“You have your swimsuit?”
“Yes.”
“When are you finished?”
“Another hour.’’
Sheldon winked. “See you in the steam room.’’
Tyanna didn’t respond. Instead, she walked the few steps back to Misty. But she knew she’d be in the steam room, just as Sheldon wished. And she knew that he knew it, too.
“I’m sorry,” Tyanna said to Misty. “I shouldn’t have—’’
“No, don’t apologize. If I had a guy as hot as that all over me, I can tell you I’d definitely be ignoring everyone else.’’
Tyanna could no longer keep a smile from creeping onto her face. She stole a glance at Sheldon and found him looking at her.
He was hot, and he was irresistible.
A dangerous combination.
Tyanna’s heart started beating out of control when she went to the changing room to shower and get into her bathing suit. She’d seen in Sheldon’s eyes something mischievous and daring when he’d flirted with her—and she could only imagine what might happen between them in a darkened steam room with no one else around.
It hadn’t been a fantasy of hers to make love in a steam room until the first time Sheldon had surprised her there weeks earlier. Now, she secretly wondered if her fantasy would come true.
Dressed in her provocative black bikini, her skin damp from her shower, Tyanna paused outside the steam room, butterflies tickling her stomach. Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, then pulled the door open.
But when she stepped into the steam-filled room, she knew her fantasy would have to wait. Sheldon wasn’t alone. Another gym patron, a woman Tyanna had seen a couple times, sat inside.
Feeling a measure of disappointment, Tyanna met Sheldon’s gaze. From the far end of the room, he flashed her a soft smile. Tyanna walked only a few steps to her right, taking a seat several feet away from Sheldon, playing as if she didn’t know him. Even with an audience, she didn’t trust herself so near to him. Definitely not a good thing. And considering Sheldon had shown her a different side tonight as well—a flirtatious side she
hadn’t seen in public before—she couldn’t be sure what
he
was capable of.
Besides, she decided as she got comfortable on the second ledge, this way it was more fun. Stealing glances across the dark and steamy room. Knowing they were so close to each other but couldn’t touch.
The heat and steam enveloped her, and Tyanna rested her head back on the ceramic-tile wall. The more relaxed one was, the longer they could stay in this heat. Already she felt her pores opening up, her sweat glands working. She loved the eucalyptus; it was good for her skin.
A couple minutes later, sensing Sheldon’s eyes on her, she opened hers. As she’d known, he was staring at her. Though it was hard to see his eyes with clarity, she felt them with ease. And she knew he was dying to be closer to her.
A smirk pulled at the corner of her mouth. An idea hit her, the idea to tease the hell out of him. Lifting her legs up, Tyanna lay back along the ledge. She bent one leg at the knee and seductively angled it over the other. It was a pose designed to make Sheldon even hotter than he already was.
She glanced his way. One look at Sheldon told her she was getting to him. Good. He deserved it for having practically attacked her in front of Misty and everyone else in the gym.
Oh, yeah. Payback was fun. As Tyanna watched Sheldon squirm, she took the game of
her seduction one step further. Easing one shoulder up at a time, she slipped the straps of her bikini off her shoulders. Because the other person in the steam room was a woman, she had no problem bringing her bikini top down to a level she wouldn’t have dared to do in front of another man, even though she was still covered.
She closed her eyes and didn’t open them until she heard footsteps. The other woman was on her feet, making her way to the door.
The moment she disappeared, Sheldon was on his feet. Tyanna’s breath snagged at the sight of his beautiful, nearly naked body moving swiftly toward her.
“Damn, woman,” he ground out when he reached her side. “Are you trying to drive me nuts?’’
“Just getting comfortable.”
“Comfortable my ass. Is this how you always undress in this steam room, regardless of who’s in here?’’
“You mean like this?” She slowly peeled the bikini top off her breasts.
He was silent for a moment as his eyes took in the sight of her nakedness. “I knew it,” he told her. “You’re trying to torture me.’’
“I thought you’d enjoy it,” Tyanna replied coyly.
“Hell, yeah.” He threw a quick look over his shoulder to make sure they were still alone. “But I want more.’’
“Oh?” Tyanna was proud of how cool she’d sounded.
Sheldon ran a finger down her abdomen. “My first choice was to go into the pool with you. But I figured what I wanted to do with you was too risky for the pool. Considering that anyone can see in there through the windows from the gym floor.” His fingers skimmed the side of her breast. “But here, it’s dark….”
It actually felt like her heart stumbled. Sheldon
did
want to make love in here. “It’s also hot.’’
“Don’t I know it.’’
He placed his hand over her breast. As Tyanna’s eyes fluttered shut, her nipple hardened against his palm. She wanted his hands all over her, but this was so risky, regardless of the late hour. Someone else could walk in here without warning.
His lips brushed hers, and Tyanna’s eyelids instantly opened. “Sheldon…”
As she opened her mouth, his tongue made its way inside. Hot steam and the flavor of eucalyptus mingled with his tongue. His fingers pulled at her hardened nipple, sending waves of pleasure through her.
Tyanna was aware of the danger, but suddenly she didn’t care. She felt electrified, as Sheldon’s touch always made her feel. There was no way she would ever tire of him. Whatever the spark was between them, it was one Tyanna doubted could be snuffed out.
Sheldon kneaded her other nipple into a tight ball while his tongue tangled with hers. The com
bined heat of the steam room and the heat of Sheldon’s touch was making her light-headed.
He pulled his lips from hers, asking, “You know what I’d like to do to you in here?’’
“No.”
“Everything.” He lowered his head to her nipple, and to Tyanna’s surprise, his tongue was even hotter than the steam. She watched as he pulled at her nipple with his teeth, laved it with his tongue. All the while she wondered if the heat and pleasure would make her pass out.
“I can never get enough of you.” He brought his lips back to hers at the same moment the door squeaked open. Tyanna’s body jerked in surprise, and in a swift movement, Sheldon adjusted her bikini top, covering her.
A man came in and wandered to the far corner of the steam room. Sheldon’s back now faced Tyanna, and he pretended he had simply been standing and stretching. Tyanna watched him as she regained her composure. He glanced over his shoulder at her, and she bit down hard on her bottom lip to keep from cracking up.
He gave her a quick smile, then sauntered out of the steam room. Tyanna counted to thirty, slowly sat up, then made for the door.
She and Sheldon would continue this at her place, where there would be no interruptions.
The next morning, Tyanna got up before the sun, unable to sleep. She and Sheldon had forgone food in the interest of satisfying their carnal hunger, and now she needed a different form of nourishment.
She carefully sat up, making sure not to wake Sheldon. Her feet hit a mound of clothing as she swung them to the floor. His T-shirt and jeans were beside the bed, as were her clothes. The two of them rarely took it slow and easy; when it came to sex, they were always hot and hungry for each other.
With the help of the night-light in the hallway, Tyanna found Sheldon’s shirt and slipped into it. At the bedroom door, she stole a quick glance at Sheldon. A smile touched her lips at the sight of his sleeping form in her darkened room.
Tyanna quietly walked out of the bedroom. She was entirely too comfortable with him in her bed. Which made her wonder what would happen if things didn’t work out for them. As of now, they
were simply going with the flow. There had been no talk of a future. No talk of love.
She had no doubt that Sheldon was hanging around in her life as much to make sure she was safe as to satisfy his lust. But when the threat was over, where did that leave them?
Guarding your heart was a tough task, that much she knew. And in part because she didn’t know the status of her relationship with Sheldon this time around, Tyanna hadn’t told her family that they were seeing each other again. It didn’t feel right, and she knew her family would have a million questions, just as they had the day she’d told them Sheldon had returned to town. And other than one time, she and Sheldon hadn’t even discussed her family.
That was something that gave her cause to wonder about what Sheldon wanted. If he wanted long term with her, wouldn’t he have asked her already whether or not she’d told her family that they were once again involved? Her family’s approval of him had been an issue between them in the past, one Sheldon had often pressed.
Tyanna didn’t want to think about any of this anymore, so she made her way to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, she inspected the contents. Milk, orange juice, some eggs, bread and jelly. Enough for breakfast.
She reached for the orange juice and took a long swig straight from the carton. Her mother would be appalled, but hey, she lived alone.
She returned the juice to the shelf in the fridge, then stood staring, wondering what she should eat. Cereal, she finally decided. That would be the easiest and quickest thing at this hour.
Hearing footsteps, she turned.
Rubbing his eyes, Sheldon shuffled into the kitchen, topless and wearing his black boxers. Tyanna shook her head as she shot him a mock scowl.
Why was it that Sheldon never stayed asleep anytime she got up to prepare breakfast?
“What are you doing up?” Tyanna asked.
“I missed you,” he replied.
“Why do I think you just happen to be hungry? You always seem to wake up whenever I get food.’’
He slipped his arms around her waist from behind and nuzzled his nose against her soft neck. “I’m hungry for you.’’
“Still?”
“Baby, I’m always hungry for you.’’
Tyanna playfully elbowed him in the rib. “My stomach needs nourishment.”
“Hey,” Sheldon began, taking his hands off her, “so does mine.’’
“Then grab a bowl. I’m only having cereal.’’
“Cereal is fine.’’
While Sheldon went to the cupboard and got out two bowls, Tyanna opened the pantry. She stared at the two choices, then asked, “Lucky Charms or Bran Flakes?’’
“
Lucky Charms?
”
Tyanna cut her eyes at him. “Don’t give me stress. A girl’s got to have one vice.’’
“It’s just weird. Both choices are at opposite ends of the spectrum.”
“So?” Tyanna challenged. She would never tell him that after he’d left her, she had started eating her favorite childhood cereal again for comfort. That and chocolate.
Sheldon shrugged. “It’s just that I never would have thought…you’re so health conscious.”
“Anything in moderation.”
Sheldon’s eyes met hers. “Even me?’’
Tyanna hesitated. “Yes. Even you. Now what do you want?’’
“Lucky Charms.’’
“Really?” Tyanna could only shake her head. “And you give
me
the third degree!’’
Tyanna took the box of cereal to the kitchen table, then went to the fridge. Sheldon got spoons, brought them to the table, then sat.
The jug of milk in hand, Tyanna made her way to the table. Before she could sit, Sheldon grabbed her, pulling her onto his lap. The skin of her bottom grazed the hair on his thighs.
Tyanna giggled. “Sheldon,” she protested. “I need to eat.’’
“Don’t worry. I’m going to feed you.’’
Sheldon filled one of the bowls with cereal and milk. He dipped the spoon into the bowl, taking up some of the Lucky Charms. He carefully lifted the spoon to Tyanna’s mouth. He fed her, then fed
himself, then fed her again. They continued that routine until the bowl was empty.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m still hungry,” Tyanna announced.
Sheldon tightened his hand around her waist. Her butt moved over him, and she could feel the length of him against her, growing hot and strong.
Tyanna’s breathing grew shallow at the same moment her stomach grumbled. “What did I tell you?” she asked.
“All right,” Sheldon said. “Let’s finish eating before anything else.’’
“Before we go back to bed. To sleep,” Tyanna stressed.
Sheldon looked into her eyes. “Why am I getting a distinct ‘you’re tired of sex’ vibe?’’
Tyanna lifted the box of cereal and filled another bowl. “I didn’t say I was tired of sex….”
“But?”
“But.” She paused. “But maybe we should see how long we can actually last without sex. And a great way to start would be by me getting off your lap.’’
With Sheldon’s hold on her slackened, Tyanna got up and moved to the adjacent chair. “There. Don’t you feel better already?” she asked.
Sheldon looked at her with narrowed eyes. “No sex.’’
No sex. Could she do it? She didn’t know. But not for the first time, she wondered if sex
was all there was to her relationship with Sheldon. For whatever reason, he always turned her on in a most primal way, which could be why it was so hard to get him out of her system.
“Yeah. No sex. Now let’s see how long it takes you to hit the door.’’
Now Sheldon frowned. “What are you trying to say?” he asked. “You think I can’t lie in bed with you and keep my hands off you?’’
“Sometimes I wonder,” Tyanna replied. She poured milk into her bowl of Lucky Charms.
“Like you do a good job of keeping your hands to yourself.”
“Touché.” She dipped her spoon into the bowl, then paused. “But honestly, I guess I’d like to know we’re more to each other than just sexual partners.”
“Let’s go to bed.” Sheldon pushed his chair back and stood.
“Whoa—”
“To sleep,” Sheldon stressed. “I’m gonna show you that as much as I may want to make love to you, we can have intimate moments that don’t involve sex.’’
Maybe she was developing a multiple personality, because she didn’t like the fact that Sheldon had agreed so easily to her “no sex” request. But she said, “All right. Just as soon as I have another bowl.’’
They both ate more cereal, and when they were
finished, Sheldon took Tyanna’s hand and led her back to the bedroom. Clearly, he wanted to show her that there was more to their relationship than the physical. Exactly what did that mean?
For once, she just wished the man would come out and tell her that he loved her. Or that he simply enjoyed spending time with her but didn’t care about her enough to marry her one day. Then she’d know.
Goodness, here she was, thinking about marriage once again. When did that happen?
No, that wasn’t right. As she climbed into bed and Sheldon pulled the covers over her, Tyanna acknowledged that the better question was, How had she ever let go of the fantasy that they could have a life together? Because as much as she tried to deny it to herself, she was still in love with Sheldon. He had to know how she felt about him, despite everything she’d said to the contrary.
Sheldon got into bed next to her and lay alongside her, his front pressed against her back. Slipping his arm around her waist, he reached for her hand.
Tyanna closed her eyes as Sheldon linked fingers with hers. This was nice. Comfortable and cozy.
Silence filled the room for a long while, but though Tyanna was tired, she couldn’t sleep. Sheldon was the only man who had the power to crush her heart. She hadn’t expected to be back to this point—with him in her life, in her bed.
She was contemplating a move to Los Angeles if her fitness video venture was successful. What would happen then?
She said, “Our video is finished. Postproduction and all.’’
“That was quick,” Sheldon replied.
“Yeah. Apparently Phil decided to work on it right away and get it done. It’s ready to be sent to Ronnie Vaughn. I get to see it a little later today.’’
“That’s great.” Sheldon sounded tired.
“Wendy’s seen it, and she thinks Ronnie will be impressed.”
“I’m sure he will be.’’
“And…” Tyanna hesitated, not sure how to say her next words. “Wendy and I were thinking that if everything goes as we planned, we might move to L.A.’’
“Move?” Sheldon asked. “Permanently?”
“It’s something Wendy and I were considering,” Tyanna explained. “There’s big money in the fitness business out there…. Plus, if Ronnie Vaughn does one of our videos, we think it would make sense. We might do a whole series. I don’t know….”
“But if you move to L.A.,” he began, his voice sleepy, “how are we going to build a future together?”
For a full five seconds, Tyanna didn’t breathe. She waited for Sheldon to go on. When he didn’t, she said, “A future together?”
“Mmm hmm,” he replied softly.
This was the first time Sheldon had ever mentioned such a thing, and a weird mix of emotions swirled inside Tyanna. She felt a rush of joy tinged with a bit of fear. A life with Sheldon. Did she dare hope?
She had given up on any dreams of marriage and a family. And during this time she and Sheldon had been spending together, she had deliberately tried to push thoughts of a future out of her mind. Oh, it had become painfully clear that she still loved him, but she had tried simply to enjoy their time together, no strings attached.
She snuggled closer to him, wiggling her bottom against his groin. No doubt about it, she could handle this—waking up next to Sheldon every day.
“Sheldon?”
But he didn’t answer. Tyanna could hear the steady sound of his breathing.
How are we going to build a future together?
She smiled. That, in a nutshell, was the closest Sheldon had ever come to telling her that he loved her.
And for right now, it felt good.
Closing her eyes, she savored the moment, content to fall asleep in the arms of the man she knew she still loved.
When Wendy rolled over, one foot tangled in the sheets while the other one went over the side of the bed. Her eyes popped open. She was instantly aware that she wasn’t in familiar surroundings.
It took another moment for her to remember—she was in Phil’s bed.
Phil’s bed.
The realization made her warm inside.
But where was Phil?
Slowly she sat up. The room spun, but still she didn’t lie back. She had no clue what time it was, only that she had to work today.
Glancing down, she saw that she wasn’t wearing what she’d had on last night. She was in an oversized white T-shirt, which had to be Phil’s.
She didn’t remember changing. Had Phil changed her clothes for her? A moment of panic hit her at the same time she felt the throbbing in her head.
Good Lord, just how much of a fool had she made of herself last night? Slowly but surely, a couple details were coming back to her. She’d had a couple of those Call-a-Cab drinks at a bar, where they’d gone after dinner. The drink’s name had intrigued her, and man, they hadn’t been kidding about it. If she hadn’t been with Phil, she had no clue how she would have made it home.
But she hadn’t made it home—she’d made it back to Phil’s place. Had they finally made love? God, how awful would that be if they’d made love and she didn’t even remember it!
Wendy slipped the covers off and climbed out of bed. Man, she needed some aspirin and she needed it badly. Steadying herself, she glanced
around the room. It was then that she noticed her black dress was draped over a chair in one corner of the room.
But there was no sign of Phil’s clothes.
Wendy opened the bedroom door and went out into the hallway. Hearing no sound, she padded quietly toward the living room. It was early, not too long after sunrise, she was sure, so she couldn’t imagine Phil having gotten up already if they’d been sleeping together.
She found him snuggled under a blanket on his plush beige sofa. His tall body was cramped into the too-small space, one foot hanging over the side. He lay on his back, and the way his neck was angled over the armrest must have hurt.
“Phil.” When he didn’t respond, Wendy moved to the side of the sofa and sat on the floor near his head. She rubbed his arm. “Phil.’’
Phil’s eyes flew open. He seemed as startled as she had been when she’d woken up and found herself in his bed.
“Hi,” she said, offering him a smile.
“I didn’t think you’d be up already.’’
“I made an ass of myself, didn’t I?’’
“No, not an ass.’’
“Just an idiot,” Wendy offered.
“You were pretty drunk. You’ve got to have a killer hangover.”
“I do. And I’m hoping you have some aspirin.’’
“In the bathroom cabinet above the sink.’’
Wendy’s eyes ventured from Phil’s face to the
length of his body. He wore a T-shirt, and she could see the outline of his white briefs beneath the thin sheet. It didn’t look as though they’d been intimate, but she had to ask. Had to be sure.
“Did we…?”
“No,” Phil answered quickly. “Nothing happened. You know I’d never take advantage of you.’’
Wendy felt a mix of disappointment and relief. “Of course.” She got to her feet. “What time is it?’’