One Urge: Erotica Romance Novella (One Urge, One Plea, Keep Me Trilogy) Read online

  One Urge

  Scarlet Wolfe

  Copyright © 2014 Scarlet Wolfe Books

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  Contents

  Notes

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  End Notes

  Acknowledgements

  Notes

  This novella is the first in the One Urge, One Plea, Keep Me Trilogy. It is written from the point of view of

  Alayna and Damon.

  Dedication

  To the “Porch Crew.” You lift me up when I’m down, make me laugh until I cry, and most importantly, you accept me for who I am.

  Chapter One

  Alayna

  I get out of the taxi and sigh with immense relief. I made it from the LaGuardia airport to my friend Felicia’s condo in the city without dying. In addition to her paying my airfare from St. Louis, I feel I deserve hazard pay for my time in the taxi.

  I gather my suitcase and take a deep breath before I approach the door that’s swiftly opened by a doorman. Taking the elevator, I make it to their floor and find their condo.

  Felicia and I met when we were young girls, having attended the same summer camp in upstate New York for ten years straight. After high school, we made it a point to get together for a week every summer. We also wrote to each other, emailed, texted and talked on the phone as often as possible.

  Although we’re seldom together physically, we’ve felt like kindred spirits from our first meeting at only ten years old. Now, my dear friend is getting married at the age of twenty-seven to Seth Rutherford, who’s five years older.

  Along with Felicia’s sister, Kathryn, I was asked to be in the wedding party. Seth, an only child, asked two of his closest friends to be in the wedding, as well.

  Felicia almost knocks me down with a hug when I get inside the door. “I’m so glad you’re here. I can’t believe it’s been an entire year already.”

  After letting her go, I hold her hands at arm length.

  “I know. I’ve missed you, too, and as I expected, you look fabulous.”

  “Thank you. I’ve been starving myself the last few months since my dress fits like a glove.”

  “Oh, I can’t wait to see it.”

  Seth approaches us as we make our way into the living room. “Good evening, Alayna. I’m glad you made it safely.”

  “Hi. Thank you for the ticket and letting me stay here.” We give each other a light hug, and I begin to glance around, admiring the spacious surroundings.

  Seth, a financial advisor, comes from a wealthy family, and I’m quickly realizing they’re in a great place financially. Their home is exquisite. Felicia shows me to my room, and we sit on the bed to catch up.

  “Where is everyone else staying?”

  “Well, you know our families are from here, so they don’t need a place to stay, and Seth’s friend, Martin, will fly in tomorrow morning. He’ll stay here, too.”

  Felicia leans closer as if she’s about to tell me a secret. “And then there is Damon. He owns one of the largest publishing companies in the world, has a penthouse on Fifth Avenue, and he writes, too, but he’s very private. Seth is always vague when I try to get information out of him about Damon.

  “They were roommates in college. I don’t see how they’re close when he seems so quiet, but Seth says Damon is completely different when he’s only with men.” Felicia leans in even closer and almost whispers.

  “You’ll die when you see him. I mean, he is heart stopping gorgeous. As far as I know, he doesn’t have a girlfriend, and let me tell you, it’s a waste of the most perfect genes.”

  Felicia fans herself. “No joke, Alayna. You wait and see.”

  I can’t help but giggle over how flustered she is.

  “OK. I think you’re exaggerating like that time at camp when you told me Tommy Winters was gorgeous. The poor boy had the biggest buck teeth I’d ever seen.”

  Felicia falls back onto the bed and holds her stomach as she chuckles loudly.

  “I swear I’m not pranking you this time. So, are you seeing anyone?”

  My eyes divert, the duvet on the bed suddenly becoming very interesting. It’s more intriguing than my dating life.

  “No, not since Michael.”

  “Then maybe you need to move to the big city. You’re from New York.”

  “Yes, but not from the city. Wouldn’t that be an enormous change,” I say as a statement. “I thought I was going to lose my life just getting here in the taxi. I’m not sure I could handle the hustle and bustle, but there’s really nothing keeping me in St. Louis.”

  Felicia sits back up and squeezes my hand.

  “It’s something to ponder, and I’m very glad you’re here now.”

  “Would you mind if I turn in for the night? I’m really tired from the flight.” My arms go above my head as I stretch.

  “No problem, chick. We have a long day tomorrow, so Seth and I should probably get to bed, too.”

  “I feel as if I’m intruding. I mean, it’s less than two days before your wedding.”

  She waves her hand at me.

  “Please, we’ll have a whole week on our honeymoon to get sick of each other, and Martin will be here tomorrow night, too.” She flashes me a grin from the doorway. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  I hope Felicia isn’t planning on fixing me up with him. After getting changed, I climb into the plush, king size bed. No matter how happy I am for her, the thought of being in a wedding is dreadful.

  I used to dream of my wedding, but that was before my break-up two years ago. I was stunned when my boyfriend of seven years, Michael, broke things off, saying he’d met someone else.

  He actually told me he didn’t find me sexy anymore. It was a huge blow to my self-esteem, and after a lot of reflection, I realized he’d always made me feel insecure about my sensuality, never seeming pleased with our sex life.

  Michael picked at all aspects of my personality, too, but after wallowing in self-pity for several months, I rose above it. I don’t need a man to be happy. I keep telling myself I only have to get through two days. Then I can put this wedding behind me and save the sappy shit for the romance novels I write.

  ***

  Looking in my compact mirror, I apply my lipstick. The ride from the condo to the rehearsal dinner is about a thirty minute drive. Felicia, Seth, Martin and I are riding in the limo. Felicia and Seth’s families are meeting us there, along with Seth’s other friend, Damon.

  Felicia looks gorgeous in her sleeveless, champagne dress that hits at the knee. It’s flowing and shows her hourglass figure from the tight gathering at her waist. Her blonde hair is up in a twist, and her green eyes are bright.

 
Seth also looks nice this evening. He’s handsome in his suit, and his light brown hair is short and in perfect place. They make an attractive couple.

  I smooth out the satiny skirt of my strapless, olive green dress. It appears shorter than I remember, and at first glance, I thought I looked sexy in it, but then Michael’s last words spoken replay in my mind.

  Sighing, I shut the thoughts off and stare out the window until we reach the venue. After pulling up in front, Felicia squeezes my hand.

  “Are you OK? I’m sorry. This must be very hard for you.”

  “Quite the contrary. I’m grateful I was saved from a train wreck marriage. This is your special time, and I’m happy to be here for you.” I plant a smile on my face and exit the limo.

  We enter the banquet room and are greeted by Felicia and Seth’s immediate family. Just as Felicia did, her sister, Kathryn, almost knocks me down with a hug.

  “Look at you. Gosh, how many years has it been since we’ve seen each other?” She asks after letting me go.

  “It’s been five years already. It was Felicia’s college graduation.”

  “That’s right.” Kathryn’s thirty-two and beautiful. She has blonde hair like her sister but is taller. For the evening, she’s wearing a long, deep purple dress that hugs her voluptuous breasts. “You need to meet my husband, Phillip. He’s a radiologist.”

  Oh, boy. This family is giving me a complex. Could these women have anything else going for them? A waiter comes by, so I grab a flute of champagne and drink about half in one gulp. I see Martin approaching me, so I take another sip.

  “Hitting it early, huh?”

  “I guess so.” I down the rest of the drink in another gulp. Martin’s been flirting with me all afternoon, and I’m not interested. The man is very short and balding way too young. As nice of a guy as he is, I can’t drum up an attraction, but he’s kind, so I stay put and chat with him.

  I’m sure Felicia’s hoping we’ll hit it off. She believes I should date again but I’m content. I met Michael as soon as I began college, so I had never been on my own. I feel strong and independent now, knowing I can make it without the support of a male.

  A waiter comes by, so I take another flute off his tray. I’m busy answering Martin’s questions about Missouri when I feel someone’s presence behind me.

  “Hey, man,” Martin says.

  “Sorry to interrupt.”

  I feel a chill from the deep and husky voice. I could swear I even feel the man’s breath on my neck. Aware he’s way into my personal space, I slowly turn around and find myself staring at a broad chest inside a fitted, black suit jacket.

  I close my eyes as the scent from the man towering over me filtrates my senses. Smelling like an ocean breeze and crisp, clean sheets, I’d believe I’m in a cottage on the coast if it weren’t for the magnitude of this man’s presence.

  Whether it’s the effect from him or the champagne, I feel as if my nerves are now twisted into a bundle, like a slew of tangled electrical cords.

  Finding myself tipping forward, my hand finds the warm, solid plane of his chest right over his healthy, beating heart.

  In a second, I get myself back into an upright position and yank my hand down to my side.

  “I—I’m so sorry.” My gaze that’s now on a first name basis with his chest slowly moves its way upward.

  In my mind, I’m aware it should happen quickly, but every inch of the man in front of me is drawing me in from his pronounced Adam’s apple that moves when I see him swallow to the small amount of stubble below his ear he missed shaving.

  His defined jaw and smooth lips pull my gaze along until I see dark caves staring back at me, giving nothing away as to what’s inside.

  After blinking several times to see he’s real, I take a step backward. The full profile of his face and his coarse, black hair, my fingers are begging to touch, have my heart palpitating thunderously in front of him.

  “I apologize for interrupting your conversation. I’m Damon Lear.” His large hand reaches out in front of me, so I slide mine into it.

  Holy shit, he’s the erotica author, Damon Lear. My lungs are left empty of oxygen. I suck in one breath and attempt to move my lips.

  “Alayna Wynn, Felicia’s good friend.”

  With no display of emotion, Damon brushes his thumb across my hand before letting it go. I immediately drop my gaze.

  “Excuse me, I’ll leave you two alone to talk,” I say before scurrying away and dashing out of the hall. My head turns back and forth as I search for the nearest restroom or possibly the nearest exit.

  Having zero idea of how I’ll focus on anything but him through the rest of the wedding festivities, baling all together is looking more appealing by the second.

  Finding a restroom down the hall, I go inside and look in the mirror. As I expected, my neck is blotchy and on the verge of a full on hives outbreak.

  Breathe, Alayna. He’s only a man. You’ve seen a zillion of them. Oh, but Felicia was spot on about him.

  Chapter Two

  Damon

  Felicia’s friend. I can’t believe Seth didn’t tell me how stunning she is.

  “That woman is beautiful,” Martin says.

  “Yes, I saw.”

  “Like every other woman, it appears she isn’t immune to your presence.”

  “Can we not go there?”

  “Fine, but I can never get a damn date when you’re around.”

  Martin speaks to me about sports and headline news, but I’m struggling to pay attention. I’m still taken aback by the effect Alayna had on me. Her honeysuckle smell reminded me of my property in upstate New York, and the amount of time it took her to meet my gaze intrigued me.

  The fiery ringlets that draped around her porcelain complexion emanated the radiance of her green eyes, and once I looked into them, I wanted her.

  Alayna

  Wetting my hand, I dab some water on my neck before stroking it downward and around toward the back, all while taking steady, soothing breaths. After, I take a seat on a chair in the corner of the fancy restroom and reapply my powder and lipstick.

  My lips are dry from all the gasps of air I’ve taken since rushing away from Damon, the mysterious, god like creature. I drum my fingers on my thigh. Needing to return to the hall, I conjure up a plan of action.

  I’ll stay as far away as possible. I’ll avoid looking at him and definitely no eye contact if the opportunity arises. I’ll distract myself with champagne and conversation with Felicia and the other females present. I can do this.

  After one last look in the mirror to be sure my red blotches are fading, I make my way back to the reception hall. Once inside, I scan the room and feel relieved when my eyes fall on Felicia’s.

  “Alayna, are you OK? You’re a little flushed,” she says.

  “I’m fine.” I pull my bottom lip through my teeth. Felicia grabs hold of my wrist.

  “You are not fine. What is it?”

  I find my eyes wanting to defy my plan, so I immediately bring them back to Felicia’s.

  “OK, I met him. There, I said it.”

  She chuckles, covering her mouth with her hand.

  “I wasn’t lying was I?”

  “No. He’s a gorgeous gladiator in a suit. I think he’s fully aware of it, too. He was way up in my personal space.”

  “He spoke to you?” Felicia asks, sounding surprised.

  “He apologized for interrupting a conversation I was having with Martin, and he introduced himself. He’s a famous erotica author, but I fled before he could say anything else, so I’m not sure if he would’ve spoken more.”

  “Hmm … sounds about right. That’s the extent of conversation I’ve had with him at any one time, so you probably didn’t miss anything.” Felicia’s eyes scope out the room. “Interesting. He’s chatting it up with Martin, smiles and all.”

  “I can’t look. I have to avoid all contact with that man.”

  “Damn, your neck is breaking out. He really di
d affect you.”

  “Talk about something else.” I grab another flute of champagne off a tray as a waiter walks by.

  Felicia chuckles once again. “OK, but you know he has to walk you down the aisle.”

  I grab Felicia’s bicep. “No! I can’t handle that.”

  She glances down at her arm. “Girl, let me go, and get it together. I doubt you have to worry about him hitting on you. Seth said he doesn’t date, but he won’t cough up any more info. Guy code.” Felicia shrugs. “Maybe he’s into men.”

  After taking a big gulp of my drink, I sigh loudly.

  “You’re right. I’m being ridiculous. He’s gorgeous, but he was born that way. It’s not like it’s anything he did, and it’s only looks.”

  Who am I kidding? It isn’t only his looks. It’s a masculine, confident presence seeping from the man’s pores. The strong aphrodisiac that overpowers even the wonderful scent of ocean and clean sheets.

  Sheets. I picture him naked on a bed. Geez, I haven’t even had the opportunity to check out his body, but I’m certain with a chest and face like his, the rest has to be perfection.

  “Back to earth, Alayna. We’re about to start the rehearsal.”

  “OK, sorry.” I take in the rest of the alcohol, letting it slide down my throat, which is already dry from the thoughts of Damon. I seldom drink and need to slow down before I make a fool of myself.

  The wedding planner pulls Kathryn and me by the wrist until we’re where she wants us to wait. She’s elegant looking with silver hair, and I’d guess in her mid-fifties.

  Standing somewhat behind Kathryn, I use her as a buffer. I never look above Damon’s waist, but I sense his gaze on me. When I find my eyes wanting to wander above his polished shoes, I look to Martin, who’s standing next to him.

  Martin smiles at me each time, so I start to worry I’m giving him the wrong impression. Feeling myself fidgeting, I clasp my hands in front of me, letting them hang down.

  I try to take in the beauty of the room from the two massive chandeliers to the intricate, floral tapestries adorning the walls, my eyes focusing on anything besides who’s in front of me.