Page 15 of Taking A Chance
He picks up his pace, catching up with Kat and Ben as they step into the lift. He turns to watch me as I stand, in rigid shock, on the spot. His eyes are fixed securely on my face, and I’m sure as eggs are eggs, my mouth is open, face glowing red with embarrassment, my bottom jaw not far from hitting the floor.
“Earth to Petra, earth to Petra,” Kat sniggers. I realise I must look like the Walking Dead, as I seem to have lost the ability to blink. “Are you coming or what?”
I snap out of it, step into the lift and spin my back to Cade, unable to cope under his scrutiny. Kat and Ben chatter away, occasionally Cade adding a few words to the conversation. The whole time I sense the heat of his eyes on my back, my body bubbles as his promised words run riot in my head.
Be careful.
Don’t need asking twice.
That’s a promise.
I hope to God, I’m not thinking out loud as ‘Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me,’ keeps jumping in there too. In my own voice. Mashing up with his deep tones.
How the hell am I going to get through today?
Both Ben and I are waiting in the lobby. As yet, there’s no sign of Petra or Kat.
“So, what’s going on, brother?” Ben wiggles his eyebrows at me, which is code for, did you get laid last night?
“Give me some credit, Ben,” I grumble. “She was drunk.”
“Since when has that stopped you?” he sniggers. “Wait a minute. That could only mean one thing. Damn it, Cade. I was right, you do like her.”
“Back the fuck off, asshole.” I’m about to set him straight about what had actually happened when the elevator pings. “Not another word Ben, you ruin this for me and I’ll feed your cock to an alligator, while the rest of you is still attached.”
“Chill, man,” he huffs and I elbow him in the ribs for good measure. “Ouch! Jesus, look at those legs!”
Ben is referring to Kat and I’m sure she looks good, but my eyes instantly gravitate to Petra.
The bright yellow, tank top she’s wearing is tight, almost like a second skin. The rounded neck scoops low and barely covers her bra, giving a splendid view of the peaks of her breasts. Vintage denim, hi-rise shorts with frayed edges and tears make her legs seem longer than I last remember them. Her skin, that soft, smooth olive skin brings flash backs of how perfect it felt against my fingertips.. The thought of my hands touching her, pulling her legs until they’re wrapped around my neck, while I bury my...
Fortunately, the two girls are busy talking amongst themselves, and Ben only has eyes for Kat. I don’t think anyone notices when I push my hardened dick to a less uncomfortable position as inconspicuously as I possibly can, given the circumstances.
“Ready to go, ladies?” I ask once I’d coughed and cleared my throat.
“Yes, we are. Aren’t we Petra?” Kat side bumps her friend.
“Saddle up, Cowboy,” Petra stands firm, her hands on her hips. “Let’s haul ass.”
“Cowboy?” Ben looks at me, confused. “Why is she calling you Cowboy?”
* * *
The drive from the hotel to the market only takes a few minutes. We park the car nearby and walk along Drew Street towards where the market is held, here in Clearwater. The Pierce Street Market is located under the Memorial Causeway Bridge, next to the harbour marina.
“Wow!” Petra gasps. “What a view.” Her face alight with amazement.
Even for me, having seen it many times, it still takes my breath away. The huge white pillars of the bridge against the clear blue sky, peppered with palm trees, are outstanding. Every colour of the rainbow visible around the various vendor stalls. Whether it be flowers, fabrics, handmade soaps, candles, pottery and crafts, it’s a vision to be seen.
The aromatics are so tempting. A mix of all the original foods from around the globe has your taste buds jumping to attention and your mouth salivating, eager to taste the variety of international cuisine.
Ben and Kat gain some distance from us as they walk upfront, still talking away, both hardly aware of their surroundings. Kat stops now and again, for a quick look at some of the stalls selling food items, but otherwise she seems to be happy with Ben’s company.
Petra, on the other hand, stops at most of the tables, checking out the items for sale with a new found enthusiasm.
“Cade,” she shouts as she grabs my hand and pulls me towards one vendor. “Look at these.” I miss her touch when she lets go to pick up a bright pink bar of soap. Bringing it up to her nose, she breathes in the fragrance. “Mmm, smell it,” she says, holding it up towards me. I take advantage of the opportunity to catch her hand again, bringing it towards my nose, as I sniff the bar. I hold on longer than necessary, but shoot me. I’m loving it.
“Strawberry and vanilla.”