A Game of Secrets, page 3
His mind whirled with a singular question. Who was this goddess? The sex hadn’t even been completed before knowing he wanted her again. He leaned down to kiss the dimples winking at him from the soft glow of the moon. Only then did he notice a dragonfly tattoo. A quick turn of his mental Rolodex yielded nothing. Jake was an observant man. He was into tats and would remember one as colorful and unusual as the one he now licked. With his body throbbing, there was no more time to try and fit puzzle pieces. The only thing he wanted to connect was his stem to her flower. After positioning himself at her opening, he did just that in one long, deep thrust.
She felt incredible. Every nerve ending spazzed at the feel of her tightness. She shimmied back against him, setting him all the way off. He placed a hand on each hip, closed his eyes and experienced ecstasy. In, out, pumping, pushing, they connected over and again. He eased her body onto the bed, lying in a way their whole bodies touched. He kissed her, and almost exploded. Her lips. So soft. Her tongue. So tentatively teasing. Her body. So perfectly aligned with his. He lifted her leg and reentered a spot he’d already claimed as his own. She gave as good as she got, wriggling her hips to take him in deeper, running her nails across the small of his back. They settled into a slow rhythm as though this wasn’t the first time the two had made love. He could have gone on for an hour, or a day. But his groin was ready to burst. She could feel it too. She wrapped her legs around him, welcoming his vigorous thrusts. She hissed, digging her nails into his back as her second orgasm collided with his first. Afterward, they lay on their backs and caught their breath. Jake wasn’t typically a cuddler, but tonight he reached over to pull the woman whose name he still did not know into his arms. She refused, instead rising from the bed.
“I’m going to take a quick shower,” she told him. “When I come out, please be gone.”
He rolled to his side, feeling dejected. “What’s your name?”
“Better we maintain the mystery.”
Jake didn’t see that being better at all.
“You were incredible,” she offered, just before entering the en suite. “Take care of yourself, Zorro.”
She closed the door. He heard the lock click behind her and the shower engaged. Jake fell back against the bed, utterly confused and totally spent. On top of his already full schedule, another assignment just got dumped on his plate. Uncover the identity of this sexy cat lady. No matter how hard he had to work for it or how long it took, Jake vowed to make this brainteaser one that he solved.
Three
The invigorating intro to a current pop hit awoke Sasha from a deep, peaceful sleep. Eyes closed, she reached over and groped for her phone, then opened one eye to tap off the alarm. She stretched and shifted positions. Her eyes flew open. She sat up straight. A delicate ache between her legs reminded her of last night’s shenanigans. She’d done it! She’d pulled off her crazy scheme and actually made love to a fantasy man. A complete stranger. She’d gone and had herself a one-night stand and darn it if she didn’t feel right amazing about it. Being with Zorro was everything and more than she thought it would be but still...what the heck had she been thinking!
Grabbing a pillow and clutching it to her chest, she eased back onto the mattress and relived each luscious second of the delectable exchange. Zorro’s body, toned and powerful. His lips, soft and tasty. His tongue, skilled and purposeful. His dick, commanding and... Sasha threw back the covers and hopped out of bed. Now was not the time to remember...all of that. Not when she’d be seeing her godmother in just over an hour, and presumably her unofficial guardian, Jake, his parents Derrick and Mona, and the entire Eddington family shortly after that. Not when she’d have to lock away the femme fatale persona from last night and pull out the demure, quiet daughter of a politician that the town of Point was expecting. Sasha didn’t fancy herself an actress. Last night’s role aside, she hadn’t played a character since middle school’s Cinderella production. But today, to keep her secret, she’d have to pull off an award-winning performance. To have experienced a life-changing sexual encounter yet act as though she were the same person as before the memorable tryst would be quite the feat.
Hours later, and her body almost still tingled. Rubbing her hands together, she imagined the weight of her lover’s tight butt, could feel his fingertips skimming across her bare skin. If the idea wasn’t simply batshit bonkers, she’d even fancy herself a little in love. The intimacy had been just that good. Could she do it? Could she walk into a room of people who knew her and hide the experience she felt etched across her face? Sasha quelled the oncoming panic. It was either pull it off or cause the one thing her family abhorred—scandal. That, Sasha knew, was not going to happen. Neither was it possible to undo what had occurred last night. Best to pull out her manners and put on her poise. Time to prepare for the show.
By the time Sasha checked out of the hotel and spoke to the driver she’d hired, last night’s emboldened tigress had been tamed. The wig was gone, the entire costume in fact now at the bottom of one of the hotel’s dumpsters. In its place was a navy designer pantsuit with matching four-inch pumps and a three-strand pearl necklace. A wool cape coat from an upcoming DC designer was sprawled across the backseat. Her thick shoulder-length hair had been flat-ironed to perfection in the hotel’s salon and given a slight flip at the ends. A fringed bang further softened the look and helped emphasize one of Sasha’s best features, her doe-like brown eyes. The heavy MAC makeup worn last night to further conceal her identity had been replaced with a scant dusting of powder, light mascara and clear gloss. Instead of the twenty-four years she currently boasted, she could have easily passed for a teen.
Except for a text from her ex-boyfriend Lincoln, one she ignored, the short drive from Chicago to the township of Point du Sable was uneventful. Sasha tried not to think about him and the problems awaiting back home as she admired the architecture and well-maintained landscapes while passing through the town’s center. She’d been honest with Lincoln and glad she’d ended their relationship. Still, a shard of guilt rode along with her in the limo, as did the imagined imprint of Zorro’s hand on her flesh. If keeping such illicit thoughts proved as difficult later as they did right now, she was in for a doozy of an afternoon.
After a right here, a left there and a couple more turns, they entered a neighborhood of medium-sized houses with expansive front lawns. Her godmother’s home was at the center of a cul-de-sac, outstanding and grandiose, just like the woman waving from the home’s arched, double front doors.
“Val!”
“Sasha!”
The two women hugged each other enthusiastically, shared air kisses then embraced again.
“My, aren’t you a sight for these tired, old eyes.”
“Get out of here with that. You don’t look tired, and you are not old.”
Val tsked and said, “Amazing what an expertly applied layer of makeup can do.”
She paused as the driver delivered the last of Sasha’s luggage, then reached for the nearest handle and tugged the rolling case. Sasha grabbed the grips of the remaining two and followed her inside. They continued through the foyer and down a long narrow hallway to a large, airy guest room boasting various shades of green.
“Why did you hire a car, darlin’? I would have been more than happy to pick you up from your flight.”
“Oh no worries, Val, really. It happened due to a last-minute change in plans.” Sasha told her about Reign’s unexpected trip to California, and how because of it she’d miss this week’s brunch. Not the real reason why Sasha hired a car but not a complete lie either.
“Either way, I’m very glad you’re here.” Val walked over and opened the door to a walk-in closet. “Here’s where you can hang your things. And that dresser is empty. Make yourself at home.”
“Thanks, Val. I’ll unpack later.”
“Good idea.” She led them out of the room and back down the hall to the living area. “Valencia sends her love and thanks you for helping out in her absence. She said she’d call you sometime next week.”
“How is your daughter? Still saving the world?”
“Absolutely. She signed up for another stint, even though I tried to talk her out of it. While incredibly proud of her contribution to Doctors Without Borders, I miss her terribly, and reminded her that she’d promised to help me this year.”
“Clearly, she didn’t go with you on that guilt trip.”
“Nope, the only trip she took was from Malaysia to Ethiopia, her new location for the next six months. She wants me to visit this spring.”
“You totally should.”
“You’ve been there?”
“No, but every country in Africa I’ve seen has its own unique brand of beauty.”
“I’m thinking about it. For now, however, it’s time to focus on your stay and the upcoming holidays. An Eddington brunch is the perfect way to kick it off!” Val crossed over to a hall closet and retrieved a faux fur coat. “Do you need to freshen up, dear, or can we get going? I’m starved.”
“Me too. I’m all set and ready to attend one of these famous gatherings I’ve heard so much about.”
“Mona is the hostess with the mostest. You’re in for a treat.”
Of that, Sasha had no doubt. But not for the reasons Val probably imagined. All night long, her time with the hot stranger had replayed in her mind. But today she’d see another temptation, one whose identity she did know. She’d always secretly admired her brother TJ’s and Lincoln’s friend from a distance—through his internet and social media presence. Her feelings on seeing Jake, whom she’d only met in passing a time or two, were an even mix of anticipation and dread. Fluttery feelings at the thought of seeing him again after so many years. Dread at the possibility of being even more attracted to Jake than she’d been to Zorro, only this time not being able to do a damn thing about it.
Last night’s party mansion was mammoth, but upon entering the property known as Eddington Estate, Sasha determined it was no less impressive. As they neared the main house at the top of the hill, a sense of excitement bubbled in Sasha’s gut. Anxiety showed up, too, but Sasha did her best to ignore that pesky feeling. With her godmother’s constant chatter and the picturesque surroundings, Sasha could almost forget she was about to be in the same room with a man easily as sexy as last night’s sin.
Val pulled around to the back of the home, which featured a solarium made of almost all glass. Sasha loved nature and immediately decided this was one of the home’s best details. The goings-on inside were obscured by tall leafy plants but she noticed a stream that flowed from the inside out, with koi casually swimming inside the covered, heated structure. Sasha was not unaccustomed to wealth but before stepping a toe across the Eddington threshold, it was clear that she was in rarified air.
“My gracious but that is one handsome man.”
Sasha looked over as a tall guy who could only be described as beautiful unfolded himself from a snazzy two-toned Bugatti and strode toward the passenger side of the car.
“Who is that?”
Before Val could answer, the gentleman had reached the area between them and nodded a greeting as he opened the passenger door. A woman, as stunning as the man was handsome, eased out of the sporty low-riding vehicle and beamed a smile at Val. It was a face that Sasha immediately recognized—Jake’s older sister Maeve. From the wedding photos splashed across TV and social media, Sasha knew the man accompanying Maeve must be her husband, an attorney, Victor Cortez.
The couple turned to the comparatively modest Cadillac sedan transporting Val and Sasha. Victor opened Val’s door. Val stepped out. As Maeve leaned in to hug Val, Sasha exited the vehicle and walked around to meet them.
“Mrs. Baldwin, you look lovely. A pleasure to see you again.” Maeve turned to the man beside her. “You’ve met Victor, my husband.”
“Of course,” Val replied. The two spoke and shook hands. “This is Sasha McDowell,” she continued, after the introductions. “In Valencia’s absence, she’s generously agreed to help with this year’s holiday drive.”
“Your group always does such a great job providing clothing, food, toys and other necessities during this season. I can’t wait to hear more. Let’s go inside.”
Sasha took a calming breath. They entered a room, stunning in its seamless mix of the indoors with the outdoors, highlighted by koi-filled streams and shrilling birds perched in the trees. There were more than a dozen people milling about, and gloved waiters hoisting trays of what looked like mimosas and some kind of finger food wrapped in pastry dough. Sasha thought the jazzy music playing was being piped in through hidden speakers until she looked over and spotted a one-man band behind an electronic keyboard. His skills were impressive. It sounded like several musicians playing.
An older woman broke away from a group and came over to greet them. Sasha didn’t remember what Mona looked like but knew it was her before Val spoke the name when they hugged, and Maeve made proper reintroductions. That she was the queen of this castle shone through in her carriage, and the ease with which she quietly commanded the room. Sasha met two other ladies, sisters-in-love as Mona described them, and with the help of a delicious mimosa had just begun to relax when Jake entered the room.
Their eyes met. The room crackled with their energy’s electricity. Sasha was surprised at how strongly her body reacted. He looked easygoing and felt...comfortable. His appearance was even more appetizing than the aromas she smelled. More attractive in person than on social media or TV. An ivory sweater complemented his bronzed skin. A pair of tan slacks showed off a pair of legs that emphasized power and cupped a tight butt that immediately produced a memory of the one she’d squeezed last night. A pair of Timberlands took the look from preppy to cool, giving him a sexy street swag even better than his wealth could produce. His face looked freshly shaven. A tiny diamond stud twinkled from his left ear. She processed all of this in the seconds it took him to cross the room and greet his mom with a kiss.
“Jake, darling, you remember Ambassador McDowell’s daughter, Sasha McDowell.”
“I remember a Sasha,” he said, reaching out slowly to take her hand in his. “A kid with braces and ponytails. But I don’t remember this exquisite young lady.” He brushed his lips across her knuckles.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again,” Sasha managed around the clump of nerves restricting her airway.
“Trust me, the pleasure’s all mine.”
Mona cleared her throat. “I understand congratulations are in order,” she said pointedly, her voice silky smooth even as narrowed eyes shifted in Jake’s direction.
Under Jake’s spell, Sasha drew a blank. “Ma’am?”
“Your engagement? To be...married?”
“Oh, yes, that.” Sasha pressed a hand against her upper chest and tried to regain a control that was obviously slipping. She pasted on what she hoped to be a believable smile. The questionable way Val looked at her proved her act was only partially convincing.
“Thank you.”
“When’s the wedding?” Val asked.
“We, um, haven’t set a date.”
“How is TJ, Sasha?” Jake asked. “We’ve exchanged texts here and there but other than a brief conversation last week, haven’t talked in a while.”
She could have kissed him, and not just because of the subject change. “Being an annoying big brother, as usual.”
Her answer broke the tension as she hoped it might.
“He called me last week,” Jake continued. “As did your fiancé. But you know about that, though.”
Sasha barely managed to not roll an eye. “Yes, he told me.”
“Told you what, exactly?”
“Right now,” Mona interrupted, “that answer will have to wait. I need to get this brunch officially started. Sasha, Val, you two are seated at my table.”
Mona briefly greeted the guests and once seated, introduced Sasha around the table. Theirs was a table of women who along with Val and Mona included Avery, the sister-in-love she’d met earlier, Avery’s mother-in-love, Tami, and Willow, a woman who assisted Avery with a booming event planning business. Conversation flowed as freely as the mimosas. Sasha appreciated that it mostly went on without her. She busied herself downing a silky butternut squash soup first course followed by an arugula salad. She was sure her entrée choice of Cajun snapper over “dirty” rice with roasted asparagus was as delicious as the other courses. Too bad, because Sasha didn’t taste a thing. Her appetite had been highjacked, her mind preoccupied with the man sitting at a table within her peripheral vision, one whose eyes she swore she could feel on her. For one wild moment it wasn’t Jake but Zorro eyeing her, remembering, as she did, what happened last night. Except that wasn’t possible. Jake wasn’t at the party. He didn’t know about her adventure with the super sexy stranger, or that her body had been played as fluidly last night as today’s musician tickled his keyboard. It was all Sasha could do not to turn and stare outright, or better yet, throw all caution to the wind, come clean with Jake about her attraction and continue her newfound sexual freedom. By the time the dessert tray was rolled around, she forced her mind back into the present, determined to properly display the boarding school social skills that had cost her parents a mint.
It wasn’t too difficult. She and Willow, who worked with Avery at On Point, were around the same age and had a lot in common, including both spending time in Switzerland and speaking fluent French. They conversed in that language a bit while making their final course choices. Her appetite finally back, Sasha chose a caramel pecan bar topped with homemade vanilla ice cream and hot dark chocolate. She took one bite and was transported back to the Alps as the gooey caramel, the crunchy nuts, the creamy ice and the hot dark chocolate all came together in a perfect symphony.
