Mark and Sharon
Formerly ‘A Question of Sex’
By G.A. Hauser
MARK AND SHARON
Copyright © G.A. Hauser, 2010
Cover art by Stephanie Vaughan
ISBN Trade paperback:978-1449-5931-7-9
The G.A. Hauser Collection
This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events or locales is coincidental.
All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
WARNING
This book contains material that maybe offensive to some: graphic language, homosexual relations, adult situations. Please store your books carefully where they cannot be accessed by underage readers.
First G.A. Hauser publication: January 2010
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Chapter 1
“His name is Mark Richfield. He comes highly recommended,” Jessie whispered to Carol inside the conference room.
“Have you looked over his portfolio? He’s the guy who designed the Collin’s Tower. The man’s amazing.”
“Have you ever seen him, Carol?”
“Yes. His photo was is in this month’s San Sophistication magazine as one of LA’s most eligible bachelors.”
“And?”
“Jessie, I swear I creamed my jeans. He’s unbelievable. Wait until you get a look at him.” Carol jerked her head up to look down the hallway. “Shit! Sharon’s coming. We’d better shut it or Miss Boss-lady will have our heads.”
~
Sharon Tice wondered what gossip was going around the office this time. Didn’t the staff have better things to do than hover around hissing at each other?
“Ladies? Ready for the meeting? Finished with your rumor session? Mr. Tice is on his way.”
Jessie handed Sharon a folder. “Ms. Tice, I have Mr. Richfield’s resume. Are you interested in seeing a copy?”
Looking down at it as Jesse tried to hand it to her, Sharon sipped the fresh cup of coffee her PA had just provided and sat down. “No. I haven’t had the time. I’m sure my dad has.”
As she spoke Mr. Ted Tice made his way into the stuffy room, his suit immaculate his demeanor nasty. “Is Richfield here yet?”
“No, sir. Shall I make inquiries?” Jessie asked.
Checking his solid gold watch, Mr. Tice exhaled wearily. “No, not yet. Give him another five minutes.” He sat next to his daughter and whispered, “I don’t know why Robert recommended him.”
“Because he’s his cousin?” Sharon sneered.
“I hope not. Did you read any of this?”
Glimpsing at the paperwork without interest, Sharon replied, “I’m too busy for it, Daddy. I hoped you would.”
Mr. Tice checked the time again and appeared about to stand and cancel the meeting when Sharon heard someone enter the room behind her.
“Sorry I’m late. Oh, I’m not late at all. I’m right on the button.”
Sharon barely raised her head to acknowledge him. She was easily bored and had too much work to do.
“Nice to finally meet you, Ted. Robert sings your praises to me constantly.”
Sharon peeked up at her father who took Mark’s outstretched hand. She could see her dad cringe at the casual use of his first name from a man he did not know. No brownie points there.
“Hello, everyone,” Mark said amiably and set his laptop down on the table. “Assigned seating? Or is it a free for all?”
At the silly comment, Sharon finally took a look at him. About to answer with her usual biting sarcasm, she froze and caught her breath. Holy cow.
She started her appraisal at the top of his head and the most luxurious mop of long hair she had ever seen on a man. Silky waves of brown cascaded down to his broad shoulders. His face was angular and smooth, his eyes as blue-green as the Mediterranean Sea, his lips salmon pink and smiling, and his height and build had her stripping him naked immediately.
When Mark met her astounded gape he held out his hand. “Hello.”
“I’m…I’m…” Never before had a man left her speechless.
“This is my daughter, Sharon Tice. She’s the one who will work with you on the property development should we choose your design.”
“Sharon.” Mark held her hand tightly, smiling.
“N…nice to meet you…” Oh my God I want you!
“Let’s all sit down and get started. Mr. Richfield, can we get you coffee or tea?”
Releasing Sharon’s hand, Mark shook his head. “Nothing, ta. I’ve just had a latte. I’ll get right down to business.”
As he opened his laptop and plugged it into a monitor for viewing on a screen behind him, Sharon quickly checked his hands for a ring. Only a small gold band was visible and that was on his right pinky finger. When Mark walked nearer to connect a plug, Sharon leaned closer to sniff his cologne. She caught the other two women in the room doing the same, a dreamy smile on their lips.
Trying to shake herself into reality and not be smitten by his incredible sex appeal, Sharon had a terrible time concentrating.
“Shall I get right to the virtues of my impressive skyscraper?” Mark winked at Sharon.
The sexual reference caused her to take a look at his crotch. She nearly fell off her chair at the size of his package which was bulging in tight black slacks.
Tearing her gaze away from the ‘impressive skyscraper’ in his trousers, Sharon watched his lips move, his perfect Hollywood smile, and then the way his eyes sparkled mischievously when he caught hers.
As Mark continued his presentation, he turned towards the rendering of his design. “I implore you to admire its amazing attributes.”
I am! I am! Sharon chewed her lip as she ogled his ass. His pants were cut tight and showed off the rounded curves of his body delightfully, with no sign of briefs under them.
Slowly moving her hand to her lap, she pressed two fingers between her legs to feel the throbbing. I can’t believe this. I’m going insane.
“I don’t know what more I could say, really.” Mark ran his fingers through his hair. “In my humble opinion, the design speaks for itself.” He caught Sharon’s gaze. “What do you think, Ms. Tice?”
What do I think? I think I want to be on my knees in front of you sucking your big cock.
Sharon blushed brightly as she imagined them doing obscene acts together. “Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic.”
Mark laughed. “I’ve never heard a building describe in that way, but I’ll take it as a compliment.” He grinned at her and then sipped a glass of water that was set on the table near his chair.
Avoiding her father’s gaze like the plague, Sharon knew her cheeks were heating up, no doubt, to a deep shade of crimson. She peeked around the large table to see the two other women staff members in the same state as she was, fanning themselves with paperwork as they flushed.
She didn’t dare see what her father thought of her behavior.
“Yes, very nice,” Mr. Tice said dryly, “I suggest you leave the designs with us and we’ll get back to you.”
Looking slightly disappointed at not having his blueprints swooped down upon by hungry vultures, Mark nodded and began closing the program from his laptop. “I’ll leave you with a copy on disk as well as good old fashioned paper.” Mark carefully placed the CD into a sleeve.
Sharon watched in agony as the rest of the staff broke into small quiet conversations, waiting as this unbelievable man was going to leave the room, the building, and most likely her life.
Once Mark had placed a neat pile on the table, he extended his hand to Mr. Tice. “Nice meeting you, Ted.”
“You too. We’ll be in touch.” Mr. Tice rose to his feet politely.
“Good day to you all.” Mark lowered his head, held his computer by its case, and left the room.
Panicking, Sharon stood just as her father opened his mouth discuss the proposition with the staff. “Uh, I have to go to the ladies room. I’ll be back.”
“Now?” Mr. Tice asked. “We’re in the middle of a meeting.”
“Too much coffee. It’ll just take a second.” Without looking back, Sharon dashed out of the room and down the corridor, finding Mark lingering in the lobby. The receptionist was trying her best to flirt with him before he vanished. Sharon ran on her spiked stiletto heels to catch him.
Both parties turned to look as she rushed in. Mark’s confusion was clear on his face. “Did I forget something? Did you make a decision already?”
Seeing the young woman waiting for her to reply, Sharon asked, “Don’t you have a phone to answer?”
The receptionist picked up the ringing phone.
When the receptionist was distracted, Sharon moved closer to Mark. “I loved the design.”
“Good. Then perhaps you’ll have some influence over your father’s decision.”
“Yes, I will. Could we just step out into the hall for a moment?”
Mark turned to where she gestured and walked out of the glass doors to a hallway with two side by side elevators.
Thinking on her feet, Sharon said, “I’ll walk you down,” then hit the elevator call button.
“That’s not necessary. I’m a big boy.”
“I know you are,” she breathed and looked at his crotch.
“Pardon?” Mark leaned closer.
When the elevator doors opened and Sharon could see no one was inside, she shoved Mark into it and backed him into the corner.
“Miss Tice!” He laughed nervously. “Are you seducing me?”
Before she had a chance to think about what she was about to do, she pushed the stop button so the elevator halted between floors. Sharon pressed up against him. “Yes. What gave you the clue?”
“Won’t Daddy Tice be upset?” Mark held his computer tightly to his chest, appearing anxious.
“Frig Daddy. Kiss me.” She lunged at Mark, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Blimey!” Mark gasped and released his laptop to the floor.
She sucked at his tongue and moaned with pleasure. While keeping his mouth busy, Sharon ran her hands down Mark’s chest, feeling the most exquisitely rounded set of pectoral muscles under his shirt. Caressing lower, she felt the top of his trousers.
Groaning with delight as her painted nails ran up the length of his cock through the fabric, she felt Mark spread his legs. She didn’t know if it was an invitation or for balance and wondered if she cared. Wasn’t this every man’s fantasy?
“Your cock is huge.” She ate at his ear and neck while opening his belt and zipper.
“So I’ve been told.” Mark leaned his head back against the wall and caught his breath.
“Do you mind if I suck your dick, Mr. Richfield?” she purred.
“Will it get me the account?”
“What?” She barely caught the comment as she already visualized the taste of him.
“Nothing. If you insist, Ms. Tice.”
She crouched down, touching him all over as she did. Unzipping his trousers, she lowered the tight fabric, which as she thought, revealed no briefs, and exposed his cock. “Ohmygod, you’re enormous.”
“Is that why you’re doing this?”
“Huh?” Sharon looked up at his face.
Mark closed his eyes. “Nothing. Get on with it before someone calls for an elevator repairman.”
“I will.” She licked his length and held the head of his cock in her mouth, working him fast and furious.
Mark inhaled and exhaled deeply.
Holding Mark’s cock at the base as she orally fucked him, loving his scent and taste, Sharon reached inside her skirt and masturbated.
“Bloody hell.” Mark hissed a breath of air through his teeth and his cock pulsated.
When he came in her mouth, she groaned and spun into an orgasm, knowing she could fall madly in love with this man. Leaning back, seeing red lipstick on Mark’s dick, Sharon glanced up at him. Mark’s eyes were still closed and he hadn’t touched her or made a move to. The only contact between them was initiated by her.
She had no complaints. She got what she wanted.
Opening his eyes, catching his breath as he recovered, Mark checked the time. “You’ve been gone for ten minutes, love. I hope I didn’t get you into trouble.” He reached down and helped her to stand, zipping his pants.
“Yes, I’ll be in trouble, but it was worth it.”
She kissed Mark and brushed a loose strand of hair back from his forehead. “I need to see you again.”
“Yes. All right then.”
“When? Tomorrow night?” Sharon wanted him. Now. Later. Permanently. “Dinner?”
“Yes, I can see you tomorrow night for dinner. That would be lovely.”
“Would you allow me to pick you up?” Sharon wasn’t sure she wanted Mark to know she was still living with her family. After all, she was twenty-three. Wasn’t that too old to be staying with mommy and daddy? Should I be embarrassed? Augh! I just sucked the guy’s dick after knowing him for five minutes. Am I thinking I can be more embarrassed?
“Did you say you wanted to pick me up?” Mark tilted his head.
“I did.” She bit her lip. She wasn’t trying to emasculate him, but it certainly felt as if she were the one dominating so far.
He tucked in his shirt and straightened his jacket and tie. “Well, I don’t know what to say. If you’d rather do that, I suppose it’s all right. Shall you ring me so you can get my home information?” He checked his watch again, then handed her his business card.
“Perfect.” Starting the elevator once again, Sharon smiled demonically at him. “Yes, you are perfect.”
Mark picked up his laptop and gave her an uneasy smile.
~
Sharon raced to the ladies room and washed her hands and face. She dashed to her office, reapplied her lipstick, stuck a mint on her tongue, ran a brush through her hair and stopped at the lunchroom for a fresh mug of coffee.
The minute she showed up at the conference room her father glared at her. “What took you so long?”
“Sorry, Daddy,” Sharon whispered, “Just got my period,” knowing it would shut him up. He immediately changed his expression.
Once she was seated again and sipping her coffee, she receiving suspicious looks from her two female underlings. Yes, I got a date with the G-O-D, nyah, nyah.
“We were deciding who we are going to see next,” Mr. Tice said.
“Next? What was wrong with Mark Richfield’s designs? I thought they were awesome. Didn’t you, girls? See Daddy? Everyone liked them. So, there’s no need to look at anyone else’s designs.”
Having a feeling her uncharacteristically fast dialogue and total support for a stranger was causing suspicion, Sharon avoided her dad’s eyes.
“What on earth is going on, Sharon?” Mr. Tice appeared confused. “Did you discuss any of this with Richfield? Is that what took you so long?”
“Of course not. I just think his work is the best we’ve seen. Don’t be silly.” Man, I’m a lousy liar.
“I’ll take another look at them, but I want one more architect to show us his work.”
“Sure, anything you say, but I still think Mark’s design is the best.”
After reviewing Mark’s drawings once more, the meeting was adjourned.
Sharon finished her coffee, staring at the sketch of a skyscraper with Mark’s name printed at the bottom.
Jessie said, “I liked his designs as well. Not to mention his gorgeous face, his long hair, and his tight buns.”
Sharon replied, “It wouldn’t be so tough to have him hanging around the office for a few months, would it?”
“No, Ms. Tice. I think we can all handle that.”
Looking over her shoulder to see if anyone else was within earshot, Sharon whispered, “Have you ever seen anyone like him before? Jessie, I’m serious. I can’t get over him.”
“Maybe it’s that hair that makes him appear slightly androgynous, or that British accent. I don’t know, but he’s really pretty.”
“Mm…yes, he is.” Sharon could almost smell his scent lingering in her sinuses.
“I wish I were single.” Jessie laughed, then vanished.
“I’m so glad I am.” Sharon sighed.
~
Biting her firecracker red, polished nail and gazing out of her six story window at the wispy clouds, Sharon was lost thinking about Mark.
“Have you finished the Johnson account yet?”
“Huh?” Sharon blinked to see her father’s impatient expression.
“The Johnson account.”
“Oh. Here.” She handed him the paperwork from her desk and then stuck her nail back in her teeth and looked out at the sunshine.
“Your mother is making dinner reservations for us at the Hampton Court…Sharon? Are you listening to me?”
“Hampton Court.”
“Tomorrow night.”
“Tomorrow night…Tomorrow? No. I can’t go.”
“Why not? She’s been planning it for weeks. It’s to celebrate her finishing her tennis lessons.”
“Can’t go. Sorry.”
“What else do you have to do?”
“I’m busy, Daddy.”
“Busy doing what?”
“Just busy.”
“Well, you tell your mother. I’m not going to do it for you.”
“I will.”
“Are you ready to go home? I’ll have the car brought around.”
Scanning the top of her desk without interest, she nodded and stood. Grabbing her purse, she followed him out and shut her office door.
Once they were in the elevator, Sharon looked directly at the corner Mark was leaning against and closed her eyes to relive it.
“What is wrong with you? You’re behaving very strangely.”
“Nothing, Dad. Just tired.”
“Well, get some rest tonight. Don’t stay up too late.”
“Right.”
~
The aroma of cooking wafted through the house as they came through the door. While Sharon climbed the stairs to her bedroom she heard her father greet her mother and complain about their daughter’s behavior.
As she walked down the hall Sharon heard music playing from one of the bedrooms. Peering in, she found her sister, Katie, lying on her bed reading a glamour magazine.
“Hey.”
“Hey, sis.”
“Whatcha doing?”
“Catching up on the gossip. What’s Dad yelling about now? I can hear him from here.”
Dropping down to sit next to Katie on the bed, Sharon said, “I met the most amazing man today.”
“Oh. That is enough to give Dad the grumbles. Who is it?”
“Mark Richfield. He’s an architect who’s submitting his designs for our new office building. Katie, he’s the most spectacular man I’ve ever seen.”
Katie stared at her in surprise. “Wow, I’ve never seen you so love sick before. Sharon-the-ice-queen-Tice finally thawed? Amazing. What’s Dad say about it?”
“He doesn’t know. I was afraid to say anything.”
“Uh oh. Good luck.”
“I know. If he finds out I’m seeing Mark before he signs the contracts with him, Mark will never get the job. I have to keep it quiet for now.”
“When are you going to see him?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“You’re missing Mom’s dinner out? Man, are you brave.”
“Shit.”
“What?”
“What time are the reservations for Mom’s dinner?”
“I have no clue.”
“Sharon?”
“Uh oh.” Katie covered her laugh. “Looks like Mom found out you’re skipping her dinner.”
As they waited, Bernice appeared around the door frame. “What’s this I hear about you missing our dinner tomorrow? What’s so important it can’t wait?”
“Um…I didn’t know and I made plans. I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you.”
“Can’t you reschedule?”
Sharon cursed herself for the lousy timing. Most nights she was either with her friend Candice, or at the club playing tennis or dining out with the family. “I’ll try. I’ll let you know.”
Leaving in a huff, Bernice disappeared down the hall.
Sharon whispered, “I have to call him. I told him I was picking him up.”
“That’s macho of you.” Katie shook her head. “I’m surprised he didn’t run for the hills.”
“No. He didn’t run away.” Sharon wanted to tell her she had sucked his cock in the elevator, but didn’t. She opened her purse and dug for his business card. Reading it carefully, she located his mobile phone number. “Give me the phone.” She reached out anxiously.
Katie handed her the extension on her nightstand.
“Close the door.”
Groaning in annoyance at the orders, Katie climbed off the bed and peeked out, then closed it.
Sharon dialed and waited.
“Hello?”
“Mark?”
“Yes?”
“It’s Sharon.”
“I know. Hello, love.”
“About tomorrow…”
“Reconsidering?”
“No, I’m not. But, Mom planned a dinner out for the family. I just didn’t know about it.”
“All right. Another night then?”
“I’m free the day after tomorrow.”
“Good. I don’t mind picking you up, Sharon.”
“Uh,” Sharon gulped nervously and knew her sister was hanging on every word. “I don’t want you to come here to pick me up.”
“Why? Can I ask?”
“I…I…”
“Are you married?”
“No. It’s not that.” Sharon avoided Katie’s curious stare and didn’t want Mark to think she was cheating or anything worse. “I live with my family still.” Man, that sounds juvenile.
“And Dad Tice wouldn’t approve?”
“Well, I don’t want to jeopardize your chances of getting the contract.”
“Ah. I see.”
“Can we just meet somewhere?”
“Of course.”
“You pick the spot.”
“All right. There’s a lovely restaurant at the top floor of the Collin’s Tower.”
“Your building?”
“Well, it’s my design but I don’t own it.”
“That’s what I meant.” Why does he make me feel like a teenager?
“I’ll make reservations at seven. Okay? Meet me in the lobby and we’ll go up together.”
“Right.”
“Right.”
Wishing Katie wasn’t hanging on every word, Sharon was dying to make a lewd comment about their sex act in the elevator. Cupping the phone she said to her, “Can you just step out for two secs?”
Rolling her eyes tiredly, Katie grabbed her magazine, climbed off the bed once more and left the room.
“You still there, love?”
“I am. Mark, I wish we could see each other sooner.”
“What a sweet thing to say. I’m very flattered.”
“I…I’ve never felt this way before…I mean, not really. There’s something about you.”
“I’m honored. Thank you.”
Feeling like she was being too forward once more, Sharon did her best to stop from rambling on and ultimately turning him off. “Okay. So, day after tomorrow, seven pm at the Collin’s Tower. Let me give you my cell phone number in case you’re late or something.”
“Yes, that’s fine, but I won’t stand you up, Sharon.”
“I know, Mark. But just in case. Ready?”
“Yes.”
She gave him her number then sighed, not wanting to hang up.
“You still with me or gone walk-about?”
“Yes. Sorry. I should let you go.”
“I don’t mind. I enjoy talking to you. Or not.” He chuckled.
Smiling warmly, she imagined a kiss and then whispered, “See ya soon.”
“See ya.”
When she hung up she felt delicious tingling all over her body and had an image flash of his big dick in her mouth.
Instantly Katie pushed open the door. “Man, you’ve got it bad.”
“You were eavesdropping? You little sneak.”
Grinning devilishly at her, Katie said, “He must really be amazing.”
“Oh, he is, Katie, he is.”
“Check this out.” She opened the magazine to a glossy two-page spread. “Most eligible bachelor in LA. Guess who?”
“What?” Sharon ripped the magazine out of her hand to see her heart-throb, shirtless- standing beside a snow white stallion. “Oh my God…I’m gonna die.”
“Better latch on quick. The word is out.”
“This is unbelievable.” Sharon’s mouth watered.
“Oh, and by the way, he is gorgeous.”
Staring at his rippled chest, Sharon nodded. “I know.”
Chapter 2
Sharon’s gown was red satin, and clung to her every curve. The driver opened the car door for her and as he did she immediately spotted Mark standing by the lobby entrance of the building in a black suit. The moment he realized the occupant of the car was her, he approached quickly and held out his arm. Sharon thanked the driver and took Mark’s elbow smiling in excitement at touching him again.
“You look smashing.”
“You don’t look too bad yourself.” She smiled.
They passed through the lobby and stood with an attendant at the elevator door. When they entered it, Sharon immediately thought of their elevator episode.
With an employee manning the controls and the glass front, she kept her hungry hands in check.
They were silent until the host showed them to a window seat. Sharon admired the view overlooking Los Angeles’ glittering skyline as she made herself comfortable seated across from Mark.
The wine steward approached the table and addressed Mark by name. “What can I get you, Mr. Richfield?”
“I think I’d like a bottle of champagne. Is that all right with you, Ms. Tice?”
“Anything you want is all right with me.” She admired his closely shaven jaw and that incredible head of hair as he spoke softly to the man.
After the steward left, Mark brought his attention back to Sharon. “You look beautiful, Sharon.”
Lowering her lashes modestly, she didn’t want to tell him she had spent two hours in a salon getting ready. “Thank you, Mark.”
A bottle was brought for his approval. Mark nodded for it to be opened. It burst with a pop and two fluted glasses were filled. Raising it for a toast, Mark whispered, “To the beautiful Ms. Tice.”
Tapping his glass, Sharon replied, “And the gorgeous Mr. Richfield.”
The bubbly going straight to her head on an empty stomach, Sharon slipped out of her high heeled shoe and began hunting under the table for his trouser leg.
“I do recommend the seafood here. It’s all prepared quite expertly. Ah!” Mark’s eyes sprang open as a curious foot wiggled its way inside his pant leg.
“Order for me. And pour me another glass of champagne.”
Mark topped up her glass then his own. “So, how long have you worked for your father?”
Taking a gulp of the alcohol, Sharon worked her toes higher up his shin. “Since college.”
“And?”
“Are you trying to guess my age? How rude.” She grinned.
“Not at all. I just can’t imagine working for my father.”
“Why not?”
“He and I don’t often see eye to eye.”
“What does he do?”
“He owns Richfield International.”
It took a moment, then she gaped at him. “No! You’re that Richfield?”
“Yes.” His expression became pinched.
“I’m surprised you don’t want to be involved in your dad’s firm.”
“So is he. If you don’t mind, it isn’t a topic I’m interested in discussing.”
Wondering what other mysteries she would discover about him, she studied his face ruthlessly searching for a non-existent flaw. “You’re so incredibly pretty.”
To her surprised Mark cringed slightly at the use of that feminine word to describe him. He forced a polite smile and looked down at the menu. “Perhaps it’s time to get some food into you.”
“Not yet. Dance with me.”
Mark looked over his shoulder at the tiny dance floor. Several couples were moving to the music which was soft and unobtrusive. “All right. Why not?” He reached out his hand to her and escorted her.
Immediately Sharon connected the front of their bodies together as if they were opposite magnetic poles.
Groaning at having him close, Sharon actually swooned at Mark’s touch and scent, closing her eyes and lavishing in his wonderful aura. Everything about him turned her on.
After a moment of swaying gently, she tried to lead. At first Mark resisted, then gave in. He looked behind him as she directed them to a small alcove with a pay telephone. The moment they had danced around the bend in the wall, Sharon nudged him back into the dim corner and connected to his mouth.
She whimpered in pleasure, “God, I have to have you,” rubbing his cock through his trousers.
“You already have me. Good Lord, woman, you’re an aggressive little thing, aren’t you?”
“I can’t help it. You make me really hot. I can’t keep my hands off you.”
“And you make me feel as if I’m the woman of the two of us.”
“The woman?” She choked as she pinched his cock between her fingers. “Is that a joke?”
“I don’t mean physically, love.” Mark took a look around. “Let’s be sensible.”
“Is there a rooftop patio?”
“Let’s eat dinner, shall we?”
“Promise we’ll play later?” She licked his neck near his ear.
“I promise.”
She tried to slow down and kissed his slack mouth a few times.
When a woman turned the corner to use the phone they separated and backed away from it. Sharon pretended she was still sober and full of dignity as she marched back to the table.
Once they were seated, Mark gulped his champagne like water.
The waiter showed up at the table for their order.
Mark cleared his throat. “Would you like me to order for you, love?”
“Yes, please.” She was drunk and crazy about him. Never in her life had she been so smitten.
“Two Maine lobster tails and a side of crab salad, please.”
“Coming right up, Mr. Richfield.” The waiter took the menus.
Sharon gazed at him. “I want your dick.”
Mark blushed and refilled his glass. “My word.”
“I can’t wait until it’s in me.”
“Oh!”
“Where on earth did you come from? How did I get this lucky?”
“You haven’t gotten lucky yet.” Mark grinned wickedly. “It may take more to woo me than a BJ and an expensive bottle of champagne.”
“Whatever it takes, I’ll do it.” I’m not letting you go. Not going to happen, hotstuff.
~
The lobster tails eaten, the salad down to tiny shreds of lettuce, Sharon watched as Mark tried to clean his sticky hands on the cloth napkin. Sharon extended her leg under the table and managed to push her toes between Mark’s thighs.
“Ah! Behave.” Mark took a discreet look around them, then pleaded, “Love, later, all right?”
Giving up, Sharon reached down to put her shoe back on.
As they were handed hot wet towels to wipe their hands Mark asked, “The check, please?”
“’bout time.” Sharon tipped the last drop of alcohol on her tongue.
Sneaking grabs at Mark the entire way to the front of the building, Sharon asked, “What do you want me to do? Should I call a cab or will you drive me home?”
“I would have picked you up, you know. Of course I’ll drive you home.”
“Okay.” She figured Mark could drop her off a block from her house. That was safe.
Sharon hooked Mark’s elbow as he handed the parking valet a ticket. A black Mercedes was brought out to them efficiently. Mark opened the door for her and she climbed in.
After Mark was behind the wheel, he warned, “Now, don’t molest the driver. Where do you live?”
“You’re not driving me home right away, are you?” She pouted. She could have had her driver or a cab do that.
“Where am I driving you?”
“I thought we’d go to your place and mess around a little.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Did you?”
“Well. Yeah. You promised.” She fastened her seatbelt as Mark merged into a traffic lane.
“You’re very confident in yourself, aren’t you?”
“Yes. Why shouldn’t I be? I know I’m a good catch.”
Mark laughed.
“Oh? You don’t think so?”
“I didn’t say that.”
She was about to make a comment on the article regarding Mark being voted most eligible bachelor, but didn’t. Instead, she rubbed his inner thigh. “Come on. Let me play with you again.”
“With a big contract riding on you, I can’t refuse.”
She slapped his leg playfully. “Don’t be a jerk. Most guys go nuts trying to date me.”
“Do they?”
“Yes. But I’m too busy at work. And I hate the bar scene.” She looked at his profile. “And besides, I met you.” She cupped his balls.
“What did I say about molesting the driver?” he teased.
“I’ll do my best to resist.” She withdrew her hand.
“Good girl.”
“I’m twenty-three. I’m not a girl, I’m a woman.”
“Yes, you are a woman. Make no mistake.”
“How old are you, Mark Richfield?” She hiccupped, still slightly buzzed on the alcohol.
“Twenty-five.”
“That old?”
“Don’t be cheeky.”
“Cheeky? Are you British or something?”
“Half. Mum is from England. You can’t really hear it in my accent, can you?”
“Are you joking?”
Mark smiled.
Sharon held his hand and brought it up to her mouth, sucking his finger.
“I hope I don’t get a speeding ticket.”
“If you do, I’ll pay.”
He gave her a playful wink and sped over the dark streets to his destination.
~
When they arrived, Mark pulled behind a maroon Jaguar that was parked in the driveway.
Sharon didn’t know what to think. For some reason she expected Mark to be living in a minimalist flat or penthouse in the downtown core. Seeing this comfortable split-level home, strangely lit from within, gave her mixed feelings. It was as if she thought she knew Mark then found she didn’t really know him at all. The elongated twelve-cylinder sports car in the drive was simply another question in her long list of queries.
After Mark opened the front door and music made its way to Sharon’s ears she was startled. “Is someone here?”
“Yes. Jack Larsen. My housemate.”
Jack Larsen, your housemate? You live with another man?
“Hey, good-looking? Back early from your date?”
As those words were shouted from somewhere in the house, Mark stuck his finger into his collar to loosen it and didn’t look back at her. “No, uh, Jack—”
“No good?” Jack asked.
A wry smile on her lips, Sharon waited as Jack emerged with two beers, handing one to Mark. Clad in only a miniscule pair of running shorts, this male was huge, an obvious gym-junkie, with blond hair and striking blue eyes.
The moment he connected with Mark’s anxious expression, Jack spun around to see her standing in the room. “Shit. Sorry. Hi.” He smiled shyly. “I’m Jack Larsen.”
Sharon took his outstretched hand and shook it, appraising him curiously. She was a little unnerved to find Jack was almost as handsome as her date. Her gay-dar went off and she couldn’t explain why. There should be nothing wrong with two men sharing a house, right? “I’m Sharon Tice.”
“Yes. I know who you are. Would you like a beer?”
“All right.” May as well keep up the head-buzz.
Mark handed her the one he was given and appeared painfully nervous as he struggled to open his tie and top collar button.
Once Jack left the room all Sharon could do was gape at Mark for some kind of explanation. Mark avoided her gaze.
Coming back with another iced mug, Jack handed it to Mark. “Should I make myself scarce?”
“Yes, piss off,” Mark joked.
“Catch you later.” He left the room.
In the silence that followed his departure, with only Neil Young’s high voice breaking the calm, Sharon had added more questions to her long list and didn’t even know where to begin.
“Right. You mind if I take some of this suit off?”
“Take it all off, gorgeous.”
“I do worry about your cavalier attitude towards sex, young lady.”
“Shut up and come here.” She put the beer mug down on the coffee table and wrapped her arms around his waist.
After they kissed passionately, he whispered, “Are you trying to seduce me again, Ms. Tice?”
“I don’t know. Do you and Jack share a room?”
Appearing insulted, Mark leaned back to stare into her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It was a joke.” Watching the light fade from his eyes at what he obviously perceived as a callous comment, Sharon suddenly felt slightly sick to her stomach at what she didn’t understand. “Did I blow the mood for some reason?”