The Other C-Word (22 page)

I sat on the couch and grabbed a random container. “Have you ever had an orgy, Rick?”

“Not really,” he replied, expertly using his chopsticks to eat some noodles.

“What the hell does that ambiguous response mean? At least, I flat out refused to answer, but you are being completely vague.”

He smiled. “I’ve had a
ménage a trois
, but I don’t think it’s the same.”

I gasped at his admission. “Two women?”

“Yes, two women.”

I gulped. “When?”

“Look at you with the questions, Miss Nosy.”

“Well, I’m just surprised since you’re Mr Commitment and all.”

“Marley, I was in a committed relationship. I was in college, and my girlfriend thought it would be a great birthday present for me.”

I tilted my head. “And yet, you’re not with her. She sounds like every guy’s dream girl.”

He laughed. “Not mine. I didn’t enjoy it.”

I almost choked on my Kung Pao chicken. “Rick, you don’t have to lie to me. That’s the beauty of what we have. You can tell me anything, and I won’t judge you.”

His eyes narrowed. “That works both ways, Marley.”

I concentrated on my food so he wouldn’t see my contrite expression. He made a good point.

“For the record, I’m not lying about it. It wasn’t my thing. It felt…impersonal.”

I was somewhat relieved by his answer, although I had no reason to be. I made my voice husky, “Maybe the girls weren’t doing it right.”

“Hey, I’m not saying I didn’t get off. I am a guy, but it wasn’t my preference.”

“Well, I bet if I was there you would have had a better time.”

He dropped his chopstick and actually looked irritated. He didn’t seem shocked or aroused as I
’
d expected. “Marley, put aside your misguided perceptions for a second and trust me when I say this because I’m being completely honest—I wouldn’t share you with anybody. No matter what gender they were.”

The butterflies fluttered in my belly all at once then went completely still. He actually made me feel guilty about the flippant way I’d been talking. “I’ve never had an orgy, or been with more than one person at a time.”

He nodded. “Thank you for telling me that.”

“Did you think I had because I’m a slut?”

Rick sighed and his expression softened. “Don’t call yourself that. I don’t like it. I don’t think that at all, Marley, but I can see it’s how you perceive yourself. I only assumed an answer because you refused to give me one.”

How did we get so off track here?
“I don’t think that either.” I tried to sound haughty, but it came out weak and pathetic.

“Good, I’m glad we agree. For the record, I think nothing but good things about you. I see it every day, despite how you try to hide it. I know that you make sure Dillon takes his pills, and as neurotic as Dillon is, I’m sure he needs them. I know you’re nervous about your sister’s wedding because you want to make it the best day of her life. I know how you help Edna when she can’t comprehend a concept.” It shocked me how he figured out these things about me. Edna was an older lady that had returned late in life to the workforce. She had trouble with simple stuff like how to transfer a call or work the copy machine. She often called me for help and I would walk over to her desk. I’d had no idea Rick was aware of this too.

“Edna just needs help sometimes.”

“Relax, Marley. I’m not going to fire her. I just wanted you to know how I saw you.”

That relieved me because it was exactly what I’d been thinking. Rick knew me well, despite my attempts to remain private. He smiled at me reassuringly and held out a piece of his steak with the chopstick. I opened my mouth, accepting his offering. “You’ve got impressive chopstick skills.”

“I got used to it. I lived in
China
for a year.”

“Really? Did you like it?”

“Yes, I was there for work. I like to travel to new places. It’s one of the benefits of my job. I think it makes a person…fulfilled. I’m going to
England
for my next job.”

I looked away, not because I wasn’t interested. We were having an intimate conversation about personalities and orgies and all sorts of stuff. I knew I had to keep my guard up. Rick would be leaving, and I was already a total mess.

“Have you travelled?” he asked me.

“No, I’ve never been out of the state actually.” It was a sad statement, but an honest one.

“Do you want to?”

“Yes.” I did, so badly, but it was difficult to explain this to him. Instead, I turned around the conversation asking him to describe all the countries he’d been to. There were many, and he kept me entertained with his stories. I could imagine them all in my head as I sat there, completely enthralled with his every word.

That was until we finished eating then I was enthralled by something else while I stared into his piercing green eyes and clung to his neck, screaming out his name.

* * * *

We spent the whole week like that. Rick would order us food and we’d chat, but I was very careful about revealing too much of myself. Afterwards, we’d make passionate love. He referred to me as ‘baby’ and ‘sweetheart’ and other terms of endearment when we were in the throes of passion. Something that usually turned me off, but coming from those sweet lips, it had the opposite effect. Everything with him felt different. It felt special.

Most nights, Rick insisted I ride with him to his place, since he was coming back to the office to work anyway. Truthfully, any ride he offered me was satisfying. If the weather became questionable, he’d follow me home. He didn’t ask any more, he just did it. I didn’t mind though. It made me feel closer to him, almost as much as the sex had. His stamina amazed me and I chastised myself for not working out more. It was difficult to keep up with him.

That Saturday, I was lying on top of him naked, feeling sated from our hours of intimacy. I traced his tattoo with my fingertip. “What does it mean? I know it’s the infinity sign, but I have a feeling it means something to you.”

“Why do you say that, Marley? Are you making an assumption?” he teased, taking my hand and kissing each of my fingers.

“Very funny, Rick. I guess I am because everything means something with you. You don’t seem to be the kind of guy to get random tattoos.”

He smiled, placing a strand of my hair behind my ear. “It’s a remembrance tattoo.”

“Of a girl? You can tell me,” I encouraged, secretly hoping it wasn’t. How could I continue to think it was sexy if it symbolised another girl?

“Not a girl. It was for my parents. My father was a history professor, and my mother was a math teacher. This sign kind of encompasses both of them, and the fact that they were intertwined.” His voice changed when he talked about his parents. It became softer and it made me feel guilty for bringing it up.

“You don’t have to talk about it.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I don’t have any issues talking about the people I’ve loved.”

“When did they pass?”

“I was sixteen.”

My heart lurched for him. I couldn’t imagine losing my mom, especially not at that age. How had he managed it all? How was he so sure of himself, despite losing their guidance at such a crucial time? “I’m sorry, Rick.”

“It’s okay. They were great parents. I think about them every day. I got this when I was going through my pissed-off stage and rebelling the year after their death. I think it was the only decision I made that I didn’t regret that year.”

I knew there was more to the story, but I didn’t want to pry. Instead, I slanted my mouth against his. When we finally broke from our kiss, I traced his lips with my fingertip. He took my finger into his mouth and sucked on it. “Do you think tattoos are hot on women?”

He continued to suck on my finger, while a devilish grin played out on his face. Finally, he released my finger, but the small gesture made me hot for him again. “I guess it would depend on the woman and where it was. Are you thinking about getting a tattoo?”

I put my forehead on his chest. “Maybe.”

He lifted my chin and his eyes lit up mischievously. “Where?’’

I opened my mouth, but he covered it with his hand before I could speak.

“Let me guess.”

In one fluid motion, he rolled us over so he was on top of me. He sat up on his knees, straddling me. A playful smirk crinkled on his lips. “Is it here or here?” he asked, kissing each of my wrists. I was thankful they weren’t so red today.

I shook my head in response.

“Here?” He slid his lips down each of my arms. When he was finished, he smiled the most playful, eager smile at me. I had to admit, this was a fun game.

“Nope.”

“Here?” he asked, kissing my chin and neck. Was he really suggesting I’d get a tattoo on my chin?

“Nope.”

He slid his lips down to my clavicle and kissed each breast, asking the same question. “You honestly think I’d get a tattoo on my boob? That sounds painful.”

He laughed, but I started squirming because this guessing game was arousing me fiercely. “I didn’t think so, but I never know with you. I’m glad though because your breasts are perfect the way they are.” His compliment made me feel especially sexy, since I’d always thought they were on the small side.

He worked his way down my stomach, repeating the question with each kiss. I answered no each time. He reached the inside of my thighs, kissing and licking the skin there and sending a shiver up my spine. He kissed my mound and dipped his tongue, licking my folds. I started panting. “I don’t think that’s possible.”

“Me either, but I just thought while I was in the general area.”

Rick sat up and placed his hands on my hips, coaxing me to roll over. I turned so I was face down on the pillow. I lifted my ankles and I bent my knees up to accommodate him. “I know it has to be here or here. Which one?” he mused as he kissed each ankle.

“Neither. Guess you have to keep trying.” I honestly hoped he’d never guess and just keep kissing me.

He worked his way up to the back of my thighs. He squeezed then kissed my behind, both cheeks. “This would be a very nice canvas,” he said.

“No,” I exhaled into the pillow.

“Tell me it’s here,” he pondered, caressing my lower back with his fingertips, before licking and kissing the area.

“Nope,” I muffled.

He moved up to my shoulders, kissing each one and across my back. I told him no, and heard his sigh. I wondered if Rick was getting frustrated. “Giving up?”

“No, kissing you is too much fun.”

He trailed kisses down my spine, until he reached the area on my lower back again. “Rick, you’ve already been at that spot. Is this your way of suggesting I get a tramp stamp?”

He laughed. “I don’t call it that, but I can’t deny how sexy it would look on you. I’m getting hard just thinking about it.”

“And what should it be?”

“Hmmm, how about my name?” he said jokingly before flipping me over. He gently nipped at my shoulders and neck. “Just kidding, baby. Please tell me where?”

“Why do you want to know?”