how they can increase the intensity of sexual arousal. Do you think you’d like that?”
Yes, yes, yes!
“ M-maybe.”
“Think about it. All of it. I will call you later. I’d like to take you to dinner. Don’t say no.”
As if she could.
But what she said was, “I’ll think about it.”
“Good.” He traced the outline of her lips with just the tip of his tongue.
Amber melted, leaning toward him as much as the console allowed. She was breathless when he finally lifted his head.
“Later, querida, ” he told her. “We’ll talk about what comes next.”
She climbed out of the car and watched as he backed around and sped down the driveway. Then she turned toward the house. She didn’t even have to reach for the doorknob before Molly yanked the door open and stood there grinning at her.
“I’m dying of curiosity. Nick’s gone into town for a meeting so we’re all alone. I made fresh coffee and I want details.”
Amber felt idiotically like a virgin doing the walk of shame. But laughter danced in Molly’s eyes and a smile teased at her lips.
“I can imagine what you must think…” Amber began.
Molly held up a hand. “What I think is I’m damn glad you spent the evening with a totally hot man. Definitely preferable to hiding in your room. Come on. Let’s go have that coffee.”
When they were seated at the table Molly looked at her and grinned. “So tell me. Is he as hot in bed as the rumors say he is?”
“Molly!” Amber’s eyes widened. Even with Molly she wasn’t used to sharing her intimate activities. Although she had finally told her the truth about Dennis. Then she giggled. Yes, giggled. “But I have to say, he lived up to his reputation, whatever that is.”
Molly sat back with a satisfied look on her face. “I knew it. And I knew the two of you would be perfect for each other.”
“You do know he’s ten years younger than I am?”
“And you know there’s a significant age difference between Nick and me. Which, by the way, he gets furious if I even mention.”
“Why? Is he sensitive about it?
Molly shook her head. “On the contrary. He thinks I’m too conscious of it and he’s constantly telling me age is a state of mind. And after four months of marriage I’m finally beginning to believe him.” She looked down into her coffee cup. “I couldn’t ask for a better lover. Or a more attentive husband. And it’s real, Amber. None of it’s fake. Believe me, I’d know.”
Amber ran her finger around the rim of her mug. “I just, you know, find it hard to believe that…”
“That a sexy, good-looking younger man would have the hots for you?” Molly grinned. “Believe me, I struggled with the same thing. But, honey? Just go with it. If it turns out to be nothing more than a good time between two people who have an attraction for each other, it’s still okay.”
“There’s something else.” Amber stared down at her coffee, unable to look at her friend.
“Something else?” Molly was puzzled. “Something bad?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.” She sighed. “I opened one of the drawers in his bedroom to get a T-shirt and found…stuff.” Heat crept up her cheeks as she remembered the array of toys and implements.
“Stuff?” Molly’s tone was curious. “Enlighten me here, girlfriend. What kind of stuff ?”
Still keeping her eyes averted, Amber quickly described the things she’d seen in the drawer. When Molly didn’t say a word, she finally looked up to see her friend with a strange expression on her face.
“Sh-should I be afraid? Was that some kind of sign I should stay away from him?”
“I don’t know, Amber. Have you ever fantasized about BDSM? About the erotic world of dominance and submission?”
Again Amber’s face heated and she dropped her gaze. “Truthfully? Yes.” She was almost whispering. “Does that make me a terrible person?”
Molly put her cool hand on Amber’s wrist. “I think it makes you adventurous. Look at me,