Read Online A Taste of Pleasure by Antoinette - Free Book Online

“Ms. Shelby, I presume?” he said with a smile.
    â€œYes, sir. And thank you,” she smiled as she eased into the regal black luxury sedan.
    They traveled into the city in silence, with only the soothing sounds of soft music playing. Her anticipation of the evening grew with each passing mile. As they got closer, she noticed the driver making a brief call on his cell phone.
    As they drove up to the entrance, Rick was waiting on the sidewalk with a dozen roses and a big smile. She grinned at his dimples again. The driver must have let him know they would be arriving soon. She was flattered as Rick opened her door and extended his hand, helping her from the car.
    â€œThese are for you, my dear,” he said with a smile as he handed her the roses.
    â€œThank you,” she said and gave him a quick kiss.
    He leaned in the passenger window of the car, paying the driver and thanking him. She thought, I could get used to this special treatment. London hooked her arm through Rick’s and he escorted her inside. He had reserved a private corner booth. She eased into the seat, he slid in beside her, and she snuggled up to him. They enjoyed the view, the ambience, and the delicious cuisine. After dinner, they sipped their wine, chatting and flirting. Rick slipped his hand under the tablecloth and under her skirt, sliding his fingertips across the tops of her thigh-highs, occasionally working a finger under her stocking and then gently snapping it against her leg. He was tantalizing her and she was hot, wet, and wanting. He leaned in for a kiss and slid his hand farther up her thigh. He gasped as he touched her sex, pulling back from their kiss with a shocked and excited look on his face as he discovered she was not wearing panties. His eyes narrowed and he kissed her deeper, sliding a finger into her wetness.
    She stopped him, nearly panting at this point. “Rick, this is no place to be making out like two teenagers,” she said, trying her best to look serious, but failing and giggling instead.
    â€œBut baby, I want you so bad. Let’s get outta here and head back to my place,” he whispered, his breath hot on her ear. She was sure this evening would end in his bedroom. She took a long, cool drink of her wine to calm herself as she squirmed in her seat, when a tall good-looking guy approached the table.
    â€œHey, Rick, how ya doin’?”
    Rick’s face blushed. “Hi, Joe,” he said, and turned reluctantly to London. “London, this is Joe, one of my business rivals,” he said with distaste. London nodded; she was uncomfortable and unsure how to reply. Rick continued, “So, Joe, I’m fine. How are you?” he asked sarcastically.
    â€œI’m doing just fine, and it sure looks like you are too.” He looked at London and grinned. “So, Rick, how is that beautiful wife of yours? I heard she was ill. Is she doing any better now?”
    Rick’s face flushed darker now, with anger and humiliation combined. Choking on his reply, he said, “If you must know, she is not doing well. The treatments have failed and she’s in the ICU. It’s only a matter of time now. But Joe, this obviously isn’t a good time.”
    Joe feigned a weak apology, despite his obvious intentions, and excused himself.
    When Rick looked back at London, the color had drained from her face. She looked at him with disbelief and disappointment. Her heart ached and her head spun. Despite her reservations about him, she was just beginning to loosen up and enjoy his company. She was beyond astonished, and as much as she began to feel sympathy for this wretched soul, she was disgusted at the same time.
    â€œLondon, I’m sorry. I-I was going to tell you, really. There just wasn’t a good time,” he stuttered nervously, pleading with her. “She’s been sick for so long, and that’s why I was at the hospital when I saw you that day. She slipped into a