Sex for Beginners Box Set(69)

Then suddenly something inside of her burst free and floated to the top. Say yes to life, she remembered Dr. Alexander saying in the Sex for Beginners class. Shaken by the revelation, Violet retrieved Dominick’s cell phone number on her phone and pushed the button before she could change her mind. But with every ring, her pulse kicked higher and her confidence waned. She was fumbling for the disconnect button just as his voice came on the line.

“This is Dominick.”

“M-Mr. Burns? It’s Violet Summerlin. Um, I’ve been thinking…”

“Sounds dangerous,” he said, his voice rich with amusement.

She blushed…and lost her nerve. She touched her forehead, trying to concoct a reason to have called. “I…might not be able to finish buying gifts for everyone on your list and get them to you before you leave town.”

“I was planning to get you mailing addresses if you wouldn’t mind having them couriered to the people they need to go to.”

“Oh. Of course I wouldn’t mind.”

“Good. Are you sure you won’t reconsider and go with me to Miami?”

Her heart was beating so loudly she was sure he could hear it over the phone.

“Vee? Are you still there?”

“Yes, I’m here.” Her palms were sweating. “Actually, my plans have changed. And if the offer is still open…” She gripped the phone harder and took a deep breath for courage. “I accept.”





5




Four days until Christmas

THE NEXT MORNING, Dominick whistled happily as he packed his suitcase. After Violet had turned down his initial invitation to Miami for the manufactured holiday business trip, he’d nearly given up on the idea of getting her to himself—to seduce her and fulfill the fantasies she’d written about in her letter. Her about-face decision to go with him had electrified him. He’d barely slept last night from thinking about all the ways he would please her.

Admittedly, when he’d heard the tremulous note in her voice when she’d said, “I accept,” he’d almost changed his mind. The woman was naive for her years and had most likely never been exposed to someone like him. He might scare her off and lose her as a business associate in the bargain.

But then he’d reminded himself that the trip was a win-win situation. He’d have help while he conducted research on Sunpiper, and Vee would be paid handsomely for her time. And if something else developed on the side, then they could indulge in a harmless holiday fling in a place where Vee didn’t have to worry about being seen by anyone who might know her. His plan was to get the woman to let down her guard.

Or at least the collar of her ever-present turtleneck.

He picked up the pink polka-dotted envelope and his cock surged in anticipation. Violet hadn’t mentioned the letter, so she obviously didn’t suspect that it had somehow made its way into the envelope couriered to his house. Did she still yearn for the things she’d written about ten years ago? And would she be open to his seduction? If not, he wouldn’t press her, of course. He’d never do anything to alarm her or drive her inhibitions deeper underground. But he hoped that she would allow him to be the one to show her how exciting sex could be.

He slid the envelope into the side pocket of his suitcase, simply because having it made him feel as if he were the keeper of a wonderful secret. It was better to give than to receive, and he planned to give Violet Summerlin a holiday vacation she’d never forget.

* * *

“IS THAT WHAT you’re wearing?” Lillian asked.

Violet looked down at her standard black suit and white turtleneck. “It’s what I always wear.”

Lillian pressed her lips together. “I know, and it’s very professional. But you’re going to Miami, and the dress code there is more informal.”

“But it’s all I have.”

Lillian angled her head, then snapped her fingers. “We’re about the same size, and I just picked up my dry cleaning.”

Before Violet could protest, the woman was out the door, then returned in a couple of minutes with an armful of clothing contained in clear plastic bags. She hung the items on the coatrack, then flipped through them. “This blouse under your suit would be nice and cool.”

Violet stared at the scrap of green fabric. “That’s because there’s nothing to it.”

“It’s a halter and it’ll look great on you,” Lillian insisted, pushing it into Violet’s hands. “Here are two more blouses, and two dresses.”

Violet bit her lip. The colors were brighter, the necklines were lower, and the hemlines were higher than anything she’d ever worn. “I couldn’t,” she said, shaking her head.

“Of course you can,” Lillian said. “I insist. You might not need them, but if you do, at least you’ll have them.”

“Okay,” Violet relented. “Thank you, Lillian. And thank you for agreeing to take care of things while I’m out of town.” They had spent yesterday afternoon going over every detail of business that needed to be handled before Christmas.

Lillian smiled. “I’m glad you gave me another chance after throwing out that letter.”

Violet lifted her hand in a dismissive wave. “It wasn’t your fault. Forget about it. I have.”

If only it were true. In truth, she couldn’t get the words she’d written out of her head. Sometimes I feel like I’m trapped in myself…I want to change, I just don’t know how.

So as nervous as she was about spending these next few days with Dominick, she sensed the experience would be eye-opening. Maybe simply being near the man would give her the courage to be more bold in her life choices going forward.

“Did you pack a bathing suit?” Lillian asked.

Violet squinted. “This is a business trip. Why would I need a bathing suit?”

“You’d be surprised how much business is discussed around pools and poolside bars, especially in Miami. You have one, don’t you?”

Violet nodded.

“Then you’d better get it.” Lillian checked her watch. “You still have time.”

Resigned, Violet raced back upstairs to unlock her condo door.

“Don’t forget sandals!” Lillian called.

Violet dashed into the bedroom, opening and closing drawers until she found the bathing suit and cover-up that Nan had talked her into buying but she’d never had a chance to wear. She opened her closet door to fish out a pair of thong sandals that were practically new. When her gaze landed on a hanging lingerie bag, she hesitated. There was absolutely no rationale for taking a single piece of her little-used lingerie collection—gifts from Nan and purchases made at a lingerie party after one too many cosmopolitans.

On the other hand, as Lillian had pointed out, what would it hurt to take a few items, even if she didn’t use them?

Violet wet her lips. But if she did need them, at least she’d have them.

She reached into the bag and pulled out a handful of silky things. After wrapping the cover-up around them, she hurried back downstairs to stuff everything into her suitcase.

When the front door bell chimed, her heart jumped to her throat. But when she looked up, she almost choked.

Patricia Kingsbury stood there smiling wide, holding Winslow in a carrier. “We’re here!”

Violet swallowed a vile curse. She’d completely forgotten that she’d promised to keep Winslow over Christmas! Now what?

She conjured up a smile and introduced Lillian, who was giving her sideways glances. Winslow began to whine, then bark in earnest until Ms. Kingsbury set the carrier on the floor and opened it to allow him to trot out. He went directly to Violet and rubbed her pants leg, leaving an astonishing amount of orange hair behind.

“Violet has a special way with my Winslow,” Patricia gushed. “I think he’s half in love with her.”

“He’s Pekingese, isn’t he?” Lillian asked. “I’ve heard they can exhibit almost humanlike emotions.”

“He has quite the personality,” the woman agreed. “And when it comes to people, he certainly has his favorites.” She clapped her hands. “Well, now that I know he’s in good hands, I’m off. I’ll be back on the twenty-seventh, Violet. You have my number if you need me, but I trust your judgment implicitly.”

Violet nodded miserably while Winslow humped her leg. “Goodbye. Have a safe trip.”

When the door closed behind Ms. Kingsbury, Violet held up her hands to Lillian. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to ask you to take care of him.”

“I wouldn’t mind, except my landlady doesn’t allow pets.” Lillian crossed her arms. “I take it you agreed to this before you accepted Mr. Burns’s invitation?”

Violet massaged her temple. “I can’t believe I forgot.”

Lillian looked down at the still-humping dog. “I can see why you would want to.”

Violet sighed. “Winslow’s really not that bad. He’s just…temperamental.”

“Sounds just like a man. What are you going to do?”

She shrugged. “I promised Ms. Kingsbury that I’d watch him. I’ll have to tell Dominick that I can’t go.”

“Can you place the little fellow in a kennel?”

Violet grimaced. “Apparently, I’m the only one he’ll go potty for.”