabout way, but that's really what you're thinking."

"So now you can read my thoughts?"

Mia ignored the question, choosing instead to fix her hazel eyes on Erica.

Caught in the middle between the stare down the women were engaging in, Cody emitted a little sigh. "Allright, what's it gonna take for you two to get along?"

"Why don't you ask her?" said Mia. "She's the one with the insecurity problem."

"I'm not insecure."

"Yes you are."

"No I'm not."

Casting his gaze on Mia, Cody made a request. "Can you give us a minute alone? I need to speak to Erica in private."

Mia briefly glanced at Erica, then back again at Cody before rising to her feet and heading for the kitchen. Once she was out of sight, Cody turned his gaze on Erica. 

"I'm sorry about Mia. I've asked her several times to just chill out and be cool with you, but I guess she's not even willing to give it a try." 

"You think?" Her voice was full of sarcasm.

"Listen, I know it's hard dealing with her, but if she tries to engage you in a fight, just ignore her."

"It's kind of hard to ignore someone who's on a constant mission to verbally attack you."

"I never said it would be easy. I'm just trying to tell you the best way to deal with her."

"Well thanks for the advice, but if anyone needs to adjust their behavior, it's her." Erica was quiet for a moment, then spoke once again. "Why are you friends with her, anyways?"

"She's fun to hang out with, and we have a good time together."

"What about the fact that she hates me? Doesn't that bother you at all?"

"Of course, that's why I've spoken to her about it." 

"But she still treats me badly."

"I know."

"So what are you going to do about it? Because I'm beyond fed up with her, and I can't take this anymore."

"Babe, I've done everything I can. What else do you want me to do?"

Offering no words in return, she simply stared at him.

"What, you want me to stop being friends with her?"

"Well she obviously isn't going to change her behavior, so what else is there to do?"

"I've been friends with Mia for nine years now. I can't just throw her out of my life."

"Can't, or won't?"

Choosing to avert the question, he said, "I can't believe you're asking me this. It's not right for you to make me choose."

The look he gave her was full of such displeasure that she briefly averted her gaze, focusing her attention on the pattern of her skirt. 

"How'd you like it if I made you choose between me and Jacob?" Asked Cody. "Would that make you feel good?"

She looked back up at him. "No, of course not." 

"Then don't ask me to do it." 

She directed her attention to the floor to ceiling windows, and after a few seconds had passed, she offered some words. "You know she wants to get with you, right?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Well first off, you told me she's hated every woman you've dated. But it's not just that, I've seen the way she looks at you. She likes you."

"Impossible. She's a lesbian, remember?" 

"Just because she says she's a lesbian, doesn't make it so."

"For as long as I've known Mia, she's only dated girls."

"She could still be attracted to men, though. Maybe she's bisexual."

"Yeah, I guess it's a possibility," he said, then suddenly became quiet.

His body language conveyed that he had suddenly become uncomfortable, and she found herself wondering why. Yet before she could ask another question, Cody's mother popped her head into the space where the partition doors were parted. 

"Can I get you two a drink?"

"A soda would be nice," said Cody.

"What about you, Erica?"

"No thanks. I've gotta head home to get ready for work in a bit, anyhow."

"Okay." Turning her attention back to Cody, Helen said, "Be back with that soda in a bit." Then she turned and left.

"I thought you had the day off," Cody said.

"I do, from the bookstore. But I have a massage client scheduled in an hour."

"Oh, okay."

Noting his look of disappointment, she asked, "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"You sure?"

He nodded."

"Allright. I don't go into work until three in the afternoon tomorrow, so I'll come by and see you in the morning, okay?"

"Okay."

She pressed her lips to his in a lingering, open mouthed kiss, then after pulling away, she tenderly stroked his cheek. "It's good to have you home again, sweetie."




Peak of Desire Ch. 13



*As always, thank you guys for the feedback. It's very much appreciated!* /

At just a few minutes past ten a.m. the next day, Erica arrived at Cody's apartment complex. After putting the car in park and being buzzed into the building, she took the elevator up to his floor. She was greeted at the door by Noelle, and as she entered the apartment, she caught the scent of freshly cooked eggs and coffee. 

"Cody's in the bathroom right now. It'll probably be another half hour before he comes out, so if you want I can get you some coffee or juice while you wait."

"Coffee would be nice."

"How do you take it?"

"With lots of cream and a spoonful of sugar."

Erica took a seat at the kitchen table, watching as Noelle poured the coffee. After filling a mug for Erica, Noelle refreshed her own cup, then sat down at the table across from her. After they took a few sips, Noelle began to speak.

"Last night was pretty rough for Cody."

"What happened?"

"He had some bladder issues. And if that wasn't enough, he also got muscle spasms. It got so bad, he couldn't go back to sleep."

"How awful. The poor thing must be exhausted."

"He is. Four hours of sleep is all he got, so if he acts cranky toward you, that's the reason."

"Thanks for the heads up."

"No problem." 

"So other than that, how's he been doing this morning?"

"Okay. He was able to cath himself successfully, so that was good."

"Cath?"

"That's short for catheter," said Noelle.

"Oh, right. So that went okay, huh?"

"Yep. He had breakfast about half an hour ago, and now he's in the bathroom working on his bowel program."

"Oh." Not knowing what to say, she took a drink of her coffee.

"I'm not trying to gross you or anything, but I'm gonna need to give you some info about his daily routines. That way you know what to do when me and mom aren't around."

"Yes, of course. I'm here to listen, so tell me everything I need to know."

"As far as his bladder and bowel care, he's pretty much self-sufficient. He'll take a suppository, sit on the toilet, then wait for it to do its work. The only reason mom is in there with him, is because he's still getting used to it. But after another few weeks or so of her helping him, he should be okay to do his bowel program pretty much on his own."

Erica nodded, listening intently as Noelle continued.

"As you've probably seen, he's still having difficulty with his transfers, but as he builds his upper body strength, he should eventually be able to do it with more ease. And as far as bathing goes, he will need assistance. 

"What about dressing?"

"He can handle that on his own. So aside from bathing, cooking, and housework, he's able to perform the rest of his daily activities."

"Okay, that's no problem. I'll be here to help him with whatever he needs."

"Now since we're on the subject of his daily routines, this is probably a good time to bring up the issue of who his main caregivers will be. Of course mom and I will be here to help take care of him until he becomes more independent, but during that time, we'll have to take trips back to Arizona to check up on our gift shop. We've got someone taking care of the store for us right now, but eventually we'll have to go back and manage things. So, I just want to make sure you're okay with being one of Cody's carers."

"Yes, of course. I'm here for him all the way."

"Good. I know you know work two jobs, so I can imagine you've got a pretty busy life. But between you and Mia, I trust that Cody will be well taken care of."

The mere mention of Mia's name triggered an unpleasant reaction in Erica's body, spurring her to offer some words of concern. "Well just so you know, I have no problem at all taking care of Cody myself. And to tell you the truth, I don't really like the idea of Mia being one of his carers."

"Why not? He's been friends with her for a along time now, so it's only natural she'd be a part of this."

"Yeah, I know. It's just that..." She paused, trying to think of the best way to describe her feelings of apprehension. "I don't trust her."

"Really? Noelle's brow furrowed. "Can I ask why not?"

"I just don't get a good vibe from her."

"Hmm. Well I've gotta admit that she always has come off as a bit unusual to me. Not saying she's a bad person or anything, just a little unique." 

"How so?"

"I don't know, it's kinda hard to explain." She glanced off into the distance, as if recalling a memory. "She's just one of those people that kinda stand out from the rest."

Erica took another sip of her coffee, then asked, "Do you really think she's a lesbian?"

Noelle quirked her eyebrow, as if to convey her surprise in Erica's question. "Lesbian, no. Bisexual, yes."

"That's what I think."

"Why do you ask?"

"Well for one, she seems very jealous of me. And two, I've seen the way she looks at Cody, and it's not in a 'you're my best buddy' type of way."

"She's jealous of every girl that Cody dates. Through her eyes, it seems that no one is good enough for him."

"Except her, of course," Erica said in a voice full of sarcasm.

A light chuckle left Noelle's lips. "So I guess you can tell she has a thing for him, huh?"

"Yeah, it's glaringly obvious. I've mentioned it to Cody, but he seems to think that it's impossible."

"Men can be oblivious like that sometimes. Or maybe he does know, but he just pretends not to notice. He probably doesn't wanna ruin their friendship."

"You're probably right."

Silence passed between them for a few moments, then Noelle spoke. 

"Mia isn't any threat to you. You know that, right?"

"I'd like to believe it, but sometimes I feel kind of unsure. She's known Cody for a lot longer than I have, and although I hate to admit it, the girl is very pretty."

"Cody is a one woman type of guy. When he's single, he dates a lot and has his fun, but once he finds someone he really likes, he commits to her. And from what I can tell, you're that one he's committed himself to."

"I know he really likes me, so it's not that I don't trust him. It's Mia I feel uneasy about. Both you and Cody have told me she's hated every one of his girlfriends. So I'm wondering if she's done something to sabotage his previous relationships." 

"I guess It's a possibility. She does seem quite protective of him, but I can't see her continually doing it for a nine year period. That would just be crazy."

"Yeah, it would." 

Erica couldn't help thinking just how true the latter part of Noelle's statement was, and she suddenly got the feeling that dealing with Mia was shaping up to be a bigger challenge than she ever could have expected. 

The sound of approaching voices caused Erica to glance in the direction of the hallway, and she noticed Cody wheeling himself out into the front of the loft, with Helen walking behind him. 

"Hey honey." Her lips tugged upward.

"Hi," he grumbled, not offering even the slightest hint of a smile.

She expected him to continue a straight path toward where she and Noelle were sitting, but to her disappointment, he chose instead to maneuver his wheelchair toward the bedroom cum living room space. Perhaps seeing the look of sadness on Erica's face, Helen said a few words.

"He's had a really tough morning, so just try and be patient with him, okay?"

Erica nodded, and after a reassuring look from Noelle, she got up from her seat and headed for the partitioned area that Cody was in. She spotted him sitting in front of the wall to ceiling windows, glancing out at the view of the neighborhood beyond. 

Although his back was to her, she knew he could hear her approaching, yet he made no acknowledgment at all of her presence. Upon reaching him, she rested her palms on his shoulders, then leaned in to give him a kiss on the side of the face. Then bending her body so that her cheek pressed flush against his, she allowed her voice to break the silence.

"I never noticed what an amazing view this is. You can see Venice Boardwalk from here. That's pretty cool."

"Yeah, It's great. Now I can torture myself everyday by sitting in front of this window, watching people ride their bikes and jog. It's just what a person in a wheelchair wants to see," he said in a voice rife with bitterness.

Trying her best to maintain a positive mood, she moved toward a chair that was placed in front of the oversized windows, positioned it so that she was sitting directly in front of Cody, then sat down in it. Now able to look straight into his eyes, she grabbed his hand in hers, then ran her thumb gently against the back of his hand. "Noelle told me you had a rough night."

"It was horrible."

"Sorry to hear."

"This morning wasn't any better. In fact, it was almost worse."

"Yeah, I heard that too. She said it may take some time, but that you'll eventually get used to the routine. 

"Noelle told you about my toilet routine?

"Yeah. Why, was that wrong?"

He blew out a small breath, then averted his eyes and lightly shook his head. "Great. That's just great."

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, Cody."

Glancing back at her with a look of humiliation on his face, he said, "You're right, it's not embarrassing at all having you know that I'm on a bowel routine. Like that's not a turn off." 

"Why would it be a turn off? So you need help going to the bathroom. And?"

"There are just some things I'd rather keep a secret, okay?"

"But why? I'm your girlfriend, so it's only natural that I should become educated about this stuff. The more I know, the better help I can be to you."

"I don't want you helping me with that. With other things, okay, but not with that."

"I'm just letting you know that whatever you need, I'm here to give it to you. You have my support all the way." 

He gave a nod, then directed his attention beyond her, gazing at the view beyond the window. 

"Noelle asked me if I wanted to be one of your caregivers, and of course I said yes."

"Okay." The questioning tone in his voice prompted her to continue.

"Are you okay with that?"

"I guess. But I already have mom and sister to help me out."

"Your mom and Noelle will eventually have to go to Arizona for long stretches of time, won't they? What will happen then?"

"Mia will be here to help me out."

"What about me? I'll be here to take care of you, too."

"Yeah, I guess. If you want to."

"Of course I want to. Why wouldn't I?"

He gave a little shrug, then averted his eyes. 

"Baby, look at me." As he redirected his attention to her, she tenderly stroked the back of his hand with her palm. "Do you not want me to be a caregiver? Because if not, then I won't bring it up again."

"I never said I didn't want you to."

"No, you didn't. But it doesn't exactly seem like you're very excited about the idea." 

"What, am I supposed to be happy about it, or something? You're my girlfriend. You're the last person I would wanna put that kind of pressure on."

"I'm fine with it. It's what I want to do."

"Do you really? Or are you just feeling obligated because my sister asked you?"

"I really want to. Why can't you believe that?"

Glancing down at his legs, he said, "I just don't want you to feel like you have to do it."

"I don't."

"You say you don't, but how could you not?" He looked back up at her. "Listen, if you wanna end things between us, I'll totally understand."

Her brows slightly furrowed in puzzlement. "Where is this coming from? I never considered leaving you, not even for a second."

"Maybe not now, but eventually you will."

"No, I won't. Stop talking like that."

"Why? It's the truth, isn't it?" 

"No, it isn't. And I can't believe you actually think I would leave you." Shaking her head sadly, she said, "Do you really think that's the kind of person I am?"

He emitted a little sigh. "Listen, Erica. I'll probably be in this chair for the rest of my life. Which means that you and I will never have a normal relationship again. That guy you used to know is gone."

"Really? Because from where I'm sitting, it still looks like he's here."

"You know what I mean."

"You're the same person, Cody. You being in a wheelchair doesn't change who you are."

"Cut the bullshit, of course it does. I can't work, I can't rock climb, I won't be able to have sex like I used to, and I can hardly even take a shit without having my mom wipe my ass. It's like I've regressed to infancy. Everything I used to do, I'm not longer able to. And you're actually sitting there, telling me that being paralyzed hasn't changed me at all?"

"I'm talking about who you are inside. That inner person will never change."

"That's New Age crap."

"No, It's the truth."

They sat there staring silently at each other for a few moments until Erica broke the stillness. 

"You're so much more than that wheelchair. Can't you see that?"

He turned his head slightly, focusing on a small potted tree in the corner of the room. Erica scooted forward on the chair, then reached a hand out to gently grasp his chin in her fingers, coaxing him to move his head so that he could make eye contact with her. 

"When I look at you, I don't see a man in a wheelchair. I just see Cody. And the reason I'm staying with you isn't out of pity, but out of love."

"Love?"

"Yes, love." She kept her eyes trained intently on him, not allowing them to waver for even a second. 

For the first time that morning, Erica saw his eyes soften, and she felt him lightly squeeze her fingers in a gesture of affection. Feeling a need to connect even more, she rose to her feet, then leaned in to give him a kiss. 

Their lips connected softly and sweetly at first, but as he slid his tongue between her parted lips, their oral embrace quickly deepened. Placing a hand on her hip, he coaxed her to sit on his lap. 

Once she was seated, she wrapped her arms around his neck, losing herself in the drugging kiss. Moaning into his mouth, she moved her lips sensually against his, while allowing one of her hands to glide up and down his chest. 

Their lips moved with passion and fervor, neither wanting to break away for air, yet knowing that eventually they would have to. Hot with desire, Erica allowed her palm to move downward, and as it met with his crotch, she was surprised to find that he already had a rock hard erection. 

When their lips finally parted for oxygen, she directed her gaze southward, and was rewarded with the sight of a prominent bulge in his pants. Lightly cupping it in her palm, she gave his hard penis a few strokes through his pants, causing him to emit a deep, carnal moan. 

Surprised by how loud his pleasured cry was, she promptly removed her hand. Then she gave him a little smirk and brought her finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. He smiled back at her, then spoke a few words. 

"Wanna take it for a test drive?" 

Erica felt her pussy clench in response to his words. "I'd love to, but we can't do it with your mom and sister here."

"How about later this evening? I'll just tell them that we wanna have a special dinner alone tonight. They'll understand."

"A special dinner? Oh yeah, they'll totally know what we're gonna get up to."

"Of course, but who cares? We're a couple, they know we have sex."

An amused expression crossed her face. "Okay, sounds like a good plan. I'll be back here this evening."

"What time?"

"How about seven?"

"Perfect. I can't wait."

"Neither can I."

Glancing at her watch, she saw there wasn't much time before she had to be leaving. "I better get on the road. I've gotta be at work in the next forty minutes."

"No way. You only leave when I say you can." Placing his palm against one of her ass cheeks, he cupped it possessively in his palm.

"Is that right?"

"Yes, it is."

"I could get up and leave right now if I wanted to."

"You could, but I know you won't."

Her lips peeled into a grin. This was the Cody she knew-playfully dominating and completely sure of himself. She'd missed seeing this side of him, and it made her feel good that the cloud of negativity which had been hanging over their heads all morning was finally beginning to disperse. 

She leaned in to lightly brush her lips against his, feeling the heat from his mouth ghost against hers. Then she spoke to him in a sexy little whisper. 

"I can't wait to have your cock inside me."

"You will, this evening," he said with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

"Already counting the hours." 

Erica swept her tongue lightly against his lips, then hungrily pressed her mouth to his. Within a few short moments, Cody took complete control of the kiss, and as she weaved her fingers into his hair, she realized more than ever that this was the man she was meant to be with. For better or worse, she would always be by his side. 

* * * *

Giving a contented sigh, Erica wiped her mouth off with a napkin, then patted her stomach, which was full of cheese ravioli, garlic bread and broccoli. "That was a great dinner, babe. Thanks."

"No need to thank me. It was my mom that prepared the food."

"I'll be sure to give her my appreciation once she and Noelle get back." She cleared the dishes away from the table, then took them over to the sink.

"They won't be coming home tonight."

"They won't?"

"Nope. They're spending the night with a friend of Noelle's."

"Oh, I see." She took two saucers down from the cabinet." So we've got the place to ourselves until morning?"

"Sure do." 

"Nice."

After cutting a slice of chocolate cheesecake for each of them, she brought the saucers over to the table. As she was placing a portion of cake in front of Cody, he placed a hand on her thigh, then slowly slid it beneath the skirt of her peach colored summer dress. 

"How about we skip dessert and just get right to the sex?"

Aroused by his forwardness, Erica turned to face him, then bent down so that one of her palms could rest on the backrest of his wheelchair. 

Then using her free hand, she trailed a finger languidly down his chest, allowing it to continue further southward until it met with the crotch of his pants. "That sounds like a really good idea." 

She lightly stroked his penis through the fabric of his pants until it became fully erect, then removed her hand and stood back up to her full height. Then with a seductive strut, she headed for the area that served as his sleeping quarters, with Cody following behind her. 

Once they were in the bedroom, she slid the partition closed, then turned to face him. The lamp in the bedroom had been reduced to a dim level to provide a romantic effect, and she found that the soft shadows it created only enhanced the already alluring features of Cody's face.

There was a look of deep desire in his eyes, and in the deep timbre of his voice, he beckoned her to him. "Come closer."

She obeyed his request, and upon reaching him, she heard him give another command. 

"Strip for me. Show me that beautiful body." 

She brought her hands up to the spaghetti straps of her dress, and after slipping them off her shoulders, she languidly slid the clingy material down. The material pooled around her feet, and after stepping out of it, she stood alluringly before him. 

"Damn, you're sexy." 

As he looked her up and down, he offered a few appreciative sounds. Then bringing his hands upward to place them on her hips, he lightly coasted a finger along the elastic of her lacy black g-string. "Is this new lingerie?" 

"Yep. You like?"

"I love it." 

He allowed his fingers to wander a little lower, and as he lightly brushed a thumb against the outline of her pussy, she emitted a breathy noise. The sound of her enjoyment caused him to glance up and make brief eye contact with her, then his gaze dipped to her chest.

"Show me your breasts."

She maneuvered her hands so she was able to undo the back clasp on her lacy strapless bra, and after releasing it, she allowed the fabric to fall to the floor. Already extremely aroused, her nipples were peddle hard and jutted temptingly toward Cody. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 13



They ached to be fondled and sucked, and the way he gazed so lustfully at her bare tits drove her wild with need. Wishing to build his desire even further, she ran her hands along her torso, bringing them further up until her fingers made contact with her erect pleasure points. 

She flicked the tips of her fingers back and forth against her nipples a few times, then lightly pinched them between her manicured nails. This seemed to please him greatly, as he released a deep, carnal moan in response to the visual stimulation that she provided him. 

Glancing down at his pants, she saw that his excitement was begging for release, and found herself more eager than ever to release it from its bondage. 

"Turn around. Let me see that sexy ass."

As his commanding voice broke through her reverie, she followed his instructions.

"Now bend over," he said.

Holding onto the edge of a small end table for support, she bent over, arching her back sharply so that her round, shapely butt was pushed further outward. The sound he emitted was full of raw, carnal need, causing a gush of wetness to pool between her legs.

She felt the touch of his palm against one of her ass cheeks, then there was the sensation of his fingers caressing the heated spot between her thighs. Her pussy throbbed in response to his touch, and the scent of her arousal hung thick in the air. 

As he removed his fingers from the apex between her legs, she whimpered a little from the loss of physical contact. But what he said next brought her one step closer to finding the sexual release she so badly needed.

"Take off the panties, then turn around and show me how wet that pussy is."

Gladly obliging, she pulled the filmy fabric down her legs, then tossed the undergarment uselessly aside. Maneuvering her body so that she was facing him, Erica showcased her enticing curves for his lustful stare. 

His orbs roved from her face all the way down to her feet, which were still clad in a pair of strappy pumps. Then he allowed his gaze to move back upward, and as it came to a rest at the spot between her legs, she knew the time had come for them to satisfy their animalistic desires. 

She moved closer to him, and bringing her fingers to the hem of his shirt, she slowly slid it upward. Leaning forward to assist her, he lifted his arms as high as he could so she was able to pull the shirt further up. Once the garment was off, she set to work at removing his pants. 

After she unclasped the hook and loop closure on his trousers, Cody rested his weight on his arms, then scooted forward to the edge of the chair. He then used his upper body strength to rock the lower portion of his body side to side, which allowed her to slide both his pants and boxers down his hips. After pulling the fabric off his legs, she cast it aside in a heap. 

Now fully nude and sitting before her, Cody offered her an eager look. She gave him a sexy little smile, then climbed onto his lap, straddling him so they could stare into each others eyes. Craving the feel of his warm, wet tongue against her erect buds, she lifted herself up a bit so that his head was level with her breasts. 

Then in a voice heavily layered with lust, she said, "Suck them."

Without a moment of hesitation, Cody captured a pert nipple between his lips, then happily went to work at pleasing her with his tongue. 

Not wanting to neglect either of her breasts, he alternated between the both of them, suckling and licking and gently nipping the erect points of flesh. 

It took less than a minute of his warm, wet mouth on her nipples before she found herself unable to wait any longer, and grabbing his manhood, she aimed it toward the heat between her legs. 

She felt the rim of his cock slide into her tight hole, and as she sunk onto his sizable erection, they simultaneously released a breathy moan. Once she was fully impaled, she paused for moment, enjoying the way he stretched and filled her so completely.  

Then she lifted and lowered herself onto him, continuously repeating the same movement until she built up a nice, steady rhythm. Grabbing onto his shoulders for support, she moved her hips up and down, breasts bouncing as she tirelessly rode his stiff shaft.

"Oh Erica..." he breathily moaned, eyelids lowering to half mast as he groaned in ecstasy beneath her. "Babe, yes. Fuck me just like that." 

He brought his hands up to cradle her tits, then flicked the pad of his thumbs against her puffy nipples. As he started to squeeze and pull on them, she found herself becoming increasingly excited, and glided her pussy up and down his shaft with increasing speed. 

The sounds of their lovemaking filled the room, moans of ecstasy growing louder as the scent of their erotic coupling permeated the air. 

Four weeks without sex had sent Erica's body into starvation mode, and each time she sank down onto his thick, veiny shaft, she found herself moving steadily closer to orgasm. She guessed that Cody was nearing that point as well, because his breathing had grown more ragged. 

The relentless sensation of her sopping wet hole pounding down onto his cock soon became too much for him to handle, and as a masculine groan tumbled from his lips, he shot his seed deep into her womb. 

The sensation of his twitching cock and expanding shaft caused her to release a heated gasp, and with a few more urgent rocking movements, she reached an explosive climax. 

A moan of pure delight tore from her throat, and after rocking her hips against him a few more times, she brought them to a halt. She gave a weak sigh, then looped her arms around his neck and rested her body against his. 

Her skin was damp with sweat from her exertions, and as her body pressed flush against his own, she felt him gently caress her back with his palm. 

Their breaths eventually evened out, and bringing his fingers up to her hair, he lazily tangled them through her soft strands. She lifted her head so that her gaze met Cody's, then brought her lips to his in a deep, long kiss. As their mouth parted, each took a moment to quietly study the other. Bringing a hand to her face, he tenderly stroked her cheek. "You had an orgasm, right?"

"Yes, of course. Couldn't you tell?"

"I figured you did, but I wasn't entirely sure."

"I always do with you. It's never been a problem."

"Good."

"How was it for you?"

"Wonderful."

"You felt everything?"

"For the most part. It's not exactly like it was before I got hurt, but it was still really enjoyable."

"Well if there's anything I can do to make you feel better, just let me know."

"You being here with me is more than enough." He brushed a few stray hairs away from her forehead. 

Erica's lips tugged into a little smile, and after giving him a peck on the lips, she said, "Gonna go use the bathroom." 

As she got up from his lap, his cock slipped out of her, and with a little smile on her lips, she said, "Be back in a bit." Then she headed for the partition that separated Cody's bedroom space from the rest of the loft.

She slid the doors of the room divider back, but before she could even take a step toward the bathroom, she heard the sound of keys jingling from beyond the front door, followed by the sound of a lock clicking open. 

Without a moment of hesitation, she shut the partition doors, and with an expression of surprise, she cast a glance in Cody's direction. 

"They're back already?" She asked. "I thought you said they were spending the night out."

He offered a little shrug. "Guess they changed their mind."

There was the sound of the door opening, and after it was slammed shut, she heard footsteps making their way through the loft. 

After quickly slipping into her panties and summer dress, Erica assisted Cody in putting on his shirt and pants. Then they both exited the bedroom area and made their way toward the kitchen.

To Erica's displeasure, she saw Mia leaning against the fridge, casually sipping a bottle of iced coffee. Clad in a red tank top and fitted black pants, she looked Erica up and down with clear contempt. 

The other woman's gaze didn't intimidate Erica in the least, and coming to a stop a few feet away her, she spoke in a voice that was ripe with irritation.

"Is there a reason you're here?" 

Mia offered nothing but a roll of her eyes in response, then walked right past her. 

Turning her attention on Cody, she asked, "So, guess where I was tonight." 

"I don't know. But why are you here?" He asked. "I told you I was hanging out with Erica tonight, so what's up with you just showing up unannounced?" 

Clearly taken back by his annoyed tone, Mia hesitated before she spoke. "I've got some information about that bitch Natalie. I thought you might be interested in hearing about it, but if you're not, then I'll just leave." 

She started for the door, but before she could reach it, Cody called out to her.

"I'm interested. Tell me what happened."

Mia turned to face to him. "I just paid her a little visit."

"Oh yeah? How'd you find out where she lives?"

"I did an internet search using her phone number. It's not that hard to do." She took a swig of her beverage, then continued. "It's probably how she figured out what your new number was.

"Yeah, I kinda figured she'd done something like that. So anyways, tell me what happened."

She pulled out a stool at the kitchen island, then took a seat on it, resting her boot clad feet on the rungs. "Originally my plan was to show up at her door so I could have a talk with her. To let her know what a completely fucked up thing it was for her to keep her marriage a secret. But then I figured that wouldn't work, because she'd recognize me from back when you two were still hanging out. And I couldn't have her giving a description of me to the police."

"Just what exactly were you going to do to her?" Asked Erica.

"Beat her ass. What the hell else would I do?" 

Returning Mia's response with equal sarcasm, she said, "I don't know, maybe something more sensible. It's not like that would do anything to fix Cody."

"Well it'd certainly be better than doing nothing at all." Her eyes took on an accusatory look. "What kind of a girlfriend are you anyways? It's like you don't even give a damn."

She scoffed. "You're right, I care absolutely nothing about him. That's why I've been talking to the police and meeting with them to go over the details of the investigation."

"A lot of good that's done. The fucker who paralyzed Cody is most likely gonna walk free. Yeah, you've done a fantastic job so far."

Cody's deep, masculine voice suddenly spoke up, commanding both Mia and Erica's attention. "Lay off her, Mia. This isn't Erica's fault, so just leave her alone, okay?" 

"You're right, It's not her fault. But she should be doing more."

"Doing bodily harm to someone isn't going to accomplish anything except bring more trouble Cody's way. What kind of sense does that make?" 

Letting out a breath of exasperation, Mia rolled her eyes. "Just forget it. I'm so done trying to explain things to you."

"Good, because I'm so done hearing you talk." Filled to the brim with anger, Erica headed for the fridge in a huff, and upon reaching it, grabbed herself a bottle of water. 

Clearly tense from the hostile banter between the two women, Cody released a little sigh, then turned his attention to Mia. "Allright, so tell me what happened with Natalie."

"So instead of confronting her face to face, I waited outside her house. There weren't any lights on in the windows, so I figured she most likely wasn't at home. It took about half an hour, but finally she showed up. I waited for her to park, then after she went inside, I headed for her car."

"You sure she didn't see you?"

"It was too dark. Plus she parked under a carport, so even if she had looked out the window, she wouldn't have been able to really see anything."

"Okay, so what'd you end up doing?"

Her lips curled into a wicked smile. "I made a few adjustments to the engine."

"What kind of adjustments?" 

"I took a few parts out, then did a little tinkering. Didn't take me longer than a few minutes, but the damage will be major."

"How major?"

Mia took a brief glance at Erica, then gave Cody a response. "All I'm gonna say is that when she wakes up in the morning and starts up that car, she's gonna be in for quite a surprise."

From where she stood in the kitchen, Erica could see that a look of worry had crossed Cody's face, and he didn't have to say a word for her to tell that he was beginning to seriously think about the consequences which could arise from the devious plan that Mia had put into action.

"Whatever it is you did to that car, it's not gonna hurt her, right?" Cody asked.

"What, you think I fixed it so that her car is gonna explode?" She gave a light chuckle, then finished the remainder of her coffee drink. "I'm a gearhead, not a demolitions expert. And besides, why does it matter what I did? The reason you're in a wheelchair right now is because of her. That slut didn't care about you, so why should you care about her?"

Mia tossed the empty beverage bottle toward the kitchen trash can, where it landed with a clinking sound. Then eyeing the saucers of cheesecake that were sitting on the table, she slid off the stool and headed toward them.

Pointing toward one of the desserts, she asked Cody, "Mind if I have a taste?"

"Go ahead." 

She grabbed one of the saucers, and after retaking her seat on the stool, she fed a forkful of cake into her mouth. Having had a chance to cool down, Erica exited the kitchen, then walked over to where Cody was so that she could stand behind him. 

Then bending down slightly so that her chin was resting on his shoulder, she looped her arms around his neck. Making direct eye contact with her nemesis, Erica didn't allow her gaze to waver for even a minute. 

The hard glare that Mia gave her would have probably caused many others to crumble beneath the weight of it, but when it came to determination and mental fortitude, they were evenly matched. 

The two women would have probably remained in an eye lock for a whole lot longer if the sound of Cody's voice hadn't forced Mia to avert her attention from Erica.

"So what exactly did you do to her car?" Cody asked.

"I fixed the wiring so that when she starts up the ignition, her car will short circuit."

"Short circuit...so basically that means her car will catch fire."

"Yeah, that's the idea."

"Wait, you can't be serious about this."

"Of course I'm serious. Why, what's the problem?"

"The problem is, there's fire involved."

Mia took another bite of the cake. "What's the big deal? So her car gets toasted. And?" She gave an exaggerated shrug of her shoulders.

Shaking his head, he said, "No, this isn't cool with me. I don't want this to happen."

"You're kidding, right?"

"No, I'm not. Someone could get killed. Plus, you could catch an arson charge for this. 

"No I won't, I covered my tracks. They'll have no way of finding out it was me."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I'm not stupid, okay? I know what to do in order to not get busted. There's no way they can trace it back."

"I don't care, I still don't want it to happen. So go undo what you did."

"What?" A flabbergasted expression crossed her face.

"You heard me. Go fix it."

As Mia dropped her fork on the saucer, it gave a loud clang. "I can't believe I'm hearing this. Do you want revenge, or not?"

"I do, but not this way. This is wrong."

"Wrong?" Her brows furrowed deeply, and the look she gave Cody made it seem as if he'd suddenly become unrecognizable to her. "Who is this I'm talking to here? Because four weeks ago, when you were lying in that hospital bed after surgery, you were mad as hell at her. And it seemed like you were okay with having me go after her."

"I never actually told you to, and of course I was mad at her. You think I'm still not? I wake up angry everyday, but torching her car is only going to bring more problems. And my life is already complicated enough."

"So that's it. You want me to call it off?"

"Yes," he said in a firm tone of voice.

"Fine." She got onto her feet, then giving a sharp kick backward, she hit the leg of the stool, sending it to the ground with a loud crash. 

"Calm the fuck down, Mia. It's not that serious," Cody said in a voice that was deeper than usual.

She stormed toward the front door, and upon reaching it, spoke a few angry words. "Last time I do you any favors." Then she crossed the threshold, closing the door with a reverberating slam. 

A few short moments passed with nothing but silence between the couple, then Cody began to speak. 

"Sorry about that. Mia can get a bit out of hand sometimes."

"A bit? The girl's got a serious temper." Still standing behind him with her arms around his neck, she changed her position so that she could take a seat at the kitchen table. Now facing him, she said, "I hope you don't take offense to me asking you this, but why are you still friends with her?"

"We go way back. She's not always like this."

"Every time I've seen her, she's always so pissed off." She waited for Cody to say something, but when he didn't, she once again spoke. "I can't believe she rigged Natalie's car to catch fire. I mean I completely understand wanting to get back at her, because what she did was really horrible. But Mia's plan was just insane."

"Can we stop talking about her?" 

The sharp tone of voice he used caught her off guard, and for a few tense moments, she simply stared at him. Then finally she offered some words.

"Is there a reason you're mad at me? Because I've done nothing to you."

"I'm not mad at you. I'm just feeling a little on edge about this whole thing that Mia did. It has nothing to do with you, okay?"

She gave a heavy sigh, then said, "She just had to show up, didn't she? Everything was going so well before she came." 

"Yeah, I know. Sorry about that. I don't know why she didn't just call."

"Because she knew I was here. She wanted to mess up our night." Receiving nothing but silence in return, she posed a question. "Why does she have a key to your apartment?" 

"I used to take a lot of trips out of town, so sometimes she would apartment sit for me." 

"Oh, okay." She gave a brief pause, then said, "So is it always going to be like this?"

"Like that?"

"Her trying to wedge her way between us. We can't even spend a night together without her ruining it."

"I told you, she'll come around after awhile. Just give her some time."

"We've been together for a month and a half now. It's pretty obvious that she's never going to accept me as your girlfriend." 

"Well what do you want me to do?" 

"Talk to her. Let her know there are boundaries that can't be crossed. Make her understand that our relationship is to be respected." 

"I've talked to her several times about it, but I'll do it again." 

"Please do. And make sure she gets the message this time." 

"Yeah, okay. I will." Clearly worn out from he events of the evening, he blew out a weary breath. "I'm gonna go use the bathroom." 

"You need any help?"

"No, I'll be fine," he tersely said.

She watched him wheel away, then once he was out of sight, she got up from the chair and headed for the converted bedroom. Once she was there, she stripped out of her summer dress, then put on a white lacy slip. She sauntered toward the oversized windows, and as she glanced out at the neighborhood beyond, she thought about her relationship with Cody. 

The obstacles in their path seemed insurmountable, and she began to wonder just how they were going to get through this difficult phase. 

It was clear to see that their strength as a couple was being tested in more than one way, and she knew that the outcome of this challenging period would either cement their bond to one another, or completely drive them apart. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 13



As of right now, it seemed they were headed for less than a positive outcome, but she was far from giving up on them. Deep in her heart, Erica felt that this was a relationship worth fighting for, and she was willing to do anything she could to keep them connected. 

Suddenly recalling the title of an eighties song, she realized that love truly was a battlefield, and like a fearless warrior, she was armed and ready. 



Peak of Desire Ch. 14



*So once again, I'm late with updating. Sorry to make you guys wait, but hopefully the length of this chapter will make up for it. I hope you'll enjoy, and many thanks for your comments, votes, and continued interest. :)*




Erica woke the next morning at just past eight a.m., and after rolling onto her side, she cast a gaze at her sleeping lover. As she reached a hand out to brush his hair away from his face, he stirred slightly, then emitted a cute little noise, but didn't wake. 

Thinking about the previous night, she pleasantly recalled their passionate coupling, and was pleased to know that despite all of the other changes in their relationship, the one thing that remained constant was their sexual chemistry. 

The past month had been challenging to say the least, and having sex with Cody had not only fulfilled her sexual needs, but also her emotional ones.

Ever since Cody had been paralyzed, it'd become increasingly difficult to connect with him on an emotional level, but during the act of sex, it seemed that the more familiar side of him emerged. 

She knew it would take time of course, and she was doing her best to be patient, but it broke her heart to see just how mentally devastated he was. She wanted her old Cody back, and it was her fondest hope that he would gradually regain all of those wonderful qualities that had made her fall so hard for him. 

After a few steady minutes of watching him peacefully sleep, she planted a feather light kiss on his lips, then quietly slipped out of bed. After making her way to the kitchen, she went about making breakfast. 

It only took five minutes before the scent of sizzling sausage patties filled the air, and as the coffee maker gurgled away, she busily cut slices of bread into triangle shapes. She was just placing an egg soaked piece of bread into an oiled skillet when Cody entered the kitchen. 

"Morning sweetie." 

"Morning," He groggily murmured, then opened the fridge to take out a carton of juice.

She got a glass down from the cabinet, then set it on the counter for him. After pouring himself a cup full, he took a generous sip. 

"Seems like you slept pretty well last night," she said. 

"I slept great. Only problem is, I woke up feeling exhausted. Not to mention, I have a terrible headache."

"Sorry to hear. Guess that's one of the side effects of those sleeping meds, huh?"

"Yep."

A sizzling noise emitted from the skillet as she placed another piece of egg drenched bread in, then she tended to a second frying pan, which held breakfast patties. After flipping them over, she turned to face Cody, and saw that he was shaking pills out of various orange medication bottles that were lined up on the counter.

After collecting half a dozen pills in his palm, he brought his hand up to his mouth to swallow them, then chased them down with juice. Finding herself curious, Erica decided to inquire about the number of pharmacy bottles. 

"I had no idea you had to take so many pills. What are they for?"

"Pain, muscle spasms, blood thinners, swelling...the list goes on." He recapped a bottle, then set it aside. "This is what my life has been reduced to. Loading myself up with chemical junk so I can get through the day."

"Must be a pain to have to take so many pills every day," she said with concern in her voice. "Hopefully it's at least doing some good, though."

"They do what they're supposed to, but the side effects are killing me. Most of the time I feel tired and cranky and just really off balance." After capping the last medication bottle, he blew out a heavy breath. "I'm so sick of feeling like this."

"Like what?"

"Like someone else. I don't feel like me anymore. And if I'm not me, then who the hell am I?"

Placing her hand on his shoulder, she gave it an affectionate rub. "Give yourself a break, sweetie. You're going through a major transition right now, so it's only natural you'd feel this way."

"There's nothing natural about it. It's a fucked up feeling, and I hate it." 

It broke her heart to see the look of utter frustration on his face, and after grabbing one of the medication bottles, she closely studied the label. "Maybe the dosage levels are too high. We could always call the doctor and see about getting them reduced."

"Yeah, I guess it's a worth a try."

She set the bottle back down on the counter, and giving him a hopeful look, she said, "Don't worry, we'll get it worked out. I'll give the doctor a call later this afternoon, okay?"

He nodded, and after leaning over to give him a peck on the lips, she turned to face the stove. 

"Breakfast is just about ready, so if you want, you can wait for me at the table."

"Okay."

Once the French toast was finished cooking, she served a portion for the both of them, then added a few sausage patties to Cody's plate. After setting the food on the table, she took a seat across from him. 

The majority of their meal was spent in silence, as each were wrapped up in their own thoughts. But as the minutes passed by, she found herself eager to ask Cody some questions.

"Have you spoken to Mia today?"

"No, not yet," he said. "Why?"

"Just wondering how that whole thing with Natalie's car worked out. Do you think she actually went back and fixed it?"

"She better have."

She took another bite of her French toast. Then setting her fork down, she prepared to ask another question. But before she could, the sound of Cody's ringing cell phone filled through the air. Spotting his mobile on the kitchen island, she got up from her seat to retrieve it. As she glanced down at the caller ID, she expected it to be Mia calling, but was relieved to see that it was Helen.

She came back over to the kitchen table, and after retaking her seat across from Cody, she held the phone out for him to take. "It's your mom." He stuffed a large piece of sausage patty into his mouth, then released his silverware and then took the mobile from her. 

Bringing the receiver up to his ear, he said, "Hey mom, what's up?" 

While he talked on the phone, she continued to eat, and once her plate was empty, she rose up from her seat. Seeing that Cody had finished his breakfast as well, she took both of their dishes into the kitchen, and after rinsing them off, she put them in the dishwasher. She was just exiting the kitchen when Cody finished his call, and as she reached him, he brought a palm up to her waist, sliding it along the curve.

"Thanks for breakfast. It was really good."

"No problem, glad you enjoyed." 

Erica angled her body so that her lips could meet his, and after sharing a lingering, open mouthed kiss, they both made their way to his converted bedroom.

Once they were there, Cody maneuvered himself in his chair so that he could take off his boxers. Erica thought of offering assistance, but knowing that he strived to become more independent, she allowed him to do it on his own. Once he was able to get his undergarment off, he offered her glance. 

"You gonna take a shower with me?"

"Of course."

"Great. See you in the bathroom." He gave her a little smile, then wheeled out of the bedroom and made his way toward the hall.

After stripping out of her slip nightgown and taking off her underwear, she headed for the bathroom, and upon entering found that Cody had already transferred himself into a plastic shower chair. His gaze swept over her nude body with clear desire, and as she returned his look with one of her own, she felt a tightening in her loins. 

She stepped into the walk-in shower, and after turning on the water and adjusting the temperature, she positioned the removable shower head over his body. She got him nice and wet first, then squeezed some soap onto a washcloth. 

Then holding a shower nozzle in one hand, and a washcloth in the other, she began soaping up his chest. Even with a month of inactivity, Cody's body was still quite toned, and she found herself lustily eyeing every inch of his hard masculine form.

Using small sudsy circles, she made her way down his stomach, then moved further southward. Since he was sitting and she was standing, she found it awkward to bend over him in order to wash the lower part of his body. So kneeling down so that she was eye level with his torso, she began to wash his penis. 

Using a gentle touch, she gently rubbed the cloth of the towel back and forth against the skin of his cock, then sprayed warm water over it to rinse the soap off. 

Not wanting to neglect his testicles, she lightly caressed the fleshy globes with the washcloth. She heard him emit a sound of contentment as she did it, and within the span of a few short moments, his cock became semi-erect. Bringing her gaze up to meet his, she noticed that his eyes had taken on that glazed look, and her lips curved into a little smile.

After rinsing the soap from the velvety flesh of his balls, she rose to her feet and walked around to the back of the shower chair. He moved forward a bit so that she could soap up his back, and after draping his long hair over his shoulder, she caught sight of his stab wound scars. 

Not having prepared herself to see them, a barely audible gasp found its way from her lips, and she was assaulted by flashbacks of that terrible night. It was the first time since the accident that she'd gotten a look at his back, and as her eyes roved over the long, thin, bumpy pink scars, she felt a wave of sadness course through her. 

Their lives had changed in a major way since then, and they'd hit some major emotional potholes, but despite all that, they were still together. Of course she knew this was only the beginning of this path they were traveling along, but it still gave her some comfort to know that they'd managed to keep their relationship afloat. 

Placing the washcloth on his back, she began to rub it across his skin. As she reached one of his scars, she gingerly ran the small towel over it, just barely allowing it to graze over the raised area of flesh. Perhaps noticing her hesitancy, Cody urged her on.

"It's okay, you won't hurt me."

From the way that the scars looked, it seemed as if they might be tender, so she still felt unsure about allowing the towel to make too much contact with them. Yet as she pressed the cloth against his back and began to wash him off, she found that he didn't release any sounds of pain. But even still, she knew that he must be feeling some discomfort, so using a very gentle touch, she got his back nice and soapy. 

Feeing an urge to touch one of his scars, she placed the pad of her finger against the one on his lower back, then lightly ran it across the smooth, raised blemish. To think that a knife had penetrated his skin and sunk deep into flesh, filled her with disgust for the man who had marred her lover's perfect body.

After rinsing off his back, she set the shower nozzle in its holder, then grabbed a bottle of shampoo and squeezed out a large glob. After working the soap through the strands of his hair, she began to massage his scalp. 

The sounds of contentment he released made her feel a deep sense of satisfaction, and continuing to work her magic, she allowed the tips of her fingers to caress his scalp. It didn't take long before an especially blissful sound left his mouth, and she gave a little smile as she realized just how much he was truly enjoying her ministrations.

"Feel good?" She asked.

"Mmm, feels great." His voice came out in a murmur.

She massaged his scalp for a few more minutes, then once his head was nice and foamy, she grabbed the shower nozzle and rinsed off his hair. Once that was done, she began to soap herself up, but the feel of Cody's hand against her waist brought her attention to him. 

As she turned to face him, he patted his lap, then said, "Sit down and let me wash you."

She obeyed his request, and once she was straddling him, he began to bathe her. He ran the soft fabric of the washcloth lazily along her breasts and stomach, then once he reached her nether regions, she rose up a little from the sitting position she was in, allowing him better access to the juncture between her legs. He gently ran the cloth back and forth against her pussy lips, then allowed his fingers to briefly caress the delicate flesh.

A sound of enjoyment came from her mouth as he did it, and glancing down at his crotch, she noticed he had a rock-hard erection. Realizing where her gaze was directed, Cody gave her a little smile, which she returned with one of her own. 

Having finished washing the spot between her legs, he soaped up her back and buttocks. Once that was done, Erica rinsed herself off, then set the shower nozzle in its holder. 

Seeing that his cock was begging for attention, she wrapped her hand around his shaft and began to languidly tug it. The slow, long strokes she gave him gradually became quicker, and soon she was jerking him off at a feverish pace. 

His groans bounced off the tile walls, mingling with the smack-smack-smack of her hand manipulating his hard flesh. Then giving a heady moan, his body stiffened and he climaxed. A thick spurt of come shot from his penis and as he trembled in ecstasy, she felt a deep sense of gratification sweep through her.

Nothing was more arousing to her than watching him come, and her inner muscles clenched from the erotic sight before her. After giving him a few more pumps, she released his softening penis, then wrapped her arms around his shoulders and gave him a tender kiss. Still breathing heavily, Cody's chest heaved against hers, and as their lips broke apart, he let out a sigh of content.

Erica reached behind her to grab the shower nozzle, and after rinsing him clean, she stood up from his lap and turned off the shower. Steam billowed out of the glass shower door as she opened it, and after reaching out to grab a towel from off the rack, she began to dry him off. 

Her care and gentleness with him silently conveyed her love for him, and after toweling off his torso, she used the towel to squeeze the moisture from his hair. 

Having always been a thorough type of person, she even took the time to dry out his ears with a corner of the towel. Then leaning in toward his face, she pressed her lips to his soft ones. 

His mouth tasted sweet like syrup and as his tongue flicked against hers, she felt a little shiver dance up her spine. Every kiss they shared seemed like the first time all over again, and as she pulled back from his mouth, she heard him offer a few words.

"Thank you."

"For what?" She curiously asked.

"For being so good to me."

"It's no problem, I'm happy to do it." 

She stroked his cheek affectionately, then began to dry herself off. Then she stepped out of the shower so he would have room to transfer himself back into his wheelchair. Once he was situated back in his chair, Erica led the way out of the bathroom and down the hallway. 

Once they reached the bedroom, Erica put on a pair of fitted jeans and a strappy turquoise tank top. Seeing that Cody was still getting dressed, she grabbed her makeup case from her overnight bag, then walked over to the floor mirror that was located next to the window. After putting on some eye shadow and a bit of mascara, she coated her lips with some gloss. Then she ran a paddle brush through her hair a few times to bring out the layers around her face. 

Content with her appearance, she turned away from the mirror and headed over to Cody. Wearing a pair of faded black jeans and a red t-shirt with black lettering on it, he was rummaging through the drawer of the beside table. 

Reaching his side, she asked, "Need a hand?" 

He reached further into the drawer, then pulled out a wooden hairbrush with coated bristles. "Yeah, I could use some help brushing my hair. Can't really lift my arms too well, so if you wouldn't mind..." He held the brush out to her.

"Sure thing, no problem." 

After grabbing the brush, she positioned herself behind his wheelchair, then started brushing his locks. Reaching mid back, his hair was the texture of silk and of a jet black color. 

He was the first man she'd dated that wore his hair so long, and as the bristles of the brush slipped through his locks, she found herself admiring the luster of them. 

Every time she ran the plastic coated bristles through his strands, it made a pleasant sound. She found herself soothed by it, and figured that Cody did as well, because every now and again he would give barely audible sighs. 

The moment they were sharing was so nice and relaxing that she felt hesitant to break the silence. Yet there was something on her mind she just had to speak with him about.

"Is it necessary for Mia to have a key to your apartment?"

"No, I guess not. Why?"

"I don't feel real good about it."

"Why not?"

"Well for one thing, she just walks in unannounced. Doesn't that bother you?"

"It does when you're here. But otherwise no, not really."

"So is that like a regular thing she does? Just randomly show up and let herself in?"

"No. She only did it once before, and that was because she had a fight with her girlfriend and wanted to spend the night somewhere else." He gave a brief pause, then continued. "The only reason she showed up last night was because she knew you were here."

"Well yeah, obviously. And that's one of the things that really bothers me about her. She's so disrespectful of our relationship."

"She did cross the line last night. Next time I talk to her, I'll be sure to let her know she can't just show up like that."

"Hopefully she'll listen this time." Still running the brush through his hair, she said, "I know she's your friend and all, but there's something about her that seems off."

"What do you mean?"

"She's unstable."

"Unstable..." He allowed his voice to drift off, as if he was thinking about what she'd just said. "So basically you're saying she's crazy."

"Yeah. Can't you see that?"

"Well she does have her weird moments, and she can definitely be a handful, but I don't know if I'd call her crazy."

"What about last night, and that whole plan she had to set Natalie's car on fire? That's not something a mentally stable person would do."

"Okay, yeah. That was pretty crazy. But I've never seen her like that before. I think her emotions just got the best of her." 

"So naturally the best way for her to deal with that was to rig a car to catch fire." 

"I'm not saying she doesn't have any issues at all, because it's obvious she does. But I've known her for many years, and this is the first time she's done anything like this."

"The first time that you know of." The tone of her voice conveyed her serious mood. 

"Come on, Erica. I know Mia's got a few issues to deal with, but you make it sound like she's some sort of a psycho."

"Because that's how I feel. Something isn't right with her, and last night was a pretty good indication of how she truly is. Why can't you see that?"

"I've known her for nine years now. Do you seriously think we could be friends that long without me noticing any signs?"

"Yes, I do. Or maybe you have noticed, but you've just chosen to ignore them." Beginning to feel agitated, she ran the brush through his hair a little faster. "People sometimes do that because they're too afraid to see the truth."

"I'm not afraid of anything. And I find it really interesting that you seem to know more about her than I do."

She halted the movement of the comb, then changing her position so that she was standing in front of him, she looked him straight in the eyes.

"It's called intuition, and it's never led me astray, not once. Now what I want to know is, why are you sticking up for her?"

"I'm not."

"Yes, you are. You're taking her side, and it's very insulting." As she grew more emotional, her voice began to waver. "*I'm* your girlfriend, *I'm* supposed to be number one."




Peak of Desire Ch. 14



"You are number one."

"Doesn't seem like it."

"Well you are."

They locked eyes, and for a few tense moments neither spoke a word. Then finally in a firm tone of voice, Erica made a demand. 

"Prove it to me."

"How?"

"I want her out of your life."

"Are you seriously asking me to do this?"

"Do I look like I'm joking? From day one, she's done nothing but attack me. You've seen it with your own eyes, and yet you still remain friends with her. Why is that?"

"Please don't make me go over this again." 

"Why not? "What's the deal between you and her?"

"What do you mean?" 

"Has anything ever happened between you two?"

A long stretch of silence passed between them, during which he briefly averted his eyes, then he hesitantly began to speak. "Something did happen between us. But it was a long time ago."

Simultaneously eager and afraid to hear the rest, she nervously swallowed back the lump that was growing in her throat. At a loss for words, she simply stared at him, silently urging him to continue.

"I did have sex with her, but it only happened once."

"When?" The surge of jealousy she felt caused her heart to race in her chest.

"Four years ago."

"Where did it happen? Was it here?"

"No, it was at my old apartment."

"So I guess you told me she was a lesbian so I wouldn't suspect anything." 

"No, I told you she's a lesbian because that's what she is."

"Bullshit. She's bisexual, not a lesbian."

"She identifies as a lesbian, so that's how I see her."

"Yeah, okay. Whatever." She rolled her eyes. "So how did it happen? Did you make the first move, or did she?"

"Why does it matter?"

"I just wanna know."

"Why?"

"Just tell me." Her voice had risen an octave, and from the look on Cody's face, she could see he was surprised by her fiery mood. 

"We were just hanging out one day, and she mentioned she'd never been with a guy before. I guess she was curious, and wanted to see what it was like."

"So you decided to give her that experience."

"Yeah. I was single at the time, so I figured why not."

"How generous of you." Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and in a voice filled with disgust, she said, "I can't believe you had sex with her. Why didn't you just tell me?"

"Because I knew it would bother you. And I didn't want to mess things up between us."

"You still should have told me. It was wrong for you to not say anything.

"I know, and I'm sorry, okay? I just really like you a lot, and I knew if you found out, you'd probably call things off. And I didn't want that."

"So you chose instead to lie?"

"I didn't lie."

"You're right, you just kept it a secret. Which is almost as bad as lying." 

"I only did it because I care so much about you."

"Oh please. You did it because you were too chicken shit to come out and tell me the truth."

"You're right I was scared. Scared to lose you, and scared I might never see you again. That's why I did it."

"So what, am I supposed to just forgive you and say that everything's okay? Because it's not that easy to just get over something like this."

"I understand that, and I know it may take some time, but please don't hold this against me. It happened a long time ago, way before we met."

"Has it happened again?"

"No. It was only that one time." 

"Do you love her?" 

"Hell no. She's only a friend, and nothing more."

"You said it only happened once, so what's stopped you from hooking up with her again?"

"It's just not worth it. Having a sexual relationship with her would way be way too messy of a situation. I like having her as a friend, but I could never see myself dating her. It just wouldn't work out."

She gave him a dubious look, but didn't say a word.

Perhaps seeing that she needed more convincing, he offered some more words. "Having sex with her was a mistake. It's something I regret, and if I had the chance to undo it, I would."

Erica could see regret in his eyes, and she did believe he was truly sorry about it, but that didn't ease the pain she felt. Tortured by unwanted images of Cody and Mia in bed together, Erica began to feel queasy. Unable to stand the sight of her lover, she quickly looked away.

"Babe, I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

Folding her arms in front of her chest, she remained quiet, refusing to make eye contact. A long stretch of silence permeated the air before she finally allowed her eyes to once again rest on him, then she spoke in a voice husky with emotion.

"No wonder she acts so crazy. Because she's in love with you."

"She is not in love with me."

"Yes she is. Open your eyes and wake up. Stop pretending like you don't see it, because it's so damn obvious."

"Even if she is in love with me, I don't care. You're the one I want, not her."

His words fell on deaf ears and she turned away from him, glancing towards the large windows.

"Erica?" He gave a pause, waiting for her to say something.

With her back turned to him, she couldn't see what he was doing, but she could feel his presence as he wheeled up behind her. Then she felt him rest his hand gently against her back.

"Sweetie, come on. I said I was sorry. 

"Don't touch me," she spat out. 

He immediately removed his hand, then releasing a little sigh, he said, "I'll do anything to fix this. Just tell me what you want."

"You can't fix it. It's already done." Her arms still crossed in front of her chest, she continued gazing at the view beyond the window. Then suddenly she whipped around and stared him straight in the eyes. 

"So were you ever planning on telling me, or did you just figure you could keep it a secret forever?" 

"I was going to tell you. I was just waiting for the right time."

"The right time..." Her voice broke off and she lightly shook her head. "And just when exactly was that going to be?"

He lowered his gaze in shame for a few moments before once again meeting her eyes. "I know you're disgusted with me. And you have every right to be. But please give me a chance to make it up to you."

"Why? If you kept this a secret, then surely you must be hiding something else."

"But I'm not. I swear, I haven't kept anything else from you."

Her eyes penetrated his, searching for signs of deception. "Even if that's true, I just don't know if I can deal with this. Now every time I see her, I'll just be thinking of how you two were together." Feeling a wave of nausea, she said, "It makes me sick just thinking about it."

"See? This is exactly why I didn't wanna tell you."

"That's still no excuse," she snapped.

"I'm not saying it is. Just letting you know why I was reluctant to do it."

"Well thank you for further clarifying, but it still doesn't change a damn thing."

A look of sadness filled Cody's eyes. "Look, I know I screwed up, but please don't allow this to drive us apart. We have something good here, and I really want it to continue. Do you?"

"Yes. But if we're going to stay together, some things will have to change." 

The tone of voice she used conveyed how serious she was, and no additional details needed to be given in order for him to fully understand just what she was talking about. He gave a simple nod, then grabbed his cell phone from off the bedside table. 

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Calling Mia so she can come over. I think the best way to do this would be with you by my side. That way she can see how serious I am." 

He dialed in the number, then pressed the receiver against his ear. The conversation he had with Mia was short and to the point, and after hanging up the phone, he set it back down. 

"She's on her way. Shouldn't be longer than ten minutes before she arrives."

"Okay." 

He took her small hand in his large one, but instead of allowing him to hold it, she snatched it away. Still feeling distressed about his admission of having slept with Mia, she wasn't yet ready to show affection, and walked away from him. 

Needing to distract her mind, she kept herself busy in the kitchen by wiping down the counters and stove, then started up the dishwasher. She'd just finished cleaning the coffee maker when she heard the sound of keys in the door, followed by the appearance of Mia.

Erica offered the hazel eyed woman a harsh stare, and received one of equal fervor in return. Mia then made her way toward the bedroom where Cody was waiting, with Erica following right behind her.

"Hey Cody, what's up?" Mia asked.

"Hello." Not showing a hint of friendliness, he kept a straight face. 

As Erica joined his side, he grabbed her hand. Wishing to show solidarity with him, she threaded her fingers through his and glared down her rival.

"What's this all about?" Mia asked.

"The reason I asked you over here is because I need you to understand something," he said. "The relationship Erica and I have is special. I care about her very much, and she's an important part of my life."

"Okay." Her brows drew slightly together and a blank look crossed her face. "That's nice to hear, but what does this have to do with me?"

"I want you to stop harassing her. She's done nothing but be civil towards you, and she deserves to be respected."

"Wait a minute, why are you making it seem as if I'm the one with the problem?"

"Because you are."

"No I'm not, she's the one who's insecure. She's jealous of me and wants to break up our friendship."

Unable to hold her tongue, Erica blurted out, "You're the one who's jealous."

"Yeah, right. Why would I be jealous of you?"

"Because I'm his woman, and you're not."

"You're delusional. I'm a lesbian, I don't date men."

"You may not date them, but you sure enjoy fucking them."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. I know you had sex with Cody. He told me all about it."

Clearly surprised, Mia darted her eyes towards him. Then she looked back at Erica. "Yeah, and? So what?"

"So I want you to stop interfering with our relationship. You're not his girlfriend, and you never will be, so just get over it."

"Oh really?" She snorted. "If you truly believed that, then why do you sound so angry?"

"Because I'm sick and tired of you attacking me. How long is it gonna take before you realize that you can't break us up?" 

"Break you up?" She gave a humorless chuckle, and her lips curved into a nasty little smirk. "You truly are delusional if you think I would have to compete with someone as basic and boring as you." 

"That's enough, Mia," Cody's deep voice interjected. 

Darting her eyes towards him, she shot him a withering look, to which he responded with an unshakable gaze. 

"What's your issue with Erica?" He asked. "Just what has she done to deserve this kind of treatment?"  

Mia briefly turned her steely eyes on his girlfriend before answering. "I don't like her."

"And that gives you the right to treat her badly?"

Seemingly uncertain how to respond, she simply stared back at him. 

I've talked to you about this several times, but since you haven't gotten the message, I'll tell you again. Whatever issues you've got with Erica, deal with them. Because we're going to be together, and there's nothing you can do to change that. 

A pinched expression came onto her face, as if it was physically uncomfortable for her to hear the words that had exited Cody's mouth.

He continued to speak. "This is the last time I'll talk to you about this. You do it again, and we're done."



"Are you serious?" Utter disbelief etched on her face. "You would actually throw away a nine year friendship over *her*? You've barely known each other two months!" 

"It doesn't matter how long we've been together. She makes me happy, and I wanna keep her in my life. Now if you truly value your friendship with me, you'll respect our relationship and treat her decently."

Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Mia directed her attention at Erica. With narrowed eyes and compressed lips, she made no effort to conceal the contempt she felt. Then looking back at Cody, she gave a response. "Fine."

"Fine what?"

"I'll do my best to get along with her."

"Is that a promise?"

"I said I would, didn't I?" Venom laced her words.

"I'm serious, Mia. This is the last time I'm going to talk to you about this."

"Yeah, okay, I got it. Now is that it?"

"Yes."

Without saying another word, she spun on her heel and hurriedly made her way towards the door, then slammed it behind her. She'd only been gone for a mere few seconds when suddenly the door opened again, and after stepping across the threshold, she halted her steps.

"I need to talk to you. Alone." 

"Why?" Asked Cody.

"Just meet me in the hallway," she said in a demanding tone of voice, then exited the loft. 

As Cody glanced at Erica, she gave him an uneasy look. She was all too aware of Mia's precarious mental state, and couldn't help wondering why she wanted to be alone with him. 

"Want me to go with you?" A look of worry had spread across her face.

"No, I'll be fine. Just hang tight, and I'll be back in a bit." 

Erica watched as he wheeled toward the entryway, and after passing the threshold, he pulled the door closed behind him. Unable to resist, she headed for the door and glanced out the peephole. As she looked out the tiny piece of glass, she saw Mia talking animatedly to Cody, and judging from her body language, it was clear she was steadily growing angrier. 

Curious as to what Mia was saying, Erica pressed her ear against the door, hoping to catch snatches of the conversation. The lowered voice that Mia spoke in, however, wasn't audible enough to pass through the door.

She felt a little guilty being so nosy, but her curiosity was too strong to resist. Minutes passed and Erica still strained to hear the conversation. Then all of a sudden she heard Mia's voice raise a notch, followed by Cody offering some harsh words. 

What followed was a shouting match, and although their voices were loud, it was difficult for Erica to make out most of what they were saying. This was due to the fact that they were constantly talking over each other.

Continuing to observe the heated argument through the peephole, Erica saw Mia back away from Cody, and after spewing a creative variety of curse words, she stormed off in the direction of the elevators. 

Erica quickly backed away from the door, and as Cody entered, she could feel the distress radiating off him. Still on edge from the argument, his jaw was tightly set and his brows were lowered. Feeling awkward and doubtful as to what she should say to him, she simply watched as he wheeled toward the portioned off bedroom. 

She followed behind him, and upon entering the converted sleeping space, he maneuvered his chair toward the oversized windows. Taking a seat in a black leather armchair next to the window, she found herself eager to question him about Mia. Yet not wanting to press him for information, she waited for him to speak first. After some time had passed, his voice sliced through the stillness. 

"So I guess you were right."

Sensing he would continue, she remained silent.

"She is in love with me." He released a heavy breath, then shook his head lightly. "How could I have been so blind? It was so obvious."

"Maybe you did know all along, but didn't want to admit it because you knew it would complicate things."

"Yeah, I guess." He stared straight out the window with a faraway expression. "She's dropped hints through the years about wanting to have sex with me again, but I figured she was just interested in having something casual. I never would have imagined she wanted a relationship." 

"Is that what she said to you out in the hallway?"

"Not exactly in those words, but she made it pretty clear."

Feeling an urgent need to know more, she asked, "What did she say to you out there?"

"She told me she didn't understand why I was picking on her, and why I continued to take your side. She also told me how much it hurt her to see me putting another woman before her."

She gave a little nod. "Just as I thought. She wants to be number one in your life. That's why she hates every woman you've dated."

"Yeah. Guess that was yet another sign I chose to ignore." Several moments passed where he did nothing except silently sit there with a contemplative look on his face. "I feel really bad about this. It's my fault this whole thing happened."

"You shouldn't feel bad. You didn't do anything wrong."

"Yes I did. I should have never slept with her. That was my mistake."

"You still can't blame yourself for it." Staring at him, she saw that remorse was clear on his face. 



"Mia told me she's had sex with a few other men since me, but that it didn't do anything for her. Apparently she sees it as a sign that we're meant to be together."

"Wow. I knew she was into you, but....wow." Temporarily at a loss for words, she found herself distressed by the fact that Mia's affections towards Cody had reached the point of obsession. "Sounds like she thinks you guys are fated to be together."

"Yeah, pretty much."

"So how did you respond?"

"I told her that while I really cared about her as a friend, it wouldn't be possible for us to have a romantic relationship. I said it in the nicest way possible, but she pretty much went mental after that."

"I guess that's when she started yelling."

"Yeah. You probably heard us through the door."

"So then what happened?"

"She told me what an asshole I was, and that I'd be sorry for rejecting her, because you'd eventually get tired of being with a guy in a wheelchair. She said you'd leave me and then I'd be all alone, with no one to love me."

"What a horrible thing for her to say."

"I think at that point, she was pretty much saying anything she could to hurt me. She was emotionally wrecked. I could see it in her eyes."

"That's still no excuse. She had no right to say such a thing."

"Yeah, well, it's over now. So I guess that's that."

"So are you still friends, or what?"

"That all depends on if she changes her behavior. As of right now, I've got a feeling she's gonna lay low for awhile. Which is good, because we obviously need time apart."

Erica gave a little nod and glanced out the window. 

"I don't know what made me think sleeping with her would be a good idea," said Cody. "It was never my intention to hurt her. That's not the kind of guy I am."

"Of course not." Seeing he was wracked with guilt, she tried to ease his mind. "Listen, I know you feel bad about this, but you have to remember that she's the one who propositioned you. She should have known there would be consequences."

He sighed deeply, then combed his fingers through his hair. "This is all so confusing and completely messed up. I'm sorry you have to be involved in all this."

She pulled her shoulders into a light shrug. "It is what it is. I'm not blaming you for it."

"I know, but you've put up with a lot. You deserve better than this."

Not knowing what to say, she watched in silence as he continued looking out the window. From the look in his eyes she could see he was staring at nothing in particular, and it was easy to tell that the events which had just transpired were weighing heavy on his mind. 

She stood up from her seat and walked closer to him, then took a seat on his lap. As his arms enveloped her waist, she leaned into his touch. It felt good to be in his arms, and she positioning her head so that their faces were a mere few inches apart. 

She brought a hand up to tenderly stroke his cheek, then allowed her digits to graze against his soft lips. His mouth emitted a light smacking noise as he lightly kissed her fingertips. Then leaning in closer to him, she gave him a soft, tender kiss which involved the sucking of his bottom lip.

After a few moments of their tongues caressing, their lips pulled apart. Pressing their foreheads together, they engaged in a wordless stare. Grateful to have the tribulations of life momentarily at bay, they shared a moment of intimate stillness. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 14



Wrapped contentedly in their own protective little cocoon, the sound of their breathing mingled with the swooshing noise of the dishwasher. Finding herself comforted by the sound of the mechanical device, she rested her head against his shoulder. 

Apparently the sound of the dishes washing had lulled her right to slumber, because the next thing she knew, the sound of the doorbell roused her from sleep. Emitting a drowsy little moan, she opened her eyes to see Cody gazing down at her. He glided his fingers through her hair and gave her a little smile, then joined his lips with hers in a deep, slow kiss. 

Feeling completely relaxed and at ease in his arms, she murmured, "Someone at the door?"

"Probably just my mom and sister. I think they wanted to give us a warning just in case we were having an intimate moment." The end of his sentence was followed by a light chuckle. 

Erica's lip pulled into a little smile, and she lifted her head from his shoulder. As the door opened, the sound of Helen and Noelle's voice filled the air, along with the rustling of plastic grocery bags. 

Wanting to see what time it was, Erica got off Cody's lap and walked over to where her purse was on the floor. After retrieving her cell phone, she glanced at the display screen. Little more than an hour remained before she had to show up for work, so she slung her purse strap over her shoulder, then headed back towards her lover. 

She came up behind him, then bent down to loop her arms around his neck. "Gotta go to work. I'll give you a call later, okay?" 

"Allright."

He tipped his head back so she could kiss him, and after their lips parted she headed for the door. He followed behind her, and as they passed by the kitchen area, Erica offered Helen and Noelle a greeting.

"Morning Mrs. Begay." Then turning her attention on Cody's sister, she said, "Hey Noelle."

"Hey Erica, what's up?" 

"Not much. Just heading to work."

"Did you two enjoy your evening?" Helen asked with a little smile.

"Yeah, it was really nice. And by the way, thanks for making dinner. It was delicious."

"No problem. Glad you enjoyed."

"Most definitely. See you guys later." 

She gave them a wave, then continued toward the entryway. Upon reaching it, she turned to face Cody and kissed him once more. 

"Give me a call when you get off work," he said.

"Sure thing. See ya."

She crossed the threshold and headed down the hallway toward the elevator. As she was waiting for it to arrive, she heard her cell phone emit a text alert. Pressing the button to open the message, she saw it was from her mother.

~Haven't heard from you in days. No call, no text, nothing. You doing okay?~

She keyed in her reply, then hit the message send button.

*I'm fine. Just have a lot going on*

~Come over for dinner tonight so we can catch up. I'll make tacos~

*Sounds good. See you then*

Erica slipped her phone back into her purse, then glanced impatiently at the elevator. She didn't know what was taking so long, but she wasn't in the mood for waiting, so she made her way toward the stairs. 

The door gave a resounding echo as it slammed shut, and her low heeled sandals made clacking noises as she descended the concrete steps. She'd only made it halfway down the staircase when a voice suddenly called out behind her.

"You little bitch."

Halting her steps, Erica turned to face the source of the voice and saw Mia step out from a shadowy corner. 

"What did you just call me?" Erica asked.

"A bitch." 

She emphasized the latter part of her statement, then began to walk down the stairs towards Erica, coming to a stop once she was a mere few inches away. Since Mia was taller, Erica was forced to look up. Yet despite their four inch height difference, she felt anything but intimated. Glaring at her enemy, she stood her ground. 

"That's what you are, isn't it?" Asked Mia. "A scheming little bitch." 

"What the hell is your problem? You're seriously screwed up, you know that?"

A deranged smile tugged at her lips. "Am I really?" 

Already in close proximity to Erica, Mia descended yet another step. Extremely discomforted by having her personal space so invaded, Erica felt a strong urge to back away from Mia. Yet knowing that that the other woman would see it as a sign of fear, Erica chose instead to remain firmly rooted. 

"Is this your way of trying to intimidate me?" Asked Erica. "Because you're doing a pretty bad job of it."

"If I'm doing such a bad job, then why are you clutching the railing so tightly?"

Taking a brief glance at her right hand, Erica saw that she was holding the railing with such a steadfast grip, that the veins in the back of her hand were popping out.

"What's the matter? Afraid I might push you back?" 

Thoroughly agitated, and without an ounce of patience to spare, she gave Mia a death glare. "Back away from me, *now.*

"You back up. There's plenty of room behind you." She glanced at the long flight of steps behind Erica, then said, "Might wanna be careful on your way down, though. You fall down those stairs, it could do a lot of damage." 

"Please," Erica scoffed. "Your threats don't scare me." 

"They should. Because according to you, I'm screwed up. And anyone who's *sane* knows better than to mess with a crazy person."

"Pushing me down the stairs isn't going to do anything except show Cody how completely mental you are. Not to mention, you'll have some serious legal issues to deal with. Do you really think that's the wisest decision?"

A moment of silence passed as Mia stared her down, then finally she spoke. "This little thing between you and him. It's not gonna last."

"Yes it will. And that's what scares you."

"You're right, I'm completely terrified," she said in a voice filled with sarcasm. 

"You should be. Because you can't get rid of me, no matter how hard you try."

"I can, and I will get rid of you. Just like I got rid of all the others." 

"Yet after all these years, you're *still* not his girlfriend. Why is that?"

Thrown off by Erica's statement, Mia could only offer a menacing look in return. Then finally she spoke. "You're nothing more than a fuck toy to him. You serve no other purpose."

"Look, Mia, I know he stuck his dick in you once, but that was five years ago. Get over it already, because he's not interested in having a relationship with you." 

Their gazes locked, and as the tension grew between them, each silently willed the other to make the first move. If eyes truly were windows to the soul, then Mia was nothing short of a lunatic. 

There was no telling what was going on inside of her adversary's head, but Erica wasn't about to become victim to whatever devious plan the other woman was hatching up. 

Feeling an urgent need to get as far away from her rival as possible, Erica made an attempt to push past Mia and go back up the stairs, but her movement was halted as the other woman stepped over a few inches to block her path. 

"Get out of my way!"

"Get out of mine," Mia testily said. 

A surge of adrenaline coursed through Erica's body, and feeling a spark of anger ignite in her gut, she gave Mia a hard push, forcing her aside. 

Erica then hastily made her way up the staircase, yet before she could even ascend two steps, she felt fingers fist into her hair, followed by a harsh yank that sent her tumbling down the stairs. 

A cry of shock, more than from pain, tore from her lips on the way down. After what seemed a frighteningly long time, her body landed hard against the landing of the stairs. 

Following a moment of disorientation, Erica glanced up to see Mia hastily descending the steps towards her. 

Even from her position on the ground, Erica could see murderous intent in her rival's eyes, and a chill danced down her spine. Now certain that Mia was not only mentally unstable, but also downright devious, Erica knew that she had to put an end to this situation, and fast. 

Lifting herself to her knees, she struggled to get back onto her feet. Her efforts, however, were quickly thwarted as the sole of Mia's boot stomped against Erica's fingers. 

An agonized cry sounded from Erica's lips as Mia increased the pressure, and casting a fiery gaze upward, she saw Mia's lips twist into a sinister smirk.

Seemingly spurred on by the other woman's suffering, Mia followed the finger crushing with a sharp kick to Erica's stomach, causing her to fall flat on her back with an audible oof. 

Struggling to breathe, she writhed in pain against the cold concrete floor. Positioning her body so that she was standing over Erica, Mia stared icily down at her.

"Like getting your ass kicked?" she asked.

Still struggling to steady her breath, Erica released a cough, then rolled onto her side. 

"I asked you a question, now answer me." 

"Fuck you," Erica breathlessly spat. 

The pain was worse than anything she'd felt before, but refusing to stay down, she mustered every bit of strength and lifted herself up.

"Stay down, bitch, or else I'll really make you hurt," Mia vehemently said.

Ignoring her rival's warning, she offered a fierce glare. Then with a swift movement of her leg, she delivered a powerful kick to Mia's right knee. 

The force of it caused Mia to stumble backward, yet before she could fall, she regained her footing. Clearly unprepared for the swift and sudden attack, Mia's eyes were alight with fury.  

The adrenaline in Erica's body caused both her strength and speed to increase, and taking full advantage of her hormonal surge, she quickly came to a standing position. 

She'd barely risen to her feet when Mia lunged at her. Then wrapping her hands around Erica's throat, she slammed her against a wall. 

Mia's neck hold was unrelenting, and as her thumb dug forcefully into the hollow of Erica's neck, a choking sound ripped from her throat. Desperate to release herself from Mia's grip, Erica clawed at her hands, but this only seemed to spur her opponent on. 

As Mia's grip tightened even further, Erica felt her windpipe steadily close, followed by  a sickening sensation of dizziness. Staring into her enemy's eyes, Erica saw the hatred that was burning within them, and she knew without a doubt that Mia had no intentions of releasing her vise-like grip.

Little black spots appeared before Erica's eyes, and as her vision grew foggy, a rush of panic swept through her. Realizing it would take something drastic to release Mia's hold, Erica latched her fingernails into her rival's face. 

She sunk them in as deep as they would go, then raked them across the soft flesh, drawing blood in the process. 

Her violent ministrations left claw marks against both of Mia's cheeks, and a screech of pain erupted from her mouth. 

No sooner had Mia released her from the choke hold, did Erica take a gasping breath. She gratefully sucked in air, then gave a few harsh coughs. 

Mia clutched the sides of her face in shock, and as she removed her palms to glance at them, she saw blood. 

"Fucking bitch!" 

Mia's bellow of anger reverberated in the staircase and she bared her teeth, then rushed in for another attack. 

This time Erica was ready for her, and before Mia could throw a single blow, Erica struck her nose with her fist. Hoping to do the most damage she could in a short amount of time, she followed the punch with a fierce kick to the knee. 

This sent her adversary stumbling backward, and as Mia's body hit the ground, Erica was filled with intense gratification. Clearly pissed that Erica had gotten in a few good strikes, Mia scrambled to her knees. 

Yet before she could get back up, Erica aimed her foot for the underside of Mia's chin. The strength of the kick sent Mia pitching backwards, legs sprawling out as she fell flat on her back. 

Knowing all too well the level of craziness she was dealing with, Erica knew it was crucial that she kept the upper hand. She made hasty steps towards Mia, and upon reaching her side, pressed the sole of her shoe against the other woman's throat. 

She applied just enough pressure to disable her rival, and glaring down at her with a look of utmost hatred, she spoke a few words.

"How's it feel having someone choke you? Not too pleasant, is it?"

Seething with animosity and sporting a bloody nose, Mia attempted to release a few venom laced words, but due to her windpipe being restricted, her voice came out as little more than a squeak.

"Stay out of our lives! We don't want you around us, so fuck off somewhere else. Got it?"

There was the sound of hinges creaking as the door at the top of the stairs swung open, and a short, middle aged man came into view. The hard stare that Erica gave him froze him in his tracks. 

With a look of utter shock on his face, the man's gaze rested on Erica for a brief moment before glancing down at Mia's sprawled form. Then after taking one last look at Erica, he hastily walked back out the door. 

Although the interruption had lasted less than ten seconds, it was just long enough to distract Erica from her adversary. With the pressure on Mia's throat having lessened, she was able to squirm out from under Erica's foot hold, and in what seemed like a split second she had jumped to her feet. 

Thoroughly incensed, Mia's hazel eyes blazed. With frightening speed, she fisted a handful of Erica's hair, then smashed her fist into Erica's jaw. Erica swore she saw stars, and a pained cry fell from her lips as she was slammed into the wall behind her. 

Mad as hell that she'd allowed herself to lose the upper hand, Erica knew she had to put an end to the fight. But in order to do that, she would need to deliver a blow that would take Mia out of commission. Recalling the moves she'd learned in self defense class, she geared herself up. 

Still holding a fistful of her adversary's hair, Mia pounded Erica's head against the wall a few times, then reared back for another punch. With cat like reflexes, Erica dodged it, causing Mia's fist to meet with the concrete wall. 

A guttural sound of frustration fled Mia's mouth, and exploding with rage, she geared up for another punch. Yet before her enemy's fist could pummel her face, Erica administered a chop to the side of Mia's neck.

Temporarily disabled by the stun tactic, Mia staggered a few steps backward. Taking advantage of her rival's weakened state, Erica delivered a hard kick to Mia's gut. She inwardly rejoiced as Mia was knocked backwards, then quickly picked her purse up and hastily ran up the stairs. 

She'd just retrieved her cell phone from her bag and dialed in Cody's number when she felt a hand grasp her ankle. With one sharp tug, she was brought down. Her body smacked against the floor with a dull thud, and glancing behind her, she saw Mia had a death grip on her left leg. 

Utilizing her right one, Erica gave a sharp kick backward. Her shoe connected solidly with Mia's mouth, resulting in a muffled cry of pain. Yet to Erica's surprise, it didn't deter her enemy in the slightest. 

Before Erica could even process what was happening, Mia had straddled her body and begun throttling her neck. 

"Think you can mess with me, and get away with it? Bitch, I'll fucking kill you!" Consumed by anger, she spoke through gritted teeth.

Possessing frightening strength, Mia tightened her grip until a desperate choking noise emitted from Erica's throat. 

Fighting against the woozyness that was threatening to take her over, Erica directed a finger strike to Mia's eyes. Then she drove her knee hard between her opponent's legs, throwing her off to the side. 

Moving as quickly as she could, Erica scrambled clumsily up the steps. Yet like an anchor, Mia was intent on holding her down. Grasping a clump of Erica's hair, Mia yanked her head back, pulling a few strands of hair loose in the process. 

Erica barely had time to release a panicked "No!" before Mia looped an arm around her neck, attempting yet again to asphyxiate her. 

"Dammit, go to sleep!" Mia hissed, tightening her hold even further on Erica's neck.

With a sharp, jabbing motion, Erica continuously thrust her elbows into her opponent's ribs. Yet seemingly unfazed by the pain, Mia kept her locked in the choke hold. Black dots danced in front of Erica's eyes, then came the sound of blood rushing in her ears. 

Completely helpless in her enemy's arms, Erica's vision began to blur. She'd nearly reached the point of blacking out when the door at the top of the steps swung open, revealing Helen and Noelle. 

Staring in wide-eyed shock at the two women engaged in battle, they rushed down the steps to break up the fight. It took both Noelle and Helen to pull Mia off Erica, and as the pressure on her windpipe was finally released, Erica greedily took in a huge breath of air. 

After a fair amount of gasping, Erica finally regained her breath. Then slowly she rose to her feet. With her hands placed firmly against Mia's shoulders, Noelle restrained her so that she was unable to launch another attack. 

Glancing at her rival, Erica saw her lips form into a sneer. It was clear that Mia was desperate to continue the fight, and the hostile energy she released made the air around them unbearably thick. Before any of the four women could say a word, a commanding male voice boomed, capturing their attention.

"What the fuck is your problem?"

Spotting Cody at the top of the staircase, Erica saw that his gaze was locked on Mia. Then directing her attention back at her rival, Erica saw that her features were contorted with rage. Still riled up from the fight, Mia gave a snappy reply.

"What the hell do you think?"

"You had my girlfriend in a choke hold. Are you completely insane?"  

"Why am I getting chewed out for this? She's the one who started it!"

"Shut up, you're lying!" He said through gritted teeth. "I told you to leave her alone. Why did you go after her?"

"Why am I always to blame? What about her?"

"It's you that always starts it. *You're* the one with the problem, not her."

"That's not true!" Her shout reverberated in the staircase.

"It is true, and you know it." Clearly agitated, his chest rose and fell with uneven breaths. "I don't believe you! How could you do something like this?"

"This is all your fault. It's because of you that this happened."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"For the past five years you've been playing with emotions. Stringing me along..." Growing more upset, her voice trailed off. "You can't do that to people. You can't give them hope, then just cruelly snatch it away!"

"I never wanted anything more than friendship, and I told you that from the start."

"So why did you sleep me?"

"Because you asked me to. *You* propositioned me, not the other way around."

"We had sex. That must mean something to you." Her voice grew shaky with emotion.

"It happened one time, and according to you, it was nothing more than an 'experiment'. Those were your words." He gave a short pause, then said, "I liked you as a friend, but I never wanted an intimate relationship with you, and you know that."

Offering no response, Mia simply stared at him, shaking her head in disappointment. Erica could see that Mia's eyes were beginning to grow moist, and she could tell that her rival was on the verge of giving into tears. Hiding behind the guise of an impenetrable shell, Mia was far more emotional than Erica could have ever imagined.

"You've dated so many other women, why not me?" Taking a glance at Erica, she said, "What the hell does she have that makes her so damn special?" 

"A number of things, and that's why she's my girl." 

Mia's face contorted in anguish, and briefly directing her attention Erica's way, she threw her a look of malevolence.

"I've never regretted anything more than having sex with you," Cody said. "Biggest mistake of my life."




Peak of Desire Ch. 15



*This story is nearing it's end, so just to let you all know, there will only be one more, possibly two chapters left. I'm nearly four hundred pages in now, so it'd probably be a good idea for me to end it soon. Lol..Well anyways, I hope you'll enjoy this installment. Thanks everyone for your continued and wonderful support!!* 

*

Weeks passed and Erica's scars healed, but emotionally she was still feeling a little shaken up. Although she'd filed assault charges against Mia, and hadn't seen any sign of her since the fight, she was doubtful as to if her rival had truly been eradicated from her and Cody's life. Besides taking legal action and changing the locks to Cody's apartment, there really wasn't a whole lot else they could do, so they'd chosen to live their lives without giving in to fear or worry. 

Now nearly three months post paralysis, Cody no longer depended on his wheelchair, and was able to successfully walk around using crutches. While full recovery was still some ways off, his quality of life had definitely improved, and this resulted in him having a more positive outlook on life.

The grueling physiotherapy he'd committed himself to had been exhausting and painful, but it was definitely worth it. Through it all, Erica had been by his side, giving words of encouragement and offering her soothing, feminine touch. 

Certain days had been especially hard on the both of them, and a few times she'd seriously wondered if their relationship was strong enough to withstand such pressure, but somehow they'd make it through.

Now, as she drove her red Toyota to her parent's house, she found herself feeling hopeful about what lay ahead for her Cody. They'd gone through quite a few struggles in a short amount of time, but they were still together, and it seemed that their tribulations were finally nearing an end. After pulling in front of the Spanish style house her parents resided in, she cut the engine, then glanced over at her lover. 

"Ready to meet the parents?" 

Wearing a pair of dark slacks, a charcoal colored dress shirt and a black blazer, Cody gave her a look which was apprehensive, yet eager at the same time. 

"Would it surprise you if I said I was nervous?"

"Nervous? I didn't even know that word was a part of your vocabulary."

He gave a light chuckle. "I am still human, after all."

"Super human is more like it." Erica languidly slid her palm along his thigh, then offered it a firm squeeze.

"I'm guessing you're referring to my performance yesterday evening."

"You guess right." 

She leaned in closer to him, then pressed her lips against his. Within a few short moments their kiss deepened. Cody's fingers threaded into her hair, and Erica caressed the soft bulge beneath the fabric of his pants. He groaned hotly into her mouth, then with sudden abruptness, broke their oral embrace.

"Watch it, girl. You're gonna give me a hard on."

She gave him a seductive smile. "It's your fault I crave it so much."

"Is that right?"

"Yes, it is." Her gaze caressed his masculine form as if he was a piece of candy she couldn't wait to devour.

"Look at you...getting naughty in the car with me. And we're right in front of your parent's house, too." He shook his head in mock disapproval, then said, "Such a horny little thing. You need a good spanking, don't you?"

"Haven't you said that to me before?" She quirked an eyebrow, then continued. "Still waiting for you to make good on that promise."

"Don't worry, I will."

Before either of them could say another word, a chime emitted from Erica's cell phone. After retrieving it from her purse, she clicked a button to open the message.

~Should we still expect you two lovebirds for dinner, or are you gonna suck face all evening? :) ~

The first text was quickly followed by a second, which Erica eagerly read. 

~Don't worry. Your father didn't see a thing ~

Mortified by the fact that they'd had an unknown observer, Erica felt her face grow hot. Noticing the inquisitive look on Cody's face, she clued him in as to the text message sender.

"It's from my mom. She saw us kissing."

"Oh, great. Now she's gonna think I'm some overly horny, disrespectful guy."

A crooked little smile graced her lips. "You got the first part of that statement right."

"Look who's talking. You're the one with restless hands."

Her face creased into a wide smile, then she opened the door and exited the vehicle. After Cody got out of the car and grabbed his crutches, the couple made their way to the front door. Barely two seconds after ringing the bell, the door swung open, revealing Erica's mother. 

"Hey, you two." Giving them a friendly smile, she ushered them into the house. Holding a margarita glass, she said, "You must be Cody. I'm Stevie, Erica's mom."

"Nice to meet you, Stevie." Maneuvering clumsily on his crutches, he made an attempt to offer a handshake. 

"Don't worry about shaking hands, sweetie. We're not the formal type. And besides, Erica's told me a lot about you, so I kinda feel as if I already know you."

"She's told me about you as well. It's great to finally meet you."

"Likewise. So come on in, make yourselves comfortable." 

The vintage hippie dress she was wearing flowed around her as she turned, and as they reached the living room, she gestured for them to take a seat on the wicker sofa. 

"Can I get you two some margaritas?"

"Sure." They answered in synch.

Stevie's lips curled into a smile. "Be back in a few."

No sooner had she walked down the short flight of steps that led into the split level kitchen, did Erica's dad enter the living room. 

Cody rose to his feet, then offer his hand in greeting. "Hello. I'm Cody, Erica's boyfriend."

"Nice to meet you, Cody. I'm Darrell."

After clasping hands with Cody, Darrell gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. "Good to see you, honey. How are things?"

"Great."

"Good. Glad to hear."

Taking a seat in a wicker arm chair, Darrell directed his gaze at Cody. "So, have things been going okay with the physiotherapy?" 

"Yeah, It's been coming along pretty well. I don't need a wheelchair at all anymore, and my legs are getting stronger everyday, so pretty soon I won't even need these crutches."

"Fantastic. That's good to hear."

Cody gave a nod in response, then said, "Erica tells me you're a musician."

"Not professionally, but I enjoy it as a hobby. I keep a day job as a yoga instructor."

"Cool."

"Are you into yoga?"

"Not at all."

Clearly amused by Cody's straightforwardness, Darrell smiled. "Erica's quite good at it. Has she told you?"

"She's mentioned it."

"And she hasn't tried to get you into it?"

"Not as of yet, but I'd be more than willing to give it a go."

Glancing at his daughter, Darrell said, "You'll have to bring him by my yoga studio sometime, let him get an idea of what it's all about."

"Why, so you can torture him?" Erica asked in a joking tone of voice.

A light laugh emitted from Darrell's mouth. "I'll go easy on him, I promise." 

"Sure you will, dad." She offered a smirk.

Erica's mother entered the room with a wooden tray of margarita glasses, and after setting it down on the coffee table, she handed one of the cocktails to Cody.

"He *definitely* wants to torture you. Don't fall for it, Cody," Stevie said.

He offered a little chuckle in return, then sipped on his margarita.

After handing a glass to Erica, Stevie twined her finger in one of her daughter's ringlets. "Your hair looks great, sweetie. I love it when you go natural." 

"Thanks." Erica accepted the margarita glass, then had a taste.

After taking a seat in a chair next to her husband, Stevie gave Cody and Erica a lingering glance. "You two make a real cute couple."

"You think so?" Asked Erica.

"Most definitely." She tipped her glass to her lips, and after taking a drink, said, "So how have you been feeling, Cody? You doing alright with the physiotherapy?"

"Yeah, it's going well, thanks for asking."

"No problem. I'm happy to hear you're recovering so quickly." She had another taste of her cocktail, then said, "How about you, pumpkin? You been using that aloe vera I gave you for those bruises?" 

"Faithfully. The mark on my stomach is still there, but it's gradually fading. And you can't even see the bruises on my neck or face."

"See? I told you it would work. By the way, you haven't seen that witch around, have you?"

"Nope. And hopefully it stays that way."

Shaking her head in dismay, she said, "That nutcase should be in a mental hospital. The fact that she's still running the streets loose is truly disturbing."

"Tell me about it. I know she's been ordered to stay away from me, but I can't shake the feeling that sooner or later, she's gonna pop up out of nowhere and attack me again. Just thinking about it gives me the heebies."

Cody looped an arm around her waist. "She won't come near you, I'll make sure of it."

Comforted by his embrace, Erica rested her head against her man's shoulder.

"You two really have been through a lot these past few months," said Stevie. "And the fact that you're still together is pretty amazing. Couples have broken up over a lot less."

"I know. Makes me realize how lucky we are to have one another," Erica said.

Taking hold of her hand, Cody threaded his fingers through Erica's. The display of affection brought a smile to Stevie's lips, and after finishing the last of her margarita, she enthusiastically spoke.

"The food should be just about ready, so why don't we take our places at the table?" 

They all made their way out to the patio, and after Darrell and Stevie brought out a platter of enchiladas and a large bowl of salad, everyone sat down at a glass topped patio table. 

After devouring dinner, they enjoyed peach ice cream with a slice of pound cake, and once the last bit of ice cream had been spooned into his mouth, Cody gave a sound of contentment and leaned back in his chair.

"I'll take that as a sign you enjoyed the dinner," said Stevie.

"It was delicious. Thank you so much."

Her face lit up at his compliment. "You're very welcome." 

"I second that opinion. You really outdid yourself, mom." 

"Glad you enjoyed, sweetheart." 

She rose to her feet and started stacking the dishes. Not wanting to be rude, Cody stood up as well, grabbing the empty salad bowl and a few cups.

"Don't worry about it, Cody. I've got it under control," Stevie said.

"You sure?"

She gave a nod. "Erica can help me." 

"Guess that's a clue to get off my butt and help you out, huh?" Erica asked.

A smile tugged at Stevie's lips, and carrying a stack of dishes, she headed back into the house.

Darrell rose to his feet as well, then offering Cody a glance, he posed a question. "While the women are cleaning up, why don't we hang out in the den? I've got a few acoustic guitars in there I think you might be interested in checking out."

"Yeah, sure," said Cody. 

Knowing fully well that this was just an excuse for her father to grill Cody in private, Erica offered a little smile. The look on Cody's face, however, was not one of amusement, but rather uncertainty. Finding it cute that her lover was nervous, she gave him a look of reassurance.

"See you in a bit." He gave her an awkward kiss on the corner of the mouth, then followed Darrell into the house.

After collecting the enchilada platter and salad bowl off the table, Erica joined her mother in the kitchen. 

"I see your father went off with Cody," Stevie said. "Time for interrogation, huh?"

"Yep. Hopefully dad isn't too hard on him."

"Cody's a tough guy, he'll pull through just fine."

After loading the dishwasher and cleaning off the counters, Stevie poured two cups of mint julep iced tea. Then they headed back outside and took a seat on the cushioned patio sofa. Various brightly colored paper lanterns were strung up, filling the backyard area with cozy, glowing light. 

A mild summer breeze caressed their skin, and after sipping their minty beverages in silence for a few moments, they launched into conversation.

"I've gotta say, I never expected you and Cody to last this long."

"Don't hold back mom, tell me exactly what you think," Erica replied with biting sarcasm.

A sound of amusement passed her lips. "Don't get me wrong, sweetheart. It's not because I don't think you're worthy, because you definitely are. But when you first described him to me, I thought, oh boy, she's in for quite a ride."

"Pretty accurate prediction, don't you think?"

"Yeah, I'd say so."

She gave a little sigh, then said, "These have been some exhausting times for us, and sometimes I wish we could rewind and start from the beginning. But then I realize that all this crazy mess we've been through has actually brought us closer."

"I can tell how much he cares for you. The way he was holding you, and the look in his eyes..." her voice trailed off, and a pleasant smile came to her lips. "He loves you, pumpkin."

"You think so?"

"Most definitely." 

"He hasn't said it yet, though."

"He's probably working up to it. Give it some time, he'll eventually tell you." She took a sip of her iced tea before once again speaking. "It took your father eight months to say it to me."

"Seriously?"

"Yep. He wasn't very open with his feelings for quite awhile. It took a lot of coaxing to bring him out of his emotional shell."

"From the way dad is today, I'd never imagine it. Lucky for me, I don't have that problem with Cody. He's a pretty affectionate guy."

"I can see that. It makes me happy you're with a man who treats you well."

Directing her eyes at a glowing pink paper lantern strung from a lemon tree, Erica noticed a moth which was flying beside it. Mesmerized by the light from within, the moth repeatedly bumped against the paper lamp, creating a faint noise that carried to Erica's ears. 

Just like the moth, she'd been hopelessly drawn to Cody. Hot and fierce from the very beginning, theirs was the type of love that some people waited a lifetime for. Yet it seemed that the level of passion they enjoyed had come at a price, for which she hoped they'd paid in full. Finally turning her gaze away from the paper lantern, she saw that her mother was intently studying her.

"What?" Erica's voice was tinged with curiosity.

"Just thinking of how amazingly resilient you are. Cody really is lucky to have a woman like you by his side."

"That's nice of you to say."

"It's the truth." Stevie finished off the last of her iced tea, then said, "So, when do your dad and I get to meet his mom and sister?"

"They're in Arizona right now. Won't be back for a visit until next month, but once they come to town again, I'll let them know and we can set something up."

"Cool, I'm looking forward to it."

They chatted for another half hour, then headed into the house to refill their drinks. When Cody and Darrell finally appeared, both Erica and Stevie halted their conversation and directed their attention toward the two men. 

Judging from their body language, Cody and Darrell seemed fairly at ease with one another, and Erica saw it as a good sign that they had gotten on well. 

"Welcome back, you two," Stevie said with a smile. "Can I pour either of you some iced tea?"

"No thanks, I'm fine." Sidling up beside Erica, Cody wrapped an arm around her waist.

"I'll take some," Darrell said.

After pouring him a glass, Stevie handed it to him. "So, what kind of conversation did you two fellows have?"

"Oh you know, the usual type of stuff a father asks his daughter's boyfriend," Darrell said.

"I see." With a twinkle of amusement in her eyes, Stevie turned her gaze on Cody. "He slip in any thinly veiled threats during your conversation?"

A sound of amusement passed Cody's lips, yet before he could respond, Darrell spoke up.

"You mean did I take out my shotgun and start cleaning it in front of him?" He offered a pause, during which his wife gave a chuckle. "Naw, only reason I would bring out ol' Betsy, is if he breaks my baby's heart."

"Oh Darrell, stop." Stevie waved her hand at him in a playful way. 

"Only joking, of course," Darrell said to Cody. "I'm probably the most anti-gun person you'll ever meet."

"Good to hear."

Erica's father gulped down the remainder of his iced tea, then addressed his wife. "Actually, things went pretty well between us. We talked for a bit, jammed on the guitar, then came out here. It was pretty laid back, right Cody?"

"Yep. Not trying to suck up or anything, but you really are quite a skilled guitarist."

"I could say the same of you. Your dad taught you well."

"Yeah, he did." A small smile spread across his face.

"That cake you made was really good, mom. Think you can spare a few slices for me and Cody to take home with us?" Erica asked.

"Sure." 

Stevie cut two thick pieces off the loaf of pound cake, then put the dessert in a square Tupperware container and handed it to her daughter. 

"Thanks. Well, I guess we'd better be getting on the road. Thanks for dinner, it was great." 

"You're welcome, honey." 

After embracing her mother, Erica hugged her dad, then watched on as Cody said his goodbyes to her parents. They all headed for the door, and once out on the porch, Stevie and Darrell offered parting waves. 

Yet even before she had reached the bottom of the porch steps, Erica noticed that something wasn't right. Hurrying towards her car, she saw that the windshield had been smashed in.

"No, this can't be....she couldn't have." Wishing it weren't true, yet having the visual evidence right in front of her, Erica felt her body flush with anger. "That bitch!"

Erica's parents headed for the driveway, and upon reaching the car, stared wide-eyed at the damage, the soles of their sandals crunching against the bits of glass on the ground.

"You've got to be kidding me," Stevie said. "She actually followed you here?"

With anger clear on his face, Cody retrieved his phone from his pocket. A few moments after placing the phone against his ear, he spoke into the receiver. 

"I need to speak with Detective Hanson," he said in a curt tone of voice.

While Cody spoke with the detective, Erica and her parents stared in dismay at the car.

"This lunatic...what's her name again?" Darrell asked.

"Mia." Merely speaking her rival's moniker left a bitter taste in Erica's mouth.

"And just what exactly are the terms of her probation?"

"Besides being ordered to stay away from me?" She offered a humorless chuckle, then said, "Anger management classes."

"A lot of good that's doing," Stevie said. "She's clearly beyond intervention."

A deep furrow had appeared between Darrell's eyes. "She needs to be in jail, or better yet, a psychiatric hospital. People like her shouldn't be free."

"That's just what I told Detective Hanson. I told him she would come after me again, but did he listen?" Shaking her head, she emitted a scoff. "This is completely ridiculous. They'd better catch her ass quick, and this time when they put her in jail, they need to keep her." 

Seething with anger, she could hardly think straight. She let loose a sound of frustration, then raked her hands through her hair and loudly said to no one in particular, "Why is this happening? Why can't we just have a normal relationship without all these creeps harassing us?"

Feeling helpless, irritated, and completely exasperated, Erica plopped down on the steps that led up to the porch, then buried her head in her hands. Stevie sat down beside her, then wrapped am arm around her, pulling her into an embrace. 

"She is *not* getting away with this. This time we're going to make sure she gets the maximum penalty."

"Yeah right, they'll probably just give her another slap on the wrist." Her voice came out sounding muffled.




Peak of Desire Ch. 15



"No they won't. Not this time."

No longer obscuring her face, she turned her gaze on her mother. "How can you be so sure?"

"Clearly she's stalking you and Cody, so that's breaking the terms of her probation. They'll have to send her back to jail."

"And if they don't?"

"Your father has a friend who's a lawyer. We'll give him a call and see if he's willing to take on your case.

"I hope so. Because something has to change, and quick."

"Don't worry, pumpkin. She thinks she can intimidate you, she's got another thing coming. We'll teach her."

Turning her attention on Cody, Erica saw that he had gotten off the phone, and was talking to her father. After a few minutes of conversation, both men strolled toward the porch, and upon their arrival, Stevie and Erica rose to their feet.

"So I guess the best thing to do is just leave Erica's car here overnight. Then we can come back tomorrow in my truck and have her car towed to a repair shop," Cody said. Then addressing his girlfriend's parents, he asked, "You guys don't mind giving me and Erica a ride home, do you?"

"Of course not," said Stevie. "But I don't feel good about you two going home this evening."

Hoping to ease her mind, Cody offered some words. "We'll be fine. Mia's obviously trying to scare us, but It's not going to work."

"Yeah, we should be okay." Feeling Cody thread his fingers through hers, Erica firmly held onto his hand. "The last thing I want is for her to have control over us. That's exactly what she wants, but we're not allowing it to happen."

"Well that's understandable, but I'd still prefer if you slept over tonight. And don't say no, because I'm not giving you a choice." Stevie said in a firm tone of voice.

"Alright, then I guess we'll be staying," said Erica.

Once they were back in the house, Stevie made a pot of tea and they all sat down and chatted for a bit. While conversation at dinner had been easygoing, the words they now spoke were full of seriousness, and a tenseness hung in the air. 

Upset that Mia's deranged behavior had ruined a significant evening with her parents and boyfriend, Erica found herself hoping with every fiber of her being that Mia would soon be permanently out of their lives. Perhaps noting the faraway expression in her eyes, Cody gave her an affectionate rub on the back. 

"You okay, baby?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just hoping that everything works out in our favor."

"It will, eventually. She'll be out of our lives before we know it."

She rested her head against his shoulder, and as he lightly began to stroke her hair, she allowed her eyelids to lower a bit. At the sound of her mother's voice, Erica directed her gaze toward her. 

"Tired, pumpkin?" 

"Yeah," she drowsily murmured.

"I'll show you guys to your room. That way you can get settled in." 

"Okay," Erica said.

They all rose to their feet, and after saying goodnight to Darrell, Erica and Cody followed Stevie down the hallway. Upon reaching a doorway, Stevie pushed it open and gestured for them to enter. The walls of the guest bedroom were painted a pale yellow color, giving the room a sunny feel, and a queen sized bed with a fluffy white comforter seemed to promise a comfortable night's sleep.

After retrieving a clean nightgown for Erica to sleep in, and giving them a pair of brand new, packaged toothbrushes, Stevie said some words in parting. 

"I guess that's about it. You need anything else, just give us a holler. And of course help yourselves to anything that's in the kitchen."

The couple offered their thanks, then Stevie exited the room. A few seconds after closing the door behind her, she popped her head back in.

"By the way, our home is your home, so feel comfortable to enjoy yourselves, okay?" She gave them a knowing smile, then shut the door behind her.

"I guess that's your mom's way of giving us the green light to have sex under their roof, huh?" 

Erica snorted. Then placing her hand against his hard chest, she seductively slid a finger along the length of it. "So, how about it?" 

"You know I'd love to, but I feel kinda weird being intimate with you in your parent's house. What if they hear us?" 

Grabbing him by the hand, she coaxed him over to the bed so that he was standing at the foot of it. Then she took a seat on the edge of the mattress.

"We'll just have to be quiet." She undid the button on his trousers, then slowly unzipped them, all the while looking up at him from beneath hooded eyes. "You can be quiet, can't you?"

"Yeah. But I don't know if it's such a good idea. Your dad seems to like me, and I wanna keep it that way."

A small chuckle passed her lips. "You are too cute."

His lips quirked into a little smile. "You really are in a naughty mood today, aren't you?"

The fabric of his pants made a noise as they pooled around his ankles, and Cody stepped out of them. Then simultaneously, they both began undoing the buttons on his dress shirt. She unclasped the ones on the bottom, while he did the ones on the top, until their fingers met midway. They shared a smile, then setting his crutches aside, Cody shrugged out of his shirt. Now down to only his boxers, she was offered the chance to feast her eyes on his toned, masculine body. 

She stood up from the bed, and after turning around so that her back was facing him, Cody unzipped her dress. After easing it off her, he draped her hair over her left shoulder, then placed a few tender kisses along her neck. Shivering from the delicious sensation of his lips, she uttered a pleased murmur. 

Fully expecting him to continue, she eagerly waited for him to rid her of her clothing, but to her disappointment, he pulled away. 

He grabbed one of the toothbrushes off the dresser and said, "Back in a few." Then he headed for the adjoined bathroom.

Erica fully understood Cody's hesitation to engage in intimate activities, but she still couldn't help feeling frustrated. For some reason she was feeling incredibly horny, and her body was aching for his masculine touch. After freshening his breath and washing his face, Cody came back into the room, then climbed into bed. 

He crossed his arms behind his head, then offering her a look, he said, "There's plenty of room in here for you too."

"Just let me brush my teeth and wash my face first."

He gave a nod, then grabbed the remote from the bedside table, and switched on the TV. Once she'd washed her face and brushed her teeth, she spread some lotion over her arms and legs, then turned off the bathroom light and headed back into the bedroom. 

Although her mother had given her a nightgown to sleep in, she didn't feel like wearing it. So she chose instead to sleep in her sheer pink and black underwear set. Cody's eyes shifted her way as she headed for the bed, and as she climbed beneath the covers, he turned onto his side and looped an arm around her waist.

"You're just too damn sexy, you know that?"

Her lips tugged upward, and leaning her weight on her elbow, she rested her head in the palm of her hand. 

"Am I really?"

"You know you are." His eyes traced the soft curves of flesh that swelled above the demi-cups of her bra.

"Are you just going to stare, or are you going to touch them?" 

"Trying to tempt me, huh? Bad girl."

A light chuckle swept from her mouth, and she lightly shook her head.

"What's so funny?" He asked.

"You're the most sexually uninhibited person I know, yet when it comes to doing the dirty in my parent's house, suddenly you become nervous. 

"I just feel like we should play it safe."

"Play it safe? Okay, now I know you're an imposter. Where is the real Cody, and what have you done to him?"

He chuckled. "We'll never live it down if your dad hears us. You know that, right?"

"So we'll muffle our moans."

"Hmmm, I don't know."

"Wow, I never thought I'd live to see the day where I was willing to take a risk and you weren't."

"Well, there's a first time for everything."

"Alright, if you're really that uncomfortable with the idea, we can just touch and kiss. How about that?"

"You know just as well as I do, that once we get started, we'll be doing a whole lot more than just touching and kissing." 

She rested a palm against his sculptured torso, then languidly sliding it downward, moved it closer toward the spot between his thighs. "Come on baby, I know you want to."

To her surprise, Cody's chest shook with soft laughter, causing her to give him a quizzical look.

"Did I tell a joke, or something?"

"You sound like a horny teenage boy. Come on baby, I know you want to," he playfully mocked between laughs.

Clearly not amused, Erica cocked an eyebrow at him, then irritatingly said, "Nevermind, forget it." Then she turned onto her other side so that her back was facing him. 

She wasn't truly angry, just a little miffed. She didn't know why she was so damn horny, but she was desperate for some type of release, and the fact that Cody wasn't willing to give it to her was more than a little frustrating.

"Hey, come on now. I was only kidding." 

She felt him tuck her hair behind her ear so that her face was exposed, then he allowed his hand to softly caress the curve of her waist. Knowing full well that she couldn't resist his touch, she flipped back over so they were once again face to face. Biting her lip, she tried to maintain a serious look, but broke into a smile instead. 

Cody's lips tugged upward in response. "See, I knew you weren't mad at me."

"Of course not. I just wish you would loosen up and have a little fun. My mom gave us the okay."

"But your dad didn't."

"Of course not. In his mind, I'm still his baby girl. Which of course means that I never have sex."

"Even more of a reason not to. Like any father, he'll always want to protect you. And if he hears us going at it in here, I can just forget about ever gaining his trust."

"Yeah, okay. I see your point." 

She was still feeling a little disappointed, yet was very impressed with Cody's restraint. It was obvious he was seriously committed to staying in her father's good graces, and that made her feel good. 

Snuggling against her lover, she enjoyed the warmth and solidness of his body. Then there was the sensation of him burrowing his fingers into her curls. Loving the feel of him playing in her hair, she released a sound of contentment. A few moments of silence passed between them, then gazing down at her, Cody began to speak.

"I just want him to respect me, you know? Because I really love you, and I want things to keep going well between us."

Shocked by the four letter word that had escaped his mouth, she pulled her head away from his chest and allowed her eyes to lock into his. Offering no words, she simply stared at him with a look of amazement on her face. 

"Yeah, that's right," Cody firmly stated. "I said it."

A soft smile curled her lips. "Say it again."

"I love you."

As if magnetized, their lips angled towards each other, then met in a warm, wet kiss. Every oral embrace they shared was nothing short of intoxicating, yet this particular kiss had a certain kind of magic to it that left Erica feeling even more breathless than usual. In what seemed like far too short of a time, their mouths parted, and they stared deep into each other's eyes. 

"I love you too," she said in a sort of whisper.

Their foreheads pressed together, lips gradually moving closer until they just barely brushed. For a moment they denied themselves the pleasure of locking lips, but when the craving became too much for them to handle, their lips crashed feverishly together. Each consumed by the presence of the other, they let passion take over and lost themselves in a consuming kiss. 

* * * *

Having woken at just past seven thirty, Erica was in the kitchen fixing some tea. Early morning light streamed in through the window over the sink, and as she glanced outside, she caught sight of her battered car in the driveway. 

The fact that Mia had been bold enough to follow her and Cody to her parent's house was more than a little creepy, and she suddenly began to wonder if she was presently being observed from afar by the deranged woman.

So deep in thoughts of her rival, the shrill whistle of the teapot caused Erica's shoulders to jump, and after filling two mugs with hot water, she dunked in some tea bags. Having already fixed a saucer of shortbread cookies for her and Cody to share, she headed to the bedroom with beverages and baked treats in hand.

Upon reaching the slightly ajar door, she pushed it further open with her foot, then headed toward the bed. Having awakened, Cody sat up in bed, offering her a just woke up, lazy kind of smile. 

"Morning," he said.

"Good morning."

She handed him a mug, and after placing the saucer of cookies on the mattress, she climbed into bed beside him. Their lips met for a kiss, then they each took a few sips of their tea.

"How'd you sleep?" Erica asked.

"Great. This mattress is amazing."

"I know, right? It truly is the most comfortable bed in the world."

Cody had another drink of his beverage, then said, "So, I was thinking we could hit up that street festival that's happening near my apartment this weekend. You interested in going?"

"Sure. Sounds like fun."

"Cool."

Simultaneously, they reached out a hand to grab a cookie from the saucer, and as the tips of their fingers brushed, they shared a smile. 

"Ladies first," he said.

She retrieved a cookie, then took a bite of the buttery confection. After grabbing one of his own, Cody dunked it in his cup of tea. Yet as he lifted it out of the hot liquid, he noticed that half of his cookie had dissolved.

The expression on his face was of such disappointment that Erica couldn't help but smirk. "Those cookies aren't made for dunking."

"Little late with that information, honey."

Her smirk widened, and after grabbing another cookie from the saucer, she lovingly fed it into his mouth. 

"Mmm, yummy," he said around a mouthful of the treat.

"Homemade, too."

"Nice. Your mom really knows how to bake."

"Actually it was my dad that made these."

"Oh yeah?" He grabbed another cookie, and after taking a bite, said, "Wow, they're really good."

"Yeah, he's something of an expert baker. My mom always jokes that's the reason she married him."

A light chuckle passed Cody's lips. "It certainly can't hurt to be married to someone who's good in the kitchen."

"And what about someone who's good in the bedroom?" Resting her left hand in his lap, she allowed her fingers to lazily fondle his manhood. "They're very useful as well, aren't they?"

"Definitely."

They leaned in for a kiss, and as their lips met, they moved hungrily and in perfect synch. By the time they parted from their passionate embrace, Erica found that her libido had been awakened, and still caressing his cock through his boxers, she found that it swelled beneath her touch. With her sexual excitement on clear display for him, Cody posed a question.

"What do you say about spending the weekend with me?"

"That'd be nice. I'd really like that."

"Of course we'll have to find a way to fill all that free time we'll have together. " He said it in a playful way, knowing full well just what they would get up to.

"Oh, I think we'll find plenty of ways to stay occupied."

"Yeah?"

"Mhmm." 

With each passing second, they were becoming increasingly turned on, and now hard as a rock, Cody's erection was jutting obscenely in his boxers.

"Can't wait to get you home," he said.

"Neither can I." 

Without a word passing between them, they both placed their mugs of tea on the bedside tables, then slid beneath the covers and embraced each other. 

A heated moan passed her lips as Cody graced her neck with feverish kisses, and as one of his palms traveled upward to cup her breasts, she arched into his touch. 

His fingers grazed her nipples through the silky material of the nightgown she was wearing, and as he lightly tweaked one of her stiff peaks, she let loose a throaty sound. 

His soft lips were just beginning to caress the valley of her breasts when Erica's cell phone rang, causing her to reluctantly break away from the intimate moment. Then she retrieved her mobile from the end table, and placing the receiver against her ear, she spoke into it. 

"Hello?"

"Morning Ms. Matthews. This is Detective Hanson."

"Oh hi, Detective. What's going on?"

"I've got some major news to share with you, regarding not only the battery case you have against Mia, but also the one your boyfriend has regarding his stabbing attack."

"Okay, what's the update?"

Noting her tense body language, Cody's attention was raptly fixed on her.

"First off, it appears that Richard Hewson, the man we charged with stabbing Cody, is victim of mistaken identity."

"What exactly does that mean?"

"It means we made a false arrest, and due to him no longer being a suspect, we've allowed him to go free."

"Please tell me you're joking. You didn't seriously let him walk, did you?"

"We did."

But why? He's the one, he did it!"

"Because the person who stabbed Cody isn't Richard Hewson," said Detective Hanson. "It's Mia."

* * * *

"So, this Amelia Robertson. Exactly how long have you known her?" 

Training his eyes on Detective Hanson, Cody said, "I've known Mia for about nine years now."

"And during all that time, you didn't notice anything unusual about her? Anger issues, sudden blowups, anything of that nature?"

"There were moments during our friendship where she'd gotten pissed off and acted kind of crabby, but nothing too out of the ordinary."

"Yet once you started dating your girlfriend, this other side of her began to emerge."

Taking a glance at Erica, who was sitting beside him in the Detective's office, Cody offered her a sympathetic look. Then turning his attention back to the police officer, he began to speak.

"Yeah, Mia became really jealous. Every chance she got, she verbally attacked Erica, and just treated her really horrible."

"And the last time either of you saw her, was on the day of the physical altercation, correct?"

"Yes," the couple answered in unison.

The Detective offered a nod, scribbled something on a legal pad, then glanced back up at them with a serious expression on his face.

"In all my years as an investigator, I've come across a number of seriously deranged criminals, but Mia Robertson is one of the most diabolical people I've ever come across."

"I hope that means she's going to serve a long sentence," Erica said.

"Well, with the list of charges against her, I'd say she'll spend six years in prison."

"Please tell me she'll be committed to a mental hospital after release."

"Due to the nature of her crime, it looks like that's what the prosecutor will be pushing for." He paused to take a sip of his coffee, and after blotting off his thick mustache with a napkin, he continued to speak. "So, I'll just get right into it and explain how she was able to frame Richard for the stabbing."

Eagerly waiting for the Detective to continue, Erica shifted anxiously in the wooden chair, causing it to emit a creak.

"In order to impersonate Richard, Mia wore a disguise. Obviously her build is vastly different from his, so she wore thick padding to hide her shape and give herself the appearance of a male. She was even the same height as him. But while her body was fairly easy to change, her face wasn't. And that's why she wore the large sweatshirt with an oversized hood, as well as a ski mask."

"She knew she'd be picked up by the security cameras, and didn't want her cover to be blown," said Erica.

"Exactly. And since she stabbed Cody from behind in a dark room, she was completely camouflaged. She took every measure possible to conceal her identity."




Peak of Desire Ch. 15



"So how'd you guys find out it was her?"

"We located the knife she used in the stabbing." 

"Wait a minute, I thought you guys found the weapon weeks ago," said Cody. 

"We did locate *a* knife, but it wasn't the one she stabbed you with."

"So why did you say that it was?"

"Because that's what we were sure of at the time. Now we know that the blade she actually used, is the one she took home with her. The knife we found at the scene was put there by her to throw us off." 

"But why would she switch knives? Why not just leave no weapon behind, wouldn't that make more sense?" Erica asked.

"She probably figured that leaving a knife at the crime scene would make Richard's arrest more likely. Remember, it was her intent to frame him, so she had to leave behind something that would appear as evidence." He leaned forward slightly in his chair, then clasped his hands on his desk.

"How did you guys figure out that the knife at the scene wasn't the one that she used?" Cody asked.

"According to Mia's apartment manager, a maintenance man entered while she wasn't at home and discovered a bloody knife in the air conditioning duct. Apparently she'd been bugging the manager for five months to get it fixed. Guess she forgot, because choosing that hiding place was the worst decision she could have ever made."

"So basically she screwed herself," Erica said.

"Pretty much. And not only that, but it seems that during the time when the maintenance man was in her apartment, she was out vandalizing your car."

"So on the very same day she smashed my windshield, the maintenance man found the knife in her apartment."

"Yes."

"Wow. I guess if she'd just stayed home, that knife would have never been found."

"Most likely not." 

"All that trouble she went through to disguise herself, and she ends up slipping up on something so major." Cody's lips curled into a pleased smile and he said, "Fantastic, I love it." 

Erica grabbed his hand, then gave it a little squeeze to signify her own feelings of satisfaction. Since they'd both endured emotional and physical pain at the hands of Mia, it was clear that this news of her downfall was a huge weight off their shoulders. 

To say they were feeling jubilant would be an understatement, and their eyes briefly met to wordlessly communicate their relief at hearing the news. Glancing back at the detective, Cody posed a question.

"What I can't figure out is, why did she keep the knife? And not only that, but why didn't she at least wash it off? She must have known that blood would be incriminating."

"Of course she did. I spent half an hour interviewing the woman, and she seems to be anything but stupid. Artfully cunning is how I'd describe her. Clearly she'd have to be a master at concealment if she managed to keep you in the dark for nine whole years."

A look of embarrassment came over Cody's face and he briefly averted his eyes before answering the investigator. "Yeah, well, that was a major oversight on my part. Guess you could say I missed a lot of red flags."

"That statement wasn't meant as an insult to you, Mr. Begay. I merely said it to give you an idea of just how good she was at disguising her true nature. It's one of the classic traits of a psychopath, and I'm sure she did it to many other people besides yourself."

"So why *do* you think she kept the knife?" Erica asked. 

"Probably as a memento."

"How sick," Erica said.

"Yes it is, but that's the type of mind state she has. No regrets, blunted emotional responses...it's all very customary for someone like her." 

Detective Hanson retrieved a yellow case file from a stack on his desk, and after placing it in front of him, he tapped his fingers against it a few times. Then he looked Cody directly in the eyes. 

"There's a transcript in here of Mia's interview with the other investigating officers. A few things in here are quite distressing, but I know you're probably struggling to comprehend how she could do such a thing to you. So if you'd like a bit more insight, I can share some bits of the interview."

"I'd really appreciate that," Cody said. 

He flipped through the pages of the case for a few moments, and upon locating the sheet of paper he was searching for, the investigator began to speak.

"I know you were wondering why she didn't wash the evidence off the knife. Well, it seems that her tongue print was left on the blade she stabbed you with."

"You're joking, right?" A look of horror came over Cody's face. 

"I wish I were, but it's the truth. Now, obviously you know what that means, but I'll still read the statement she gave regarding this. What she said was, and I quote her on this: 'Yeah, I licked his blood off the knife. But I did it out of love. Having someone else's blood inside you is the most intimate act there is, and I saw no other way of achieving the affection I so badly wanted him to give me.'

Erica cupped her hand over her mouth, then released a muffled, "Oh my God."

"Yes, I know. It's quite disturbing," said the Detective.

Too stunned to talk, Cody in silence with his brows deeply furrowed. 

"So let me get this straight," said Erica. The reason she stabbed Cody was so that she'd have access to his blood?" 

"Oh, no. I'm sure she could have found far easier ways of withdrawing blood from him if that had been her main objective. The real reason behind the stabbing was because of his refusal to enter a relationship with her."

He flipped through a few pages, then said, "This is quoted verbatim, as well: 'I couldn't stand the thought of him being with other women. Especially not her.'

Knowing full well who Mia had been referring to, Erica felt a shiver dance along her spine. Holding Cody's hand a bit tighter, she listened as Officer Hanson continued on.

'I thought he would eventually dump her, just like he did all the others, but when he didn't, I realized I'd have to take matters into my own hands.'

Breaking from his reading of the transcript, he said, "Now at this point, one of the investigators asked Mia what she hoped to achieve by stabbing Cody, and here's her response.

'I never wanted to kill him. I just wanted him crippled. I wanted to teach him a lesson. Wanted him to see what suffering was like, because he put me through so much pain. He dated a lot of sluts over the years, yet I'm the one he refused to have a relationship with. I can't stand men like that. They say they want a good woman, but go after the loose bitches.'

Clearly distressed, Cody blew out a small breath, then crossed his arms in front of his chest. 

'I knew if he was in a wheelchair he would be dependent on me. I also knew he'd have trouble finding a woman who would accept him in his condition. I thought Erica would leave him, but the bitch stayed around.'

Looking up from the file, Detective Hanson said, "This transcript goes on for quite awhile, so I won't read everything. But I will let you know that what she had to say towards the end of the interview was quite discomposing." Casting his eyes on Cody, he said, "I'll refrain from reading it out of consideration for your girlfriend." 

"No, I want to hear it. Keep going," Erica said.

"Are you sure?" Detective Hanson asked.

"Sweetie, if he says you shouldn't hear it, then it's probably best to take his advice," said Cody.

"I still want to hear what she said." The tone of voice Erica used was firm, and redirecting her gaze on the investigator, she addressed him. "Go ahead, Detective."

The Detective hesitated a moment before finally starting to read.

'I hate being in love with him, but I can't stop myself. He has this power over me. He knows what he's doing and he enjoys it. All I do is think about him, and it drives me crazy. We're meant to be together, and no matter how much he tries, he can't keep me away from him. It won't happen. I won't let it.'

He closed the file, then cast his eyes on the couple. "Clearly it's our job to make sure she never makes good on that promise. And aside from keeping her locked up for the full six years, I'll personally do everything in my power to make sure she's sent to a mental institution after her release from prison."

"I truly hope she will be," Cody said with a disturbed expression on his face.

"We'll be contacted before she's released, right?" Erica asked.

"Yes, of course. But please don't worry yourselves about all of that now. Just live your lives and enjoy each other. You two have been through a lot and deserve to be happy." 

Briefly averting their gaze from Officer Hanson, Erica and Cody shared a look which conveyed their amorous feelings for one another.

"I'm sorry you've had to suffer through this, but you can be rest assured that she's out of your lives. If either of you ever need to speak with me, for any reason at all, please don't hesitate to call." He retrieved two business cards from a small holder on his desk, then gave one to both Cody and Erica.

"Thank you, Detective Hanson. We really appreciate your help." Noting his extended hand, Erica reached out to clasp palms with him.

"Thanks for everything. I really am grateful," Cody said, then shook hands with the investigator.

"You're very welcome. And I'm happy to have been of service."

He walked them both to the door of his office, then offered some words in parting. "All the best to the both of you. Take care, you two." 

They nodded, then made their way down the hallway and out of the police station. Still on crutches, Cody had a bit of trouble maneuvering himself down the steps of the police station, but with Erica's assistance, they eventually made it to the curb, where they'd parked Cody's truck. Once inside, they put on their seatbelts, yet instead of driving off immediately, Erica exhaled a heavy breath, then sat unmoving in silence. 

"You okay, baby?" Cody's face with etched with concern.

"Yeah, I'm good. I'm just so relieved this is all over."

"So am I. It's been a nightmare, hasn't it?" He grabbed her hand and held it tenderly in his. "But it's brought us closer together, and I'm grateful for that."

"Me too."

They gazed into each other's eyes for a few moments, then leaned in for an oral embrace. Her soft, sweet lips pressed firmly against his own, and she was promptly overtaken by their deep, soulful kiss. When their lips broke apart, their foreheads pressed together and they gave each other an adoring look.

Running his fingers through her hair, he said, "Thank you for being by my side through all of this. You really are amazing."

"You're welcome. And just so you know, you're amazing as well."

"Only half as much as you are."

This caused her to smile. Neither spoke another word, yet the energy they emitted perfectly conveyed the relief and happiness they felt. He stroked her cheek with his thumb, and still forehead to forehead, they sat in silence, ready to emerge from the darkness that had been holding them hostage.



Peak of Desire Ch. 16



*Well, here it is. The very last chapter. I want to thank each and every one of you for faithfully reading, voting, and commenting. It means a whole lot to know there are people out there who enjoy reading the stories I write. And I really appreciate you all for your incredible support. Really, you guys are awesome!! :) 

Oh, and for those who are wondering, my next story will be a sequel to Tattoo of Love. I'm just beginning to brainstorm and outline the story, so it may be a bit of time before I post the first chapter, but I just wanted to let you guys know.

Alright, well thanks for reading Peak of Desire, and I hope you'll enjoy the conclusion!* 

*

Surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight, Cody and Erica were lounging cross legged on the living room floor. The floor to ceiling windows in the loft gave them a fantastic view of the neighborhood beyond, and the evening sky, which was a stunning shade of dark blue, only added to the romantic atmosphere. 

In addition to the two tall candles that were sitting on the floor between them, there were also a number of smaller ones placed along the mantle of the fireplace. This gave the living room a cozy feeling, and also threw flickering shadows against the wall. 

Contentedly full from a takeaway dinner of gourmet vegetarian food, they were just preparing to indulge in a bowl of chocolate covered strawberries. Yet before Erica could grab one from the bowl, Cody retrieved one of the berries, then brought it up to her mouth. 

Taking a generous bite, she savored the tangy sweet flavor of the fruit, noting how it mingled perfectly with the decadently rich chocolate. Craving another taste, she promptly followed up the first bite with a second. 

"Good?" He asked.

She nodded, conveying her approval of the dessert. 

After feeding her the last bit of strawberry, Cody poured her a bubbly beverage, then passed the chilled glass to her. 

"Can't have chocolate covered strawberries without champagne, can we?" He asked.

"We can't?"

"Of course not. I've watched enough movies to know that."

Picking up on the humor in his voice, she offered a chortle, then took a sip from the glass. The bubbles in the champagne tickled her nostrils, and as the liquid hit her taste buds, she was rewarded with a crisp and refreshing flavor. 

"Good stuff," she said, then grabbed a strawberry from the bowl and fed it to him. "Dinner was wonderful, by the way. Thanks for inviting me over."

"You're very welcome. I planned this all for you, so I'm glad you like it."

"I *love* it."

A smile spread across his face, and he poured a glass of champagne for himself. Yet instead of taking a sip, he glanced deeply into Erica's eyes, then began to speak.

"Let's make a toast."

She rose her glass, mirroring his intent gaze. Then she felt him take her hand in his and tenderly stroke it.

"A toast to our six month anniversary, and looking forward to celebrating many more.

"To us." 

They clinked glasses, then took a sip of champagne. After setting their glasses down, their lips came together, and after half a minute of passionate lip locking, they finally broke for air. 

"So, now what." Although Erica had posed the statement as a question, the look in her eyes told him just what she was anticipating.

"Now what, what?"

She gave a light chuckle. "What do you wanna do?"

"I've got a few ideas."

"Such as?"

"Follow me upstairs, and you'll find out."

Intrigued by his response, she rose her to her feet, and after taking her by the hand, Cody led the way to the stairs. Although it had been some weeks now since he'd regained full use of his legs, it still filled her with joy to see him walking without any assistance. 

All the physical suffering, frustration and grueling physiotherapy it had taken for him to reach this point had surely been the most difficult thing he'd ever had to endure. Yet it seemed that dealing with such a challenge had not only strengthened his spirit, but also made him deeply cherish Erica for so faithfully being by his side. 

Dimly lit by only wall sconces, the bedroom was perfectly set for an intimate night of lovemaking. The bed was adorned with red and white satiny throw pillows, and sitting on the bedside table was a bottle of massage oil, a can of shaving cream, a small bowl of water, and a razor. Thoroughly curious, she walked over to the table to have a closer look at the items. 

"You've got quite a set up here. Just what exactly have you got planned for me tonight?"

"You'll see."

A little smile graced her lips in response. Suddenly catching sight of a small, black gift box with a red ribbon around it, Erica grabbed it off the bed and offered it a curious look. 

"What's this?" 

"Open it and you'll find out."

There was a glimmer in her eyes as she gave him a brief look, then she excitedly untied the ribbon and took the lid off. 

Amused to see that a smaller box was hidden within the larger one, she gave Cody a smile, which he returned with one of his own. She lifted the lid on the smaller box, and saw a small charm that was carved into the shape of a bear.

The body was made out of sterling silver, but there was a small turquoise stone embedded in the upper half of the charm. Although the small object was in good shape, Erica could tell that it was an antique, and even though she didn't know the history behind it, she had a feeling it was very special. 

"Bears are courageous and strong. Two of the qualities I admire most about you," he said.

Her lips tugged into a smile, and she listened as he continued on. 

"You see that arrow in the middle of the bear?" He pointed it out, then said, "That stands for longevity."

Wrapping an arm around her waist, he looked hard and deep into her eyes. She returned his stare with one of her own, and without any words passing between them, she fully understood just how strong his feelings were for her. She knew that the extent of their love for each other could never be truly expressed, and overcome with emotion, she glanced back down at the charm.

Running her thumb back and forth against the turquoise stone on the pendant, she enjoyed the smooth texture of it. "This is lovely. Does it belong to your family?"

"It used to be my grandmother's. Not the one on my dad's side, but my mom's. She gave it to me just before she passed on."

Glancing up at him, she said, "I can't possibly keep this, then. It's way too special." 

"Of course it is, but I still want you to have it. It's my gift to you."

"But don't you want something to keep in memory of her?"

"Other stuff was passed down to me as well, not just the pendant. And besides, she'd want you to have it."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

"Okay. Well if you're absolutely sure." She made eye contact with him again, as if giving him one last chance to change his mind.

"Beyond a doubt." 

He lifted the charm out of the box, and after prying open the jump ring, he took her wrist in his hand and added the pendant to her bracelet.

"So that's why you asked me to wear my charm bracelet tonight." A little smile graced her lips.

"Yep." Once the charm was in place, he said, "Now it's yours to keep forever." Then he gave her a gentle kiss on the hand. 

Erica caressed her palm against his cheek, gazing deep into his eyes as she did it. "Thank you, sweetie." 

"You're welcome." He leaned down to give her a slow, sensual kiss, and as their lips parted, he said, "Check out what's in the larger box."

"There's something in there? I thought it was empty." 

Erica lifted the small gift box out of the bigger one, then pulled aside the tissue paper and caught sight of a silver key.

"What's this?" She lifted the silver object out of the box.

"What do you think it is?"

"Well obviously it's a key." Holding it in the palm of her hand, she offered it a wondrous look. "To your apartment, I'm guessing." 

"Yep. So what do you think? Wanna move in with me?"

Clearly astonished, she asked, "Wait, you're asking me to move in?"

"Yeah. Why, do you not want to?"

"No, It's not that."

"Then what?"

"It's just I'd need some time to sort things out. For one thing, I'd have to figure out what to do with my trailer."

"You could park it in your parent's backyard."

"You're right, that would work. That hadn't even crossed my mind."

"Okay, so besides your trailer, what else would you need to take care of?"

She pulled her shoulders into a shrug. "Nothing, I guess. That's really the main thing."

"So there's no reason why you can't move in then." He looked deep into her eyes, seeming to dare her to come up with an excuse."

"No, I suppose not."

A small chuckle passed his lips. "I can see it in your eyes. You're scared, aren't you?"

"No." The slight waver in her voice belied her response, forcing her to reveal the truth. "Okay, so maybe I am a little scared. But that's just because I've always been on my own."

"None of your previous boyfriend's asked you to move in?"

"Yeah. But it just didn't feel right, so I didn't go through with it."

"I see. So I'm guessing this doesn't feel right to you, either." 

"No, that's not what I said." She gave a brief pause, then continued. "I'm the independent type, so it's hard for me to just suddenly go from having my own place, to sharing an apartment with my boyfriend."

It's not hard for me. I'm willing and ready to do it right now."

"That's easy for you to say. You're not giving anything up."

"Neither are you. You can just park your trailer at your parent's house. It's not like you have to sell it."

"No, but I will lose my spot at the RV park. It's one of the very few ones that are located in the city, and I'm lucky I got in at all. I was on a waiting list for nearly a year before they gave me the approval to move onto the property." 

Placing his palms on either side of her face, he looked steadily into her eyes. "Look, I understand you being nervous about this, and I know It's only been six months, but we've been through a lot together. What we have is solid, this isn't just a passing fling."

"Of course not, and I don't doubt we're going to stay together."

A downcast look spread across his face. "I'm sensing a but. You don't wanna move in, do you? Is that what you're saying?"

"I do want to, but I think it would be best if I start off spending a few weeks here, maybe a month. You know, that way we can see how it works out. We don't wanna just rush into this, do we?"

"Actually I do. I'm excited and I really want it to happen. But if you need more time, then I completely understand."

"Tell you what, how about we do a test run? I'll spend a month here with you, and if it works out well, then I'll move in. How's that sound?" "Sounds good. I like that idea."

"Great." 

She looped her arms around his neck, then tilted her chin upward and offered her lips. As he lowered his head to hers, she felt his breath ghost against her face, then there was the sensation of his lips pressing hotly against her own. 

Grasping her hips with his palms, he gently guided her onto the bed. As her back hit the mattress, her hair fanned out beneath her, providing a contrast against the white comforter. 

After a few solid moments of deep, passionate kissing, they parted for breath. Placing his lips against her exposed cleavage, Cody covered the swell of her breasts with voracious kisses. 

Then bringing his hands around to the back of her neck, he deftly untied the straps of her halter dress. Within no time at all, he'd slid the garment off her body, revealing her provocative lingerie.

The bra she was wearing was made out of purple satin and had black lace trimming, and her panties, which were constructed entirely out of sheer lace, provided him with a tantalizing view of the cleft between her legs. 

The look in his eyes was one of utmost desire, and it was clear for her to see that he was eager to remove the flimsy undergarment that encased her curvy form. 

She was anxious as well, but since she knew how enjoyable the buildup was, she contentedly laid beneath him and lost herself in the sensation of his hands and lips on her skin. 

Grabbing both of her breasts in his palms, he gave them a light squeeze. Then he brushed his thumbs back and forth a few times, causing her nipples to pebble beneath the thin satin fabric. 

His palms slid along her belly, traveling lower until they reached the softness of her thighs. He caressed the sensitive inner skin with the tips of his fingers for a few moments, then moved them upward where they met with the heat between her legs. 

Just barely resting the tip of his finger against her panty clad slit, he began tracing patterns against it. A soft moan passed her lips in response, and she squirmed beneath his feather light touch. Simultaneously frustrated and titillated, she willed him to apply more pressure, but he seemed intent on continuing the tease. 

Although his touch was feather light, it caused a trickle of wetness to seep out from between her folds, and within a short amount of time, the crotch of her panties was soaked. 

Moving his finger up to her clit, he began tracing circles around it, first spiraling inward, then working his way back out. He did this a few times before finally heeding her desperate little noises, and as he flicked his thumb against her swollen button, she responded with a throaty moan. 

He then brought his hand up to her chest, and after undoing the front clasp of her bra, the cups snapped away from her breasts. 

He took one of her nipples into his mouth, greedily suckling it until it stood fully erect, then gave her other swollen peak the same attention. Then he pulled his head away from her breasts and cast his attention on the lower part of her body. 

Erica felt his fingers slip beneath the hem of her panties, and after pulling them down her thighs and off around her ankles, he tossed them to the floor. 

Eager to disrobe her lover, she grabbed hold of his belt and tugged it loose, then unzipped his pants and guided them down. He assisted her by pulling both his trousers and boxers down his hips, and after kicking them off around his ankles, he removed his shirt. 

The sight of his toned, naked body generated a tingle between her thighs, and she gazed up at him with eagerness in her eyes. Bringing his hand to the spot between her legs, he languidly slid a finger along the line of hair that led to her tight slit.

"How attached to this are you?" He asked.

She took a glance down at her landing strip. "I might be okay with letting it go. Why?"

"I'd like to shave you bare." The tip of Cody's finger grazed the lips of her pussy, gently caressing the velvety flesh. "You ever been shaven bare, then had your pussy eaten out?" 

"No." 

"You let me shave you, you'll see how incredibly sensitive it feels. All your nerve endings will be exposed, which means it'll be twice as pleasurable." He sandwiched his index finger between her tender folds, then slowly pushed it in until it was buried to the hilt. 

This caused Erica to arch her back, followed by a soft cry fleeing her mouth as he pumped his finger in and out a few times. He then slowly withdrew his digit, and after licking it clean, brought his face closer to hers so their lips were nearly touching. 

"Once I finish shaving you, I'm gonna spread you open nice and wide, then lick you until you scream."

The intensity of his gaze, coupled with his erotic words sent a wild thrill through Erica's body, and her wetness increased.

"I haven't even given you permission yet," she said.

"Not verbally. But the way your body is trembling tells me you want it."

Her body truly was shaking with anticipation, and speaking in barely a whisper, she said, "Alright. I'll let you shave me."

This brought a smile to Cody's lips, and after giving her a deep, wet kiss, he grabbed a medium sized towel from the space on the mattress beside her. "Lift up," he said gently.

She followed his request, and once he'd slid the towel beneath her, she allowed her butt to rest against it. He grabbed one of the satiny red throw pillows, and after placing it beneath her head, he gave her a tender look. 

"Comfortable?" 

"Yep."

"Good." 

He gave her another kiss, then grabbed a bottle of shaving cream from the bedside table. The cream felt cool against the bare skin of her pussy, and after spreading a thick layer, he went to work at shaving her. 

The first touch of the razor caused her to tense slightly-not out of fear, but out of sheer excitement. Eager to watch him at work, she lifted her head up slightly to get a look, but the words he spoke cautioned her against movement.

"Careful, honey. Lie still until I'm finished."

Resting her head back on the pillow, she said, "Okay." Then she closed her eyes and completely relaxed her body. 

With great care and tenderness, he maneuvered the razor in a gentle, downward fashion. Each time the cutting edge swept across her skin, it made a soothing sound, and the feel of Cody's fingers on her as he held her skin taut only added to the sensual experience. 

After half a dozen swipes, he sloshed the razor in a bowl of water that sat on the bedside table. Then he resumed shaving her, using the same patient, methodical motions. It wasn't hard for her to fall into the rhythm of it, and completely at ease beneath his hands, she offered a few words to convey how pleased she was. 

"Mmm, feels nice," she murmured.

"Glad you're enjoying." 

"Definitely." 

Her breathing was even and calm, and the clean, fresh scent of shaving cream wafted into her nostrils. After taking the last swipe, Cody wiped her down with a warm, damp washcloth to remove the stray hairs.

"All done," he said.

She opened her eyes, and lifting herself up onto her palms, glanced southward. Completely shaven without a single hair left, her pussy couldn't have possibly looked any smoother. Unable to resist the urge, she reached down to touch it, and found that it felt nice and sleek.

"Like it?" Cody asked.

"Yeah, I do. You did a good job."

His lips curled upward, and he grabbed the bottle of massage oil off the bedside table. After squirting some into his palm, he spread it across her smooth sex. The small circles his fingers made against her skin earned him a sound of contentment, followed by a little sigh.

"That really feels nice."

"Guess I'll have to make a point of doing this regularly, huh?" 

"Maybe," she softly said.

Having finished rubbing in the oil, he grabbed hold of the towel beneath her, then said, "Lift up, baby."

She did, and after pulling the towel out from under her, he placed it, along with the razor, washcloth and shaving cream back on the beside table. Then turning his attention back on her, he gave a command. 

"Spread your legs nice and wide, so I can get in deep."

She eagerly obeyed, and once his head was between her legs, he blew gently against her skin. The sensation was nothing short of delicious and she lifted her hips slightly in response. 

"Feel good?" He asked.

"M-hmm." 

"What about this?" He gingerly pulled her labia apart, then slid his finger up and down the length of her wet slit.

"Uh-huh," she said in a sort of whisper.

She expected him to push his finger in next, yet instead was greeted with the sensation of something warm and wet. Not having been prepared at all for the feel of his tongue, she released a husky moan and gave a sharp buck of the hips.

His tongue probed her feverishly, and as he sealed his mouth to her glistening sex, he began ardently eating her out. 

"Oh!" A desperate moan escaped her lips, and grasping his head, she held it firmly in her grip, as if fearing he might suddenly pull away. 

Clearly he had no intentions of doing so, and as the pace of his tongue grew quicker, she bucked wildly against his mouth, panting his name. Just as he'd told her, her pussy was ultra sensitive, and every flick of his tongue sent pleasurable little jolts through her body.




Peak of Desire Ch. 16



She writhed and moaned above him, loving the feel of his hot, sleek tongue as he burrowed it deep. His oral talents had always astounded her, but it seemed they'd reached even greater heights, due to her freshly shaved skin. 

So thoroughly stimulated by his talented tongue, she thrashed wildly beneath him. This resulted in Cody pinning her firmly to the mattress with his strong hands, yet even as he did it, her hips seemed intent on breaking free of his grasp. 

She didn't want to twist away from his mouth, but the pressure was steadily building inside her, and he wouldn't let up, not even for a second. One could only take so much pleasure, and as his tongue relentlessly stroked her slick wetness, she became certain she would pass out. 

Her legs began to tremble, toes curling as she swiftly approached orgasm. Sensing she was close, he lapped at her pussy with increasing quickness, and this drove her right over the edge. 

Her body spasmed, followed by a long, low moan tumbling from her lips. Still pinning her hips against the bed, Cody held her even firmer in his grip. 

His mouth made sucking noises as he licked her flowing juices, and only after he'd thoroughly cleaned every bit of her essence, did he finally halt his torturous tongue lashing. 

An appreciative noise came from his mouth as he lifted his head from between her legs, and after licking his lips a few times, he wiped his mouth off with the back of his hand. 

Then he crawled up over his lover, positioning himself so that his face was hovering above hers. Resting his weight on his arms, he gazed deep into her eyes.

"I love hearing you come, it makes me so hard," he breathed hotly against her lips. 

Erica caught the musky scent of her excitement on his breath, and as his mouth pressed to hers, she parted her lips. 

Slipping his tongue inside, he caressed it languidly against her own. He lowered his body so that it pressed flush against hers, then parted her thighs even further, causing her breathing to quicken.

Swollen and leaking copious amounts of pre-come, the head of his penis pressed urgently against her entrance. Not shifting his eyes from hers for even a minute, he slowly rocked his hips forward, burying his rock hard shaft inch by inch in her warm, yielding flesh. When he was fully embedded, they both released a groan. 

As he began to thrust, she held firmly onto his back, moaning and breathlessly calling his name as he built up a steady rhythm. The strokes he gave her were deliciously long and drawn out, causing her cries to become more desperate with every inward plunge. 

Feasting her eyes on his well-built torso, she admired the way his tight abdominals flexed as he drove in and out of her. The light sheen of sweat covering his smooth chest caused his russet colored skin to glow, and beneath the dim lighting, his eyes appeared even more alluring than usual. 

His hips steadily gained momentum, and as she wrapped her legs around his waist, the angle of his thrusts shifted. Her face contorted in pure ecstasy, and as he relentlessly impaled her warm tightness, she moaned rapturously beneath him. 

So consumed by love, she stared in awe at him, overwhelmed by his rhythmic, passionate movements. There was a tenderness in his eyes that made her melt beneath him, and as his lips made contact with her erect nipples, she groaned and arched her chest into him. 

He left a warm, wet trail of saliva across her breasts, then took one of her swollen buds in his mouth and eagerly suckled it. 

He slipped in and slid out, again and again, pumping more frantically as his breaths grew more ragged. Her nails dug into the flesh of his back, thighs wrapping tighter as he repeatedly impaled her with deep, hard strokes.

Fully connected on both an emotional and physical level, they were sharply attuned to each other's needs. Their bodies moved in synch, hips grinding with equal fervor while their mouths met for a hungry kiss. 

Slick, wet, and engaging in a provocative dance, the movement of their tongues matched that of their bodies. 

There was an urgency to their kisses, and it seemed that with each passing second, they grew more needy for the taste of each other's lips. 

Wet sounds of their coupling filled the space around them, and as his pumping caresses became too pleasurable for her to bear, she broke her lips from his and let loose a guttural moan. Seeing she was close, he urged her on, his voice huskily seductive as he gave her one of his penetrating stares. 

Finally reaching breaking point, her inner muscles spasmed, milking his shaft. Clutching desperately at his broad shoulders, she cried out his name, body shuddering as an explosive climax ripped through her. 

Consumed in an orgasmic haze, all she could do was lie pinned beneath his hard, strong body, breathlessly moaning as he relentlessly prodded her slick wet passage. As his cock began to swell, she knew he was on the verge of climax, and sunk her fingers tightly into the flesh of his hips. 

A loud groan escaped his lips, and burying his head in her neck, gave a few more quick, forceful pumps, then spilled his seed deep inside her. Spent of energy, he collapsed on top of her, his sweaty body pressing flush against her own. 

Instead of rolling off her immediately, he remained in place, peppering her neck with soft, lazy kisses. She murmured contentedly, enjoying the feel of his breath as it ghosted against her skin. 

It wasn't until his penis had gone soft that he finally slipped out of her, and after rolling off her body, he settled contentedly on the mattress beside her. A blissful sigh passed his lips, and wrapping a hand around her waist, he pulled her closer against him. 

They lay nose to nose, his hand resting on the curve of her hip while she tenderly caressed the contours of his toned bicep. She was always amazed at just how deeply she could lose herself in his stare, and as his chocolate brown eyes gazed into hers, she felt the pace of her heart quicken. 

"I love staring at you," Cody said.

"Love staring at you, too."

"Glad to hear." 

A moment of silence passed before either of them spoke. 

"When we first met, what was the first thing you noticed about me?" Erica asked.

"Besides the fact that you were adorably clumsy?"

A light snicker passed her lips. "Yeah, besides that."

"Your lips." 

"What exactly do you like about them?"

"They're perfect looking. Nice and full....sensual. I figured with a pair of lips like that, you had to be a good kisser."

"Am I?"

"You're not just good, you're great."

The corners of her mouth tugged upward, and as if controlled by a magnet, their lips melded. The kiss they shared was long and wet, and when they finally pulled back from the oral embrace, Cody was first to speak.

"What's the first thing you noticed about me?" 

"Your hair." Tangling her fingers into his locks, she allowed the silky strands to slip through her digits.

"Oh yeah?" 

"Yep. When I first spotted you, you were washing that high rise building, and your back was facing me. I noticed your hair was long, and then I started to wonder what your face looked like." 

"Did it match what was in your head?"

"Somewhat, but you were even more handsome than I'd expected you to be."

He grinned broadly. "You're just saying that."

"No I'm not. I mean it."

"Well I'm glad I lived up to that image in your head."

They studied each other for a few moments, allowing their hands to roam over each other's bodies. Then offering her a desirous look, Cody posed a question.

"So when are we gonna try some yoga positions?" 

"Oh, so you're interested, huh?" A pleased look crossed her face. "I'd be happy to show you some moves tomorrow morning."

"How about tonight?"

"I think we've gotten enough exercise this evening, don't you?" Her lips pulled into a wry smile.

"Actually, I was hoping we could try some of the special moves. The ones that enhance sex." 

"Oh course, I should have known this was heading in that direction."

He chuckled. "Can't blame me for being curious, can you?"

"No, I guess I can't."

"So how about it?"

Knowing full well that she was very interested, she feigned uncertainty. "Hmm, I don't know. Maybe." 

"Only maybe?" He waited for her to speak once again, but when she didn't, he continued on. "I'd just figured since you're flexible and can twist your body in all of those positions..." His voice trailed off and his eyes took on a carnal glint.

"Yeah, I know what you're thinking." There was a light hearted tone to her voice. "You want to bend me like a pretzel and take me in all sorts of dirty positions."

A naughty looking smile crossed his lips. "Would that be so bad?" 

"No. It wouldn't be bad at all."

"So you're up for it?"

"I guess I could be persuaded."

"Mmm, what position will we try first?" He asked.

"It's a surprise. You'll have to wait and see." 

Visibly excited, his eyes lit up, and he languidly caressed her fleshy bottom with the palm of his hand. Amused by the expression on his face, she offered a smirk. 

"I'm in the mood for ice cream," she said. "You got any?" 

"Sure do. Want me to bring you some?"

"Yeah, that'd be nice."

"Okay. Be back in a bit." 

After giving her a tender peck, he got out of bed and headed for the kitchen. Feeling the need to change position, Erica rolled onto her side and gave a lazy stretch. 

A small sigh of contentment passed her lips, and as she caught sight of the end table beside her, she realized that it hadn't been there on her last visit to Cody's apartment, which was just barely three days ago. 

She didn't know how she'd missed noticing it upon first entering the room, but now realized that instead of only one bedside table, there were two. Both tables had lamps that matched each other, and on the table next to her side of the bed were a few things items she hadn't noticed before. 

One of those items was a square shaped candle with dried flowers pressed into it, and as Erica picked it up to see what fragrance it was, the scent of strawberries wafted into her nostrils. 

After setting the candle down, her eyes drifted to a miniature book, which was barely larger than her thumb. Her curiosity piqued, she grabbed hold of it, and saw that it was titled, 'The Tiny Book of Travels.'

Flipping through the pages, she saw that the book consisted of photos of various offbeat attractions across the United States. There was also a little fold out map at the end of the book, which clearly could only be read with the assistance of a magnifying glass. With a smile on her lips, she set the book down, then turned her attention to a small snow globe. 

Encapsulated in the transparent sphere was a spider in the middle of a web. Giving the snow globe a hard shake, she watched as a blizzard was created within, then once the flakes settled, she set the globe back on the bedside table. 

She could see that he'd put some thought into the gifts, and was thoroughly touched by his efforts. Eager to thank him, she rose up out of bed. Although she knew it wouldn't matter if she was naked or not, she still felt like slipping into one of his T-shirts, so she headed for the closet to grab one. 

Upon reaching it, she slid open the glass door, and was surprised to see that half of the hanging rod was empty. She also couldn't help noticing there was a large amount of space on the floor of the closet. 

Except for the few occasions when he'd worn dress shoes, Cody had always been clad in his well worn black boots, so it came as no shock that he didn't a have a large shoe collection. Yet still, it was clear to see that he'd purposely made space, and she knew it was in anticipation of her moving in. 

The sweet gesture made her heart skip a beat, and she suddenly began to wonder if there was any point in her putting off their move in together. The past six months had been the most difficult period of her life, but hadn't it also been incredibly gratifying and transformative? 

She surely wasn't the same person she was six months ago, and if she had it to do all over again, she'd unhesitatingly re-enter a relationship with Cody. So what was she so scared about? No sooner had she asked herself the question, did the answer pop into her head. Losing her independence.

But was there truly any threat of that happening, or just fear of change that was getting the best of her? She supposed that her strong love for him had a lot to do with her hesitancy about cohabitating. 

Things were going so well for them that she didn't want anything to mess it up, and she knew that for some people, moving in too soon could be damaging to a relationship. Yet then again, they'd already seen each other at their very worst, so there really weren't any facades they were maintaining.

Spotting a button up flannel on one of the hangers, she grabbed it and slipped it on. Then she made her way down the stairs and into the lower level of the loft. Expecting to find him in the kitchen, she directed her attention there, but as she realized he wasn't, she glanced toward the living room. 

Standing naked with his back to her, he was staring out at the view beyond the huge square paned windows. He gave no indication that he was aware of her presence, so she took a moment to silently admire him from a distance. 

Gazing lustfully at the steely contours of his masculine body, she thought of how less than half an hour ago he'd had her pinned helplessly beneath him. 

The mere thought of his thick girth buried balls deep in her, caused a wet heat to spread between her legs, and she knew it wouldn't be much longer before they engaged in a second round. 

As she reached him, she wrapped her arms around his waist. Then she pressed her lips to his firm bicep in a soft kiss. A contented sound passed his lips in response to her touch, and he lovingly smoothed a palm over her hair.

"Giving your neighbors a peep show?" She asked.

His lips tugged into a smile. "I doubt anyone can see me. And even if they can, let them stare. A little nudity never hurt anyone."

"Oh, really?" She asked with a smirk on her lips. "So I guess that means you won't have any problem with me walking around these windows in broad daylight, then."

"When I said a little nudity never hurt anyone, I meant *my* nudity."

"And just what does that mean?" 

"It means that your naked body is for my eyes only. Can't have some peeping tom getting an eyeful of my woman, can I?"

"What if there's a peeping jane out there right now, watching you? I'm guessing you'd be okay with that, huh?" 

"If there is, then that means she can see you too. So all she can do is look at me, and nothing more."

Erica adjusted her body so that she was standing in front of him, then wrapped her arms around his neck. Then she glanced up into his deep brown eyes. 

"She can't see you now, cause I'm blocking her view."

"We're talking about a phantom woman here, you know that, right?"

"Chances are pretty good there's *someone* out there. It could even be a man."

"Man...woman. Either way, I'm used to the attention." He lifted his chin in mock arrogance. 

"You are so full of yourself," she said with a grin.

A chuckle passed his lips. "I'm only joking."

"Uh-huh. Sure you are."

"Seriously, though. The only attention I care about getting, is from you."

"Come back to bed and you'll get plenty of it...in a variety of ways."

"Mmm, I like the sound of that." 

As his lips came closer to hers, she angled her head in anticipation of the kiss. He cupped her face in the palm of his hand, then captured her mouth with hungry urgency. 

It only took a few short moments before she felt something rigid poke her thigh, and as their kiss deepened, he allowed his free hand to possessively cup one of her butt cheeks. Not wanting to break the kiss, yet needing to breathe, they reluctantly broke apart. 

"By the way, I saw the gifts you left for me on the bedside table," Erica said. "That was really sweet, thanks."

"No problem, glad you liked them."

"I also saw what you did with the closet." She tenderly caressed his smooth chest while gazing deep into his eyes. "That was very thoughtful of you."

A faint smile tugged at his lips. "It's no big deal. You gotta have somewhere to put your clothes and shoes, right? And even if you don't move in, I'll still keep the space cleared for you. That way when you come over on weekends, you'll have somewhere to put your stuff."

"I'll be hanging out here a lot more than just weekends. Remember I said we could try it out for a few months and go from there?"

"Yeah, I remember."

"So that's what we'll do."

He gave a nod. "Then after the two months pass, you'll be here with me, for good." He stroked his thumb against her cheek a few times.

"Yep." 

They stared into each other's eyes for a few moments before Erica spoke again.

"So what *are* you doing standing naked in front of the window? Weren't you supposed to be getting me ice cream?"

"Yeah, sorry about that. Sometimes I like to just stare out at the view." A faraway expression crossed his features as he glanced out the glass barrier. "It wasn't so long ago that I was sitting in a wheelchair, right in front of this window." 

Feeling his body tense against hers, she tenderly glided her palms across his broad shoulders.

"I'd spend half the day just looking outside, watching people walk and ride bikes and drive around. And I remember feeling really sorry for myself, wondering what I'd done to deserve being paralyzed."

Erica could tell that the memory was still fresh in his mind, and as he continued to speak, she felt her heart tug from the way his voice had gone husky with emotion.

"I felt so angry and lost. But even with all the other stuff I had to worry about, I remember obsessing over the possibility of you leaving me." He shifted his eyes so he was looking back at her. "You ever had that feeling that something terrible was on its way, but you just didn't know when it would come? That's what I went through every day. It got so bad I even started having nightmares about you abandoning me."

She gave him a look of sympathy. "Oh babe, that's horrible. I had no idea. I mean I figured it may have crossed your mind, but I never imagined it'd gotten to the point of you seriously worrying about it."

"Yeah, well..." As his voice trailed off, an abashed look came over his face. "Seems pretty silly now, but at the time it was tearing me up inside."

"Poor thing. I can only imagine how awful it was for you." She stroked his cheek.

"I should never have doubted you. Hope you'll forgive me for that."

"There's nothing to forgive. You were in a bad state of mind then, so I completely understand why you were worried about it."

He kissed her on the nose, then grabbed her by the hand and led her toward the kitchen. After grabbing a pint of coffee ice cream from the freezer, he retrieved two spoons from the drawer. Then he set the ice cream, along with the utensils on the counter. 

Grasping his lover by the hips, Cody swiftly lifted her upward. Literally swept off her feet, Erica offered a little squeak of surprise in response. 

Her bottom came to rest on the cool tile of the kitchen counter, and as Cody positioned himself between her legs, she wrapped them around his hips. 

He scooped a generous portion of ice cream out of the container, then slid the spoon into her mouth. Creamy, sweet and cold, it tasted heavenly, and she sensually licked her lips to clean off the remnants. 

He scooped a second spoonful and positioned it next to her lips, yet just as she opened her mouth, he moved the spoon away and gave himself a taste instead.

Giving him a playful slap on the arm, she said, "Hey!"

He chortled around the mouthful of ice cream, then dipped the spoon back in the container. After scooping up some more of the creamy treat, he fed it to her. 




Peak of Desire Ch. 16



Gradually they lost interest in the ice cream, and after setting the container down, Cody languidly undid the buttons on the oversized flannel Erica was wearing.

One by one he unclasped them, not breaking eye contact for even a second. His slow, purposeful movements drove her crazy with anticipation, and by the time he finally reached the very last button, her breathing had become heavy and her nipples had tightened. 

After disrobing her, Cody took hold of her waist and scooted her forward. Then with one fluid movement, he jerked his hips forward and thrust deep inside her. 

A high pitched moan fled her lips in response, and clutching his shoulders, she held on tightly. The sound of flesh slapping flesh filled the air, mingling with masculine grunts and loud, throaty cries. Joined as one, they rocked together, trading hot kisses and soft whispers as they indulged in a moment of bliss.

* * * *

Bathed in soft morning light, Erica awoke slowly, eyelids gradually lifting to reveal the curved ceiling of her Airstream trailer. She gave a lazy stretch, then rolled onto her side and glanced at her lover. 

He slept peacefully on his stomach, hair splayed across the pillow and partially obstructing his face. Studying his features, she noticed how serene he looked. Not to mention completely handsome and overwhelmingly alluring. 

The mere sight of him caused her pulse to quicken, and as her eyes roved across his toned, masculine form, she felt a throb of arousal in her nether regions. 

She moved a little closer, then lazily ran a palm down his back. She allowed it to travel lower until it reached his butt cheeks, then tenderly caressed them. 

Firm and tight, Cody's ass was just the right size. It wasn't flat and had just enough curve for her to cup it in her palm and give it a nice squeeze. From the first time she'd laid eyes on his butt, she'd been certain that a more perfect ass had never existed. 

She could say the same for every other part of his body, and starting at the tapered ridges and curves that led to the upper part of his buttocks, she began trailing kisses along his flesh. 

She allowed her lips to travel further northward until they made contact with his upper back, halting only long enough to brush his hair aside so she could pepper kisses along his shoulder blade. A pleased murmur came from Cody's lips, and he slowly lifted his lids, eyeing her with a half-mast gaze.

"Hey, you."

"Hey," she said in a whispery voice. "Sleep good?" 

"Slept wonderful. How about you?"

"Same." No sooner had she spoken the words, did a chuckle slip from her lips.

"What's funny?" 

"Just thinking about the way you were snoring last night. It was really cute."

"Was it?"

"Yep. Your snores are nice and quiet. I like that."

He smiled. "Well that's good to hear. I'm glad it didn't bother you." 

They shared a moment of stillness, during which the only noise to break the silence was the chattering of birds, coupled with the sound of wind rustling the trees. Then Cody offered some words.

"I like hanging out here."

"Yeah?"

"Yep. I think we made a good decision, don't you?"

A faint smile touched her lips. "It was me that made the decision." 

"I had a part in it as well."

Knowing full well that the decision to keep her trailer space at the RV Park had been entirely of her doing, she considered reminding him of that fact. Yet seeing that he strongly believed otherwise, she decided to bite her tongue and indulge him.

"You're right, you did." Smoothing her palm against his hard chest, she offered him a loving gaze.

"I'd still prefer if you moved in with me, but I understand you like having your own space, so that's cool." He allowed a moment of silence to pass before speaking again. "Splitting time between my apartment and your trailer really isn't so bad, though. Actually, It's kind of fun."

"I think so, too. I like spending a few weeks with you, then coming home for a few days and going back to yours again. It keeps things fresh between us. Not that things could ever get boring."

"Of course not. We're way too imaginative for that."

Tracing a finger along the ridged planes of his abdomen, she said, "We certainly are." 

"When the time is right, you'll move in and we'll make things more permanent. And even though you're not living there yet, the loft is just as much yours as it is mine."

"Thanks, babe."

Their mouths joined in a slow, tender kiss, then Erica got out of bed and slipped into a robe.

"Where you going?" He asked.

"Gonna make us some coffee."

"Could I get a few pieces of toast to go along with it?"

"Sure thing."

"With lots of butter and jelly."

She nodded, then headed out of the bedroom. She'd barely crossed the threshold when she heard him call out to her.

"You know what, forget the toast. I'll just have a few slices of that pizza from last night."

"Want me to warm it up?" She asked over her shoulder.

"Nope. Just bring it straight from the fridge."

Smiling, she headed for the kitchen area. Upon reaching it, she put on a pot of hot water for coffee. Then she removed the pizza box from the fridge and set it on the counter. 

While waiting for the water to boil, she turned her attention on the aquarium tank where she kept her tarantula. 

She spotted it hanging out on one of the rocks, and after lifting the lid off the tank, she retrieved the spider. She petted the fuzzy arachnid a few times, then cradling it in her palm, she headed for the bedroom. 

As she entered, she noticed that Cody was laying on his back with his eyes closed. His shallow breathing suggested that he'd dozed off, and still holding the tarantula in her hand, she climbed onto the bed. 

The mattress shook from her movement, stirring Cody awake. His eyelids fluttered open, yet before he even knew what was going on, she'd gently placed the tarantula on his stomach. 

It took a few moments for him to realize what was happening, but as he glanced down at his torso, surprise flashed across his face. 

"Whoa. What the?" His voice trailed off as he caught sight of the hairy spider.

Erica gave a light chuckle. "You two were never properly introduced, so I figured now would be a good time."

"Seriously? But I'm butt-ass naked."

"He doesn't know the difference. Right, Jimmy?" She offered the spider a few gentle pets with her index finger."

"Wait a minute, these things don't bite, do they? Cause he's headed down south and I sure as heck don't want him getting up to anything funky."

"Relax, he's pretty much harmless."

"Pretty much? That doesn't sound too certain." 

She couldn't help but crack a smile at the look of utter seriousness on his face. Yet despite her amusement, the way that Cody's body had gone rigid told her that she'd better redirect the spider, and fast. She lifted the arachnid, then placed it on his chest so it could hang out there. 

"Mexican Red Knees don't bite unless seriously provoked, and even then, it's no worse than getting stung by a bee."

"Well that's nice to know, but I've never gotten stung in my balls, and I definitely don't ever want it to happen"

"You really are scared of him, aren't you?" Mirth danced in her eyes.

"Scared? No. Uncertain, yes."

"I already told you, he won't bite." 

With a mixture of curiosity and slight distrust, Cody stared at the spider, who in turn, seemed to be staring right back at him.

"How many eyes does this thing have?"

"Eight. His vision is pretty lousy, though."

"So how does he know where he's going?"

"His leg hairs." She brushed a finger along one of the spider's eight appendages, then said, "They help guide him."

"I see."

"You can pet him if you want to."

"I'd rather not."

She smirked. "I knew it, you're scared."

"I am not."

"Then why not touch him?"

"I just don't want to. Those little hairs on his body creep me out."

"Just close your eyes and pretend you're touching something else. Like a cute little mouse."

"I don't like mice either. I had a bad experience with one as a kid."

She felt a chuckle coming on, but forced it back before it could be released. "Come on...just one pet. I know you can do it." 

He hesitated a moment, then hovered a palm over the spider's body. Then just barely allowing his hand to graze the hairs on the arachnid's body, he gave it a quick pet.

"Not like that, silly." Positioning her own hand next to the spider, she gave a demonstration. "Use a few fingers, like this." 

After watching her do it, he tried again. Instead of just barely touching it, his fingers made actual contact, and he managed to give it two full pets.

"See? That wasn't so bad, was it?"

"Nope. Felt kind of weird, but it wasn't too terrible."

As if to challenge him, the eight legged creature began to crawl upward, moving swiftfully for Cody's face.

"Wait, what's happening? Erica, get him off me," he said in a shaky voice.

She promptly lifted the tarantula off his neck, then leaned over the edge of the mattress to retrieve an empty storage container from beneath the bed. 

After placing the spider inside, she put the lid on, making sure to leave a small crack so that air could flow in. Then positioning her body so that she was straddling Cody, she looped her arms around his neck. 

She gave him a tender peck, then said, "You're incredibly cute, you know what?"

"You're cuter."

Spotting a stray eyelash on his cheek, she brushed it off with her thumb. Then she positioned her finger next to his lips.

"Make a wish."

"No need, I already got everything I want." 

He looked affectionately at her, then kissed the tip of her nose. 

"By the way, I think you deserve a reward for being so brave."

"Oh yeah?"

"Uh huh."

"And what kind of a reward would that be?"

Resting her palm on his bare thigh, she allowed it to lazily coast upward. "A nice, deep, wet kiss."

Not wasting a moment, she pressed her lips to his, sucking gently on his bottom lip before flicking her tongue salaciously against his. The parting of their lips left them both craving more, and fixing her with one of those penetrating stares he was so good at, he offered some words.

"Mmmm, that was nice. You got anything else deep and wet you wanna give me?"

He slipped a hand beneath the hem of her short robe, and as his fingers made contact with the most warmth between her legs, she emitted a deep, ragged sigh.

"So since you overcame your fear of spiders, I guess It's only normal for you to want to conquer something else," she said in a husky voice.

"Naturally. It's what I was born to do."

With swift, fluid movements, he slipped her silky robe off. Then with a lift of her hips, Erica sunk down onto him. Relishing in the sensation, they simultaneously moaned. 

Joined as one, they rocked together, trading hot kisses and soft whispers as they steadily journeyed toward the peak of ecstasy.