Maneater Page 8

I guess my point is I’ve seen a lot in my twenty-five years. God, I’ll be thirty in another five. How many more years can I do the one-nighters and the walk of shame until I start looking like a ridiculous Mrs Robinson cougar? Could it be time to hang up the heels?

  ***

  I wake late Saturday morning after a much-needed sleep in, and I notice a nice little message from this guy I know….

  Dan:

  Meet me at this address in one hour?

  My parents are out of town, they have a pool and spa.

  112 Orielly street, Neutral Bay.

  Me:

  That’s an offer I can’t refuse.

  See you there.

  Dan:

  Yes, I will know that feeling when I see you in swimmers, I’m sure …

  I don’t reply, but he must know that I won’t be playing fair, so I choose my black extra-revealing and skimpy bikini. I actually don’t own many non-skimpy pairs, to be honest.

  I’m already feeling hot from the sun burning through my windows. I can't wait to cool down and, of course, relaxing in a spa sounds divine.

  I find the address easily; it’s only a twenty-five-minute drive. I wonder how long they have lived out this way.

  “Damn,” I say aloud as I park in Orielly street. Double electric gates open to the mansion numbered 112.

  “His parents are fucking loaded,” I state to myself as I drive into the big-arse driveway leading to a wondrous brick building. I’m in awe of the gardens, pebble creek driveway, and stunning colonial brownstone brickwork. Its roof is half-timber, and looks unique and expensive. I must take photos later for Roxy; she loves design and architecture.

  As I park and climb out, grabbing my beach bag, Dan meets me at the car door. He has black board shorts on and a pale blue T-shirt; he is looking mighty fine.

  “Well, don’t you look hot,” he says huskily, making me smirk. I couldn’t have chosen a shorter beach dress, and it’s white, so pretty see-through in all the right places.

  “You don’t look too bad yourself, mister,” I announce as he leans over and kisses me.

  He takes me through the side gate into the most stunning pool area I’ve ever seen. It’s massive and has beautiful manicured gardens with palm trees, pebbles, and three separate water features. The spa is like a pool by itself; it would have to seat at least ten people.

  “I might have had a few parties here in the past, so the folks don’t give me the keys for inside, but I’m pretty happy out here. You?” he remarks, and I giggle at the thought of the parties. That’s something I would do.

  “This is perfect,” I reply, throwing my bag on a fancy beach chair. I strip off my dress and flip-flops then I make a grand entrance into the inviting pool with a big splash, aiming at Dan.

  “You cheeky thing,” he shouts as I come up for air.

  Within a minute, his shirt is off, and he’s jumped in to join me. I playfully swim away from him, but he follows me, stalking like a shark. This guy keeps me on my toes.

  He’s a pretty fast swimmer, so he gains on me and holds me captive against the side of the pool. “Where do you think you are going?” he asks me, still playing.

  “I gotta play the damsel in distress and try to escape; that’s my plan,” I joke, making him grin widely. If only he knew half the stuff I say I actually mean; I do play a lot of games, and sometimes the line between what is real and what is pretend becomes blurred for me.

  “Here, let me save you from the evil villain,” he declares and kisses me hard, catching me by surprise—a very welcome surprise as his body is flush to mine and his tongue enters my mouth, deepening the kiss.

  I follow his lead and wrap my arms around his neck. He pulls my body closer as I straddle him. The water hasn’t shrunk his hardness, that’s for sure.

  The passion between us is sizzling; he kisses my ear then bites mischievously. “Mmm,” I moan at the tingling feeling it creates in my groin. I’ve always been hot for ear biting. I run my nails through his hair then dig them along his scalp. He shivers as it turns him on. His roaming hands grab my breasts then pull the string bikini top free, exposing them. He walks backwards and dunks us both into the water; the cool sensation on my nipples causes them to go hard instantly. I throw my head back. Then we are back at the wall as he sucks on my erect buds, hard, then licks and teases. I giggle. My hands roam his firm chest. I flick his nipple playfully then swirl my finger around, playing at his game; his lips are on mine again, and I can tell it’s going to get hard and fast.

  I cheekily grab his arse as he thrusts against my body.

  “How ’bout we both lose the pants?” I suggest through our panting.

  He nods as he releases me and pulls down his shorts; his cock bounces in the water. I follow suit and strip off my skimpy bikini bottoms, eager to get into the action.

  “Condom?” I ask him, and he nods. He quickly swims to the stairs, and runs to his towel, where he has a few foil packets. I get a nice view of his bare arse then his jiggling cock as he jogs back.

  “More than once today, hey?” I question; damn, I’m game if he is.

  He just shrugs and laughs as he jumps back into the pool.

  He wastes no time as his lips dive onto mine then he cups my breasts, so eager for more. My hands find his length, and I slide my wet hands from top to bottom. He moans as I tighten my grip. His finger finds my wetness and makes its way inside while his other hand finds my clit. I wiggle from the sensations of his flicks and circles.

  “You’re good with your hands, Dan,” I announce as he continues his assault. I gyrate on the two fingers inside.

  I kiss him deeply as I feel my release building then like fireworks my orgasm hits. I shake and explode as he keeps up the amazing onslaught through wave after wave.

  “Ready?” he asks as I open my eyes to see him rolling on the rubber.

  “Fuck, yes,” I reply as I feel his warm tip at my tingling pussy. He slowly pushes, and it’s still so delicate as he fills me completely. I bite his ear; it feels amazing.

  “You are like an addiction, Jemma. I can’t get enough of you,” he whispers as he thrusts inside me. I wrap my legs around his waist, taking him deeper. I’m starting to feel the same way.

  I meet him at every thrust, pushing against him, taking him deeper, hitting my spot and bringing him to the brink. He plunges inside me again, this time more forcefully; I bounce and swivel with the momentum.

  “Yes,” he moans. I keep the intensity as he rams his cock into me over and over. I am taken again into oblivion, riding my tide of pleasure.

  We are both breathless and smiling when we finish. He kisses me sweetly. I’m yet to have the freak-out or claustrophobic feeling with him.

  Nothing like some pool action to cool you down yet heat you up at the same time.

  I clean up at the outdoor shower and slip back into my bikini; Dan does the same, and we sit enjoying the sun in the deck chairs.

  “I brought us some cheese, biscuits, and strawberries,” he announces, catching me by surprise.

  “Well, you know the way to my heart, sex and food,” I joke to him, but it’s kinda true—oh, and chocolate and wine as we discussed at work.

  “I also have beer or water. Not too many choices at my bachelor pad,” he adds, and I totally believe that.

  “You are in luck; I do like an ice-cold beer in summer,” I reply as he pops two beers.

  “Cheers.”

  We clink bottles and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

  The spa was definitely relaxing, so much in fact I could have fallen asleep, but then we became overheated and dived back into the pool.

  This is why ice in the bedroom is such a turn-on: the hot and cold excites the senses.

  The spa with the warmth, bubbles massaging, and manipulating our bodies; the heat making us sweat.

  Then the amazing cool crystal-blue pool water, refreshing, invigorating, and welcoming. I make the move this time feeling turned-on and still a little tingly from last time. />
  “Looks like we’ll be needing another condom,” I whisper and giggle. He is out and back in record time, and we become entangled and bring each other to ecstasy for a second time.

  “Thanks for meeting me.” Dan smiles as we both dry off and get dressed.

  “I couldn’t refuse the chance to swim and cool down,” I say playfully.

  “No other reason you wanted to come?” he teases.

  “Can’t think of any off the top of my head.” Is he trying to get me to say I like his company? Well, I do … “You kind of seduced me, you know? I was sure sex was against your rules, but thought I couldn’t turn you down,” I say cheekily, and we both laugh, knowing we have an attraction that is hard to deny.

  When I’m dressed, I notice a simple pink rose sitting on the outdoor setting that wasn’t there before …

  Dan catches me staring.

  “That’s for you. Just a little something to show you that you’re special,” he declares.

  Wow.

  I do feel special. I can’t think of the last time anyone gave me flowers.

  I pick it up and smell the gorgeous aroma. It is strong and stunning.

  “Thank you. That was totally unnecessary but very sweet.”

  I haven’t actually had this happen before.

  One flower, it’s sweet.

  I’m still not his.

  Chapter 15

  The perfect man doesn’t exist

  Definition of perfect: Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.

  Free from faults and defects? Ha-ha, that is impossible. We are all flawed, defected in one way or another, and we can always improve each day.

  Goddamn, nothing can ever be perfect.

  Who wants perfect anyway? Wouldn’t it become boring and predictable? I think that’s why I don’t settle down.

  I like to mix it up in all areas of life. I don’t cook the same dull meals each week, I walk a different route each time I go power walking, and I constantly donate clothes and buy new stuff or swap with friends.

  For example, the two guys in my life right now are both pretty impressive in separate areas.

  The Rock is pretty near perfect physically. I mean that body is so edible all ladies drool when they see it, no exceptions. He is also extremely well-endowed.

  His imperfections and flaws are deal breakers for me; he is arrogant, extremely cocky, thinks all women should be his slaves, and downright rude.

  Dan has a great personality and sense of humour; his body is great and toned; he’s nice-looking, and well, we get along like a house on fire.

  One of his flaws that worries me is that he thinks he can change me. He keeps trying to add strings to what we have, and I’m just not sure if I can do it. I have a multitude of reasons: like enjoying my freedom, being the boss of my own life, having no one to answer to. There are also a few good ones to add strings, but my wall is pretty solid. It would take a sledgehammer to break it.

  I also wonder whether Dan would be too sweet and a pushover down the track; I need a good backbone to work with.

  I have chosen to be single for many reasons. There have been a few good options, but I guess the big one that stands out is that honestly there just isn’t anyone I’ve liked enough to partner with.

  Another thing that pisses me off is that I am painfully aware of how badly my family wants me to settle down. The “still single” comments are getting old. Sure, I have a lot of friends in relationships, and good for them. I’m happy for them, and I’m not entirely against the idea of finding “the one,” I just don’t need someone to make me whole or complete.

  Of course, the past makes it hard to trust. Who wants to be slapped in the face again with heartbreak and pain? Fuck that.

  I love myself, and I have plenty of self-acceptance as a single person. Why would I want to complicate my life?

  Adulting is hard …

  ***

  When Roxy chats to me about her love life, it’s a welcome distraction.

  “God, Jemma, I’m so confused about this Dylan guy. I mean he seems nice, but there are a couple of little things that I’m not sure about.”

  “Like what?” I question.

  “Well, he’s pretty full-on, lots of messages, asking where I am all the time,” she replies, biting her lip, looking a little worried.

  I frown, but then again, I’m a little biased on relationships.

  “Also, he gets angry at the thought of any guys I have as friends. I just feel a little smothered, Jem,” she adds, and her face looks a little scared and freaked out

  “Fuck that, Rox, you don’t need someone like that,” I tell her. She is my best friend, and I will be honest with her. She deserves much better.

  “Yeah, it’s overwhelming and making me claustrophobic. I’m going to talk to him.”

  “Good idea. Don’t ever let a guy make you uncomfortable, my beautiful friend. You kick his arse to the kerb if he is not making you happy,” I declare.

  “Love you, bitch.”

  “Love you more, slut.”

  ***

  Dan:

  Hey sexy lady.

  Me:

  Hey yourself sexy man.

  Dan:

  What you up to?

  Me:

  Been chatting to Roxy, she is having guy problems.

  Dan:

  I think it's time I met this Roxy that I hear so much about.

  Me:

  She's a harsh critic. You might not pass her initiation.

  I joke, but seriously, we stick together ...

  Dan:

  I'm ready for whatever she throws my way.

  Just so I'm more prepared, are we talking about drinking blood or cutting off rats’ heads?

  Me:

  You are a weirdo, Daniel.

  Is that what's on your birth certificate?

  Dan:

  Yep.

  Yours?

  Me:

  Jemma Kate Donovan.

  Dan:

  That's cute.

  Daniel James Westbrook.

  Me:

  Oh, does anyone call you DJ?

  Dan:

  Not if they want me to answer.

  Me:

  DJ Westy oh God that's perfect.

  Ha-ha DJ Westy is in the house.

  Dan:

  Um, no, it’s not perfect … LOL.

  JemKat Dono, that's pretty funny too.

  Me:

  It’s pretty funny. Roxy calls me JemKat sometimes.

  Dan:

  I’m sure we will get along like a house on fire.

  Me:

  One day, you guys will meet:)

  Dan:

  Bye, Jemma, I have a shift at the bar tonight.

  I am a little scared of him meeting Rox; it’s another string I wanted to avoid. What if he thinks “oh, I’m in with the bestie, so that must mean Jemma is keen”?

  God, just chill and wait. If fate wants us to be together, we will be.

  He doesn’t have to worry about her, though. She’ll love him.

  Roxy isn't as bad as I am with her boyfriends.

  I'm a tough judge of character.

  I believe people come with layers; it’s not until a few of them are removed that you see what is underneath. In different scenarios, there are a lot of emotions and personality traits that people hide away.

  A prime example of people having multiple layers is none other than the woman who gave birth to me, Eliza Donovan.

  She is the owner of Double Bay’s Beauty by the Bay, the best in not only facials and beauty treatments but, of course, Botox, dermal fillers, and cosmetic tattooing.

  She has fifteen ladies under her and runs an extremely successful company. It’s kind of sad when her own daughter doesn’t use her mother’s beauty salon, but business takes priority over family. Deputy Mayor of the Double Bay fundraising committee with a face full of make-up, dressed to the nines, fake smile for the other fi
ve ladies. They bitch, they moan, a few are divorced, but they all live in the rich suburbs with ocean views, too much money, drinking white wine, talking Botox and beauty treatments.

  I frequently see the professional side of her, dressed in business suits with her game face on. Honestly, the woman seriously has like ten different faces.

  My non-favourite is when she tells me to call her Eliza, not Mum, as it makes her look and feel old. Well, hello, you are my mother …

  I can’t remember a time when she was just Mum. It used to upset me. She was never maternal; that is why I’m an only child.

  Sure, I was spoilt but never a spoilt brat. I have worked hard for all that I own. I was never one to let Mummy and Daddy purchase my car, apartment, furniture. Well, sure, a few stunning handbags, pairs of shoes, Mimco wallets, and my prized Tiffany jewellery, but they were all either Christmas or birthday gifts; nothing was given just because they can afford it. I told them when I moved out that I’m standing on my own two feet, and to my credit, I fucking nailed it.

  Dinners at Roxy’s parents’, Denise and Phil, had become a tradition; they were like my adopted parents—much more loving and warm than my own. I love my mum and dad, but I guess they never really slotted their daughter into their lives. They just continued, and I started my own life. Some people will never change.

  I guess they make me want to be the bigger person. The thought of getting married and having kids of my own does appeal to me, eventually, not for a while! I see the poor kids when I volunteer at the hospital, and it’s heartbreaking, I just know I will give my children the love, nurturing, and parenting that I never had. Thinking about it, having a little mini me down the track sounds amazing. Sure, I’m not ready right now, but it is something that I do want to happen in my life.

  Maybe if Thor comes along with his hammer, he can knock down my concrete wall. Damn, now I’m thinking about sexy Chris Hemsworth as Thor …

  Chapter 16

  This week’s topic at work…

  “Is it true what they say about black men?” Jasmine asks while on our morning tea break at the veterinary clinic. She is flicking through Cosmopolitan, so I’m guessing she just read an article. Either that or her brain comes up with some pretty random shit on its own.

  I play coy, like I didn’t hear her, and busy myself making another coffee. I want to keep zipped on the topic; the whole oversharing thing makes me sound like a two-dollar hooker half the time.