Jeremy leaned into her touch, eyes closed. She had paid for his time and his concern, but even purchased compassion might bring some relief.

He echoed her gesture, long fingers smoothing a strand of hair back from her cheek, not a hesitant touch but soft as new grass. Her fingers slid behind his head, pulled him to her. A sudden ache sparked deep in her belly. She was ready to devour his mouth but he resisted the tug of her fingers.

His kisses met the side of her mouth in whisper light caresses, easing towards her lips with deliberation.

When she finally had what she wanted, his full lips pressing and circling hers, he slid his arms around her. Her tongue teased at the seam of his mouth, pleading for entry. He pulled her off the chair into his lap, his muscular thighs hard beneath her.

"You have such beautiful eyes."

"I'd rather you didn't lie to please me, Jeremy."

He pulled back to look at her. "They are beautiful. So dark and deep. Like cauldrons of the best chocolate."

"Do they make chocolate in cauldrons?"

Jeremy laughed, a musical rumbling deep in his chest. "I've no idea. Would you like one?"

"One what? Oh, the box you brought. Are you hungry?"

"I'm getting there." He lifted her back to the chair and rose to retrieve the box. "There are some things in the nightstand drawers if you happen to be interested. Want to take a look while I wrestle with the plastic wrap?"

She watched him walk away. Black denim hugged his thighs and backside and she thrilled to the slide of his muscles under the white shirt. With a soft hum, she sauntered to the bedside to hunt through the drawers. The 'things' Jeremy mentioned ran the gamut of sensible, quality condoms lined up in a mahogany jewelry box, to esoteric, illustrated best by a leather device of two small, studded bands with snap closures connected by a short strap.

She pulled out the whole condom case. A pair of sheepskin-lined handcuffs followed and two lengths of cotton cord.

"Dammit," she whispered.

"Everything all right?" Jeremy placed the open box of chocolates on the bed and brushed his lips against her ear.

            "Yes...no...I feel so silly. Asking you to do the things he liked."

"Are they things you like?"

"Well, yes."

"Then please don't feel silly. What do you want me to do?"

She felt the tips of her ears burn. "Strip for me?"

Teeth white as sea foam flashed when he smiled. "With pleasure."

In graceful, languid movements, he tugged his shirttails from his jeans and unbuttoned his cuffs. He never glanced at his hands; his eyes remained locked on her. One button at a time, he teased each from its eyelet, the slow reveal of smooth pectorals speeding Sylvia's heartbeat.

A gold nipple ring glinted as he slid out of the shirt and Sylvia's resistance crumbled. She reached out and traced the hoop, so enticing against his toasted almond nipple.

"Doesn't it hurt?"

"At first, but no more than getting your ears done. You can tug on it. Just please don't yank."

She took the ring between thumb and forefinger and gave a gentle pull. Jeremy shivered, one hand gripped around her elbow.

"Too hard?" Sylvia whispered.

Jeremy undid the button on his jeans. "Oh, no. Sends a rush right down to my toes."