New Years Wish

Veronica Tower As the year comes to a close, Mary has taken stock of her lifeand she doesnt like what she sees. Shes too shy, too complacent, and shes done letting life pass her by. Ready to make a new start, Mary attends her friends New Years Eve party, determined to grab some fun, embrace her sexy and usher in the New Year properly. Handsome and flirty, Reid seems like the perfect man to aid in Marys reinvention. Every touch, every kiss, encourages her to toss aside her shy reservations and embrace the woman she wants to be. As the heady mix of alcohol, Reids delicious mouth and the holiday spirit strip away Marys insecurities, shes sure of just one thingtheres no way shes going to be satisfied with just a kiss to ring in the New Year. A Romantica contemporary erotic romance from Elloras Cave

NEW YEARS WISH

Veronica Tower

Chapter One
So sorry, the woman slurred as she stumbled into Mary, spilling her drink onto the front of Marys New Years Eve dress and causing Marys Long Island iced tea to slosh out of her cup and over her fingers. Mary jumped back to try to avoid the spill but the crowd was so thick in Lizzies living room that there was nowhere for her to go. Hey, watch it! a woman hissed and shoved her back with a hand between her shoulder blades, causing more Long Island iced tea to slop out of her cup and onto her hand. Mary turned apologetically. Sorry, some drunk just dumped her drink on me. And you almost made me spill mine, the woman snarled before turning her back on Mary as if she werent worth the time it would take to argue. Not that Mary wanted to fight, but really, did the woman have to be so dismissive? Her natural instinct was to shrink away, but she hesitated. Shed come to this New Years Eve party determined to break with her past and become the new, bold, assertive, fun woman shed always wanted to be. She wanted to be someone who was comfortable in crowdsthe natural life of the party. Would that person let this woman dismiss her out of hand like this? Mary reluctantly decided she would. The new her might be willing to get into fights, but she wasnt looking for one. She decided to give the woman a pass even as she worried that it was a sign she wasnt really blossoming into her new self. Oh, well, baby steps, right? There will be plenty of other opportunities tonight to practice coming out of my shell and shining. She looked around for the woman who had started this mess but the drunk hadnt stopped to help clean up. Heck, she hadnt even really looked at Mary either, not even as she was spilling her drink on her. Nobody had. Was she invisible? Why was nobody talking to her? Maybe she should just give up and go homeput off her New Years resolution for another year. Despite her best intentions, this wasnt looking like the night to let down her hair, make some new friends and maybe have fun with some guy without having to envision walking down the aisle with him. She tried to assess the damage to her new dress. Fortunately, shed bought the black, fairly conservative one and not the slinky silver party dress with all the glitter. The silver one fit the new image she wanted to craft for herself but she just hadnt been able to picture herself actually wearing it. It left too little to the imagination about the curve of her ass and just how much cleavage she could sport. At the time shed worried she was letting herself down by not buying it, but in hindsight with some drunks drink in her lap, it was clear shed made the better decision after all. Black would hide a stain a lot better than silver.

She bent over to get a better look at the damage. It was hard to tell for certain with people jostling her on all sides, but honestly, the stain didnt look too badjust a bit of a splash over her right thigh. She tried to bolster her confidence. With the people pressed as close together as they were, it probably wasnt even noticeable. Maybe if she got a little soda water from the bar it would come right out when it dried. She sighed. Cleaning a stain off her dress was something she did too often. The old her got overlooked all the time. She was supposed to stand out in the crowd now, be the life of the party, maybe groove to the music and get people dancing, find a guy and have some fun with him instead of simply staring from the sidelines as she always did. So why wasnt she doing any of that? She looked around for an opportunity to assert the new her. The party was rocking with the Black Eyed Peas blasting from the speakers and people all around her smiling, drinking and having a good time. Why couldnt she relax enough to join in? She pictured herself catching the beat, moving with the music until her rhythm caught the attention of the room. She lifted her arms and tried to find her stride. It wasnt easy. Even though shed just worried that she was invisible, she now feared that every eye in the room was watching her. But wasnt that what she wanted? She closed her eyes and sought the rhythm. Dancing was a lot easier when you were home by yourself and nobody could see you. She missed the beat a couple of times and then slipped into the music. Someone jostled her but that didnt really matter. She put a little hip into it, a little sway, a little groove. This was the way she wanted to becomfortable with herselfable to reach the hidden Mary and let her out of the box. Her lips turned up in a smile and she opened her eyes. Directly across from her, a woman, possibly even the drunk who had spilled on her, stood smirking in her direction. Mary frozeall sense of rhythm deserting her. Shed wanted attention, but this wasnt what shed imagined. The woman said something to the woman next her and lifted her red plastic cup to Mary. Was she saluting her or mocking her? Marcy couldnt figure it out. She lifted her cup back. While she wanted to look hip and cool, she feared looking clumsy and stupid even more. Long Island iced tea still glistened on her hand and she switched the plastic cup to her left so she could shake her fingers to dry them. She needed napkins. She needed soda water. She needed a new

life. She started toward the bar in the kitchen but the strange dynamics that governed crowds at a party frustrated her. For the moment at least, working her way around the group in front of her seemed too big a problem. Maybe she should try talking for a while? She thought of the woman whod lifted her cup to her, but still couldnt figure out if it was a mocking or approving gesture. Besides, what would she say? Did I look as stupid over there as I felt? Why did it have to be so difficult? She shook her head. It had all sounded so plausible before shed arrived tonight. Come over, have a drink, see some old friends, make some new ones, maybe even meet a cute guy and make a new start at a New Years Eve party. What could be more natural than that? Now Mary needed air. The press of bodies was becoming too much for her. It was damn cold outside, so why did it have to feel like a muggy Fourth of July in here? She wondered if Lizzie had the heat on when what they needed was the air conditioner. Mary took a sip of her drink and stared unhappily at the people around her. What if she just left? Would Lizzie even notice that she was gone? With so many people here how could Lizzie even tell if her freshman-year roommate slipped out to watch the ball drop at Times Square from the comfort of her own home and her lonely bed? Beyonc started blasting out of Lizzies oversized speakers. Mary had always loved Beyonc right back to her Destinys Child days. Shed had a boyfriend back in college who swore she looked just like her but Mary had never seen the similarityother than the obvious ones like her hair and her dark skin. Still, it was nice to think about. If she were Beyonc she wouldnt be standing alone in this crowd, shed be the star of the party and loving every moment of it. So why didnt she try? Why didnt she make the change shed been fantasizing about, pick out a guy and strike up a conversation? The man next to her looked goodblue eyes, a cute dimple and nice broad shoulders. Mary took a deep breath and tried to think of a good conversation starter. Nothing brilliant came to mind but damn it, she was tired of standing alone. If she was going to make a new start she needed to begin right now. Great party, isnt it? she asked then immediately lifted her cup to her mouth, hiding behind it as she always did. The guy tilted his head down toward her. What did you say? He had to shout to make himself heard over the music and the din of other shouting voices. It wasnt the best beginning, but at least he was talking to her. I said, great party, Mary shouted back.

Yeah, the guy agreed. It wasnt the most imaginative response, but Mary was willing to work with it. My names There you are. A busty woman in a sexy low-cut dress approached the man. His eyes lit up when he saw her and the two shared a quick kiss. Mary immediately backed away but not before the woman gave her one of those stay-away-frommy-man stares. Then to make it worse, the woman glanced down at the stain on Marys dress and she smirked. Mary cringed and turned her back on the couple. Why were all the guys already taken? Or better yet, why had Lizzie invited three women for every man to her party? Mary was fooling herself. This wasnt the night she was going to change her life. She wasnt going to get that New Years Eve kiss shed always dreamed about. She was going to end up just as alone as if shed stayed at home. She gave up on mingling and started toward the kitchen to clean her dress and wash her still-wet hand. It was time to go. Shed clean up, find Lizzie and make her farewells. Or better yet, just clean up and go and pretend to Lizzie shed stayed all the way to midnight. She felt as if she was giving up on herself, but honestly, what else could she do? She just wasnt the social butterfly she wanted to be and there were no free guys around to pluck out of the crowd and turn this into a magical Cinderellalike evening. She reached the kitchen, finding it even more mobbed than the rest of the house. That made sense. The bar was in here and what was a New Years Eve party without alcohol? She looked at her own cup and decided she didnt need a refill yetespecially if she was really going home. Unfortunately, the bar was on the kitchen counter next to the sink. Maybe she should try to find Lizzies bathroom instead. There might be a line but the inside wouldnt be this crowded. Beside her, the door to the outside opened and three tall guys hurried in out of the cold. The last thing this party needed was more people, but at least these were guys and she was actually positioned to take first crack at them if she could muster the nerve. She smoothed down her black dress and encountered the wet spot. Damn! She couldnt do it. She just couldnt go up to a guy with a big stain on her dressat least not until she tried to clean it up. Dont forget our bet, the first of the guys said. He was really good lookingabout six-foot-four with broad shoulders and skin just a touch darker than her own. What are the terms again? Dude, the blond guy next to him said. He was just as tall but with a far less developed chest. Still, he was damn good looking, just like his two friends. How many times do we have to go over this? On the premises and keep the panties as proof.

Mary took a shocked step back as the two guys high-fived each other. You really want to do this here? their friend asked as he stepped past them into the crowd. He was a good inch shorter than the other two, but still awfully tall, with dark hair and an attractive stubble of almost beard that looked as if he just hadnt shaved for two or three days. Reid, youre just worried you wont get any. The blond laughed. Reid nonchalantly flipped his friend the bird. Screw you, Adam. Im getting a drink. Adam obviously thought that was hilarious. Youre not the sex Im looking for, he shouted after Reid. Then he turned back to Kirk. Hey, lets say we win double the money if we bang more than one girl tonight. Mary backed farther away. When shed decided to spice up her life and make a new beginning this New Years Eve shed imagined the possibility of going home with a guy. Shed never done a straightforward one-night stand before, but holding out for Mr. Right wasnt really working for her either. The new Mary would be comfortable enough with herself to have a little fun without a longterm commitment, but surely the fun should last more than ten or twenty minutes. Shouldnt sex have at least a little meaning? She began to push her way to the sink but couldnt quite get the guys and their asinine bet out of her mind. Shed spent a lot of years swearing she would only make love to a guy and as a result spent way too many nights horny, frustrated and alone. Would a one-night stand really be that bad? If she couldnt feed her emotions the way she wanted to, was it so wrong to settle for simply satisfying her body? In todays hook-up culture that she read so much about, didnt she need to be willing to loosen up a little bit and learn to have some fun? What would it be like to have sex with a virtual strangera no-holds-barred, no-commitment, hot and sweaty meeting of the bodies? She wasnt talking about just making out on the couch, although that would definitely be nice. No, Mary was thinking about finding an empty room and ripping each others clothes off or even slipping into a closet like a couple of teenagers at an under-aged party and fumbling about in the dark. Not that she could do it, but She imagined her fingertips cruising across that guy, Reids, chest. He had muscles and nice broad shoulders, but he was leaner than his friends and she liked that in a manquarterback or wide receiver as opposed to a big burly linebacker. She wondered what it would be like to feel his lips on hers, his hands roaming her body, squeezing her ass, hiking up her dress, lifting her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist and grind her pussy against him. A shiver worked its way through her body as she squeezed between two people to reach the sink.

Could she actually do that with a guy shed just met? Could she take him in a closet or an upstairs room and get all hot and physical with him? Let him touch her breasts while she ran her fingers through his hair and thrust her tongue down his throat? Could she reach down between them and unbuckle his belt so she could pull his long, hard cock free of his underwear? Did she have the courage to run her thumb over that smooth head and make him squirm with pleasure? Could she let a stranger lean her back against the wall, yank her panties to the side and slide his thick erection deep inside her? Mary didnt think so. Part of her really wanted to be that adventurous, but fucking some stranger in a closet wasnt really what she had in mind when shed decided she needed to change her life, open up, try new things and let her hidden self hang out for all to see. At least she didnt think it was. Mary set her drink down on the counter and quickly ran cold water over her hands. Then she grabbed a paper towel and dried her fingers. The bar was spread out directly to her right so she reached across the bottles to grab some soda water and used fresh paper towels first to clean the spot where that woman had spilled her drink on her and then to dry it again as best she could. Finished, she bolstered her nerve to make another stab at the party. She wasnt a quitter. She wasnt ready to simply go home. Can I freshen that up for you? a pleasantly deep baritone asked. Mary jumped and let out a little yelp. Sorry about that. I didnt mean to startle you, the baritone voice said to her as its owner placed a hand on her back right over her bra strap. Mary turned to find, Kirk, the black man who had just announced his intentions to get a little pussy on the premises, standing just a little too close to her for comfort. His hand made her uncomfortable. They hadnt even introduced themselves yet and he was touching her. That didnt seem righteven for the new her. She tried to take a step away from the man but the sink blocked her movement. I didnt hear you behind me, she said, even though she figured that was obvious. Kirk laughed. With the noise in here, who can hear anything? He moved even closer against her, seriously invading her personal space. Im Kirk, by the way, like the guy from Star Trek. Mary. She responded because it was politenot because she was certain she wanted to be talking to him. The way he stood too close to her made her antsy, but that wasnt the biggest problem. No, there was something about his bet that really bothered her, but at the same time, she found the notion of quick, no-commitment sex disturbingly appealing. It didnt make any sense to herbut she

both did and didnt like the idea that this guy was talking to her hoping to get under her panties. To buy herself a little time to sort through the thoughts in her head, Mary tried to pick up her drink. Kirk snatched it up ahead of her, a big smile on his face. Let me freshen that for you. He took a sip from her cup. Long Island iced tea? Mary frowned. She knew it didnt make sense but while shed just been thinking about what it would be like to kiss a stranger, she flat out didnt like the idea of one touching his mouth to her drink. Combine that with the way Kirk still stood right up against her and she wanted to get away from him. It wasnt as if shed have had sex with him anywaynot even the new Mary was going to be that casual about something shed always found so important. No thank you, I was just about to throw the rest of that one out. She started to ease out away from the sink but Kirk blocked her movement with his body. Did the ice dilute it too much for you? I can make you another, what is it? V odka? Rum? Maybe triple sec? Mary could actually recite the whole recipe. Her father had been a bartender and they used to play a game in which he would quiz her on the components of famousand not so famousdrinks. Hed always said that bartending was a great job for whenever you needed a little extra money, but when shed turned twenty-one Mary had discovered she didnt have the personality to go with her expertise. Bartenders needed to be outgoing and the only large crowds Mary felt that comfortable with were her second grade students who naturally preferred juice boxes to alcohol. She needed to get out of here. Perhaps the hard come-on should have been flattering, but all Kirk was succeeding in doing was making her nervous. If youll excuse me? she said. Kirk put a hand on her shoulder. Whats your hurry, baby? What old movie had he picked up that lame line from? The thought put a small smile on her lips. Theres no hurry, I just need a little more space. He finally got the hint and backed away, but he didnt quite give up on her. Hey, were just talking. Mary, even the new Mary, didnt want to be rude. She smiled sweetly. I know that, Kirk, but I need to get back to the other room. Maybe well talk later. She pushed her way out of the kitchen and back into the living room where the music was loudest, mentally kicking herself every step of the way. Sure, Kirk wasnt anything shed been imagining when shed come here tonight, but would it have hurt her to talk to him a little and look as if she belonged at the party? If nothing else, she could have practiced being the new woman she so desperately wanted to be. Instead shed fallen right back into her usual pattern, looking past Kirk because he obviously

wasnt Mr. Right. Simply talking to him didnt mean she had to become a notch on his gun. Maybe she should go back up to him and let him make her that drink after all. She turned around but saw that Kirk was already speaking to another woman. His new target swayed a bit as Mary watched and put her hand on Kirks arm to steady herself. Mary wondered if that was an act or if the woman really was having trouble standing up. Kirk stepped even closer to the woman and leaned his head closer to hers, giving her his complete attention. A too-brief parting of the crowd showed that hed placed his hand on her hip and was sliding it toward her ass. Mary turned away, convinced in that moment that shed made the right decision about Kirk. He moved way too fasteven for the new person she wanted to construct. Yet she still envied the woman he was talking to. She hated being alone at parties and it would really be nice to spend the evening with a handsome guy. Not that Kirk or his friends wanted to spend the whole evening with a woman. Their bet still boggled her mind. Was Kirk really going to take that woman off to a back room and have sex with her? And if he did, would he really dump her before midnight to go off in search of another lay? Mary understood why the scenario disturbed her so much but what she couldnt figure out was why it also fascinated her. What was the attractive piece in the scenario? Was it the stranger on the island fantasy? Or did she just long to be so uninhibited that she really could crawl up on some guys cock, fuck him hard against a wall and then walk away as if it were no more important than watching a really good show on television? She realized shed started approaching Kirk and the woman again when she got close enough to see him actually groping her ass. His fingers squeezed her cheek and a tremor worked its way through Marys body. What was wrong with her? She needed to cool downshe needed another drink. But going back to the kitchen involved moving right past the couple and she didnt want to do that. She turned her back on them again. Was there any situation in which shed let a guy touch her like that? It hadnt been five minutes since theyd started talking. What was that woman thinking? Mary glanced over at them again. The woman had her hand on Kirks shoulder and was standing close enough to grind against him if she wanted. They kissed, her expression more lust than joy. Maybe it was Mary who had it wrong. Maybe this was dating in the modern world. Maybe this woman was as anxious as Kirk was to get in the closet and bang in the New Year a couple of hours early. Mary tried to imagine the mechanics of that. Would they use a condom? Would they even get completely undressed? Shed never even had a one-night standthe idea of an actual twenty-minute

romp remained hard for her to wrap her head around. Yet for some reason the idea still intrigued her. Maybe she was simply horny. The thought of having someone besides herself make her come made her whole body tingle. But then, who didnt want some help in that department once in a while? She pictured herself standing where that woman was rubbing herself against Kirk while he squeezed her ass. Kirk probably wasnt hard yet, but there certainly ought to be a bulge in his pants. She liked her men tall but he was a little bigger than her ideal. College linebacker types just looked as if theyd be too heavy lying on top of hernot that he had to be on top. There was no reason she couldnt do the riding. Kirk whispered in the womans ear. Was he suggesting they go upstairs? Surely they wouldnt really use a closet. That was high school stuff. Adults wanted a bed or a desk or something. He brushed his thumb over the womans nipple and once again Marys body trembled. She really was horny. She ought to get out of here but the sight of Kirks thumb gently massaging that womans nipple held her rooted to the spot. They were practically doing it in public. When were they going to find someplace where they could take their clothes off and really get down? As if in response to Marys mental queries, Kirk caught the womans wrist and he began to lead her through the crowd toward Mary. She nervously pressed back out of the way, afraid to be caught watching but neither person seemed to notice her as they went past. She watched them grow more distant, wishing she had the nerve to follow them. She wanted to indulge her voyeuristic fantasies, but couldnt overcome her inhibitions. She remained with the rest of the guests at Lizzies party. Still, the idea continued to fascinate hersneaking after the couple to see how far they were really willing to go. Shed heard the bet. She knew Kirk intended to have sex, but she couldnt get past the idea that the two had just met. Maybe she should just take a peekfigure out where they were heading so she could look for them when they came out again. She started to follow, but once again her old conservative self reared her head and she suppressed the notion. She had no business spying on a couples intimate moments, even if the idea of watching two people have sex make her pussy flush with heat and her stomach clench. She squeezed her thighs together and thought again about what it would be like to run off and fuck a man like that. What would it feel like to have so few inhibitions? To let a near stranger stick his tongue in her mouth, cup her breast, open her blouse so he could lick her nipples? What would it be like to unzip a strange mans pants and take his dick out in her hands? It was early in the evening so alcohol wasnt likely to be a problem yet, but hed still probably want her to get down on her knees and suck him nice and hard.

She shivered and she couldnt decide if it was the good kind. Putting a strange mans dick in her mouth both horrified and fascinated her. She knew a couple of women who talked loudly about how much they hated sucking their husbands cocks, but based on what Mary had read on the internet, lots of women did it just for fun. She could sort of see the appeal. Making a guy hard with her hands and lips would be empowering, wouldnt it? Shed be the one making him stiff and once he was shed be the one who got to use him like a human vibratorone that was always warm enough and that she didnt have to change the batteries in if it took too long to come. She fanned her face with her hand, trying to cool down. That human vibrator sounded good right now but she knew that was mostly because of her long dating drought. It had been more than a year since shed a date and a lot longer than that since shed made love. It was one of the reasons shed decided to change her life tonightforge a New Years resolution to be less uptight and have more fungive her wish of actually meeting some halfway decent guy a legitimate chance at happening. Horny as the thought made her feel, getting together with some guy like Kirk was not the answer to her problems. There wasnt even any guarantee he would care enough to make certain she came and then how stupid would she feel when Kirk left to find his next ejaculation? She looked around the room, searching for someoneanyoneto distract her from this line of thinking. Her eyes almost immediately landed on Reid, the dark-haired guy whod come in with Kirk. He was talking to Lizzie who was waving her hands about in her overly animated way. Another couple was with themMarc Briggs and his wifereally nice people. Seeing them reminded Mary that her New Years wish wasnt all about guys. She wanted to be comfortable in all social situations, able to relax with people, chat and have a good time. Sorry. Mary whirled around but whoever had bumped her this time once again didnt stop to see if she was all right. What was it with people? At least she didnt have a drink to spill this time. She tried to put the rudeness behind her and go join Lizzie. This sort of thing happened all the time at parties. It wasnt just happening to her. There was no reason to let it spoil her mood. Mary, Lizzie called out when she saw her approaching. Do you remember Marc and Tina? Mary shook hands with everyone. Of course I do. How is your son doing? I thought I heard he broke his ankle playing football. She noticed that Reid wasnt there anymore. Good. He wasnt what she was looking for anyway. Shed concentrate on the other aspects of her personality she wanted to start changing tonight. It was soccer, Tina told her. And hes doing fine now. Thanks for asking. Hes off his crutches and moving around almost as well as he was before he was injured.

Kids, Marc said, you just cant hold them back. Anyone need another drink? Im going to grab a fresh beer. Ill go with you, Tina said, and just that quickly they were gone, throwing havoc into Marys efforts to become more sociable. Her shoulders sagged. What was wrong with her anyway? She had just joined the conversation. Did people think she had the plague or something? I was just talking to this great guy, Lizzie told her. I really think you would like him. Its one of the reasons I invited him. His names Reid Tanner. You mean that dark-haired guy you were just talking to? Mary asked. She couldnt believe Lizzie would even think of hooking her up with a guy like Kirks friend. Yeah, hes my new dentist. Great practice, good bedsideer, chair-sidemanner. Mary could see on the surface why Lizzie might think so. Maybe she didnt know Reid liked to go to parties solely to see how many girls he could screw. I dont know, Lizzie. Its not because hes white, is it? Lizzie asked. Of course not, its just Lizzie, what have you been doing with yourself? a woman Mary didnt know asked. You look fabulous, a second woman said. Do you remember my boyfriend, Frank? the first woman asked. Before Mary knew what was happening, the two women and Frank had squeezed her out of her conversation with Lizzie. Her college roommate made an effort to pull her back in but Mary cut her off. Dont worry about it, Lizzie. Youre the hostess. Ill talk to you later. She walked away. This was exactly why she hated these parties. From now on if she wanted to see Lizzie she was going to take her out to dinner where they could talk for more than two minutes. Then she realized that shed just passed up another opportunity to practice being the new her. Why had she walked away? Why hadnt she stayed with Lizzie and forced herself to remain in the conversation? She thought about going back, but that would feel awkward. Shed check in with Lizzie again later. In the meantime, the Long Island iced tea shed had earlier was ready to come out again and she needed to find the bathroom. There was a line in front of the one on the first floor so Mary went in search of a bathroom upstairs. There were four rooms on the upper level. The first was furnished as a study and the one across from it as a spare bedroom. The third, presumably the bathroom, was locked. Just a second, a womans voice called out. Im almost finished. No problem, Mary told her. Take your time.

She leaned her back against the wall and wished she had a drink. A low groan caught her attention from the room behind her. Was that a mans voice? She listened harder. Thats right, baby. Just a little harder.

Chapter Two
Mary looked around. Those low, deep tones sounded like Kirk. Had Kirk and the woman disappeared upstairs? She really ought to ignore them, but Thats it, Kirk groaned. Just like that. Her breath caught in Marys chest. Even though shed imagined that the two had been looking for a place to have sex, she realized in that moment that she hadnt actually believed it. It was just too soon and to make matters worse, they had to be in Lizzies bedroom. How rude was that? Curious despite herself, she checked the fourth door. She knew it was wrong, but she just couldnt help herself. The thought that Kirk and that woman were doing it just a few feet away got the better of her. She had to see for herself. Her pulse raced as she touched the doorknob and her nipples began to harden with excitement. She just wanted a peek. She just wanted to prove to herself that people really did do these things. That it wasnt all fiction on the internet or stories girls told when they were drinking. Turning the handle ever so softly, Mary opened the door a crack. A womans muffled and inarticulate voice came to her, Mmmm. Thats it, thats it, Zoe, Kirk grunted. Mary pushed the door open another two and a half inches. Inside Kirk stood at the foot of the bed with his side to her. His expensive black trousers were around his knees and his very dark, impressively long penis jutted straight out in front of him, disappearing into the mouth of the woman, this Zoe, whom hed walked upstairs with just a few minutes earlier. Marys heart beat faster and her cheeks flushed. Zoes glossy lips looked exceptionally red as they moved up and down on Kirks thick cock. He had his dark hands in her blonde hair, encouraging her to stay on him, not that she needed any guidance. She clearly knew what she was doing, bobbing on his dick with gusto. Mary had never seen anyone give a blowjob before, unless she counted the occasional porno. Shed given precisely two of them herself back in college. In both cases the guy had promised to warn her before he came and in both cases shed ended up with a mouthful of semen and her dates halfassed apologies. If she were any judge of men, Kirk was about to give this woman the same dubious pleasure. So why did the idea make her squirm with excitement?

Zoe pumped Kirk with both fists while she slurped away on the thick, dark head that crowned the mans penis. His dick glistened with her saliva and the veins bulged with urgency. Oh, yes, Kirk moaned. Suck it, baby. Her rumpled dress was still intact. Maybe Kirk had lost track of his true objective in the thrill of getting off. Yeah, baby, just like that, just like Kirks fingers tightened on the sides of the blondes head as he came but it wasnt necessaryshe didnt try to pull off him. She just kept sucking, moving up and down on his dick, letting him squirt into her mouth but not swallowing his gift. It dripped out the sides of her mouth as she continued to bob and Kirk made inarticulate grunts of approval. Mary couldnt tear her eyes awayshocked by what she was seeing but undeniably turned-on. She touched herself through her dress, making her heart lurch into even higher gear. When guys had come in her mouth she had always angrily jerked awayspitting against the texture and the taste. How could that woman keep sucking like that? Did she actually like the taste or was she just so horny she didnt care about such things? Was it just the thrill of doing something dirty? It surprised Mary, but she liked the notionjust like part of her clearly liked the idea of a quick, uninhibited roll in the hay. Across the hall, the bathroom door opened and Mary spun around, smoothing her dress. A woman emerged and smiled. Sorry to take so long. Its the damn party dresses. I know exactly what you mean, Mary told her as she stepped past her. When she came out again, the bedroom door still stood ajar in front of her and Zoes soft sighs reached her ears. Since Kirk had come earlier, Mary had thought theyd be finished but shed obviously been wrong. This time she didnt even argue with herself as she stopped by the partially opened bedroom door and tried to see in. She found nothingthey were still in there but they must have moved to a new position. She couldnt see them through the crack. Maybe it was a sign she wasnt supposed to spy on them this time. Firming her resolve to be a good girl and return to the party downstairs, Mary took a step past the door. Oh, yeah, Zoe moaned. Mary was back in front of the door in half a second flat. She had to seehad to know. No one was up here with her. No one was going to notice. Oh, honey. It was more shriek than moan and Zoes voice rose a couple of octaves in mid-word. Mary didnt hesitate any longer. She pressed the door open another couple of inches and looked

inside. The blonde woman lay on Lizzies bed with her dress hiked up to her waist and her ass hanging out over the edge so Kirk could bury his face between her legs. The panties, Mary quickly noticed, were sticking out of the pocket of Kirks sports jacket, proving the bastard had not forgotten his wager even in the throes of passion. As Mary watched, Zoe clenched her fingers in the cover of Lizzies bed. Please dont stop. She began to thrash beneath Kirks face, having one of those moments that Mary had spent the last few years dreaming about. Her hips gyrated wildly, as if she was doing some crazy new dance move. Kirk was big enough and strong enough to hold her down and keep sucking her up the road to heaven, but apparently he wasnt interested solely in her pleasure. He stood up in front of her with his dick in his hand and pressed the dark head against her glistening pink lips. Mary had to lean her head all the way into the room to see it. Kirk wasnt completely hardit hadnt been that long since hed come but he didnt let that stop him. He pressed the head between her shiny lips and then thrust inside her for all he was worth. Zoe screeched in approval. Kirks ass clenched every time he thrust his hips forward. He grunted harder and she kept squealing. Mary touched herself, trying to pick up where shed been when the woman had interrupted her by exiting the bathroom. Her pulse pounded in her neck and raw sexual need raged inside her. Shed never seen anything like this beforeat least not in person. She wanted to be the one on the bednot with Kirk, perhaps, because his wager still disturbed her on some levelbut with someone who could bring her body to life like that. She rubbed herself harder. She was so tired of being aloneof being afraid to take a chance. Was it too much to ask that she got to live a little? Do some of the things she was always watching on television? Be on the receiving end of a little passion? A little love? Mary froze, hand still touching her pussy through the dress. Why had she said love? That wasnt what she was watching. Kirk and Zoe were just having fun. Wasnt part of being the new her admitting she could let down her hair a bit and get crazy with some guy without having to believe it was true love? She focused on Kirks penis again, trying to recapture the excitement of a few moments earlier. He was harder now, as if the act of making loveno, the act of fucking this womanhad finished recharging his cock. Veins bulged on his glistening lengthmost noticeable when he popped out and rubbed their mingled juices in the womans blonde pubic hair. Mary wished she could get closer. Wished she had the courage to join in on some levelto make sex just the physical things these two were enjoying so that she could kneel down on the bed beside that woman and someone could flip her dress up over her ass, yank down her panties and mount her

from behind. She wanted a hard cock doing for her what Kirks was doing for Zoenot that Mary needed another woman in this little fantasy, or Kirk either, for that matter. She just wanted a cute guy who wanted to spend his lifeno, his timewith her. Some guy who thought she was pretty enough and interesting enough and hot enough to want them to get naked together. Some guy who wanted to cover her body with kisses and see what it took to make her writhe. Some guy Kirk pulled out one last time and began to come on the womans stomach. It fascinated Mary. There was so much come. He got off threeno, fourshots before Zoe grasped hold of him and tried to milk even more out of him while her other hand smeared the milky stuff into her flesh beneath her bunched-up dress. Heat blazed between Marys legs. She hiked up her dress to touch herself, but at the same moment remembered she was leaning halfway into Lizzies bedroom with her ass stuck out in the hall, as exposed at both ends as was humanly possible. She jerked back out of the room and leaned panting against the wall. Her knees felt weak and her lungs heaved as if shed been the one on the bed getting pounded by a stud. Why was it so hot in this house? Winter or not, Lizzie needed to open a few windows or turn the air conditioner on. Inside the bedroom, Kirk and the woman laughed about something. Maybe he wasnt quite as bad a guy as Mary had thought. Maybe that bet was just a guy thing and he really did plan to spend the rest of the night with this woman. They obviously had great chemistry. Two people couldnt come like that without some magic going on between them. Maybe this proved you could have hot casual sex and still have it mean something in the morning. The two in the bedroom started moving about and Mary realized she really didnt want to be resting in the hallway when they decided to rejoin the party. She smoothed out her dress and went back downstairs. At the foot of the steps she found Kirks blond friend, Adam, drinking beer and chatting up a pair of women who were fidgeting and looking about as if they had ants in their dresses. What had the guy done to make them so uncomfortable? Tell them about his bet? Invite both women to get naked with him? Mary decided she didnt care. She wanted to get back into the party before Kirk and Zoe reached the top of the stairs. Excuse me, she said as she stepped through the threesome on her way back to the living room. One of the women latched on to her interruption like a death row reprieve. Is the party upstairs too? No, I just needed to use the bathroom, Mary told them. Both women jumped on the idea. Oh, I need to too. So do I. Will you excuse us, Adam?

Adam took another swig from his beer bottle. I could go upstairs with you. I dont mind waiting. Mary left the women to extract themselves from their suitor and went into the living room, which was even more crowded than when shed left. She worked her way to a place in the corner where she could watch people mingle. The speakers blared the Rolling Stonesalways good music. A television show with the sound low enough not to compete with the music counted down the time to midnight. Kirk appeared across the roomalone as far as Mary could see. She wondered how his partner felt about that. Theyd been making magic upstairs just a few minutes agowas he really done with her now? An image of the mans big dick moving in and out of Zoes mouth flashed through Marys brain. What would it be like to take a guys cock in her mouthto let him slide his dick between her legs and then find out he wasnt interested in anything else? She began to realize that there were definite limits to how much she wanted to change herself. Hot casual sex might sound good in theory when she was horny and alone, but there had to be something more to it, didnt there? There had to be someplace in between I dont want to sleep with you unless were truly in love and Thanks for the quick fuck, dont let the door hit your ass on the way out. Mary shook her head. The fervent desire to have more sex was not the only reason shed come to this party. It wasnt even the major one. She wanted to re-create herself. She wanted to be able to relax, socialize with strangers, thrive in the center of a gathering instead of withering on the fringe. She needed to get her mind off hard cocks and sweaty bodies and force herself to make small talk with these people. She stepped up to two women on her left but they were arguing over why Congress couldnt get anything done and Mary wanted nothing to do with that. Next she encountered a small group talking about independent films she hadnt known existed. She listened for a couple of minutes without finding anything to add. Maybe that was because she was happy not knowing about the indies. Sometimes artsy really wasnt a good thing. She moved on to a group talking very animatedly about businesssomething to do with accounting regulations, which was almost as bad as talking politics. She passed and spent five minutes with a woman who told her everything that was wrong with her ex-boyfriend and his domineering mother without once getting to say more than Thats too bad. Someone else was laughing nastily about how fat her cousin had looked in her bridal dress. A married couple was arguing over whether the guy had been looking at some womans ass. None of them were discussing anything she wanted to participate in. Maybe it was hopeless. Maybe she should concede failure and just go home, give up on her New Years wish and accept who she was. A spot opened up on Lizzies couch and Mary snagged it. Shed sit down for a moment and

reassess her strategy. Surely in a party this crowded there had to be someone talking about something that was at least remotely interesting. Something like romance novels, gardening, the new stores at the mall, The Big Bang Theory. There were thousands of topics out there normal people could connect on. Maybe she needed to try initiating something. Maybe everyone here was as bored as she was but just covering it better because they were all drinking heavily. She looked around trying to build her nerve. Adam, the blond whod come in with Kirk and Reid, was guzzling a beer and chatting up another woman. She was slowly backing away from him, but he didnt seem to notice, following her through the crowd like a socially inept stalker. If nothing else, Mary had to admire his perseverance. She wondered if hed find someone drunk enough to give him a chance to win his bet. Need a fresh drink? a charming baritone voice asked her. Startled, Mary took her eyes off Adam and found Reid, the dark-haired third member of the trio the dentist that Lizzie had wanted to introduce her to. He held a red cup in his left hand, a bottle of Killians Red in his right and had a really charming smile on his face. Lizzie says you like Long Island iced tea, he said as he offered her the drink. Mary accepted the cup. Thanks, that was very thoughtful of you. He stayed on to introduce himself. Im Reid Tanner. Lizzie says you teach second graders and that you only come to her parties because youre a good friend. Embarrassment flushed Marys face. Why did Lizzie have to go telling people she didnt like parties? It made her sound, well, awkward or something. Im Mary Little and I dont know what Lizzies talking about. I love a good party. Reid squatted down beside the couch. I love a good party too, but this is more like the mob at Times Square than a partyway too many people. Reid had rich brown eyes and perfect white teeth which made sense for a dentist. Add to that his lean football players buildwide receiver as opposed to those giant linebackers like Kirk and Adamand he was really very handsome. I guess this is just the curse of having too many friends everyone wants to spend time with you. And yet she gets to spend time with no one, Reid argued. Thats why I prefer a dinner party with maybe four couples max. You actually have time to get to know everybody. Mary agreed completely. So why are you here? He shrugged and grinned. Force of habitits New Years Eve. Who wants to watch the ball drop alone at home? That might have been better than alone in a roomful of people.

When she didnt respond, Reid changed the subject. So how do you know Lizzie? We were roommates our freshman year of college. The perils of the housing lottery worked out for the two of us. Weve been friends ever since. Thats nice. I came with a couple of my college roommates as well. Reid made a wry face. But they arent as classy as Lizzie. But youre playing the game too, Reid, Mary reminded herself. What does that say about you? She changed the subject again. So what do you do? Im a dentist, Reid said. It wasnt a typical occupation. Doctors abounded but dentists were a rarer breed. How did you get into that? Reid laughed. You should be asking how I could have avoided it. Both my father and my grandfather are dentists. They made it clear from the time I first started talkingmaybe earlierthat I would be joining the family practice one day. Mary surprised herself by laughing with him. It felt good, natural. Reid was so easy to talk to. Is that good or bad? He laughed some morea pleasant sound that rolled across the couch. Well, its great now. Dentistry is awesome. Oh, a lot of its routine but there are times we completely change peoples worlds. We take away their pain and reconstruct their mouths so they can learn to smile again. But when I was in high school it wasnt so clear to me that being a dentist was a cool enough profession. I was in the drama club and had visions of making Brad Pitt and George Clooney take a back seat to Reid Tanner. Mary found herself laughing right along with Reid. She could imagine him in Hollywood. It wasnt just the good looks. He had an easy charm that would certainly carry over to the silver screen. She remembered the fresh drink in her hand, started to take a sip but thought better of it. You know, I could really see you in Hollywood. You have a great She broke off when a woman talking near them threw her head back in an attempt to get the last drops of alcohol out of her cup. She took a step backward to keep her balance but set one of her fiveinch heels down wrong and went sprawling. What? Not again, Mary yelped. The womans butt hit the edge of the couch between Mary and Reid and she bounced off into him. Her cup was empty but Marys and Reids drinks were full. For the second time that evening, Mary

sloshed Long Island iced tea out of her cup as she jerked it out of the way of the flailing body. Cold liquid covered her fingers but she managed to make it drip on the floor and not Lizzies couch. Reid was a little less lucky as his beer foamed up and dripped down on the woman lying at his feet. Are you all right? Reid asked. The question should have been directed at the woman, but his eyes were on Mary. Yes, Im fine. How about her? The woman rolled onto her back and looked up at them, a lopsided grin on her face. I think Im drunk, she announced. Someone on the edge of the crowd laughed as if that was the funniest thing they had ever heard. Reid switched his beer to his left hand and reached down with the right. Here, let me help you up. Are you okay? The womans pink panties showed beneath her green dress but Reids eyes were firmly on her face. The woman let him pull her up into a sitting position. One of her breasts now threatened to pop out of her dress, but she didnt seem at all concerned about it. Hi, my names Teresa. She spoke slowly but the words still slurred together in a drunken mishmash. Reid frowned. Are you hurt, Teresa? She started to laugh. I think Im drunk. Whatever sympathy Mary might have initially felt for the woman had completely disappeared. You already said that. The question was, Are you hurt? The woman patted herself, as if searching for something broken. I dont think so. Then let me help you up, Reid said. He handed his beer to Mary, slid behind the woman, grabbed her by the armpits and hauled her to her feet. The woman immediately sat down on the arm of the couch between Mary and Reid. Wow, the room is spinning. Teresa, that was so funny, another woman said. Reid tried to help Teresa up again. Her arms flailed about her. Just a minute, just a minute. She patted her hair. I just need to get my balance. Reid gave her a few more moments then helped her stand again, moving behind her so she couldnt simply sit back down. Maybe you should get your friend some coffee, or find someplace where she can lie down, he told the woman who thought the drunk was funny. Oh, shell be fine, the newcomer insisted.

Teresa leaned back into Reid and patted his thighs. I am fine, she announced. She turned around, still leaning against Reid, and tried to put her arms around him. Hi, Im Teresa. Reid disentangled himself from the woman, turned her around and guided her back toward her friend. Coffee, he reiterated. The friend began to play with the front of Teresas dress so that it adequately covered her breast again. Shes just a little drunk. No, Im really drunk, Teresa announced. And I think I need another drink. Without another word, the two women stumbled off into the crowd in search of the kitchen. The last thing that woman needs is more alcohol, Mary muttered as she handed Reid back his beer. I just hope they call a taxi when its time to leave, Reid said as he stared after them. He took a handkerchief out of his pocket. Here, she made you spill your drink. Let me help you with that. He handed Mary the handkerchief. Thanks, she said and began to dry her fingers. Three letters were embroidered on the white square of clothRRT. Whats the second R for? Richard, Reid answered. Its my fathers name. My grandfather is Reid. So Im named after both of them. Thats nice. She gave him back his handkerchief and picked up her drink. Then she sat back down, scooting tight against the woman sitting next to her on the couch. Here, why dont you squeeze in beside me so no one else tries to sit between us? Her offer made Mary feel bold and daringjust like the new woman she wanted to become. Reid did as she suggested, sitting half on the arm of the couch and half in the seat beside her. His thigh pressed tight against hers so she could feel the warmth of his leg against her skin. Can you believe that woman? There comes a point when you should really lay off the booze. Its like being back in college, isnt it? Mary decided to cut the woman some slack. Its New Years Eve. If theres a night you can relax and have a little too much to drink, this has got to be it. I guess that makes sense, Reid agreed before changing the subject. So tell me, do you really like teaching? Ive got a younger sister whos doing that trial period in the classroom right now, trying to earn her certification. That was a subject that Mary could talk about for hours. Its the most wonderful career anyone could ever discover. Talk about helping people. I work with second graders and its one of the most formative periods in these kids lives. Second graders havent had a chance to get jaded about school

yet like some of their older peers. Theyre just a joy to work withhard to manage sometimes, but worth every second you spend with them. Reids smile grew broader as she talked. You sound like my sister when shes talking about changing the world. Well, what better place to change it? Mary asked. These kids are quite literally the future and what were doing now is going to affect a lot of people for decades to come. These are the little policemen, business leaders, politicians. She lightly punched him on the shoulder. Even the dentists of the future. Like I said, you sound just like her. He took a sip of his beer. She thought he was going to change the subject. People usually did as this pointeither overwhelmed by her enthusiasm or just not that interested in second graders. So which subject do you like to teach best? Mary feared she was smiling like a loon, but she couldnt help herself. She just loved her kids so much and here was a guy actually interested in talking about them. Readingits the most important subject at this age. A child who can read has the whole world at his or her fingertipsthe whole future is open. Its She broke off as Reid slipped his arm across her shoulders and slid the rest of the way down beside her on the couch. I hope you dont mind, but sitting half on that armrest is really uncomfortable. Was he simply being sly or was he just trying to fit on the couch cushion she had invited him to take? She eyed the strong hand on her shoulder. Perhaps he was doing both. She couldnt make herself forget the game he was playing with his two friends but at the same time, he wasnt going about it the way Kirk or Adam had. It was actually kind of nice to have a guy sitting with her like this, even if it was way too early for him to do so. Reid sensed her uneasiness and started to get up. Im sorry, I guess this is uncomfortable. Embarrassment added to Marys confusion. She had to get her act together and figure out what she wanted. Was she going to be the new Mary or remain the old one? What was Reid doing that was so wrong? It was just an arm over her shoulder. She was the one whod asked him to sit next to her after all, so why was she creating a fuss now that he was? No, thats okay. I justplease dont get up. Reid settled back in beside her. Youre sure? For the first time tonight Ive found someone worth talking to, I certainly dont want to drive you away. I feel the same way, Mary told him. She was hyper-aware of his hard body beside her and of the fact that she was leaning forward on the couch, not really sitting with him the way she wanted to be. Across the room, she caught sight of Lizzie smiling at her. Why did everything make her feel so

self-conscious? Lizzie wanted her and Reid together. She probably thought she was encouraging her, so why was it having the opposite effect? Youre sure? Reid asked. Because it looks like Im making you really uncomfortable. I swear Im not making a move on you His voice trailed off and he made a decision. Look, Im sorry, I New Mary, new Mary, new Mary, Mary chanted to herself. She leaned back against him, right into the crook of his arm. Im not worried about me, she lied. Its just there isnt a lot of room and I didnt want you to think I was like that drunk rubbing herself on you. Reid relaxed and his arm tightened around Marys shoulder. No one is going to mistake you for that drunk. You are far too cool. A thrill of delight flashed through Marys body. Reid thinks Im cool? She decided to try to flirt a little and see how he responded. Not that it isnt nice to sit here with you She felt so daring, so not herself. As if she was really becoming the new her she dreamed about. Youve got an athletes body. What sport did you play back in school? Reid gave her shoulder a little squeeze. Football, I was a wide receiver. I knew it, Mary mentally crowed. She used to watch football with her dad. She didnt like it enough to watch it on her own but it wasnt a bad way to spend an afternoon with a friend. She tried another line on him. Im not surprised. Not only are you really fit, but youve got great hands. Even as Mary said the words, she realized they were true. Reid had large, strong handsquick but gentle. She wondered what it would be like to have them explore her, caress her body, stroke her cheek. She imagined him rubbing his thumb over her lips just before he kissed her Pride was evident in Reids voice. My hands were my best feature, I wasnt the fastest wide receiver on the team but I caught more balls than anyone else. She let her head fall back on his shoulder just to see what he would do. Did you think about going pro? Naw, my future was already mapped out for me, remember? Im a dentist. Besides, college ball was fun but I wasnt anywhere near good enough to make it with the professional teams. His cheek briefly touched the top of her head. What about you? Youve got dancers legslong and firm. Did you play any sports or maybe dance competitively? The idea both thrilled and amused Mary. Oh no, I didnt do anything like that. Those competitive dancers have to train, train, train.

But you do dance, Reid said. I like to. She almost left it at that, but a few extra words bubbled out almost of their own accord. When Im alone and no one can see me. Reid was silent for a few moments and when he spoke again there was a husky timbre to his voice that definitely hadnt been there before. That sounds What did it sound like? Mary wondered but Reid didnt complete the thought. Instead he started up again in a slightly new direction. Id like to see you dance someday. Ive always wanted to be able to but Im not sure I have the rhythm. Everybodys got the rhythm, Mary told him. You just have to relax enough to be able to find it. Thats why I like to dance alone. There are no distractionsno one to make you feel self-conscious. Its just you and the music and nothing else. Nothing? Reid asked. Mary realized shed been a little more flirtatious than she intended but rather than making her freeze up she had finally relaxed enough to laugh about it. Get your mind out of the gutter. I didnt say I was dancing naked. Although now that the subject had come up, she did think about it. What would it be like to dance naked for a guy like Reid? Maybe do a little striptease. The old strippers poleeven if she could find onewas a bit too athletic for her. But what would it be like to get nice and sensuous with the music, sway her hips while her hands moved over her body and she loosened up her clothing. Reid laughed with her. Too bad. That would be a sight to see. Id bet people would pay money for itnot, he hastened to add, that youd want them to or anything. Rather than offending her, Reids words bolstered Marys spirits. She twisted around on the couch so she could look directly at him and put him on the spot, teasing him. Are you just saying that? Or do you really think I could be a stripper? Youre certainly beautiful enough, Reid assured her. Although Im pretty certain you have way too much class to take your clothes off in a roomful of men. He really meant it, Mary realized. Shed been watching his face the whole time and there was no hint that he said anything but the truth. Thanks, Reid, there arent many guys who could make that into such a nice compliment. Complimenting you is easy, Mary. Youre just that cool.

Chapter Three
At fifteen minutes to midnight halfway across the room from Mary and Reid, Kirk started kissing a very attractive Hispanic woman. She only saw their faces through the crowd for a moment, but they were going at it pretty furiouslylots of passion, as if Kirk hadnt been with another woman a couple of hours ago. Mary looked around to see if she could see Zoe, Kirks first partner. How was she dealing with Kirks mercurial interest? It would be bad enough if he simply didnt call her the next day, but to fuck her and leave her? Talk about wham, bam, thank you maam, and now I want to find another partner. That was really terrible. She glanced at Reid beside her who was draining his second beer. Hed gotten them both a refill about half an hour ago, but Mary hadnt done much with hers yet. He set the empty bottle on the end table. Its almost midnight. I guess its time to stop knocking these back. He said it with a boyish grin on his face, which playfully dared her to contest his words. I dont think it counts as knocking it back when it takes you thirty minutes to drink it. You want to show me how its done? I dont think youve touched that latest Long Island iced tea. Images of Kirk kissing both the Hispanic woman and the earlier blonde flittered through Marys mind. Are you trying to get me drunk? She wished she could decide for certain how she wanted Reid to answer. She definitely wanted his interest, but she didnt want him to try to lower her guard so he could have his way with her. She wanted him to seduce her properlywhen they got to the point that they were ready to get physical. Yesterday that would have been a few weeks from now at best. Now? She still wasnt sure. Here at the party? No, Reid said, which disappointed Mary even as it contradictorily eased the tension in her shoulders. What did she want from Reid tonight anyway? Was she willing to try a onenight stand? But it would be fun to get drunk together someplace where we didnt have to worry about driving or have to shout to be heard over the music and the crowd. A trill of excitement surged through Marys heart. Was he talking about another date with her? That does sound nice, doesnt it? she said a second before she realized that staying home and getting drunk together wasnt really a date. It was more of an invitation to get stupid and rip each others clothing off. Or was it? She wasnt sure. It was almost midnight and her brain wasnt working

as well as it had been two hours ago. I think so, Reid agreed, then hesitated a moment before continuing. If youre free we might try it Saturday evening. Catch an early dinner and then swing back by my place to watch a couple of movies on Netflix and Shouting broke out on the other side of the room. Reid groaned. Damn it. What is it? Mary asked, craning her neck to see what all the commotion was about. Why couldnt whatever was happening have held off until after Reid finished asking her out on this date? More people were shouting now and Reid looked away in obvious disgust. I cant be sure, but odds are high that its my friend, Adam. Hes had plenty of time to get drunk and, well, remember what I said about him thinking hes still in college? He started to get up. Mary grabbed hold of his arm. Where are you going? Reid didnt even look at her. Ive got to get him out of here before he causes some real harm. Before she could say another word, he slipped his arm out of her grasp and plunged into the crowd. Mary stood up, trying to see better, but there were a lot of people in the way and even though Reid was tall it was hard to keep track of him. She thought about following after him, but sat down insteadanother concession to her old self. The person she wanted to be would be outgoing and trying to calm the troublecooling tempers with her wit and her smile. Instead she stayed on the sidelines and wondered why the guy shed just spent the last couple of hours talking to was gone a few minutes before midnight. She took a drink from her Long Island iced tea, not quite knocking it back but putting a serious dent in the beverage. Then she let the alcohol suffuse her, putting heat in her chest and belly while that slightly numbing feeling high-proof alcohol could bring washed over her tongue. What was wrong with her? The evening was going so well and now She tilted her cup into her mouth again, not taking as serious a drink as last time, but not sipping it either. The commotion had died down, but Reid didnt reappear. Maybe things hadnt been going as well as she thought. Maybe hed been happy to find a way to get away from her. Maybe shed been imagining things and he hadnt been in the middle of asking her out. She closed her eyes. What was wrong with her? Shed had such big plans for this evening and it seemed as if it had been going pretty well. Sure, Reid was involved in some dumb bet with his

friends, but hed been a lot classier about it than they had. Theyd talked and laughed. Hed made her feel special. If hed asked, she might well have gone to bed with himnot here, but Someone nudged her. Hey, dont go to sleep on me now. Its almost midnight. Mary opened her eyes and shifted around in her seat, unable for a moment to process where she was or what was happening. Reid plucked the Long Island iced tea out of her hand and set it on the end table. Youre back, Mary said to him. He smiledan expression so charming he ought to have to register it with the local police department. You didnt think I was going to let that asshole keep us from ushering in the New Year together, did you? He helped her up with his left hand. In his right he held two plastic flutes of champagne by their stems. Usher in the Her voice trailed off as it occurred to Mary that for the first time in forever, shed spent the evening with a man who wanted to kiss her as the ball dropped. Reid slipped his arm around Mary, gently encouraging her to step closer to him. Giddy excitement caused her pulse to race. She stepped up against Reid, brushing his broad muscular chest with her breasts while his arm tightened around her. This was it, she realized. She really was changingnot wasting the opportunity by asking stupid introspective questions about Reids ultimate intentions. Hey, everyone, Lizzie shouted. Its one minute to midnight. No one seemed to take much notice of Lizzies concern but when the countdown started it raced through the house like wildfire, bringing everyone together for the first time that evening. Ten, nine, eight Without looking away from Reids beautiful brown eyes, Mary took one of the champagne flutes out of his hand. Seven, six, five He stopped embracing her to cup her face. All his attention was focused on her eyes. Four, three, two Happy New Year, Mary, Reid said. He dipped his head and their lips met. Mary wrapped her arms around him, unworried about the champagne in her hand and kissed him back for all she was worth. In half a moment, she was on the tips of her toes, heart pounding against

her rib cage, thrusting her tongue against his lips with all the passion that had built up in her in the too-many years shed spent watching other people find all the love and excitement. Reid didnt hesitate at all, opening his lips to her and thrusting his tongue against hers as if seeking to merge their bodies into one. Around them Mary heard the cheers ushering in the New Year as distant background noise. Far louder was the beating of her heart. Far closer was the rush of heat that made her dizzy with desire. She hadnt felt this way since college. Reid was such a great guy. She couldnt remember ever enjoying talking with someone more. So he had a couple of asshole friends. What guy didnt? He slipped his hand down from her cheek, stroking her side from breast to hip in a single smooth motion. A shiver wiggled its way up Marys body and heat roared within her. She wanted him to do that againto stroke her until she purred, but never once taking his lips off her mouth. Whatever else Reid did, she didnt want him to stop kissing her. The New Years cheers began to die down, but Mary didnt care. She boldly moved closer to Reid, pressing her body more firmly against his so that her breasts flattened against his chest and their torsos molded together. It wasnt close enough, but she didnt know how to get nearer with their clothes still on. Reid was trying to get closer to her too. He slipped his hand off her hip and onto her ass, where the pressure of his fingers made her squirm with excitement. She needed to get rid of this champagne glass so she could use both of her hands. Much as she hated to do it, she broke the kiss but didnt back away. He kept his hand on her rear end. Happy New Year, she told him before lifting the plastic flute between them. He clicked his glass against hers and knocked it back to use his earlier turn of phrase. Mary did the same thing, making the bubbles rush up toward her nose and add just a touch of sharpness to her buzz. Reid dropped his plastic glass to the floor. Now where were we? Oh, yeah. He kissed her again, mouth pressing against hers while he slipped both his hands onto her body, stroking her back and her side. Mary dropped her own plastic flute and got both her arms around him. It wasnt enough. She lifted her leg, thinking vaguely of climbing his body when a smidgeon of her old repressed self peeked out of her brain and reminded her where she wasat a party in Lizzies house where everyone present couldnt help but notice that she and Reid were thrusting their tongues down each others throats. She lowered her leg again just as Reid began to lift hercausing them both to lose their balance and topple back onto the couch.

There wasnt room for both of them but Reid didnt seem to care. He pulled Mary half onto his lap and kept right on kissing her. He slid his hand up her side, hesitating just below her breast. She wanted him to touch her so badly but a voice deep inside her kept insisting that this wasnt the time or place. Wait a minute, she protested, turning her mouth away from his. Reid didnt listen to her. His lips fastened on to her cheek and he oh so gently stroked the underside of her breast. Sparklers ignited beneath Marys flesh. Oh, how she wanted him to do that againbut not here, not now. She caught him by the wrist and pulled his hand lower. Whoa, lets slow down. This is much too public. As she pulled back her hand accidently brushed a huge bulge in Reids lap that she hadnt been positioned to feel before that moment. Her heart stuttered in her chest and the heat burning up her body stoked even hotter. Reid was panting just as hard as she was. He pulled her back against him and started kissing her again. The moment she opened for his tongue, he slid his hand back up her side toward her breast. She wasnt quite so quick to catch him this time and he touched her again, briefly cupping her breast through the fabric of her dress. Marys pussy shivered and her nipples ached with a longing almost more powerful than she could handle. Still, she resisted him, turning her face away a second time and yanking his hand away from her flesh no matter how much she yearned for his touch. Its too public, Reid. I know, he grumbled. But my house is too damn far away. Images of the rooms upstairs flashed through Marys mind. If they were emptybut no, that was crassthis was Lizzies house. Reid kissed her again. This time he was smart enough to keep his hands off her breasts, choosing instead to stroke her outer thigh. Mary kissed back but her mind was spinning. Why couldnt they sneak upstairs? Hadnt Lizzie introduced them? Didnt she want them to get together? Shed come to this party promising herself that shed be fun, relaxed and adventurous. Why shouldnt she take a chance on this hot guy and make a memory she could treasure for the rest of her life? They couldnt use Lizzies bed, of course. That would be crass. But there was a spare bedroom up there and even a home office. Maybe they could use one of those rooms? Upstairs, Mary muttered but she said the word too quietly for Reid to hear her over the noise of

the room. It was her old self making one last effort to make her see sanity. She didnt want to listen to her fears anymore. Sure, this could all be a big mistake, but what if it wasnt? What if Reid really was the guy of her dreams and all they needed to do was give the future a chance? She made up her mind. Things might not work out with Reid but it wasnt going to be because she hid in old habits, afraid to give life a try. The New Year had struck. It was time to fulfill her wish to become the woman shed always fantasized about being. She got both hands on Reids cheek and pulled her mouth away from him. We have to move this upstairs. Its too public down here. Reid was still trying to kiss her. Up where? He sat bolt upright on the couch before she could answer him. Oh, upstairs. Reid took her hands in his and looked Mary straight in the eye. Are you sure about this? I mean, I am absolutely crazy about you, but I dont want to mess this up by doing anything youre not one hundred percent certain about. All the doubt fled Marys body. She squeezed his hands. Im sure. Lets go find a place we can be alone. They got to their feet, still staring at each other, and began to work their way toward the stairwell. It was much more crowded in the second-floor hallway than it had been when Mary had last been upstairs, but all the people seemed to be waiting their turn for the bathroom. Many were probably getting ready to leave. The ball had dropped, after all. For a lot of folks that meant the party was over. Mary hoped that hers was just beginning. She tried the door to the spare bedroom and wrenched it open. A naked woman sat up abruptly on the bed, using her hands to try to cover the fact that a guy had his face buried between her legs. Sorry, Mary muttered and closed the door again. Before she could turn around, Reid yanked her across the hall and through the other doorway. She tripped on the frame but he caught her easily enough and started kissing her again. She kicked the door shut with one foot, then backed up against itstill kissing Reidand felt for the lock and the light switch. Shed half expected to find another couple here ahead of them but blessedly the room was empty. She threw her arms around Reids neck and got about the serious business of reacquainting herself with his mouth. She could smell the Killians Red on his breaththat slightly sweet aroma of roasted caramel that was better than any mouthwash. He got his hands on her back and her ass and pulled her tighter against him. Her oh so sensitive nipples pressed against his chest and her lower stomach found

his bulge. She was totally ready to feel more of himto shed their clothes and start exploring. She slipped a hand down Reids back and felt his firm ass for the first time. Just the contact made her pussy tingle. She felt so delightfully naughty. The old her would never have done anything like this. Oh God, Reid muttered into her mouth. I want you in every possible way at the same time. He fumbled at her back until he found the zipper to her dress and then she was shimmying the tight garment off and kicking it away with her feet. He grabbed her breasts, cupping them through her bra while his bulge grew bigger between their bodies. Mary didnt want to be the only one starting to get naked. She pushed Reids jacket off his shoulders and found his shirt drenched with perspiration. She had to push him back a few inches so she could work the buttons. It wasnt easy with his hands mauling her breasts and his mouth stealing all her oxygen, but she persevered and his shirt followed the jacket to the floor. Removing the t-shirt required him to stop kissing her for a moment but then her hands were finally on his slick, hairless chest while she sucked on his nipple, tasting the brown flesh. Marys pulse pounded inside her. Shed taken control. She was directing her fantasy. She used her tongue to tease the puckered flesh, licking until it was shiny and hard. Then she turned her attention to the other nipple, sucking it between her lips while she ran her hands over Reids flat stomach and traced the contours of his six-pack. Reid tangled his hand in her hair and pulled her mouth off his chest, forcing her head back so he could kiss her lips, her chin, her throat. With his free hand, he stroked her stomach, something that might have made her giggle at another time but now made her tremble. He dropped his mouth to the top of her breasts, kissing and licking the smooth flesh where it emerged from her shiny black bra. Then he took her still-covered nipple between his lips and sucked it the rest of the way into his mouth. Pleasure shot through her body and Mary arched her back, pushing her breast at Reids mouth. She had to bite her lip to keep from screaming with excitement. Reid shifted his left hand from her hair to support her beneath her shoulders while he continued to suck on her breast. He shifted her weight, pulling her closer to him where he could get his free hand on her ass. Her panties must have annoyed him, because he clawed them off and dropped them to the floor. Ever so briefly Mary remembered his stupid bet, but Reid didnt seem to give her undergarment a second thought. Instead he picked her up by her bare bottom so that she could wrap her legs around his waist and grind her clit on his bulge.

She felt wanton, sexy and so damn good as she rubbed herself against him. This was a hell of a lot better than lying in bed with only her fingers to help her. A whine of need escaped her, followed almost instantly by the sound of someone jiggling the door handle. Everything all right in there? a man asked. Mary froze against Reids body. A woman giggled in the hallway and asked, Need any help? Reid pulled Mary away from the door and carried her to Lizzies immaculately clean desk. He set her down on the edge and pushed her onto her back so that her head spilled over into the air and her breasts bounced and jiggled. A pencil holder hit the floor. Reid flipped the cups of her bra up and over her breasts. Mary started to shrug clear of the shiny fabric but Reid didnt give her the chance. He grappled with her arms to pull them out of the way and devoured her unprotected nipple with his hot mouth. She shrieked with excitement and wrenched free of his grip to encircle Reids head with her arms. He kept right on sucking, nursing on her peak and occasionally flicking it with the tip of his tongue. She began to moan louder. How many years since a man had touched her like this and why had she waited so long to find one? She wanted to touch himwanted to feel Reids hard dick in her hand. She tried to reach down their bodies to undo his belt, but with her head dangling over the edge of the desk the motion made her dizzy. Her hair hung beneath her, brushing the floor, and the blood rushed to her head. Reid stopped kissing her breasts for a moment. My God, Mary, have you any idea how beautiful you are? He caressed not her breasts or her pussy, but her stomach, stretched taut by the way her back arched against the desk. He kissed her tenderly on her navel and she found his head with her hand so she could run her fingers through his hair again. He pulled back out of her reach, then spread her legs wide before kissing the moist flesh of her inner thighs. Marys whole body began to tremble with anticipation. He worked his way up to her groin, licking that sensitive spot where her legs extended out of her torso. He rubbed his cheek against the moist heat of her labia, the scraggly beard making her hum with joy. His hot breath tickled her pussy and she felt the resulting tingles all the way up to her dizzy head. He kissed her, oh so sweetly, right on the mouth of her pussy. Oh, Reid, Mary whispered. Her body trembled, vibrating on the desktop. Please do that again.

Like this? he asked as his breath tortured her. He slipped his tongue between the folds of her labia, opening her as he tasted her cream. Every muscle in Marys body contracted violently in the same moment. Her body tried to snap from arched back to curled in but the force of gravity on her head and shoulders defeated the effort. Yet her muscles kept contracting as her pussy exploded. She screamed long and hardthe pitch suddenly rising as Reid thrust his tongue even deeper inside her. There were people in the house, she rememberedpeople listening at the door. She couldnt shriek like this, couldnt broadcast her pleasurenot in her wildest fantasies had she ever wanted to be that boldyet at the same time she couldnt stop herself. She stuffed the back of her hand into her mouth, but that only diminished the sound, it didnt cut it off. She bucked and gyrated on the surface of the deskcompletely out of controlbut Reid kept her from sliding off and banging her head on the floor. He held her locked in place with a bruising grip on her thighs and kept his face buried in her pussy as if he could lick and slurp until dawn. Mary bit her wrist to muffle her screams. Her ass danced back and forth across Lizzies desk, despite Reids best efforts to keep her restrained. The other edge of the desk bit hard into her shoulders, probably leaving bruises, not that she cared right now. What mattered was Reids mouth on her pussy and his thumbs digging into her thighs. What mattered were the explosions of pleasure erupting through her body like shed never been able to do for herself. Reid launched himself a little higher, and engulfed her clit with his mouth. With an extraordinary effort, Mary wrenched herself into a sitting position. The room spun crazily about her as the blood rushed out of her head and down in her breasts and pussy. She grabbed hold of Reids head, trying to pull him even more tightly against her but succeeding instead in spilling them both onto the floor. They could probably hear that in the room below them but in the throes of her orgasm, Mary didnt care anymore. She grabbed Reid by the ears and tried to get him back on her pussy, but he rediscovered her nipples, which was almost as good. She cupped his cheek with her hand and decided she wanted to kiss him again. Up here, Reid, she whispered. I want to He slid his fingers between her legs and cupped her steaming lips. Reid? Mary hadnt meant to ask a question, but her voice rose an octave as he penetrated her with his middle finger while using the other two to press her lower lips against his middle digit. Mary sank her teeth into Reids powerful shoulder like some wannabe vampire who didnt know enough to go for the neck. He grunted but did nothing to stop her, concentrating instead on her nipple

and her pussy. She just had to breathe. She just had to keep the air coming in and out of her lungs. Except this wasnt exactly what she wanted. She didnt want to be passive, didnt want to let her guy stay completely in control. She found the bulge in his pants and struggled to release it, pulling at his belt before opening up his trousers. He helped her with the silk boxers pushing them and his pants down to his knees where he kicked them off onto the floor. Finally he was just as naked as she wasmore so because she still had her bra tangled about her upper chest. His cock was even longer and harder than shed dreamed. She wrapped her hands around it and she sucked in her breath to go down on him. Reid stopped her. Not yet. Im too close. Im going to come. You damn well ought to be close after what youve done to me, Mary told him. She shoved his chest so he slipped back onto the floor and then sucked the head of his penis into her mouth, determined to show him that she could suck his dick just as well as he had licked her pussy. He was right. He was close. His dick was slippery with pre-come and squeezed easily into her mouth despite his girth. His veins bulged beneath her fingers all along his length. She positioned the pads of her thumbs along the most prominent blood vessel and dug them in hard as she began to force her mouth to bob up and down on his cock. He grunted and cupped her face with his hand, clearly glorying in the sight of his dick sliding in and out of her lips. His breaths came in ragged gasps while her heart pounded with excitement. She thrilled with the sense of power. She was getting to Reid just as strongly as hed gotten to her. His cock pulsed beneath her fingers. It wouldnt be long now. He gasped for breath. Mary, Im close. You shouldfinish with yourhand. She was so startled by the warning that she almost stopped sucking on him. Men never warned her when they were going to come. They always wanted to shoot off in her mouth. Reid had to want that as well but he was too much of a gentleman to just take advantage of her. That spurred her determination to finish the blowjob rightjust like when Zoe had sucked Kirk off earlier that evening. Un uh, Mary murmured through her mouthful of cock. She pressed her lips more firmly together and sucked even harder. Oh, Mary, he hissed. He tightened his hands on the sides of her face and then with an extraordinary act of will he let go of her and pressed them flat on the floorobviously doing everything in his power not to force her to swallow. Mary squeezed him tighter and brought her tongue into play, pushing it against the eye of his cock.

Power rippled up the length of his shaft and he exploded against the roof of Marys mouth. Her first instinct, and probably her second and third impulse as well, was to pull back away from the stuff filling her mouth but her body was still humming with her incredible orgasms and she didnt want to just spit him out. Besides there was something very cool about holding her man like this while his hips bucked and he slapped the floor with his hands. She milked him until his quakes subsided and her lover grew calm again. His dick was still mostly hard between her lips and she wasnt certain if she should keep sucking or give him a moment to breathe. Reid answered that question for her, pulling her up his body so that their naked flesh aligned and he could kiss her again. Shed read that many guys wouldnt do thiskiss a woman right after shed gotten a mouthful of his comebut Reid didnt seem to notice. He returned to her breast, tracing her nipple with his finger, starting the slow, beautiful exploration that their passion had left them no time for when they first reached this room. His dick was still mostly hard beneath heras if, even after coming, he was just too excited to fully lose his erection. He rolled her to her side where he could play a little more freely with her nipple and locked his mouth on hers. Mary still had her bra dangling annoyingly around her neck so she pulled away long enough to sling it off across the room. It felt good, liberating, as if she was in control of her destiny. Reid started to push her down on her back but she didnt want that. Instead she sat up and tugged his socks off so he was completely naked. Then she reached for her high heels. Dont, he whispered. I like them. Really? she asked. His request made her feel suddenly self-conscioustotally aware that she was butt naked and having sex with a man shed met two hours ago. Her old fears and inhibitions started to force their way to the surface, but Reid unwittingly helped her. Yes, really, they make you even sexieras if you needed the help. She giggled. You really think Reid cut her off. Mary, of course I do. Why do you think were in here making love? Goose bumps raised on her arms. Is that what were doing? He cupped her chin and kissed her lightly on the lips. What else? You know its not why I came here tonightto get laid, I mean. She kicked herselfwhy hadnt she said to make love? Neither did I, Reid told her. But Im awfully glad we didget laid, I mean.

Mary had heard the bet so she knew that wasnt precisely true, but she liked Reid and didnt push the point. But we havent exactly done that, have we? Reids hands were clasped comfortably on her sides while they talked, not actively fondling her at all. But her mention of getting laid had that effect on his dick because it began to stiffen between them. No reason we cant, is there? She asked herself the same question and for once, to her relief, that nagging voice of caution that had long ruled her life stayed silent. Thats what Im thinking too, Mary told him. She moved back against him, exploring his mouth while his penis finished straightening out between their bellies. He was almost ready and she wanted to be in charge. Pushing Reid down onto his back, Mary straddled him and stuck her ass up in the air. Reid took advantage of the little bit of space this made between their bodies to cup her breasts in both hands and began playing with her nipples with his thumbs. Mary reached between their bodies to take hold of his dick, squeezing it briefly to test his erection. She liked what she found. She held it up, angled toward her pussy and eased back down against him. Wait a minute, we need a condom, Reid told her. Mary ducked her head. I should have thought about that. Im usually so careful. Not that she did this that often. She started to climb off him. Please dont move, Reid said as he lunged for his pants. This will only take a moment. He plucked his wallet out of his trousers and pulled a brightly colored package out of it. He quickly tore it open and then handed it to Mary. If you wouldnt mind helping me? Feeling his eyes upon her, Mary pressed the latex against the head of his dick and pushed down on the edges, quickly unrolling it onto his hot shaft. Reid lay back on the floor again. Thanks. Thank you, Mary responded. She twirled a strand of hair around her finger, wondering why the simple act of covering him with a condom made her feel more shy than giving Reid a blowjob had. Damn, youre sexy, Reid told her. He reached down and grabbed his cock, angling it in the same way she had done a minute earlier. You ready to make love to me, Mary? She got back on her hands and knees. It had been a long time, but it had been worth the wait. Maybe part of her problem had been her attitude, but shed still needed to find the right guy. Happy New Year, Reid. And happy New Year to me.

She eased back and Reids dick pierced the outer folds of her labia, releasing a torrent of hot juices to run down her thighs. Breathe, she thought, just remember to breathe. Mary leaned backward and Reid entered her. He was wider than shed expected, which didnt make any sense because shed held him in her mouth. Maybe her pussy was just tighter than shed thought. Whatever the reason, she arched her back with pleasure she hadnt felt in such a very long time. She fought for a moment to catch her breath and then began to rock gently, slowly taking Reid inside her, letting his hot dick open her up for him. She squeezed her pussy tighter and he hissed with pleasure. He grabbed her ass, encouraging her to find her tempo and ride him. She let him guide her without surrendering control, rocking gently on his cock, feeling his heat reach deeper and deeper inside her. It was better than she remembered. Better than when her first boyfriend had banged away without first making sure she was ready for him, better than when her second boyfriend fired off so quickly that she didnt get to come with him. Reid wouldnt do that to her. He already understood her body better than those guys back in college and he clearly got off on her exploring with him. They were making love, not just having sexjust like shed always wanted. The knowledge that this really was what shed been looking for led her to arch her back and increase her speed. That moved Reids cock inside her so it pressed against her pussy, rubbing right beneath her clitoris. She touched herself from the outside, caressing her clit from above while Reids cock rubbed it from underneath. She closed her eyes to better focus on the feeling, the rising tide of pleasure that was unlike anything else she could experience. Reid began to thrust up beneath her, meeting her descending pussy with his rising dick, bringing their groins even closer together. She matched her movements to him, getting off on the feel of his cock moving inside her. It was getting harder to keep her balance now. She swayed a bit as his rising hips lifted her knees off the floor, her movements stirring Reids cock inside her. It wouldnt be long. She could feel the growing pressure in her groin and her breasts. Oh, Mary, he panted. Im gettingclose again. I keep Not yet, Reid, she muttered. Not yet. Reid grunted beneath her and came, his thrusts growing even more frantic, bouncing her wildly on his groin. Mary dug harder into her clit, trying to share in his orgasm. Almost, almost She lost her balance and hit the floor beside him, opening her eyes in surprise. Reids hard dick popped out of her, still spitting semen into the condom. He reached between them to grab hold of her pussy and almost instantly pushed her the rest of the way into climax.

She opened her mouth to shout in pleasure but Reid covered her lips with his and swallowed her cry. He held like that, touching both pairs of her lips, until her spirits finally sank back to earth and she lay beside him, panting in his arms. Reid groaned. Damn it, now weve got to get dressed again. Mary didnt move. I dont know if I can get dressed yet. I think I could lie here forever. That might be a little embarrassing if Lizzie opens up that door, Reid told her. He levered himself into a sitting position and started gathering up their clothes. Um, I didnt expect this to happen so fast, Mary. I dont even have your phone number or your email address. Mary stretched, enjoying the languor, still not wanting to get up and start dressing. Planning to call me, are you? Well, yeah, Reid told her. He stretched toward the door and snagged her panties. The moment he picked them up Mary remembered his stupid bet with his friends. It threatened to spoil the evening. She didnt want to be bragged about, didnt want to be a notch on his gun even though shed known it was a risk when she decided to have sex with him. Reid handed them to her. Whats this? Mary asked, staring stupidly at her undergarment. Theyre your panties, Reid said. He tried to make a feeble joke. Arent they? He looked around. I dont think theres anyone else in here with us. She felt stupid. Maybe it was the sex or the alcohol or simply the late hour, but she didnt understand. I know theyre my panties. Why are you giving them to me? Dont you need them to win the bet with your friends? Oh, shit! Reid cursed. How do you know about Adam and Kirks stupid bet? That wasnt exactly the response she had expected. What did he mean Adam and Kirks bet? I was standing by the door in the kitchen when the three of you came in. Reid breathed a sigh of relief. Then you saw what I did afterward too. His response confused her. What? Its the same thing Ive been doing since those idiots started this nonsense back in college. I flipped them off. I dont do one-night stands. And I dont sleep with women so I can win fifty bucks from my idiot friends. But Mary began. No buts! Reid insisted. Mary, youre the coolest, most interesting woman Ive ever met. Forget for a moment how sexy you are, youre just a pleasure to be around. I should have never slept with

you this evening, but its New Years Eve and we were both drinking and things just got out of hand. Weve got something special between us. Please dont make this a lonely one-night stand. Marys heart soared with happiness as she realized how completely shed misunderstood the situation. She threw her arms around him. You mean it? That bet has been bothering me off and on all night but I like you so much that I decided to take a chance anyway. Then when you picked up my panties So we could get dressed and go back to my place, Reid interrupted. We cant stay here all night. What would Lizzie say? Mary laughed with delight. Damn those guys and their stupid wager, Reid said. He looked genuinely angry. When I think how they almost messed us up tonight. When are they going to grow up and stop betting on everything? Mary was too happy to be angry at Kirk and Adam. You know every wager isnt a bad thing. Reid looked shocked. What are you talking about? Mary kissed him. Im just saying that if you go ahead and take me home tonight, Ill bet you get lucky again before morning. Reid slipped his arms around her. I like that kind of bet. What are the odds? A lot better than I thought the chances were Id become a new woman this New Years Eve , Mary thought. Why dont you take me home and find out?

About Veronica Tower

Veronica Tower was married to her high school sweetheart for five deliriously happy years and ten far less wonderful ones. Now she is taking the time to make up for lost opportunities. In addition to returning to school to pursue a degree in psychology, Veronica has committed herself to fully exploring her fantasies, both in writing and in person Veronica welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email the author directly or you can email us at Service@ellorascave.com (when contacting Customer Service, be sure to state the book title and author).

Also by Veronica Tower

Jewel Playtime 1: Streetwalker Playtime 2: Masseur Playtime 3: Changing Room
Elloras Cave Publishing

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New Years Wish ISBN 9781419937033 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED New Years Wish Copyright 2013 Veronica Tower Edited by Elizabeth London Cover design by Erin Dameron-Hill Cover photography by 123rd.com Electronic book publication December 2013 The terms Romantica and Quickies are registered trademarks of Elloras Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Elloras Cave Publishing, Inc. 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publishers permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the authors rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors imagination and used fictitiously. The publisher and author(s) acknowledge the trademark status and trademark ownership of all trademarks, service marks and word marks mentioned in this book. The publisher does not have any control over, and does not assume any responsibility for, author or third-party websites or their content.

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