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  “That’s enough Palmer. Go get cleaned up so we can eat,” I said sternly as I shook my head in disbelief.

  As Palmer scuttled down the hall towards his bedroom, I gave Mr. Michaud an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry. I’m afraid my brother hasn’t yet balanced the openness of New York lifestyles with his manners.”

  Carlton Michaud loomed above me, “No worries, being propositioned by anyone is a compliment to me these days.”

  “Can I pour you a glass of wine Mr. Michaud?” I asked stepping into our small kitchen.

  “Sure,” he said as he pulled one of Palmer’s artsy bar stools to the kitchen counter and sat down.

  I pulled a bottle from the refrigerator and held it up, “I’m sure you’re used to better than this, but will this do for tonight?”

  “It’s my favorite, I have a wine cellar full of it upstairs,” he smiled deviously. He was trying to be polite and I knew it.

  I opened the bottle and poured the chilled wine into one of my mother’s Waterford wine glasses. It was silly, I know, as Carlton was certainly used to the finer things in life, but I was thankful that I’d thought to pack a few luxuries for our stint in the city. We’d left the South Carolina house fully furnished with Aunt Kerry for the three years we were planning on being in New York. Therefore, we’d had to purchase every single thing new for our apartment. Palmer had done an incredible job; it was too modern for my style but I liked it for the short term. Our budget certainly hadn’t allowed for luxurious crystal though.

  Stirring the sauce on the stove I was aware of his heated gaze on my back. I felt small and inconsequential with this man. With law school behind me I generally felt accomplished; it’d been a struggle raising my brother at the same time. Yet as he studied me from behind reality hit home. I was small and inconsequential to him. “Mr. Michaud, I hope you like garlic. I tend to be a tad heavy handed with it?”

  “I love it, but do you mind if I ask a favor?” He sipped his wine as I turned to look at him. Even sitting on top of the bar stool he was tall. Palmer is five foot eleven; Mr. Michaud must be almost a foot taller. His dark brown curls seemed unruly tonight, at work this morning it’d been slicked back and professional. It was as though he’d spent the day running his hands through it.

  “Sure…anything,” I muttered lost in his dark brown stare. I was so lost in his hair that I’d nearly forgotten he’d asked me a question. Crud, it’s too late, I’m crushing!

  “Can you just call me Carlton?”

  I stared at him blankly as if I hadn’t heard; I simply had to stop this ridiculous childish behavior around this man! “Sure Mr… I mean Carlton.”

  He smiled broadly, his white perfectly aligned teeth flashed at me, “”Liz, do I make you uncomfortable?”

  I startled at his question unsure of how to answer. “Um, well… I guess I wasn’t prepared to have dinner with my boss after my first day of work. I mean, I don’t want anyone to think I’m trying to climb some ladder or anything.”

  His laugh rambled through the kitchen, “I wouldn’t worry about that, Liz.”

  “Why wouldn’t I?” I blurted. I mean was he gay or something? There was no doubt in my mind that every single woman and half the men in our firm used his face to masturbate with nightly. Hell, I’d done it myself the night before, but that was before I knew he was my boss!

  Carlton seemed amused at me, every time he looked at me it was as though there was some secret he wanted to tell me. “I’m afraid I don’t date much,” he sipped his wine quietly. I got the feeling that was the end of his divulgence of information.

  Maybe he felt awkward around me? Was he that inexperienced around women? I laughed at my own absurdity. A man that looked this godlike surely didn’t have issues finding women who willingly jumped into his bed. I didn’t want to ask so I turned my back again and stirred the spaghetti sauce. Palmer had changed and wandered into the kitchen, he took the spoon from my hand and tasted the sauce, “Mmm, Liz you nailed it this time!”

  Palmer poured himself a glass of wine and stepped to the living room to roll on the floor with Nucy and Jargon. Carlton chuckled as he watched them, “So you moved all the way from South Carolina to be with your brother?”

  I hadn’t mentioned being from South Carolina to him! How did he know all these things about me? It was almost like he’d purposely gone and read my personnel file. It was downright verging on creepy. “Carlton, how do you know all these things about me? You have me at a disadvantage.” I used my best female southern voice as though I needed to fan myself with my hand as I was speaking.

  His eyes sparkled at my humor but he didn’t comment. “Afraid I took the liberty of reading your personnel file Liz. I guess that was intrusive huh?”

  I nodded, “Actually it was, but since you sign my paychecks I forgive you!”

  With a laugh he finished his wine. To my alarm he stood and rounded the counter into the kitchen. He stepped next to the stove and tenderly took the spoon from my hand, “I’m sorry, Liz,” he whispered, tasting the spaghetti sauce. “I wanted to know more about you.” His voice was sultry and borderline illicit so near my lips. Red danger alerts began flashing across the insides of my eyelids. My nipples perked with his closeness. “Mmm… this is great sauce!” My eyes couldn’t withdraw from watching his lips around the spoon. Each flick of his tongue across it sent ripples of excitement to my clit. My heart was pounding. It was official; this man knocked me off my rocker. I was out of control when he was near me. I wanted to grab him, throw my arms around his neck and pull his head to mine. That wonderful tongue would tangle with mine so deliciously. I shook my head free of my thoughts. I needed to stop this! Carlton was my boss for God’s sake!

  “Is this a family recipe?” His words jarred me back into reality.

  “Oh um, no… actually I just threw some things together at the last minute. I’m afraid to say that’s the way I cook everything. If it’s a good home cooked meal you want this is the wrong restaurant. Everything was once in a can,” I teased. I’d come back to myself temporarily. Somehow, every time I was near him I started fantasizing about tasting his body parts. The weak smile on his face indicated that he appreciated the perk in my attitude. It was almost as though he was begging for a sliver of happiness in his life. It drew me to him.

  “Liz, you have a natural talent. Are we ready to eat?” His smile seemed almost forced, but it was genuine. I thought maybe I was starting to get him. The incredible package on the outside didn’t match the soulful man inside; he seemed lonely.

  “I think so! There are the plates, forks and knives, and the table is over there. I’ll bring the wine.” *-*-*-*-*-*-*

  “This was wonderful Liz, thank you so much for cooking. I’d love to have you all up for dinner… anytime!” Carlton seemed cheerful almost. He helped to clear the table and we left the rest of the mess for Palmer to clean.

  “Are you ready for our walk?” I asked as I picked up Jargon and Nucy’s leashes from the hallway table. The dogs had been playing and nuzzling one another all through dinner as if they’d known each other all their lives. Their heads snapped to attention the second I picked up their leashes. Amazing how they’d bonded into real friends in just this short time.

  Carlton stepped next to me and followed my gaze, “It’s weird the way they’ve just been attracted to one another like that, isn’t it?”

  “I swear I was just thinking the exact same thing!” I laughed. It was even stranger that he and I had the same thoughts.

  *-*-*-*-*-*-*

  It was a lovely evening outside. New York seemed to change hats after the workday is through. The neighborhoods inhabited by tourists during the day become normal mini towns in the evening. It was as though the city itself has worked all day and retired with its family at night. Central Park was lit up like a Christmas tree as we strolled the wide pathways. As children, my parents had brought us to New York before the holidays both to shop and to see the flakes of snow billowing down from the tall buildings.
Department stores with incredible small scenes depicting old movies and Santa and his elves had delighted us into squeals of joy. It’d really been a happy childhood for Palmer and me. Our parents were the only ones we knew who still adored one another after over twenty years of marriage. Palmer and I teased them mercilessly about their romantic kisses in public as well as at home, and they’d laughed heartily at our embarrassment.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” Carlton said as we watched Jargon and Nucy romp like puppies in the fenced field in front of us. I hadn’t realized that I’d been so silent during our walk.

  “I’m sorry, Carlton, I’m not much company tonight. It’s beautiful out though isn’t it?”

  He turned his face from the dogs and down towards me, “Liz, it’s the most beautiful evening I’ve had in such a long time.”

  At work he was so rough he almost smelled vicious. Here, in the park tonight he was a different person. “What’s so funny?” he asked furrowing his brows with a smirk.

  I shook my head, “No, it’s nothing,” I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Come on, out with it,” he touted.

  “It’s just that at work you are so distant, kind of scary. Here you’re just a normal guy out with his dog.”

  He stared at me thoughtfully, “You honestly want to know my dark secret?”

  I nodded almost anxiously, “Honestly, my shrink told me that I needed to get out more. The only interaction I have with humans is at work, and all those people are my employees. He said I needed friends outside of work or my dog was going to lose his mind listening to me all the time. When I met you… I can’t explain it, but I felt like you were the friend I needed. I didn’t know you had a brother; he’s a delightful bonus.”

  I stared at him considering, “So with us you got a two for one!” I laughed and Nucy stopped in her tracks in the play yard and watched me. “I’m glad we could help you, Carlton. Seriously.” I was sincere too. It was good to know that he considered us friends. I wasn’t sure how being friends outside of work with my boss was going to play out, but I was looking forward to being able to stare at him some evenings. The twinkling lights in the trees lining the pathways played in his eyes lending him an aura of kindness. Maybe I was wrong judging him the way I did? Maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have an angry, rough side at all? But the way he’d grabbed me in the elevator earlier had sent the blood throbbing in my veins. He’d grabbed my arm and physically withheld me from leaving the elevator! That had to mean more than friendship. The rush from his roughness had sent shivers up my spine. So which was the real Carlton Michaud? Was he the brutal attorney whose touch sent me reeling, or the sweet teddy bear of a guy tossing the ball continuously for his dog? I didn’t have a clue.

  “Liz, can I ask you a question?” Carlton stared down at me curiously.

  “Sure boss,” I giggled, leaning my face upwards towards his.

  “Would you come up for dinner tomorrow night?” His words were slow and deliberate, as though they were a struggle for him.

  I was charmed. I liked shy Carlton too. “Is this part of your therapy?”

  He chuckled, “No, it’s not. I’d just like to have dinner with you.”

  There wasn’t a woman in this world that would turn down an invitation from this man. Most would already be planning their diamond choices. His dark curls flickered in the evening wind as his eyes locked onto mine. “I’d love to.”

  Chapter 4

  “Good God Liz, what are you playing here?” Palmer scrutinized me. “You’re gonna lose your job fuckin’ with the boss like that.”

  I shook my head. Sometimes my brother really wore on my nerves. Couldn’t he see what I saw tonight? How kind and gentle Carlton had been? “He just needs a friend, that’s all. He said his therapist thinks he needs social interaction.”

  Palmer was strewn across the sectional in our living room, a video controller in one hand and his cell phone in the other. Sometimes I forgot that he was only twenty. His eyebrows clinched as he stared at me, “That man wants more from you than friendship, Liz. He’s such a freakin’ hunk that I bet he fucks all the new lawyers.” His hand went to his chest in faux distress, “I’m not sayin’ that’s a bad thing, I’d do him. All I’m sayin’ is that you aren’t the type to be one of his many women. You haven’t even dated since you caught that cheatin’ bastard Benton.”

  “I know, I know. I just don’t think he’s the playboy you think he is. He’s just a regular guy when he’s not at work.” My words sounded plausible, but something still rang wrong with them. I just couldn’t figure out how a man that looked like he did ended up being without friends, without suitable companions? Any multitude of women would give their last fake nail to crawl in bed beside him. It just didn’t make sense that he needed company.

  “Be careful Liz, something about that guy is creepy.” Palmer returned to his video game, clicking buttons at lightning speed. I knew it was his way of release; killing virtual bad guys. But the noises from the game wore on my eardrums.

  “Well I like him, and if I end up in a refrigerator in his storage room then call me wrong. Don’t stay up all night playing that game, Palmer. You’ll feel like crap tomorrow. You’re a full time student now; three years, that’s all you get in this city. Then we’re going home!”

  Palmer held up his hand to wave me off. “Alright! It’s your ass in the cooler, not mine,” he said, his face never leaving the screen.

  *-*-*-*-*-*-*

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  He pulled out one of the dining room chairs for me, as I sat he pulled my hair behind my shoulders, “Look Liz, I’m so sorry about that. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I guess I’m just awkward around women. Well let’s clarify, I’m awkward around you.”

  “I don’t understand why. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Did you not… you know… enjoy it?” I was still terrified that he no longer wanted anything to do with me. I felt like a fool, Aunt Kerry would tell me that I’d just given away the barn for a glass of milk. More than ever now, I wanted this man. I wanted him for my own. Once again it was nothing more than a crush and I’d proven what a raving slut I could be. “Carlton, this is my fault. I’m sorry. I should’ve never come here tonight. I lost my faculties as we say in the south. I’m going home and let’s pretend this never happened… please?”

  The pain in his eyes threw me for a loop. You’d have thought I took his last Oreo. “Oh God, I’ve done it again. Liz, please don’t go. I didn’t mean it wasn’t great. It was amazing. Please don’t leave me now?”

  I searched his eyes for the truth. It appeared he was being honest; his pupils were still dilated from our sex so he was a little wide eyed, but his expression was real. I really didn’t think he wanted me to leave. He’d slid on a pair of jeans but no shirt. Watching the muscles in his chest ripple I so wanted to believe him. His hand reached across the table and covered mine, “I’m sorry, Liz. I’m not very good at personal relationships. I’ve spent most of my life trying to avoid them. But, I can’t avoid this,” his fingers tapped against mine on the table.

  I tilted my head to look up at him, “I think you may have touched one too many nerves inside me. I feel like a silly girl, Carlton, crying like this! I just can’t imagine why a man like you wants anything to do with me?”

  He pulled out the chair next to me and sat down. Leaning forward he brushed loose strands of hair from my face, “Because Liz Martin, you are lovely. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met,and since the moment you stepped onto my elevator I’ve done nothing but fantasize about you.” He kissed my lips tenderly, “You. Are. Incredible.”

  My tears now dried I gazed deep into his eyes for a signal that he meant what he’d said. I’ve been so wrong about men before. I’d trusted Benton with everything and look how he’d treated me! All along he was sleeping with any first year law student who’d unzip her pants. I’d been burned one too many times. I so wanted to trust Carlton; I wanted more than anything to
believe that he wanted me like I want him. With a long breath I sucked in his smell. It was heaven. There was no going back, no second guessing. This was all or nothing. I either give myself to him with no regrets, or act like a spoiled little brat and run back to my apartment. The answer was clear.

  I fished a shrimp from my salad. It was seasoned perfectly, and I popped it into my mouth and leaned back against my chair in an act of pretend confidence. “Every woman in our office must try to get into your pants on a daily basis. After all, you’re the plaintiff killer. Everyone in the tri-state area knows you’re the lawyer they want. I bet a lot of them make up legal problems just to meet you. Are all your clients women?”

  He chuckled, “No, they aren’t all women. I do enjoy my job, and I’m good at it. Mike, Benning and I started this firm right out of law school. We all pull our weight. It doesn’t leave me much time for social interaction. That’s why I went to a therapist; I didn’t believe myself when I started thinking I might want to find the right woman. But after only three visits you showed up in my elevator. I give therapy a huge thumbs up. Shit works.” He picked at his salad and nibbled as he talked.

  I burst out laughing. Slowly but surely I was getting to know him.

  Chapter 5

  The rest of the week flew by. The lead attorney in my division seemed pleased with my work, and Carlton filled my evenings. I was relieved to discover that being in my presence was out of his comfort zone. That was a good thing in my mind because he sure put me out of mine! I was about to pack up my belongings for the day when the inter-office phone on my desk rang. I looked at my bag and then again at the phone. After the fourth ring I lifted the handset. “Liz Martin,” I said with boldness.

  “Liz, can you come up to my office? I um… want to ask you something?” Carlton had never called my phone. As a matter of fact, once we crossed into the Michaud Building in the mornings it was as though he became the man of steel. He was never rude to me, but in the office he never gave the tiniest indication that we were sleeping together. No one at the office knew, and that’s the way I assumed he preferred it. He spoke to me in the same distant, friendly way he did everyone else in the building.