A Lover's Call (7 page)

The lovers lay still, bathed in sweat, their hearts banging against each other like drums. Finally Richard lifted himself up on his elbows and tenderly brushed the hair from Rachel’s face, smoothing her soft cheek with his finger. She smiled dreamily at him as he rolled to her side, taking her in his arms.

“Rachel,” he said softly, “I love you.”

Rachel didn’t answer immediately. Her heart actually ached with joy in her chest at his words. As the silence stretched between them, Richard became still
beside
her, his body tensing. She realized he was waiting for her response.

“I love you, Richard,” she answered, knowing it was the truest thing she had ever said.

Richard’s body eased and he sighed. It was a sigh of relief. Rachel realized he hadn’t taken her response at all for granted. Now he held her tight, nuzzling his cheek against her neck. She felt a great tenderness overwhelm her for the man whom she held in awe.

After a time she pulled away from Richard, who let her go. Sitting up, she drew her legs to her chin and wrapped her arms around them. Laughing with sheer joy, she said, “Man, I’m starving!
I could really go for a New Orleans-style po’ boy.
How ‘bout you?
I know this great Cajun place not far from here, if you don’t mind eating at a dive.”

Richard laughed in turn, his eyes sparkling green in the dim light. “It sounds perfect. Do they have cold beer?”

“On tap.”
She grinned back as they began to dress.

Down in the lobby the doorman nodded. “Good evening.” The man’s eyes slid up Rachel’s form, admiration in his eyes. As they left the building, Richard’s hand dropped casually to Rachel’s ass, squeezing it through the fabric of the dress as she leaned into him. The doorman sighed as he watched the young couple disappear into the night. Wistfully he said to no one, “Some guys have all the luck.”

About the Author

Claire Thompson has written numerous novels and short stories, all exploring aspects of Dominance & submission. Ms. Thompson’s gentler novels seek not only to tell a story, but to come to grips with, and ultimately exalt in the true beauty and spirituality of a loving exchange of power. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. She writes about the timeless themes of sexuality and romance, with twists and curves to examine the ‘darker’ side of the human psyche. Ultimately Claire’s work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.

Claire welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Also by Claire Thompson

Bird
In
a Cage
– with J.W. McKenna

Closely Held Secrets

Club de Sade

Continuum of Longing

Crimson Ties

Face of Submission

Golden Boy

Golden Man

Jewel Thief

Outcast

Pleasure Planet
anthology

Sacred Blood

Sacred Circle

Secret Diaries

The Seduction of Colette

Slave
Castle

Slave Gamble

Turning Tricks

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

www.ellorascave.com