Cassie (5 page)

He stared at me then placed his hand on my lower back. “I don’t mean to be forward but could we be exclusive?”

“Oh,” I said. “I assumed that we were.”

“Good,” he said. “I don’t want you dating anyone else.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

He leaned in and kissed me gently, making an involuntary gasp escape my lips. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him aggressively, loving the feel of his lips on my own.
Being close to him made me feel excited and nervous at the same time. I didn’t want him to leave. I didn’t want this night to end.

“Come inside,” I whispered.

He rubbed his nose against mine. “Okay.”

I opened the door then placed my purse and keys on the table.

Tony came behind me and grabbed me by the neck. “Do you masturbate?”

My cheeks blushed at his question.

He stared at me, waiting for me to respond.

I nodded.

“Then why are you so hot?”

“Because you’re hot,” I said with a light laugh. “And that isn’t the same as a real man. I haven’t had it in so long. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until now. You’re the first guy that I met who I actually like. That’s rare for me. Maybe I’m just picky. But you make me feel…hot.”

He pulled me to his chest. “I would love to give you an orgasm.”

My spine shivered at his words. “I don’t do this very often.”

“What?”

“Sleep with a guy that I’ve only dated for a week.”

“I figured.”

“Do you think I’m a slut?”

“Not at all,” he said as he looked into my face. “You’re human with biological instincts. You’re really attracted to me. That’s natural. And I’m really attracted to you. And it wouldn’t be a one night stand. I want this to go somewhere.”

“I do too.”

He kissed me gently, making my lips burn. Now that I knew where this would lead, I let my primal desire surface. I gripped his shoulders and kissed him passionately, letting myself lose control. I couldn’t wait months after being in a relationship to have sex, and I couldn’t have sex with a guy I didn’t really like. I want Tony. I wanted him now.

He guided me toward my bedroom while he kissed me. When we entered my room, he laid me on the bed then moved on top of me. Feeling the soft sheets under my skin made me moan. The area between my legs was on fire.

Tony kissed my neck then the skin on top of my breasts. His hand moved up my dress until he felt my underwear. He played with it before he unzipped my dress and pulled it off. I didn’t feel self-conscious in my bra and underwear. He looked at me with heat in his eyes. The gaze made me feel attractive. He kissed my inner thighs then pulled down my thong. When his lips kissed me down there, I moaned loudly. I hadn’t been touched there in so long. His tongue moved across my folds and moved inside me. It felt unbelievable. Then he unclasped my bra and looked at my breasts. He kissed each one, gliding his tongue across the nipples.

I was enjoying this but I wanted to see him. He hadn’t shed any clothing. I grabbed his shirt and pulled it off. His naked chest was hard as stone. The pectoral muscles were wide and powerful, and his stomach had a deep valley and grooves. My hands glided over it, treasuring the sight.

His unbuttoned his jeans then pulled them off. When he was just in his boxers, I grabbed the rim and pulled them down. His cock sprang out, big and long.

“Oh…wow.”

He moved on top of me and kissed me again. It was gentle and soft, the caresses leaving me shaking. I never tasted something I loved so much. I gripped the back of his neck and slipped my tongue inside. It touched his, sending shivers through my body. He was such a good kisser.

Tony pulled away. “Do you have a condom?”

“Oh.” I kissed his neck because I couldn’t stop. My hands were gliding over his chest. “In my nightstand.”

He opened it and picked up a packet. After he ripped it open, I grabbed it and rolled it onto his impressive length. I left plenty of room for him at the tip then rolled the latex down to the base. Just doing this made me feel the orgasm in the recesses of my body.

Tony pulled my hips toward him then leaned over me. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

I gripped his back, preparing for the impact. I grabbed his face and kissed him, my mouth being pleasured by his. When I felt the beginning stretch, I moaned loudly. He moved inside slowly until he was completely sheathed. “Oh my god…”

Tony cupped my face and stared into my eyes while he moved slowly.

I was so overwhelmed with the pleasure that I couldn’t do anything. I just dug my nails into his skin, feeling him move inside me.
“Tony…yeah.”

He moved a little faster but kept it gentle. His eyes were on mine the while time, watching my ex
pression from above. Tony kissed me every few seconds, staying connected to me while he rocked together. Within seconds, I was there. Just from the buildup, I knew this orgasm was going to be the best one I had in a long time. It was hot and fiery, igniting my body in a blaze.

“Oh…yeah….oh.”
My head rolled back as it hit me. I gripped him tighter.

Tony moved faster, making me feel as good as possible.

When I was done, I was out of breath. There was sweat on my chest and it dripped to my stomach.

Tony thrust until he met his bliss. He gripped my face and pressed his forehead against mind as he came, moaning the entire time. “
Mmmm….” He stopped then kissed me gently.

I wrapped my arms around his neck then ran my fingers through his hair.

When he pulled out, he rolled the condom off then tossed it in the garbage.

I sighed deeply. “Thank you. Thank you.”

He smiled then lied beside me. “I’m glad I could help.”

I crawled on his chest then looked down at him. “That felt so amazing. That was the best sex I’ve ever had.”

“Thank you. I like what I’m hearing.”

I kissed him then snuggled
next to him. “You’re so good.”

“I think it’s just because you haven’t had it in so long.”

‘No, Tony. You are amazing.”

He turned on his side and pulled me to his chest. “I like these compliments.”

“I feel so much better now. I was going crazy for a while there.”

“My services are always available to you.”

“I think I’ll take advantage of that.”

“Good. I was hoping you would.”

I wrapped my arm around his waist then stared at him. I realized he probably wanted to leave. Guys never liked to cuddle. “You can go if you want. I understand that you have other things you need to do.”

“I don’t,” he said. “And I would rather stay here with you anyway.”

My eyes softened. “I guess I should tell Janet about us.”

“Don’t,” he said.

“Why not?” I asked.

“It’s n
one of her business. That’s why.”

I stared at him. “Are you embarrassed of me or something?”

“Not at all,” he said. “I just don’t want my sister to be weird about us. She’s always been protective of me. She didn’t introduce us for a reason. I don’t want to know what that reason is. I really like you and you make me happy. Let’s just be happy.”

“But I’m lying to my best friend.”

“We’ll tell her eventually. I don’t like being deceitful. Actually, I hate it. And I don’t care what people think. But I do care what my sister thinks. You’re just too good to be true. I don’t want to lose you.”

“I don’t want to lose you either.”

“I’ve been dating for years and I haven’t found anyone. Some of the girls were cool, but none of them got me excited. Not the way you do. If this doesn’t work out, I want to treasure what we have in the moment.”

I stared at his face and looked at his beautiful eyes. “I really like you too.”

He came close to me, his breaths falling on my face. “Is it cool if I sleep here?”

“You want to sleep with me?”

“Of course I do.”

I smiled. “I would love that.”

“Good. Because I wasn’t going to leave if you said no. After that performance, I’m exhausted.”

“You didn’t even last that long,” I teased.

“Hey,” he said. “Do you know how hard it is not to come when the girl you’re making love to is enjoying it so much? It’s really difficult.”

“So you’re blaming it on me?” I said with a laugh.

“Yep.”

“And we were making love?”

“We certainly weren’t fucking. I don’t fuck girls I like.”

I wasn’t expecting that. “You’re really sweet, Tony.”

“I’m not, actually.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“I’m sweet when I care about someone. And even then, I’m not that nice. Just ask my sister.”

I laughed. “You have a point.”

He grabbed his phone and set the alarm. “Do you make breakfast in the morning?”

“I can,” I said.

“I just need coffee.”

“I can do that.”

He kissed me on the cheek. “Goodnight, Cassie.”

“Goodnight.” I listened to the sound of his breathing before I fell asleep.

6

“I can tell you got laid,” Orlando said.

I blushed then shut the door. “Keep your voice down.” Tony and I had been dating for a month. The sex was great and I couldn’t get enough of it. But my joy and satisfaction was evident to everyone around me. Orlando finally picked up on it.

“How was it?”

“Amazing,” I said. “It felt so good.”

“So he rocked your world?”

“Definitely,” I said.

“I have to see what this guy looks like,” he said.

“He said he wanted to be exclusive so I guess we could do on a double date.”

“What does exclusive mean?” he asked.

“We don’t see other people.”

He rolled his eyes. “I kno
w that. Does that mean you’re in a relationship?”

“I don’t think so. We’re just dating but not dating other people. I really like him, Orlando.
A lot
.”

“He sounds like the real deal.”

“He doesn’t want to tell his sister though.”

“Why?” he asked.

“He says she might be weird about it and break us up.”

“I wonder why.”

I shrugged. “He said she’s protective of him.”

Orlando sat down and spun around in the chair. “Do you think Janet won’t want you to date him because you aren’t good enough for him?”

That made me sad. “I hope not.”

“Or maybe it’s the other way around,” Orlando said. “Maybe he’s a jerk.”

“I doubt it,” I said. “He’s a huge sweetheart.”

Orlando stared at my face. “You’re totally falling for him.”

“I already did,” I said.

He laughed. “At least you admit it.”

Winnie and Gloria walked out of the changing rooms with the new gowns I designed. I stared at them with approval.

“She’ll love them,” Orlando said. “I would wear them if I knew I wouldn’t be shot.”

I laughed. “Thanks.”

Gloria spun around. “I hope Pia doesn’t lik
e it so I can take it home.”

“If she doesn’t like it, I’m going to scream,” I said.

Orlando peeked down the hallway. “She’s coming,” he whispered.

Pia walked inside, looking pissed as usual. Her assistant’s face was stoic and blank. They
both looked like statues, not animated or interested in any way.

Pia walked around the dresses and made the models stand in different poses. I waited patiently while she searched for things I couldn’t see. It was hard to tell if she liked what she saw. She had the best poker face in the world. “No.”

“No?”

She glared at me.

“What’s wrong with them?”

“You call this fashion?” she snapped.

I kept my anger back. I wanted to keep my job so I remained calm. “Please let me know what you’re looking for. I will deliver.”

“You’re the fashion designer,” she said while she stared me down. “It’s your responsibility to create pieces of art, not me. Don’t give me that attitude again. Get it
right next time or I’ll find you a replacement.” She walked out with her assistant trailing behind her.

I wanted to scream.

Orlando immediately came to my side. “We’ll figure it out.”

“This is bullshit,” I snapped.

Gloria and Winnie both look frightened. They never heard me get upset before.

“I should just quit,” I said. “I hate working her anyway.”

“Don’t go crazy,” Orlando said. “Just sleep on it and we’ll go from there.”

I marched into my office and slammed the door. I took deep breaths and controlled my anger. Without knowing what to do to survive the rest of the day, I called
Tony. We hadn’t been dating long, but he was already the closest person to me. The sex was amazing, the conversation was unforced, and he was just an awesome guy. I loved spending time with him. He was starting to mean more than he did ever before. He was my greatest lover and my best friend.

“Hey,” he said. “Is everything alright?”

“I’m just having a stressful day at work.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No.”

“Okay,” he said. “
The Rangers are playing next week. You’re coming, right?”

“I’ll be there.”

“I got you something today.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Come on. Spill it.”

“I got you a Rangers jersey. Now we match.”

“That’s so cute,” I said.

“Am I going to get some hot sex out of it?”

“You were going to get hot sex either way.”

“You’re so awesome.”

He already made me feel better
. “How’s your day?”

“It’s okay.
A little boring.”

“What time do you get off work?”

“Well, I work from home so whenever.”

I still didn’t understand what he did for a living. It seemed like nothing.

“Can I see you tonight?” he asked.

“I’m going out with the girls.”

“That’s right,” he said. “Scott mentioned it.”

“We should tell Janet soon.”

He sighed. “I know.”

“I’ll talk to her tonight.”

“No, have fun. We’ll do it together sometime.”

“Okay,” I said. “Well, I should go. Thank you for making me
feel better.”

“Always.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

After I went home and changed, I went to the bar to meet Layla and Janet. When I sat down with them at the table, I immediately felt awkward. It was hard keeping such a big secret from my two best friends. And I felt like I was betraying Janet.

“You don’t look happy,” Layla said.

“I had a bad day at work,” I said.

“What happened?” Janet asked.

“My boss doesn’t like anything I make and basically threatened to fire me if I don’t get it right next time.”

“Then do as she asks,” Janet said.

“It’s not that simple,” I said. “She gives me absolutely no feedback. It’s basically a process of trial and error.”

“I’m sorry,” Janet said. “Your drinks are on me.”

I smiled. “That’s nice of you, especially since I’m about to be broke.”

Layla looked at me. “Kyle can get you a job at Satin Magazine if you really need it.”

“Thank you,” I said. “But I’ll figure it out.”

“Can we join you?” Scott said.

We turned to see him standing there, a beer in his hand.

“What are you doing here?” Janet asked.

“Tony and I just came here to watch the game.”

Janet rolled her eyes. “Don’t you have any other friends?”

He came to her and kissed her gently. That shut her up.

My heart raced when I realized Tony was
there.

“Hello,” he said as he came to the table. He looked at me first, his eyes moving over my body then back to my face. He turned to his sister.
“Hey, sis.”

She glared at him. “I’m so pissed at you.”

He looked alarmed. “Why?”

“You convinced Scott to gamble ten thousand dollars!”

Tony laughed. “What’s the big deal? He won.”

“That doesn’t matter,” she snapped. “I don’t want Scott to ruin his life savings.”

“Well, it’s his money,” Tony said. “He can do whatever he wants.”

She glared at him again.

“Are you going to introduce me to your friends?” he asked.

She sighed. “This is my brother, Tony.”

I looked at him. “Hi.”

He nodded.

Layla shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too,” Tony said. He took a seat at the table directly across from me. It was hard for me not to stare at him. I wanted to kiss him or embrace him in some way.

Janet looked at her brother. “How’s it going with Jasmine?”

He looked uncomfortable. “We stopped dating a while ago.”

“You just went out with her a few weeks ago.”

My heart clenched painfully.

“It was a month ago,” he corrected. “I haven’t seen her since.”

“What was wrong with her?” she asked. “You were dating for a while.”

“She wasn’t the right person.” He looked at me then turned away.

Now I wondered if he had been dating her while he was dating me. I really
hoped not. I’d grown very attached to Tony. I loved spending time with him, going to the games with him, out to dinner, and sleeping with him.

Scott’s glance kept moving back and forth between us. I wondered if Tony told him the truth.

“Why haven’t you introduced me to your friends before this?” Tony asked, changing the subject.

She looked away. “No reason. It just didn’t happen.”

Tony didn’t look convinced.

Scott wrapped his arm around Janet’s shoulder. “Do you want anything at the bar?”

“I’m okay, babe.”

I felt sick to my stomach so I left the table and went to the bar. I needed a moment. If I went to the bathroom, everyone would know something was bothering me. Now it looked like I just wanted another drink.

When I sat down, I ordered a scotch.

Tony appeared at my side a moment later. “I wasn’t dating her at the same t
ime,” he said without preamble.

“It sounds like it,” I said without looking at him.

He stood over me, very close to my arm. “I was dating her the first time we went out. After the game, I knew how much I liked you. When I went home, I broke it off with her. We were never exclusive, but I felt guilty dating her while I was dating you. And that’s why I didn’t kiss you. I felt like that would be disrespectful to both of you.”

I finally looked at him.
“Really?”

“That’s the truth.”

“Okay.”

“You believe me?”

I nodded.

“We’re okay?”

“Yeah.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. “I was scared for a second.”

“You haven’t been seeing anyone else, right?”

His eyes narrowed.
“Of course not. I said we were exclusive. And I’m with you all the time. When would I have time to date someone else?”

“I’m sorry I said that.”

“It’s okay,” he said. “I know you’ve had a rough day.”

I drank my glass then ordered another. “Does Scott know about us?”

He nodded. “He said he wouldn’t tell her.”

“I don’t think I can keep this up any longer. I just want to be honest about it.”

“Give it some more time.”

“What are you waiting for?”

“Let’s just wait a little bit.”

I sighed. “Well, you should go back to the table so it doesn’t look suspicious.”

“It’s hard for me to leave you when you seem upset.”

“I’m fine, Tony.”

“Okay.” He walked away and returned to the table. I downed another scotch then swallowed the bitter aftertaste.

“Cassie
?”

I turned in my seat. “Danny?” My heart stopped beating altogether. I hadn’t seen him in almost two years. I never ran into him on the subway or at a restaurant. I thought I would never run into him. And that’s what I wanted.
To never see him again.

He sat in the chair next to me. “How are you?”

“I’m good,” I lied.

Danny stared at me with the gray eyes
I used to love. “I’m glad you’re well.”

“Yeah…” Now I just wanted him to walk away. There was nothing to say.

“Are you seeing anyone?”

I didn’t know what answer I should give. I was seeing someone but he was a secret. And I didn’t know if he would ever not be a secret. He was standing in this very bar but I couldn’t acknowledge him as such. “No.”

He eyes shined a little brighter. “Are you still a fashion designer?”

For now.
“Yes.”

“That good to hear.”

“How are you and Emily?”

He averted his gaze when I said her name.

“She had to come up at some point, right?”

“She and I broke up a few months ago.”

“Oh,” I said. “I’m sorry.” Actually, I wasn’t sorry. But I felt like a bitch saying that.

“She left me for someone else.”

“Karma’s a bitch, isn’t it?” It flew out of my mouth before I could stop it.

“I deserved that,” he said quietly.

“So, who are you dating now?”

“No one,” he said. “I’ve been single for a while.”