Chapter Six

CJ locked her door and walked down the hall. Osten had stopped by to put his box in her room, but there had been students after class so all he did was thank her and disappear.

Her students had cleared their throats as her gaze had lingered on the spot where the handsome Navy man had been standing. With a blush, she’d turned her attention to helping them. Now they were gone and she was on her way to her next destination.

She put her bag in the car and locked it again. Pocketing her keys and phone she began to go in a different direction. Opening the gate, she stepped onto the field. A deep breath made her shiver from the chill in the air, but still she began her warm up.

Finally she was ready. Hitting the track, CJ began to run. The first lap was the hardest, but then she settled into her rhythm. The familiar feel of the steps and the repetitive motion was just what she needed.

Round and round she went, her body aching, but she refused to quit. She needed to release some energy. So zoned, CJ failed to notice a pair of eyes watching her as her feet pounded on the track.

*

A man stood in the shadows and watched. His eyes grew predatory as she moved around the track. He watched how her ponytail bounced with each step she took, how her workout clothes fit her like a second-skin.

As he became aroused, he bit his lip. Now was not the time to act upon that urge. Soon, the moment would be right. Ignorant to the blood on his chin, he continued to stare. However, the desire was too strong for him to ignore. Reaching into his pants, he gripped his hard shaft and stroked it as his gaze stayed upon her strong body. He came with a muffled shout as he envisioned breaking that spirit and enjoying her the way he was meant to. Sagging against the cold concrete wall, he wiped his hand on his leg and put his softening cock back in his pants. Soon, she would be the one bringing him pleasure. In more ways than one.

Her steps slowed, and soon she was by the gate and stretching out. The compulsion to take her had him moving out from his hiding place. Yet, the appearance of another man brought him around.

His eyes narrowed into slits when he saw the way she welcomed him. “You shouldn’t be such a slut,” he hissed to the dark. “I will have to break you of that. Cleanse you.”

*

CJ looked up as a shadow loomed over her. A face-splitting grin filled her face. “Thurston! What are you doing here?”

The tall blond opened the gate and moved toward her, kissing and hugging her. “Ugh, you are sweaty.”

She rolled her eyes. “Well, I did just get done running.”

“I can see that, Chipmunk.” Laughing, he pulled her back into his embrace. “I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too.” She reached up and kissed him. “But that doesn’t answer my question. What are you doing here?”

“So, what, now I can’t come see you?” Piercing blue eyes shifted around. “Are you planning a secret rendezvous with someone?”

“No. But I do have a date this evening, so I have to go home.”

Falling into step beside her, he draped his arm around her. “I think I need to meet him.”

“I don’t think so,” CJ said instantly.

“Hmmm, I don’t think you really have a say in the matter.”

“Thurston!”

“Thurston!” he mimicked. CJ punched him in the side. “Ouch. Careful with that left hook, darling.”

“Don’t be an ass.”

“You are going to owe me dinner or you know I am going to tell,” he threatened.

“Fine, I have some food you can eat. But keep your mouth shut.”

Broad shoulders shrugged. “Depends on what you have to eat.” This time he blocked the punch he knew was coming. “Hey, now, beating on me is gonna cost you more.”

“Shut up, Thurston,” she chided. Unlocking the SUV, CJ climbed in. “I’ll see you at home, okay?”

“I’m right behind you.” He winked at her and walked to his vehicle.

*

CJ opened her door and came face to face with Osten. He took her breath away. His clothes were ex-pensive; she could tell by the way they hung perfectly over his muscled physique.

She could smell his aftershave and the very faint hint of cologne. It was a scent she wanted to smell more of…on him.

He wore a dark green, button-down, long-sleeved shirt that was tucked into black slacks. Around his neck was a thin gold chain with a small, yet masculine cross on it. Bottom line, Osten Scoleri looked delicious.

“Hello,” she said with a smile.

“Evening,” Osten replied, bringing his left hand out from behind him to give her the bouquet they held. A baker’s dozen of roses: six pink, six white, and one red in the middle. “For you.”

“Oh, Osten,” she breathed. “They’re beautiful.”

She took them from him and smelled the fragrance wafting off the arrangement.

Osten moved his gaze over her. She wore a dusky rose silk shirt and a pair of black dress pants. Her hair was twisted away from her face and up off her neck. On each side of her face hung a thick, silky, corkscrew curl. Settled around her neck was the Madonna and child necklace she always wore.

“You’re welcome.” Osten felt like a hero for making that smile cross her face. The urge to kiss her was overwhelming and he physically had to halt his motion. “You look stunning.”

CJ never lost her smile. “Come on in and I’ll put these in some water, then we can go.”

Following her, Osten closed the door behind him. His observant gaze moved around her apartment, learning and memorizing the domestic side of Chantoya Jackson.

Her home was very clean and organized. All of it was very open, he could see into the kitchen from where he stood. Oversized and overstuffed chairs and couches filled the living area with plants placed sporadically around, adding to the allure. His eyes moved to the television that was on and quickly continued on; his gaze landed on CJ as she stopped in her kitchen.

It didn’t take long and she was back in front of him. “I’m ready if you are,” she said.

His eyes glowed with an inner fire. “Let’s go.” Osten held her jacket for her and then the door as they left. He placed one hand on her back as they walked out into the night.

Stopping at his vehicle, Osten opened the passenger door for her. He drove a newer green Toyota Camry. As CJ slid across the leather seat, she took in the interior. “Very nice,” she told him as he climbed in on the other side.

“Thanks.” He fastened his seatbelt.

“So, where are we going?” The click of her belt echoed in the car after her question died.

“There is a nice place up by the mall I thought we could try.” He started the car and began to drive them to their destination.