Indiscretions Read online

  “Whatever.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she muttered, “I think it means he isn’t really interested.”

  “That’s a possibility, but in your case, I highly doubt it.” Her eyebrows furrowed as her eyes widened with surprise. The words slipped from my mouth before I had time to think. I quickly tried to cover my tracks by asking, “Have you ever mentioned your concerns to the men you’ve dated?”

  “I used to, but they always turned it around on me. I’ve just gotten where I just don’t care.”

  I knew she was lying. She cared. If she didn’t care, she wouldn’t be sitting on my sofa talking to me about it. “You never know. You could always ask them how they think the relationship is going.”

  “I don’t think so. If you have to ask, it takes some of the magic away…you know?”

  “If you love someone, you have to keep the lines of communication open. It’s the only way to make sure you both are on the same page.”

  She propped her elbow on the arm of the sofa and rested her chin on the palm of her hand. Her eyes roamed over me for a moment, then an enlightened smile spread across her face. “Oh, I get it. You’re one of those romantic types, aren’t you? You think love is the answer to everything?”

  “No. Not at all. I don’t think there is just one answer to anything.”

  “I’m glad to hear that, because I don’t think there’s enough love in the world to make a man pick up his dirty clothes off the floor. I mean, I’d settle for not finding his dirty socks scattered throughout my apartment. I can’t decide if they are just that lazy, or if they’re doing it to just tick me off.”

  “That’s a common problem…I have a question for you. What happens to the laundry he doesn’t pick up?”

  “I might give it a couple of days, but eventually I pick it up myself and carry it into the laundry room.”

  “And the socks?”

  “The same.” Her brows creased with anger as she threw her hands up in the air and scolded, “Wait a minute! Please don’t tell me that it’s my fault that my exes didn’t pick up their dirty laundry!”

  Seeing her get all riled up turned me on in a way I can’t even begin to describe. I loved seeing that fire inside her, and I wanted more, much more. I adjusted myself in my seat and tried to bite back my smile. “No, Grace. That’s not what I’m saying at all. I’m just saying sometimes men need a little push.”

  “Yeah…off a cliff,” she scoffed. She looked back over to me with a concerned expression. “I didn’t mean that.”

  “Then, maybe we’re making progress.”

  “Maybe so. Who would’ve thought a hot psychiatrist would actually be able to help.” Her cheeks turned a shade of bright shade of pink as she realized what she’d said. “I mean…you seem to have an answer for everything.”

  She was simply stunning. I wanted to give her more than answers. I wanted to pin her against the wall and show her how everything about her was driving me wild. Instead, I answered, “No. Not everything. Just the easy stuff.”

  Her eyes roamed over me in almost a provocative manner, making me wonder if she’d felt the same electric connection I’d been feeling since the moment she walked into my office. “So, if you know the answers to the easy stuff, then I’m guessing you know why men never ask for directions or why they leave the seat up.”

  “Hmm…Those aren’t exactly easy,” I chuckled.

  A sense of satisfaction washed over her as she looked at me and smiled. Damn. I adored that smile. It was clear that I was making strides with her, but there was something more to her story. She hadn’t come to see me just to complain about the poor behavior of her ex-lovers. There had to be some other reason. I looked at her, trying to imagine what it could be, and I was still lost in thought, when she said, “It may be inappropriate for me to ask this, but are you married or do you have a girlfriend?”

  I was surprised, but intrigued that she’d asked. “No, I’m not married and no girlfriend. It’s totally fine. For today, this is a two-way street. You can ask me anything.”

  Her demeanor quickly changed as a mischievous smile spread across her face, and I should’ve taken that as a warning. “Are you sure about that?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Her voice was filled with excitement as she replied, “Okay. How about a speed round? It’ll give me a better idea of what I’m working with here.”

  “Okay, but I’ll expect you to do the same.”

  “I’m good with that.”

  I placed my notepad and pen on the side table, then leaned back in my chair and smiled. “All right then, go for it.”

  “Don’t think. Just answer,” she ordered with a smile. Her entire demeanor had changed. She was no longer on edge, and she actually seemed to be enjoying herself.

  “This isn’t my first rodeo, princess. Give me what you’ve got.”

  She adjusted herself in her seat and a spark of excitement flashed through her eyes as she asked, “Cats or dogs?”

  “Dogs… A big one, like a mastiff. Not some little yappy thing.”

  “Okay. Favorite sport?”

  “Baseball.”

  “Favorite movie?”

  “Just one?”

  She frowned at me question. “Yes. Think fast.”

  “The Green Mile, or any movie with Tom Hanks.”

  “Morning person or night person.”

  “Night.”

  “Favorite place to travel?”

  “The beach.” I barely had time to think before she rolled out the next question.

  “To-ma-toe or To-mat-toe?

  “To-ma-toe.”

  “Name one thing that freaks you out?”

  “Hair in the drain.”

  That one made her giggle, and my heart leapt. I found myself wanting to hear the sound again and again.

  “Do you have any friends that are women, and I mean strictly friends. No messing around…not even a kiss.”

  “Yes. One. She was my neighbor growing up. A few years younger than me, and no, we’ve never kissed…not even once.”

  “Do you sleep with a light on?”

  Each question came quickly, making one think that there was no rhyme or reason to their delivery, but I knew better. Not only was she beautiful, but she was smart, too.

  “No.”

  “Do you leave the toilet seat up?”

  “Yes, but in my defense, I live alone.”

  “Okay. I’ll let that one slide.” She shook her head slightly and smiled. “Okay, scary movies? Yes or no?”

  “No way.”

  “Do you have any kids?”

  “No.”

  “Do you want to have kids?”

  “Someday.”

  “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

  “Yes. Devin. He’s my older brother.”

  “Have you ever been heartbroken?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you close with your mother?”

  “I guess so.”

  “Okay…Do you call her more than once every six months?” she asked lightheartedly.

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, then you’re close,” she teased. Before I had a chance to respond, she asked, “Longest relationship?”

  “Four years.”

  She paused for a moment, letting me know she was surprised by my answer. I didn’t blame her. Four years is a long time to date without it going anywhere, but in the end, we’d both realized our time together had come to an end. Grace quickly rebounded, and a spark of mischief flashed through her eyes as she asked, “Boxers or briefs.”

  That’s when I knew; things were about to get interesting.

  CHAPTER 3

  Grace

  A sexy smirk crossed his face as he answered, “Briefs.”

  Damn, he was so stinking hot. Everything about him, from his large, masculine hands to the deep, sultry sound of his voice, had me completely spellbound. I knew I was walking a dangerous line. He was my therapist. He was totally off-limits
, but I just didn’t care. He was way too tempting, like a special treat that I was forbidden to have. I only wanted one little taste, a little bite, and then I’d walk away. But for the moment, I was going to see just how far he was willing to go, “Left or right side of the bed?”

  “Left.”

  “Have you ever been with a man?”

  “Umm…No,” he answered unwaveringly, and I had to fight my urge to laugh.

  “How old were you when you had your first kiss?”

  “Twelve.”

  “Have you ever regretted sleeping with someone?”

  “Yes.”

  One question after the next kept popping into my head, each one a little more suggestive than the last. The slope was becoming more slippery by the minute—literally and figuratively. “Have you ever been with an older woman?”

  “Yes?”

  It was answers like that, which made me regret having a speed round. I wanted to know more about the older woman and his experience with her, but it wasn’t the way the game worked. “Favorite part of a woman’s body.”

  His eyes slowly drifted down my body, slowly, daringly, and then he answered, “Personally, I’ve always been a leg man.”

  The heat of his stare trailed up my thighs to my center, and my entire body tingled, bringing goosebumps pricking across my skin. I’d never been one for foreplay. It was just another form of sexual frustration; just another long stream of letdowns, but the feeling he’d given me with just one look had me wondering if I’d given up too soon. Maybe there was a chance I’d been wrong about giving up on men altogether.

  “Lights on or off?”

  “Whatever she’s more comfortable with.”

  “What’s your biggest turn on?”

  His eyes grew intense as he answered, “Making a woman come.”

  A familiar warmth washed over me as I noticed the spark of hunger in his eyes. I felt like a horny teenager playing a round of truth or dare. While we weren’t doing any dares, I still felt that same rush. Without giving either of us any reprieve, I asked, “Would you consider yourself to be dominant or submissive during sex?”

  “Dominant.”

  Suddenly, I imagined him ripping my shirt wide-open. Buttons scattered along the floor as he kissed along the curve of my breast. My body being lifted from the floor as he pulled me closer. My legs wrapped around his waist as my back slammed against the wall. His hand slipping under my skirt, tearing my lace panties from my body. Him reaching for his belt buckle, and the alluring sound of his zipper sliding down. Dominant. It was a good word—a very good word.

  I studied him for a moment and decided he was simply too good to be true. No man could be so perfect. There had to be some flaw, some imperfection. Knowing it was a question that could change everything, I asked, “Have you ever cheated?”

  When he paused, I knew I wasn’t going to like his answer. I’d finally found the tarnished spot on his crown. “Yes, but only once. I was young and foolish, and I still regret it to this day.”

  Bam. Just like that, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over me. It wasn’t fair to hold it against him, but it was the only thing I had to hold on to. It was the only thing keeping me from crossing that imaginary line, a line that I knew in my heart neither of us should cross. The rush was gone, and I was back in the land of reality, leaving me with no more questions to ask. I sank back in my seat and tried not to let my disappointment get the best of me.

  Apparently, he missed my sulking state as he leaned forward with his eyebrow cocked high, and asked seductively, “Is it my turn now?”

  I knew the moment was gone, but I was still curious to see what questions he’d ask. Deciding I didn’t have anything to lose, I answered, “Sure. I’m ready when you are.”

  His lips curled into a wicked smile as he asked, “You sure about that?”

  Seeing the expression on his face intrigued me, and I found my excitement slowly returning. “Absolutely.”

  “What’s your biggest pet peeve?”

  “Someone clicking their pen.” I raised my eyebrow as I stared at the pen in his hand.

  His lips pursed as he lowered it onto his lap as he asked, “Have you ever lied about your age?”

  “Ah…yes. Many times.”

  “Do you sing in the shower?”

  “Depends on my mood.”

  “What scares you most?”

  “Being alone in the dark.”

  “Proudest accomplishment?” Each question brought on another memory, another revelation about myself, and there were some that I hadn’t even considered until he’d asked.

  “The day my first article was published.”

  “If you could have a special power, what would it be?”

  “Umm…I don’t know.” I thought for a moment then answered, “I guess I’d like to be able to read minds, but not all the time. Only when I wanted to know what someone was thinking.”

  “What the funniest pickup line someone’s used on you?”

  “Hmm….” I’d heard plenty, so it was hard to pick just one. Finally, I remembered one I’d heard recently. “A guy once told me… ‘Your breasts remind me of Mount Rushmore—My face should be among them.’”

  We both laughed, and he was still chuckling when he said, “That’s a good one. I had a woman approach me with… ‘My doctor told me I was missing Vitamin U. Can you help me?’”

  “Now, that’s a good one.”

  “There was another guy who said, ‘Excuse me. My friend over there is a little worried. He’d like to get your phone number.’ I asked him why and he told me, ‘He wants to know where he can get a hold of me in the morning.’”

  “Yours are better than mine.”

  “That’s not saying much,” I teased.

  “No. I guess that’s true.” His head tilted to the side as his eyes glanced up toward the ceiling. After he’d thought for a moment, he looked back at me and asked, “Okay. I’ve got another one…Have you ever gone skinny-dipping?”

  The question caught me by surprise, and I couldn’t stop myself from giggling as I thought back to the camping trip I took with some college friends. It was one of the best times I’d had in college. I’d gone with some of my sorority sisters and our boyfriends to a little spot by the lake. After we’d all put up our tents, we ate dinner by the fire, and had a few drinks—lots and lots of drinks. Once we were all fairly tipsy, or drunk out of our minds, we decided to go skinny-dipping. The water was freezing, and I ended up with the worst cold I’d ever had. With a smile, I answered, “Yes.”

  “Where was your first kiss?”

  These weren’t your typical therapy types of questions, and while I enjoyed them much more than his questions from earlier, I wondered just how far he was going to go. Curiosity got the best of me, so I answered, “On the tailgate of Sam Kingston’s pickup truck.”

  “Have you ever been with a woman?”

  “No.”

  “Kissed a stranger?”

  “Yes.”

  He asked each question so quickly that I didn’t have time to think. “Do you like dirty talk during sex?”

  I felt a spark of excitement flutter in my stomach as I answered, “Yes.”

  “Where is your favorite place to be kissed?”

  His face was void of expression, but his eyes and body movements told it all. He couldn’t hide it any longer. I could see that he was becoming aroused by the topic of our conversation, and even though I knew it was wrong—very, very wrong—I liked it. “Just below my ear.”

  “Your favorite position?”

  I knew he meant during sex, so with no hesitation, I answered, “On top.”

  “So, you like being in control?”

  “Not exactly.”

  I didn’t want to explain. I wasn’t ready, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever be ready. It just wasn’t something I wanted to talk about and was relieved when he asked, “Would you say you’re submissive?”

  “I don’t know.” His eyes never l
eft mine as I replied, “I’ve never really thought about it.”

  He smiled with mischief. “Isn’t that the point of this? You aren’t supposed to think.”

  “Okay. Then, I’d have to say…yes, but only to a certain point.”

  “Bondage?”

  “Again…to a certain point. I liked watching Fifty Shades, it was a turn on and all, but that doesn’t mean I want to act it out.”

  “Understood.” His smile practically lit up the room as he leaned back in his chair and sighed. “Have you had enough, or should I keep going?”

  Afraid that the conversation might change direction, I told him, “I’m up for a few more.”

  “Good, but let’s slow it down a little. I feel like I’m missing out on a few things.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like the time you kissed a stranger. Why don’t you tell me a little about that?”

  I raked my front teeth across my bottom lip as I twirled my silver bracelet nervously around my wrist. “It was the night I graduated from college. I’d gone to the bar with my best friend and a roommate to celebrate. We were all having a great time, talking about our plans while we had a few drinks. My roommate was telling one of her wild stories, when I noticed a man staring at me from opposite end of the bar. He was older and very attractive, and even though he was with a large group of men, his attention was all focused on me.”

  “Did you like that you’d drawn his attention?”

  Remembering how it had made me feel, I answered, “Yes. Especially since my best friend, Katie, and my roommate, Anna, were both gorgeous, and he’d shown no interest in either of them.”

  “So, you were flattered?”

  “Yes, but it was more than that. It was the way he was looking at me…like I was the only person in the room…It made me feel sexy.” I’d never been one to think of myself as sexy. I knew I was attractive, pretty even, but I often felt awkward, especially where sex was concerned. “It was the only time I’ve ever made the first move with a man. I’m sure the alcohol had a lot to do with it, but when he walked past me to go to the restroom, I got up and followed him.” I giggled as I told him, “I surprised him a little when I opened the door to the bathroom, but he got over it. Because the next thing I knew, we were kissing.”