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Category: Erotica/Erotic Romance/Romance
Description: A decade ago she watched him walk away. Now Grant wants Anna back, but will he have to watch her with another man instead? Trey guides two lost lovers back to each other in this newest installment of the Three Kinds of Wicked series. Dear Reader, That old saying about setting someone free if you love them proves true in this story. Anna watches her Mr. Right walk away, and ten years later they find each other again. I love watching true love take its course!
eBook Publisher: Red Sage Publishing/Red Sage Presents, 2010 2010
eBookwise Release Date: August 2010

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Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [93 KB]
Words: 19205
Reading time: 54-76 min.
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED

Something Wicked in Mind: Chapter 1

"Damn it!" Anna checked the e-mail on her screen for the third time. Why did they always forward huge orders like this at the last possible second? Sure, she could go down to the warehouse herself and see that the merchandise went out, but why should she have to? She'd been promoted out of the entry-level job six months ago, but still, whenever an emergency came up, they relied on her to stop what she was doing, switch gears, and fix it.

There were definitely bad things about being too reliable.

Anna slipped her shiny red heels back onto her feet and pushed back from her desk. As the light hit her feet, she spied a run in her stockings. Figures. She peeled off the hose, tossed them into the trash, and readjusted her dress. Another six bucks wasted. She could just look at a pair of hose and ruin them.

Still, she should have known better than to wear anything remotely sexy to work. Even though she had a desk job now, whenever she wore something the least bit provocative, she got dragged next door to the warehouse and invariably wrecked the outfit in some manner or another. It had taken her years to get out of the warehouse only to be put back there pretty often. Seemed she could better herself on the outside, but not in people's minds.

And unluckily for her, all the warehouse boys would have gone home by now, eager to get their weekend started. Meanwhile, she needed to climb through the inventory, find two crates of merchandise, repackage the items inside for shipping, and have it all ready in the next two hours for the last truck to take.

Anna stepped into the elevator and hit the button for the first floor. She'd have to make a stop in the company gym and plead for someone taller and stronger than her to help her get the boxes. She hoped a few die-hards were still there. Not many people hung around after five on a Friday.

A push of the glass gym door revealed the pungent odor of sweat and testosterone. There wasn't a single woman in the place. Anna scanned the room, looking for a likely person to help her out without expecting some sort of return on his investment. As she checked out each sweating man, she realized there was no middle ground. All the guys were either soft and squishy or way too bulky. She wrinkled her nose. Stop it, Anna, you aren't here to find someone to sleep with, just someone who can carry a heavy box.

"Anna! Slumming?" The quick whistle from just behind her ear broke her trance of indecision.

She leaned back and peered over her own shoulder to see Grant. He was standing too close for her to actually turn around. Lord, Grant's warm breath was falling on her neck and sending shivers right down her top. Maintain your cool, Anna.

"Haha. Could you help me out?"

The one man ready to help her was the last man she should be spending time with. She lusted after Grant. True. She was guilty of that. But, unlike the other women at work who blatantly admired the six-four hunk, she had reasons. He'd been her high school sweetheart.

But that was a long time ago and she'd heard nothing from him from their graduation ceremony until the day he started working at this company.

She eased sideways so she could face him. His long, light brown hair, still wet from his post-workout shower, was pulled back from his face in a queue. He'd had short, respectable hair when they were teenagers. His parents would never have allowed him to grow it out. Just once she'd like to see him with that Fabio-hair loose and falling around his muscular shoulders.

She swallowed. "I need a hand in the warehouse. Got a friend?"

The corner of Grant's mouth quirked. "Yeah. I'll get the new guy to meet us over there. He's just showering now."

Anna nodded and left the gym, exhaling slowly once she was out of earshot. Poor Grant. He'd put the sexiest thought into her head. An image of him and the new guy in the shower, with her. She hurried outside, glad for the cold burst of air that cooled her pink cheeks.

Grant worked one floor above Anna, in the creative department, designing the musical equipment catalogs that filled everyone's mailboxes month after month. He'd gone to college, received a degree in who-knew-what, and slid into a cushy job in the city. No one had been more surprised than Anna to see him start working at this company last year. Of course, he'd begun as a high-level employee, while she'd toiled for ages before anyone would even give her a chance to get out of the warehouse. All due to her lack of a degree.

Even now, Anna simply wrote the copy the graphic guys slammed into the appropriate spots. She and Grant never worked together, but when she timed it just right, she managed to be in the elevator at the same time as he, and lord, the way the man smelled-- like cinnamon and man and sex spun into one glorious rock-hard package. Ten times better than back when he was her guy. She could eat him for breakfast and stay over for lunch.

So much for the cool air helping re-frost her libido.

The walk to the warehouse was blessedly short. Once inside, she had no trouble locating the needed merchandise on the second level. She glanced behind her as she grasped the sides of the skinny metal ladder, and then climbed the rails in her heels, something she'd have to remember not to do again--she slipped sideways on the highest step--ever.

She moved some merchandise around to gain access to what she needed, and then perched on the edge of one of the boxes and waited for Grant. He was only a few minutes behind, and she enjoyed watching him walk across the wide floor toward her. The grin was genuine, but the swagger? Definitely exaggerated for her benefit. She laughed.

"Thanks, Grant. I just need you to catch these and help me get them back to the shipping office. Did you find someone else to help?" She shoved the first box to the edge of the platform. It wasn't too heavy, just large.

"Trey's on his way." His grin faded, and the look that replaced it was more animal. She knew that look. Ached for it.

Something about those dark blue eyes of his held her gaze. Her insides warmed. She swallowed. She felt like a bunny in a staring contest with a hungry wolf. And she wanted to be caught. Eaten.

Anna coughed and pushed the first box over the edge. Grant had it down and moved to the side before she reached the second box. She glanced at the door. No Trey. Oh, well. She passed the other two boxes down to Grant and turned to the ladder.

"Well, crap." She'd blocked herself off with other boxes. "Poor planning." She laughed, wondering if she looked as stupid as she felt.

"Just jump."

His words stopped her in mid-motion. "What?"

"Jump. I'll catch you."

He was right beneath the platform, muscular arms held out for her, grin back in place.

It wouldn't be a huge jump if there were a big, fluffy mattress to land on, but to trust him to catch her? She wasn't sure.

Then again, she'd be as likely to break her neck going down the ladder in heels as taking Grant up on his offer. She shrugged and sat on the edge, hitching her skirt over her thighs. "You better catch me."

"Don't worry, honey."

Anna groaned at the casually used endearment and pushed off the ledge to hide her reaction. Instantly she found herself crushed against his powerful chest. Grant let her slide down the front of his body until her feet touched the floor, but he didn't release her. His hands held her firmly, and from the breeze, Anna knew her skirt was now just barely covering her ass. Who the hell cared? Maybe he would.

She wondered when Grant had come by the rocking body he'd managed to sculpt. He'd been a gangly kid who hadn't grown into his giant feet the last time she'd been this near to him.

Her breath was stolen, whether from the impact or from being so close to him, she didn't know. It was as though her lack of air was drawing them closer together. His eyes, if it were possible, had darkened, and when he looked at her lips, she leaned up on her toes and kissed him. She couldn't help it.

Thank God, he kissed her back. That was her last coherent thought before losing herself in his embrace. His tongue teased hers, his hands clenched at her clothes, and she was suddenly wet and wishing he'd take her right there in the warehouse.

A throat cleared and Grant stepped back, allowing her to straighten her clothes.

"Just what was it you needed help with, Grant?" The newcomer--Trey, she supposed--quirked an eyebrow and glanced from one man to the other.

"Anna, this is the new guy, Trey. Trey--Anna."

Grant's expression was unreadable, and though she hadn't been embarrassed at first, Anna now felt terribly so and her cheeks warmed. How long had he been watching them? "Thanks for helping, Trey. I just need to get these boxes into the shipping office." She pointed across the warehouse to the room near the loading dock exit.

"Sure." Trey moved forward and picked up the box closest to Anna. The muscle lines in his forearm flexed and moved as he hefted the weight. "Always glad to help out." His dark brown gaze slid up her body and Anna shivered in spite of herself.

As they walked toward the doors, Anna wondered if it had gotten colder outside. She hoped so. Her libido was in overdrive.

By the time she'd opened the large boxes and started arranging the merchandise for packing, Anna wasn't even sure the kiss had happened. Grant and Trey had left together rather quickly. Trey, at least, said goodbye. Grant ducked and ran. Well, figuratively.

It took her less time than she'd thought it would to get everything ready, and that was a good thing since the transport truck arrived ten minutes earlier than scheduled. Once again, Anna thought, she'd come through. She really had to stop being so damned reliable. Reliable people ended up with more work and less thanks.

Anna dusted off her knees, ready to get home, when she realized her purse--with her keys--was still in her cube on the third floor of the other building. With a sigh, she crossed the lot again and entered the lobby.

Grant watched Anna stride over the asphalt. Her legs went on for miles. She was curvier than she'd been in high school. He hadn't run into her much at work, but every time he did, he'd been made painfully aware of what he'd lost when he went away to college. True, given the chance to repeat his life, he'd probably still choose to leave, but maybe he'd have stayed in touch. He'd been too busy partying to write or to answer the letters she sent before she'd given up on him.

He'd been an idiot. That kiss in the warehouse told him everything he needed to know. They still had that connection. Something he'd never had with anyone else. Maybe he was trying to relive his youth.

Maybe. But Anna was his one regret.

And he needed to rediscover a social life.

His blind date for tonight had canceled at the last minute. He took it as a sign, on he'd been seeking for a while. Any excuse to rekindle what he and Anna had once shared.

Anna tossed her hair out of her eyes and tugged her hem. She'd be inside in another few seconds. Grant backed into the hall and pressed the elevator button.

The elevator doors parted and Anna nearly bumped into Grant. Her heart sped up a notch. "You're still here?"

His face was unreadable. "Had a few things to do. You finished out there?" He stayed in the elevator, so she joined him and held her breath while the doors closed. He pushed 3 and turned toward her.

He'd asked her something--oh! "Yes. All done. Just in time." She thought about stepping away from him, but why should she? The small compartment seemed full of him as it was. God, the way he smelled. She shifted her feet, willing her thighs to stop trembling.

"About earlier--"

"You know--"

Anna laughed quietly, uncomfortably. They both moved toward each other. Anna tried to think of something to say, but Grant lifted his palm to her cheek and all she wanted to do was close her eyes, rub her skin against his rough hand and pretend.

She sensed his approach just before his lips touched hers for the second time that day. Her breath caught and she launched herself into his arms. Someone twisted and she felt the wall of the elevator against her back, one of Grant's hands on her now bare waist, the other holding her cheek. She clenched him tightly, loving the heat that grew from her center and spread through her body.

He was hard for her already. And he ground his erection into her as they kissed. How long had it been since she'd wanted anyone this bad? Bad enough not to give a rip about the elevator cameras.

Grant's hand moved higher, bracing her as she leaned away. His mouth trailed down her throat, his tongue teased the top of her breasts. Heaven forgive her, she wanted him. Now.

Anna reached down, found his belt, and fought with the buckle.

Ding.

Just like that, they ceased all movement. Anna peeked over Grant's shoulder, praying no one was waiting to board the elevator. It was one thing for an anonymous security guy to get an eyeful, quite another if someone was actually in the room with them.

Grant's breathing was as ragged as hers. That made her feel good. Powerful. She'd have been mortified if his cool exterior had held even now.

He prodded her forward and followed her from the compartment into the hallway. Anna's office was located in a small room containing four cubicles. It was dark. The other occupants had left long before she'd ventured to the warehouse.

She stood a few feet inside the office. She was there to get her purse, but the only man she'd ever really loved was standing behind her with a raging hard-on and no one else was around. How could she suggest sex in the office with a man she'd last seen naked ten years ago without sounding like a total slut? Awkward.

Her purse. That was why she was here. Anna crossed to her desk and opened the bottom drawer. She lifted the bag to show him. "Purse."

He came closer and stopped next to her desk. When she stood, she could feel the warmth from his body pulse into hers. He was looking down at her, his eyebrows knitted together and with such a strange expression. Regret?

He placed the pad of one finger on her bottom lip. "Your kiss. You still--"

"Yeah." Anna nodded. "We still."

And just like that, Grant dipped his mouth to hers. The kiss was feather-light and she melted inside. Her hands went to the sides of his head. Her fingers delved into that thick hair of his, pulled it loose.

Grant pulled back and smiled his crooked smile at her. "Take off your dress."

Anna recognized the dare in his voice. She'd been shy as a teenager, but not with him. She and Grant had something back then, a spark that burst into flame anytime they were together. Even though Anna was a good girl, they'd had sex in every imaginable place and way when they were dating. Until he'd left town.

She lowered her lashes. She'd show him what he'd lost.

Anna placed her palm on his chest and stepped back. Ever so slowly, she released the top of the dress, caressing each tiny button as though it were a part of her own body. When she reached the waist, she shook her hips slightly and the whole thing slipped down her bare legs.

She risked a glance at Grant. He was frozen to the spot, staring at her with white-hot desire. She'd worn sexy lingerie to give herself confidence on her canceled blind date, but now she was glad she'd worn the black thong and matching bra. Good choice, if Grant's face was any indication.

"My God, woman." In one motion, Grant swept her monitor to the side and pressed her back against the desk.

The way he kissed her drove her mad with wanting. His tongue tasted hers. He braced himself with one hand on the desk while his free hand tugged aside her panties. He stroked her with his fingers, but she was already slick with need. He growled into her mouth and removed his hand.

Anna reached behind her body and released the clasp on her bra, then shrugged out of the garment, allowing it to fall to the floor. She was rewarded with Grant's lips on her nipples, each in turn. Everything was so familiar, yet so very, completely different. They'd been kids exploring and experimenting, but this.... Grant was definitely all man now, and his touch made her feel all woman.

She clutched at his shoulders, clawed at his hair, anything to bring him closer. She felt dizzy from breathing so rapidly, from the desperate sensations he sent raging through her.

His breathing came fast too, and his body radiated heat. "I can't wait, I can't--" And then he was inside her, right there on the desk. She wasn't sure when Grant had lowered his jeans, but right now she didn't care. He'd only pounded into her twice before she found herself shattering into an orgasm.

She hardly had time to gather her wits when she was suddenly weightless. No, not weightless--Grant was carrying her across the four steps to the wall. Using the wall to prop up her back, he held her in the air and drove himself into her fully, over and over.

Anna bit her lip against the cries of pleasure that sprang from her. Tears ran down her cheeks as she came again. Grant roared with his own release.

He eased her to the floor and sat with her, holding her in the circle of his arms. She'd dreamed about being in his arms again so often. As though they'd never been apart.

As their bodies cooled, she started to feel a bit odd there on the floor mostly naked. Well, totally naked. Shoes didn't really count.

He kissed her temple and stretched toward her clothes that now lay in a heap. Her panties were torn and dangled from one of his fingers. Her bra was nowhere to be found.

"Anna--"

She stopped him from speaking with a finger to his lips. His voice contained some hint of emotion that didn't fill her heart with hope. If anything, he sounded full of regret.

"Hush." She tugged her dress over her head and refastened the top. "Can we not talk?" She didn't want to start overanalyzing. If Grant was going to tell her that this was nice, but he didn't think it should happen again, she didn't want to hear it. Not yet. She wanted to bask a little while longer.

He tilted his head and frowned. "Okay." He didn't sound like his usual sure, confident self. That was fine with her. Better to keep him distant than to rush into something he was going to walk away from. Again.

Grant walked Anna to her car. She wasted no time opening the door and putting one high-heeled foot inside. He didn't like this side of her. Why was she so unaffected? They'd just had mind-blowing sex and she acted as if they'd had lunch. When they were kids she'd wanted to stay with him all night, even if it meant they both got grounded. Not that he ever did. He was the one who'd had indulgent parents. Anna hadn't been quite so lucky.

She was looking at him and chewing her lip. What was she expecting? He wanted to yank her away from her car and crush his mouth on hers, make love to her again and again. Being with her made him realize his feelings for Anna had never really gone away. Calm descended on him. He knew what to do. He'd play it as cool as she was.

Leaning over, he placed a kiss on her cheek. "Good night." He heard her tiny gasp and resisted the smile that threatened to burst forth. He'd surprised her.

"Yeah." Anna got into her car without another glance.

He wanted to kiss the pout from her lips. But he let her go.

"She's cute."

Trey startled Grant, walking up so quietly, but he played it off. By the time Trey was next to him and could see his face, he'd brought his expression back to normal. The guy had a way of showing up out of nowhere. Kind of disconcerting, but he wished he could do it. "Beautiful."

An alarming thought came to him. Grant cocked his head to the side. "Trey, where were you just now?"

Trey grinned. "The security guard called earlier. Said he'd be late. So I was hanging out in his office until he got here." Trey pointed toward a sleek blue pickup. "Don't worry. He just arrived. It was only me watching the cameras. Better a friend than a stranger."

Grant felt his face grow hot. He hissed in air through his teeth. "I'm hoping you mean the cameras in the elevator, and not in the offices themselves."

Trey grinned and raised his eyebrows. "Just the elevator. But damn, for a minute I thought you two were going to go at it right there."

With a shrug, Grant silently thanked whoever decided not to install cameras anywhere else. "She's an old friend."

"Looked like more than friends to me." Trey moved toward a large motorcycle. "I'm outta here. See you Monday."

The motorcycle roared to life behind him and faded away. Grant turned toward his own car. As he drove back to his empty condo, Grant wondered where Anna lived and whether she'd gotten home safely. And what she was wearing. To bed. If anything. His groin tightened. Damn, this time around it was he who wanted to be with her all night.