Free Pick Your Pleasure by Jayne Rylon Page A

competitor almost a year ago, she felt truly
alive. Adrenaline rushed through her system as he seduced her lips with his.
And still they swayed to the more sedate section of the hit. The brush of his
tongue had her sighing. He took advantage of the opportunity to insinuate
himself more completely.
    If the smell of him had been
nice, the taste of him…
    Linley rose onto her tiptoes. It
was rare for her to meet a man tall enough to require the gesture. He made her
feel feminine as she sealed them together more completely. She devoured him as
if she hadn’t had an amazing meal less than two hours ago. The flavor of desire
satisfied her far more than the decadent chocolate dessert she’d enjoyed at
L’Etoile.
    “I’ll take that as a yes,” he
whispered against her lips when he ended the exchange. “Me too, by the way.”
    Lost in their renewed dance, she
didn’t notice he’d edged her toward the rear of the ballroom until the path
Downstairs appeared near her feet. The crowd sang the refrain. While they did,
Chase stepped onto the first wide tread. He crooked his fingers and waited for
her to join him.
    “I…” She hesitated. “I’m not
sure.”
    “Come take a peek. We won’t go
in just yet. There’s a lounge of sorts at the bottom. Sometimes people wait for
a prearranged partner or take a break there. Plus, it’s where the restrooms
are. Refreshments are available for those who are playing especially hard, to
get their energy back. We can talk more, away from the music.” He didn’t grab
for her. Instead, he waited. Patient. Understanding.
    Linley swallowed hard.
    “Give it a few minutes. If
you’re uncomfortable, we’ll leave.” His soft smile encouraged her. “No
pressure, love.”
    “If you’re not a salesman,
you’re missing out on a big opportunity.” She shook her head although she
grinned. The heel of her shoe clicked on the stone when she joined him.
    “I’ve been told I can
be…persuasive.” His fingers curled around her arm, keeping her balanced as they
descended together. “Go slow.   Look at
the murals.”
    She sighed, doing as he
suggested. The beautiful artwork reminded her of a sordid version of a historic
opera house. Cherubs hovered over couples, blessing them with all sorts of
naughty inspiration. Exotic, beautiful people—too proportional to have been
painted from imagination—entangled themselves in amorous embraces of all sorts.
    “See how those two are watching
the couple by the stream?” Chase pointed out a particular section of the painting.
    “Yes.” She followed the
direction of his long finger.
    “It’s not just a pretty thing,
Linley.” He paused, tipping her face toward his and stealing another brief
kiss. “Think of it sort of like a menu.”
    “Oh!” She leaned forward, her
head swiveling at the variety of delights.
    “So many things to choose from?”
She didn’t mean to gasp out loud.
    “Only limited by your
imagination really.” He spread his hands out. “A little farther and you can see
one of my favorites.”
    “Show me.” Curious about his
desires, she followed him to a landing in the middle of the run of stairs.
    “This part.” He angled his chin
toward a vignette highlighted by a halogen spotlight. The artist had paid a lot
of attention to detail in this section of the lascivious landscape. Clearly it
had been a passion of his or hers as well.
    A pale woman stretched out on a
bed of wildflowers, her hair cascading behind her like a waterfall of silk.
Vines wrapped around her wrists and ankles. They held her snug to the lush
meadow, open for her lover, who crawled between her legs. An impressive
erection made it clear he’d enjoy the feast laid out before him.
    “Does it look good to you,
Linley?” When had he come so close behind her?
    Chase’s breath washed over the
curve of her neck. His hands wrapped around her waist. No matter how hard she
tried, she couldn’t help but squirm in his hold.
    “I wouldn’t turn it down.”