N. Walters - Craving Candy

Candy said nothing. She really didn’t know what to say to the virtual stranger on the other end. He might be her brother, but she really didn’t know him. He sighed deeply and she could practically picture him running his fingers though his shoulderlength hair. It was a habit he’d had, something he’d always done when he was frustrated.

“Look, Candy, I want to talk to you.”

She couldn’t think. As horrible as it sounded, she wasn’t sure she wanted to see her older brother. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

“I’ve already talked to Mom.”

“When?”

“A week ago.”

Those three words made her stomach clench and she grabbed a pillow and held it tight to her belly. Her mother had talked to Justin and hadn’t told her. Candy felt betrayed right to her very core. While her father had disappointed them and Justin had abandoned them, Candy was the one who had stood by her mother. It was Candy who’d taken extra years to finish college, not only because she had to pay her own way, but because she’d always given her mother money to help her get by. In fact, she still sent her mother money every month to help make things easier, skimping and doing without things herself. And this is what she got for it.

She felt sick to her stomach. “I have to go.”

“Just think about it, okay? I’ll call you again in a few days.”

She closed her eyes to try to push back the tears that threatened. Part of her wanted to tell him to come over now just so she could see him. She’d loved her older brother. Desperately. The lonely child she’d been had soaked up all the casual care and concern he’d lavished on her when they’d been growing up. Justin had always slipped her extra lunch money, taken her places like the museum and the movies and always made sure she had something special for her birthday. His leaving had cut her to the core and the betrayal that she’d felt then was once again bubbling to the surface.

“I can’t talk anymore.” She pushed the words past her tight throat, barely swallowing back a sob.

She heard his whispered “I love you” as she hung up the phone.

Candy didn’t know how long she just sat there staring at the phone, but gradually she became aware of the shivers racking her body. She was so cold. Dragging herself off the sofa, she jerked and cursed as she stepped on a shard of glass. She’d forgotten all about the shattered wineglass. She lifted her foot, grateful that the glass hadn’t been driven in. Instead, she had a half-inch cut that was seeping blood.

Feeling much older than her thirty years, she got some paper towels from the kitchen and went back to clean up the mess. Gathering as many pieces as she could, she sopped up the wine and deposited the mess in the garbage. That was the best she could do for now. She’d vacuum and scrub the carpet tomorrow.

Stumbling toward the bathroom, she flicked on the taps and began to run a hot bath. Turning, she placed her hands on the vanity and stared at the wild-eyed woman in the mirror. The brown eyes staring back at her looked slightly bruised and haunted. Her hair was a tangled mess, reminding her of what had happened earlier in the evening.

She laughed, but it wasn’t a pleasant sound. At least the phone call from her brother had accomplished one thing— it had certainly taken her mind off her problem with Lucas Squires. Staring at the woman in the mirror, she shook her head. “What the hell did you do? Walk under a ladder? Smash a mirror?” There had to be some reason for the cosmic bad luck she’d had today.

Her life had changed irrevocably since she’d awoken this morning. This morning, she had still been excited about her new project and optimistic that she could get her client’s cooperation. She’d felt she’d had a good relationship with her mother— not stellar, but good. She and her mother didn’t really understand each other, but at least they’d had something. Or so she’d thought. And her brother… well, sad to say, but she hadn’t thought about him in a long time. Not really. He’d always been more of a passing thought, a memory that had faded over time.

Now look at her. She’d had the best sexual encounter of her life with a complete stranger and even though they’d never finished, she felt branded by his touch. His hands and mouth had been like magic on her body. She shivered at the thought and a deep, throbbing need began to pulse low in her belly.

Pushing away from the mirror, she yanked off her clothing and peeled off her stockings, letting them drop to the floor. Usually, she was careful with her belongings, but tonight she really couldn’t bring herself to care. Stepping into the tub, she ignored the stinging in her foot as she sat down and let the hot water envelop her. When the tub was full, she turned off the taps and sat back, her mind still reeling.

Okay, so she’d had a sexual encounter with a stranger who just happened to be her new client. She was a professional— she’d deal with it. Starting tomorrow, she’d go and see him and set things back on the right course.

Picking up a facecloth, she soaked it in the water, wrung it out and draped it over her face. She’d have to deal with her mother too. She still couldn’t believe her mother hadn’t told her she’d heard from Justin. The betrayal sat like a lump in her stomach. But she could deal with that too.

As for Justin… well, she didn’t know what she was going to do about that. Did she really want to see him? What did he want? Probably money, the cynical side of her nature replied. If he didn’t want something, why did he wait all those years to contact her? On the other hand, could she live with herself if she didn’t see him?

Her thoughts went ‘round and ‘round until the water in the tub cooled and she thought she would scream. Pulling the plug, she stood and stepped out of the tub. Grabbing a towel, she quickly dried herself, gathered her clothing and padded to the bedroom. Her stockings were ruined, so she tossed them into the trash before she hung her suit in the closet. Her blouse went into the clothes hamper. As she tossed it in, she caught a whiff of soap with a tinge of sandalwood.

Lucas.

Slamming down the lid of the hamper, she dug out a clean flannel nightgown and pulled it over her head. She knew she should clean and bandage her foot, but she just didn’t have the energy. The soap and water would have to suffice for now. Crawling into bed, she hauled the covers up tight around her face. She glanced at the clock and was mildly shocked to realize that it wasn’t quite eight o’clock.

She jerked when the phone rang, but made no move to answer it. Instead, she lay in bed and stared at the phone on her bedside table. She knew the answering machine in the living room would pick it up. When the message finished and the beep sounded, a familiar voice filled the room. “Pick up if you’re there. It’s me.” There was a slight pause. “Candy, where are you, girl? I’ve been waiting to find out what happened. Did you crash the party and make contact with Mr. Squires? Call me.”

Candy snorted. Missy had no idea just how successful she’d been at making contact with Lucas Squires. She almost took her friend’s call, but she knew she couldn’t talk without crying. Not yet. The lump in her throat was huge.

The phone rang again, its shrill sound seeming unusually loud. Once again, she stared and waited. This time the voice was male and deep. “Candy, it’s Lucas. I was just calling to make sure you got home okay.” He paused, but finally sighed and continued. “I want to see you tomorrow. We definitely need to talk.” His tone lowered, becoming more intimate. “Sleep well and dream of me. I know I’ll be dreaming of you.”

With a click, he was gone and Candy was left staring at the phone. How could he? If she dreamed of him, it would be a nightmare. Suddenly the tears she’d been forcing back for the last two hours poured out. Burying her face in her pillow, she sobbed until her chest hurt and she thought she might throw up. Sitting up in bed, she grabbed a handful of tissues from a box on the bedside table and blew her nose before taking a deep breath.

She hadn’t felt this bad in a long time. In fact, not since she’d accused her exboyfriend Gary of cheating on her and he’d stormed off, slamming her for not trusting him. She had absolutely no luck with men. Lucas was just another shining example of that.

Curling back up in bed, she punched her pillow until it was comfortable and then she yanked the covers over her head, willing herself to sleep. She’d get over Lucas and everything else. She’d do what she’d always done. She’d put her head down and work. Rolling over, she closed her eyes, shutting out the world.

Lucas stared at the closed door in front of him. He contemplated turning around and just walking away. After all, he certainly didn’t need the hassle. He’d been arguing with himself ever since he’d rolled out of bed. He glanced at his watch. That was over four hours ago. It was just past nine and he’d already put in three hours in the kitchen. But there was still time to walk away, go back home and get on with his life. He could pretend that yesterday had never happened.

Shifting the box he was holding, he tucked it carefully in the crook of his arm before raising his free hand to knock. It was too late to turn back now. The memory of Candy’s face, one minute filled with sexual longing and pleasure, and then filled with disappointment and anger had kept him awake all night long. Without giving himself any more time to question himself, he gave two hard, sharp knocks.

“Come in.”

As her voice drifted through the closed door, his cock stirred. He glanced down at the growing bulge in his jeans. It was ridiculous that a woman he’d just met could have such an effect on him. Shaking his head in disgust, he opened the door and stepped inside her office.

Her chair was turned away from the front of her desk, facing her computer, which sat at a right angle to her main workspace. She was currently absorbed in whatever was on her computer screen, staring at it intently. She held up one finger and then furiously continued to type. “Be right with you.”

Lucas quietly closed the door and leaned back against it, content just to watch her work. Nope, she hadn’t been just a figment of his imagination. She’d obviously made an attempt to subdue her curly hair, but several locks had escaped and were hanging down in front of her face. As he watched her, she absently swiped at one of the rogue locks, tucking it behind her ear before continuing her work. It was such an automatic gesture, he knew that she’d done it many, many times before.

He took the opportunity to survey her office. You could tell a lot about a person by their surroundings. The office was small but neat, painted a subtle shade of yellow. Two armchairs, covered in a dark green fabric, were strategically placed in front of her desk. Several prints hung on the wall and he was surprised but pleased to see one of Katie’s smaller watercolors displayed prominently in a place where Candy could see it from her desk. A few fairly large plants were strategically scattered around the room. All in all, the effect was one of comfort and efficiency.

Her desk was another matter. There were stacks of files, magazines and papers. Pens, pencils, notepads and an appointment book were scattered across the top of her workspace, but right in the center of it all sat a large canary-yellow coffee mug that was half full. Candy obviously liked her coffee.

The furious tapping captured his attention again and he studied her carefully as she continued to work, taking in the curve of her cheek, the long line of her neck and the graceful way she held herself as she worked. She chewed on her lower lip and then typed one last line before hitting the save button. Obviously pleased, she sat back in her chair and swiveled it around to face the door. The greeting died on her lips as she realized it was him standing there. Not exactly the reaction he was hoping for. But at least she wasn’t screaming at him to get out.

Lucas sauntered forward to stand in front of her desk. “Morning, Candy.” The color drained from her face only to be replaced a moment later by a dull shade of red that crept up her cheeks. Lucas eyed the open v-neck of her blouse, wondering if her blush continued on down to her chest. She was once again wearing a suit. This one was a deep chocolate brown and matched her eyes nicely. He couldn’t really see much of it because she was sitting down, but he’d bet good money that it was just as shapeless as the one she’d worn yesterday and probably a size or two too big.