Intermission (Novelettes) (The Bridge Series) Read online

  “Both. I live Downtown near TriBeCa and work for my family’s company. Don’t judge!” He smiles boyishly, but there seems to be a hint of embarrassment behind his eyes.

  “You didn’t judge me and I was reading a children’s book.” I run my hand up his muscular leg and he shifts his weight to allow full exploration.

  “Are we still on for dinner?” he asks.

  The train enters the dark tunnel on its non-stop plow to Grand Central and the lights flicker on and off. Zach reaches in to kiss me. It’s soft and delicate until he parts my mouth with his fierce tongue. He tastes like spearmint and lust and I return his tongue acrobatics with a few of my own tricks.

  The overhead announcement crackles through the train, “Grand Central Station.” Our lips part and the oxygen returns to my brain.

  “Zach, I would love to have dinner with you, I just don’t know when I will be done.” The train stops so he grabs his bag and my book and I start to stand. Zach pulls me back down to him and places his hand gently on my cheek.

  “Natalie, tu es belle et intelligente, mais tu ne comprends même pas ce que je te dis. On a besoin d’explorer le plaisir afin d’oublier la douleur.”

  I raise my eyebrows and smile, not having a clue what he said in its entirety. “What? I don’t know—”

  Zach laughs and pulls me up with him to exit the train. “I’ll wait for you outside the interview, it won’t take long!” I really hope he’s right.

  “How did it go?” Zach is leaning against a marble abstract figure outside the Foundation. I still can’t get over how incredibly gorgeous he is, but I will not allow myself to fall so quickly. This stage of my life is simply a bridge from point A to B, and although Zach could very likely be my B, I want to enjoy the journey a little longer.

  “Total bomb! Fuck the French!” I say loudly as a businessman stops and frowns in disgust. Ever since 9/11, people are a little too sensitive about freedom of speech, understandable, but still a shitty way to live as a Canadian-American.

  “They obviously don’t realize they’re missing out on a hot piece of ass that could help their stuffy image.” Zach offers me his hand and I gladly accept. He hails a taxi, which I’m thankful for, seeing as it’s nearly ninety degrees on hot cement and my alligator pumps are wreaking havoc on my ankles.

  Once inside the smelly cab, Zach rolls up his sleeves and flicks open another button to his shirt. I stare at his tan chest, taunting me and unleashing my inner vixen. He reaches his hand to my chest and pops open another button to my flimsy shirt, revealing the lacey confinement of my breasts.

  “That’s much better, don’t ya think?” His index finger skims the edge of my bra and I flinch, not from nerves, but from need.

  “So where are we going?” I ask.

  “Natalie, are you ignoring my flirtation?” Zach smirks as his other hand glides freely up my thigh.

  “Nope, just wondering if a bed or table will be involved.” I place my hand on top his and move it to the crease my panties.

  “Definitely a bed. Possibly the shower.” He reaches in to kiss the tender stretch of skin just below my ear. Tiny beads of perspiration resting at my hairline freeze as soon as his lips caress my skin. Chills run down my bare arm as his finger presses against my clit, making my top half chilly and bottom half hot with desire.

  We spend the entire cab ride kissing and fondling and making each other moan. I never once look at the cabbie because there’s definitely something exciting about tormenting our driver through the rearview mirror and modesty left me somewhere around the sixth grade. We finally arrive at his building and Zach walks around to my side of the door to help me out. As I exit the taxi, I flash him my panties and a wicked grin.

  “Upstairs. Now.” He moves us quickly past the doorman and straight to the elevator. It takes me a few moments to adjust to my surroundings, but wow, his building is gorgeous. Modern, yet full of mid-century character and charm. This is exactly how I imagined myself living all those nights as a Canadian teenager watching Friends.

  When we’re alone inside the elevator, Zach traps me against the wall, presses the five button, then resumes sliding my skirt up to rest on my waist. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull his lips to mine. His hands squeeze my hips as he positions his hard-on between my legs. Zach is large, no doubt, and I can’t wait to have him inside me. Ding.

  The doors slide open and Zach grabs my waist, neglecting to lower my skirt. He pulls me to the door across the hall and fumbles for his keys. He has an America flag key fob, God Bless America for this All-American sex god. The door flies open and he pushes me toward the living area. I step out of my painful pumps and throw my clutch somewhere near the couch. Zach tosses his bag on a nearby table then immediately grabs my face to kiss me. It’s forceful this time, rushed and messy. He licks my neck as I unbutton his shirt, but my vibrating phone messes with my mojo. We continue undressing, but then it vibrates again. Fils de Salope! He backs me up to the couch and lowers to his knees.

  “Answer the fucking phone.” His eyes dart quickly from my face to my pussy as I arch my back to reach for my purse. Zach lowers my panties as the phone vibrates for the third time.

  “It’s my parents.” I whisper, not realizing they can’t exactly hear me.

  “Answer the phone,” he says in between kisses and licks.

  “Zach, can you stop?” I flip open my phone and hit redial. It’s ringing and I have a tongue skinning my beaver – “Hey Mom. Everything’s fine. That job wasn’t for me. No, I’m staying in the City tonight with some friends. I’ll call you in the morning.” I close the phone before she can argue or console me and Zach stands to confront me.

  “Why didn’t you tell your parents the truth?” He’s completely serious.

  “Right! Hey Mom, call you back after my cunnilingus with some guy I met on the train!” I laugh at the idea but Zach’s face seems solemn.

  “What I mean is, why can’t you tell your parents that you need some space? That part of having a dream is the living part.” He clearly has the advantage of being a little rich boy with no problems.

  “Because what I want is impossible. How do I explain to my parents, the people that support whatever crazy thing I do, that I want a life that’s entirely opposite of theirs?”

  “Then let me give you that life. I can give you a job.”

  “What? Absolutely not! I don’t need a prince to rescue me.” I pull down my skirt, embarrassed that he sees right through me.

  “We can help each other. Like Strangers on a Train, literally.”

  “Huh? I’m not going to kill your parents! What the fuck is wrong with you?” I immediately pull up my underwear and search for my purse. Zach is hunkered over laughing so hard I honestly think he might choke. He grabs my hand and pulls me to the sofa.

  “Natalie, ma femme, sit down and listen to me. Are you against having a conversation? After all we’ve been through in the past three hours?” His eyes are the color of sapphires and I hate being jealous of a man’s features.

  “Actually, I was hoping we could just fuck and have a nice dinner.” I place my hands in my lap and relax.

  “Oh, we will.” Zach kisses my forehead and with that one little kiss, I feel a sense of friendship I have never experienced with a man, especially a man this hot.

  “Okay, let’s prioritize. Five-minute convo, a few hours of mind-blowing sex and then dinner that requires reservations. And I want dessert.” I demand, biting my lip like I’m impatient.

  “Perfect plan. Start the clock.” He smiles arrogantly and places his arm around me. His bare chest is quite distracting, but I will selflessly give him his five minutes before I devour every square inch.

  “Go.” I say.

  “I have friend that owns an event company. She mainly organizes corporate events and the occasional celebrity party. Molly will love you, and I’m confident you will be great for the job. All you have to do is say yes and I can arrange for you to start next week.”

&nb
sp; “And what do you want in return?” I say, teasing his nipples with my fingers.

  “Obviously, I want to use you however I see fit. The kinkier the better. And frequently.”

  “Obviously. And your parents, how do they fall into this job-in-exchange-for-sex plan?”

  “Ah, well that’s the hard part. You see, they have high expectations for their only son. With my mom’s health and my dad’s arrogance, they’re looking to me to step up and be in charge, the new face of hope for the company.” Zach frowns at me. “Why are you making that face?”

  “I’m sorry, I’m just confused.” I answer.

  “You frown when you’re confused? Anyway, my family owns Parker and Parker Pharmaceuticals, you’ve probably heard of it – I’m the second Parker. My dad wants to step down completely and make me CEO. He’s a prick and now his wife is dying and all his miracle drugs can’t stop it. My father’s image is shattered and he wants me, at twenty-six years old, to run a company I know nothing about.” Zach’s eyes water and I gather that there is a long history of family turmoil. I place his hand in mine and squeeze it with compassion.

  “How can I help?”

  Zach smiles at me, confident with his parental plan of tyranny. “Come with me to meet my mom. She needs a little happiness and you ignite fire wherever you go. She wants to meet my girlfriend.” His voice lowers to a whisper at that last word.

  “I understand, but I’m not sure I feel comfortable pretending to be your girlfriend.” I’m not really girlfriend material and no guy has ever brought me home to mom – I don’t know why the fuck not!

  “You don’t have to pretend, she only wants to see me happy and you definitely make me happy.”

  “Okay Zach, I can do that for you.” He leans in to kiss my nose, so sweet and unassuming.

  “And there’s the other thing. I don’t want the company. Ever. I have plans for my life.”

  “Really? Like what?” I ask teasingly.

  “Oh! Looks like we’ve passed the five-minute mark. We’ll save goals and plans for our next break.” Zach smiles mischievously and stands up. He unbuckles his pants and lets them fall to the floor. He’s delectably hard beneath his boxer briefs and I smile in delight. “Now, Ms.? I’m sorry I didn’t catch your full name.” He extends a hand and pulls me up to join him.

  “I’m Natalie LeGrange. Nice to meet you Mr. Parker.”

  “Yes, very nice. So in order to conduct the most effective interview, you will need to remove your clothing, please.” Zach takes a step back to access my body and I oblige by removing my skirt. I slowly unbutton my shirt and carefully place it on the sofa behind me, it is my only shirt at the moment. Zach shakes his head and licks his lips as I unhook my bra and throw it at the television.

  Zach’s mouth drops open as he mutters, “silver-fucking-dollar nipples, damn!” I pull my panties down, moist from the afternoon of sexual torture, and take a step closer to him.

  “Do you have any questions relevant to the position?” I ask.

  “Not really, but I would like to evaluate your experience. How much cock can you handle?” Zach cups my tits and squeezes gently, releasing a small sigh of pleasure.

  “Oddly, this is exact format of my earlier interview, en français bien sur.” I smile seductively as Zach lowers his briefs to reveal a monster piece of flesh, long, thick and extremely erect. I drop to my knees, prepared and eager for the oral challenge of the decade. I take the tip in my mouth and swirl my tongue around the circumference of his engorged shaft.

  “Natalie, you’re hired.”

  September 17, 2002

  What a beautiful day! I love this city. I love the constant movement. I love the resilient nature of September. I love the fact that I can perform my walk of shame with wrinkled clothes and $2.00 orange flip-flops and no one seems to care. I love the Village junkie that just whistled at me between puffs of some questionable smoke. I love that I can walk with a goofy smile of delirium and people assume I’m a tourist. I love that I have no idea where I am, but there will always be a Starbucks and some fake handbags directing my path.

  Last night with Zach was amazing, clair et simple. He’s one sexy freak with an enormous . . . sexual appetite. Our constant nakedness prevented us from leaving his apartment, so Zach made me waffles with fresh strawberries and a side of whipped, mmmm, delicious whipped cream. My body is sore from the contorting and stretching of certain muscles and that wooden spoon slapping against my ass didn’t help, but my pain is a glorious reminder of what that man is capable of. But mostly, my diaphragm has never hurt so good. We laughed and laughed and I’m pretty sure I snorted chocolate milk at one point. It was like a slumber party with my best friend, only more orgasmic.

  This morning, a woman’s true test of casual sex, Zach surprised me with a present. I mean, holy shit, what girl doesn’t want a present after a night like that? He told me that the job with his friend Molly was mine and I could start as early as Friday. Zach managed to sneak out and buy me an elegant day planner and some cheap flip flops for my aching feet. Every page for the next week has Zach Attack written at various times of the day. He’s sweet, adorable, sexy as shit and he wants me as much as I want him. Yet, call me jaded, I still have this uncomfortable doubt that he’s not telling me everything.

  “Ma’am what can I get you to drink?” says the girl with the purple hair and nose ring. I’m standing at the register deep in thought, but does she really need to insult me with the word ma’am?

  “Oh, sorry, I was distracted by your hair and contempt for humanity. What shade is that exactly?” I frown and she frowns and I better order before we engage in a full-on sticking-out-the-tongue war. “Can I get a grande skinny vanilla latte.” I dig in my clutch . . . lipstick case, train ticket, cell phone, no fucking wallet. Zut!

  “That’ll be $5.29.” Oh crap, this is embarrassing. I could just stick out my tongue and dart out the door. I could throw some gift cards in the air and pretend like one of them has my money on it. I could . . . “Ma’am?” Jesus Christ, I’m the same age as you.

  “I, uh, don’t have my wallet.” I smile nervously and hang my head in shame.

  “I got it. May I also have a tall iced green tea?” His voice is smooth and commanding and I’m positive this guy is a movie star. I pivot to thank him and my face meets his chest, magnificently broad and deliciously fragrant. I raise my head and I’m completely aroused by his dark, intense eyes and his gorgeous smile. He places his hand gently on my waist in order to peel my frozen body away from the counter. “Our drinks will be ready down there.”

  “You didn’t have to do that!” I say, admiring his large frame and confident gait.

  “I try to help at least one damsel per day, it’s part of the superhero code.” He smiles charmingly.

  “Well, thank you.” I smile, waiting for him to ask me out. I mean, this is how it happens, right?

  “I gotta grande skinny vanilla latte and a tall iced green tea unsweetened here for an Adam.” The barista squawks.

  “You’re very welcome.” He hands me my chilled beverage and a napkin and we walk toward the exit. “I would love to hang around and watch you insult people, very sexy trait might I add, but I’m late for a meeting. Some crazy lady was holding up the Starbucks line.” He smirks.

  “Yeah well, crazy bitches need their coffee, too! Thanks again, Adam.”

  “No problem. Have a nice day.” He nods and walks in the opposite direction toward the court buildings.

  Now, how am I going to get to Grand Central?

  September 19, 2002

  I open the front door to Zach’s boyish smile and a bouquet of fresh lavender. I haven’t seen him in two days and every cell in my body wants to rip open his shirt and lick him from head to toe. Never mind my mom, she can watch.

  “Natalie, ma femme, give me a kiss.” Zach steps in the foyer and plants a huge kiss on my cheek, unaware that I have no modesty, so I grab his face and force my tongue in his mouth.

  “You two!
Zach, I’m Judy!” Mom scoots next to me and Zach’s eyes open and blink rapidly. He releases my grip and places his arm around my shoulder like the gentleman he is.

  “Mrs. LeGrange, it’s very nice to meet you. Natalie speaks highly of you and Mr. LeGrange.” Zach presents Mom with the bouquet and smiles proudly. “I picked this from my mother’s garden early this morning.”

  “Oh Zach, it smells divine. Thank you so much! You kids have a wonderful day, and Natalie, remember to check in once and awhile.” I roll my eyes as Mom walks to the kitchen.

  “What a kiss-ass! Surely you don’t think you can get that sort of crap from me? Parents hate me!” Zach pulls me into him as I grab my purse.

  “I highly doubt anyone hates you, jealous maybe, but you’re lovable. C’mon, I have something for you as well, it’s in the car.” Zach takes my hand and leads me to a black BMW convertible. I’ve caught myself wondering about the extent of his family’s wealth, but then I see this humble man, caring and compassionate, and the money doesn’t seem to matter.

  Zach helps me inside the car and I immediately search for my present.

  “What’s wrong? Did you lose something?” He’s grinning arrogantly, enjoying my child-like behavior. Zach starts the car then pops open the glove compartment. A small jewelry box falls into my lap. “Now, before you go thinking that I’m some sap that gives jewelry to every girl I meet, well I don’t! And before you think I’m madly in love with you and I’m rushing into whatever this is, you’re wrong. It’s a little gift for my girl.” He smiles sweetly and then we both laugh at the absurdity of the moment.

  “Zach, I’m just a girl, sitting in a Bimmer, that just wants a lot of gifts. You understand me!” I open the box to find an abstract gold star on a delicate gold chain. It’s so simple and innocent that it actually takes on a deeper meaning. Whatever this is, I never want it to end.

  “Let me help you.” I lift my hair so he can clasp the chain on my neck. It rests perfectly on the conclave of my neck and I adore it. “Now, I expect you to wear this necklace and only this necklace when we’re boinking the shit out of each other.”