He knelt down in front of me and gathered my left hand in both of his. “You’re here to take care of things when I’m away. Yes, that’s the truth. But surely you know that I brought you here for more than tending the penthouse.”
He did? No, I didn’t know that at all.
“Sam, you’re a stunning woman. The first time I saw you I knew I would have to have you. I don’t want for much but when I see something I want then I go after it. You’re too talented and beautiful to be someone’s housekeeper. You’re meant for lights and parties. You’re meant to shine. I intend to let that happen.”
So he liked me. The funny feeling he gave me in my stomach when he flirted was mutual? “I’m trying to understand,” I replied.
He stood and pulled me with him. Tugging me up against his body, his right hand slipped to my back, and I was firmly held flush with his chest. “Let me be more specific.” He then lowered his head until his mouth brushed my neck, ear, cheek and lips. The small gasp of surprise that came from inside me was the opening he needed to have me. The warmth and taste of the wine filled my senses as he deepened the kiss and held me.
My knees began to go weak. I was torn between pleasure and shock. I wanted a kiss the night of the dance, but this wasn’t the kiss I imagined. I’d seen kisses like this on the movies. It made you blush to watch it and here it was happening in actual life.
His hand then slid to my butt. He squeezed and I inhaled sharply, Hale continuing to taste me like his glass of rich wine, my head light and body tingling, anticipating what would happen next. This was enough to give a girl daydreams and make her silly for eternity.
When he cupped my face with his other hand his thumb brushed my cheekbone. It trailed down my neck until stopping just before he reached my breast. My nipple hardened in need and I couldn’t believe I was reacting this way so quickly. There was an ache between my legs and I wanted to squeeze my thighs. I needed relief from what I was feeling and I was having trouble standing.
“That’s why,” he said softly as his lips finally broke. “We fit. Perfectly together.”
I wanted more of that kissing and words weren’t going to come to me right then. I stared wide-eyed and weak.
“I need to go now or we’ll move this further than need be moved at the moment.” He dropped his hands from my body and stepped back. “Enjoy your evening Sam.”
Then the man was gone.
I inhaled deeply seven or eight times before sinking back down on my bed. The tingling was still there, still wanting relief. I was a virgin, but I wasn’t ignorant. I knew what I needed to do.
When I heard the door close signaling he was gone I slid smoothly back on the bed. Slipped my hand down the front of my panties. The touch of my fingers against the swollen clit made me sigh with pleasure. I needed to finish what Hale had started.
With slow pressure I circled the sensitive nub and closed my eyes to reflect. Memories of his hands on my body, where I would’ve liked for him to touch, brought me to the release I required. I cried out, my legs shaking, as the wave of pleasure washed over my body to drown me.
This wasn’t the first time I had done this. But it was the first time I had an actual face to accompany my imagination. The smell of his skin still clung to me. I ran my palms over my breasts, gently pinching my hardened nipples. He had called me beautiful, was attracted to me and he wanted me with him in the city. Sure he did things I didn’t really like but he wasn’t what I was used to. He was making concessions for me. I had to do the same for him. My body reacted to Hale. It enjoyed his touch and pressures. I wanted more. Had to have it. And to have it I would remain.
Chapter One
My dreams were full of fairytales. Traveling the world, going to fancy parties, and even outrageous closets full of clothes. When I opened my eyes I felt ashamed of myself even though I couldn’t exactly control my dreams. It still felt wrong to be so wrapped up in the things Hale could give me.
I liked him as a person. To me he was more than his money.
But would you like him if he lived in Moulton?
That was momma’s voice in my head. Bringing me back to reality. The truth was, a part of me was superficial. I wasn’t in love with Hale. I was fascinated with him because of the life he lived.
This was a part of my journey. It wasn’t like I was marrying the man. I was working for him, and although he said he wanted more, and score one for momma because she’d just said that to me, I wasn’t sure what more would be. Could I fall in love? Would it be easy because of all he could give me?
You were raised better than that. Momma’s voice again. Ricocheting around in my head.
While trying to clear my thoughts I finished making up the bed and dressing. Momma’s voice finally left. Images of Hale did not. It was just after sunrise and although Felicity’s note said Hale would awaken at eight ready for breakfast on the balcony with the morning paper, I wanted to have a head start making everything perfect. Plus, I really needed my own bite of breakfast and some coffee. I studied myself in the mirror. The new wardrobe that arrived last night had been surprising. Everything felt different. The fabric even smelled fancy.
Figuring out what I was supposed to wear everyday was confusing. The two really extravagant dresses hanging in my closet were the most mind boggling of all. Where would I wear those? Last night I’d slipped on the shoes that matched them and lapped the room a couple of times. They gave me the silly feeling of playing dress up. Like I was a child or something.
He’d even had panties and bras delivered. I wasn’t sure why it mattered what I was wearing under my clothes. I figured no one saw that and my undies were just fine. But these felt nice. Satin and silk. Putting them on made me feel like a princess. After changing three times I decided that the black linen shorts and delicate looking sleeveless blouse were good enough for casual. Though they didn’t feel casual in the least. The price tags were gone, but I had a feeling that clothing arriving without a price tag was too shocking for the average person to comprehend.
Cooking breakfast in this was going to make me nervous. He’d said not to unpack my bags, meaning he didn’t want to see me in any of my own clothes. Hale wanted me dressed in what he had purchased and I would do what he said. I tried not to focus on the cost of my outfit. I pulled my hair back into a loose low braid and proceeded.
The penthouse was quiet. Just the light muffled sound of the busy city came through the windows. I went to the glass doors in the living room and stepped outside to take in the view. I needed reminding I was here. Everyday I would need reminding. I was afraid I would suddenly wake and this would all be a dream. I’d be back in Moulton at the bakery. Something I did not want. The part of my life that kept me in Moulton was over and done with forever. I hugged myself and smiled as I studied the city below me, bustling and colorful and pulsing, people hurrying about in their business attire, while others carried shopping bags. The tourists were obvious with their cameras and phones snapping photos for friends back home.
Soon I would be a part of that world. Hale would take me to parties and lunches. I would walk the streets in my expensive clothing just like I lived in a movie, one continuously playing for me. My smile grew as I imagined what life with Hale was going to be like in the future. Would he take me to his other homes? Would I travel with him on his plane? I had no idea what surprises were in store for Sammy Jo Knox from Moulton.
I wanted to see so much. Do and experience it all. New York City could never be uncovered, because there was so much inside it to reveal. And I wanted to peel it back. As much as I thought I could. That wasn’t greed, now was it? Was my ambition blind to that? Was my desire to live my dream and its fancies arrogant self-absorption? These questions pinged in my head.