Another Read online

  Another

  Fiona Cole

  Copyright © 2019 by Fiona Cole

  All rights reserved.

  Cover Designer: Najla Qambar, Qambar Designs

  Interior Design: Indie Girl Promotions

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  To all the women who have built me up.

  You’re more than I could have asked for.

  Contents

  Playlist

  1. Carina

  2. Ian

  3. Carina

  4. Carina

  5. Ian

  6. Carina

  7. Ian

  8. Carina

  9. Ian

  10. Carina

  11. Ian

  12. Carina

  13. Ian

  14. Carina

  15. Ian

  16. Carina

  17. Ian

  18. Carina

  19. Carina

  20. Carina

  21. Ian

  22. Ian

  23. Carina

  24. Carina

  25. Ian

  26. Ian

  27. Carina

  28. Ian

  29. Ian

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Also by Fiona Cole

  Playlist

  After the Storm - Mumford & Sons

  Elastic Heart - Sia (feat. The Weeknd)

  Near to You - A Fine Frenzy

  Cool Again - Shoffy

  She Loves Control - Camila Cabello

  Yours - Ella Henderson

  Take on the World - You Me At Six

  Someone to You - BANNERS

  He Like That - Fifth Harmony

  Girl With One Eye - Florence + the Machine

  I’ll Be There - Jess Glynne

  Born to Be Yours - Kygo & Imagine Dragons

  Feel Again - OneRepublic

  Shut Up and Dance - Walk the Moon

  Exactly How I Feel - Lizzo (feat. Gucci Mane)

  The Humpty Dance - Digital Underground

  1 Carina

  I never used to spend my weekends in the office. Hell, not too long ago, I was fucking two men.

  I’d been engaged.

  I’d been happy.

  Now, I was scrambling to shut down my computer on a Saturday to go on a blind date my four aunts had arranged as a Christmas gift.

  A blind date that was a boudoir photoshoot with a stranger. They’d set it up and wrapped it with a bow in a card. I’d never forget looking up into their giddy faces as my jaw hit the floor. Who the hell got their niece a blind date that required intimate situations with a strange man?

  “It will do you some good.” Aunt Violet waved away my concern.

  “Is this sex?” my dad yelled. “Did you get my daughter sex?”

  “Stop being such a prude, David,” Aunt Vera chimed in.

  “Our girl has been down and smiling less than usual,” Aunt Vivian defended. “It will be good for her to have some adventure to take her mind off that dick that abandoned her.”

  Aunt Virginia, the quietest, but by no means the calmest, just smirked, letting me know she was the mastermind behind all of it.

  I’d put off their gift, but they’d hovered over me for a week until I booked it. They’d promised to ask for all the details once it was over to make sure I went. They’d gushed over the possibilities and finished off more than a couple bottles of wine as I filled out the form.

  “Request a big dick in the preference box,” Aunt Vivian had demanded. “No harm in asking.”

  All I could hope for was someone hot and not a creeper who wanted me to put the lotion on the skin. Honestly, I just wanted to get it over with, so I could get back to working on my projects—the only thing that sparked my interest these days.

  Maybe my doubts would be proven wrong, and I’d actually enjoy myself. Maybe a ridiculously hot man would be waiting to sweep me off my feet and ignite the fire that had almost been extinguished six months ago. Someone to make me have somewhere better to be than the office on a weekend.

  I’d made huge strides in my career, but I missed the girl who danced while she cooked, laughed more than not, who bravely slept with two men. I missed the girl who dared her fiancé to fuck her in public. Who owned her body and lacked any inhibitions. Who feared no man and the pain they could cause.

  Shutting my car off, I sat outside the building for a few more minutes before heading in. I fluffed my hair that had been pulled up in a bun earlier this morning, practiced my smile that had grown rusty, and took one last cleansing breath, trying to go in with an open mind.

  “Hello, welcome to Queen City Photography,” a smiling woman greeted from behind her desk. “What can I do for you today?”

  “I’m Carina Russo. I’m here for an…appointment.”

  She dropped her gaze to her computer and typed a few things in. “Ah, yes. The blind date session. Your match is already here. If you want to head through those doors, he’s in the waiting room on the other side. Make yourself comfortable, and Sarah, the photographer, will be in to talk with you in a bit.”

  “Oh…okay. Thank you.”

  I turned, facing the door like a firing squad was on the other side. When was the last time I’d dated? Six years ago? I’d been with Jake, my fiancé, for so long, it all of a sudden hit me that I didn’t remember what dating felt like. Even before Jake, I’d been in college and hadn’t really dated anyone. It was just parties and fooling around.

  What if I sucked? What if I was the worst at dating? What if this was the worst hour of my life and I was scarred from the experience? What if I never dated again. and died surrounded by all the cats I’d eventually buy so that I wouldn’t have to be alone?

  I was being ridiculous—a coward. My eyes slid closed, and I breathed as deep as possible, stretching my lungs, forcing them to push past the band of panic that had been squeezing them. I was Carina Russo, heir to Wellington and Russo, marketing queen, and a powerful woman. I didn’t fail. I pushed on and succeeded.

  You failed pretty epically at your engagement, a voice reminded me, faltering my steps.

  Shut up, stupid voice.

  With my hand on the knob, I reminded myself one more time. I was Carina fucking Russo. Whoever was on the other side of that door was about to have their socks knocked off. Like an engine sputtering to life, my excitement began, a coy smile forming on my lips.

  A hallway greeted me on the other side of the door, and I pulled my shoulders back, making my way to the opening a few feet down. My heels clicked with authority, and the first thrill shot through me when I rounded the corner to find a man filling up an entire chair. His legs were spread wide, elbows on his knees as he looked down at his phone. I couldn’t see his face, but I could see the dark head of hair attached to ridiculously broad shoulders encased in a gray sweater. I could see his long fingers moving over his screen, his hands elegant but manly.

  But everything in me froze when he lifted his gaze to mine, and I was confronted with an unusual set of gray eyes. Gray eyes I’d never been able to forget. Gray eyes that had helped me through the night I’d realized my relationship with Jake was over.

  His brow furrowed at the same time his lips tipped up, like he was pleased to see me, but couldn’t place why. May
be he didn’t remember me.

  I sure remembered him.

  “Listen, beautiful. I can be the man that takes you home and finds ways to make you forget who hurt you. I can make you like it. But I’m not sure that’s what you want. And I’m not the man to cause regrets.” He pressed another soft kiss and I returned it. “But if I’m wrong, then just tell me. I’ll pay for those shots and fuck you before we even make it upstairs. Probably finger you in the cab on the way home.”

  “Hi,” I greeted, my voice a little breathy.

  He stood but didn’t rush to introduce himself, still studying me. God, he was tall. I wasn’t short by any means, but he had to stand at least six inches above my five-eight.

  I reached my hand out when he still stood there. “I’m Carina.”

  His brows rose, and recognition finally sparked. Sliding his hand in mine, I finally heard the voice that’d been on replay in my dreams. “I remember you.”

  The combination of his rough fingers encasing mine completely, and the rough tone sliding past smooth, smiling lips sucked the air from my lungs. My body blazed hot from those hands, and I held fast to my veneer of control, so I didn’t melt into a puddle at his feet.

  “I’m Ian.”

  My tongue slicked across my dry lips. His eyes tracked the movement, and my confidence grew. He was just as affected as I was.

  “Nice to meet you, Ian. Again.”

  “So, you’re my date for today?”

  “Looks like I am.”

  He scanned my body, still holding my hand. “Good.”

  Unable to handle the intense stare any longer, I dropped my eyes and bit my lip, lightly extracting my hand from his. I was excited to see him, but he didn’t need to know how much. The man could work a little for my attention.

  “Small world meeting you here.”

  “I can’t say I’m sad about it. But I must admit, I’m shocked to see such a beautiful woman on a blind date. I can only imagine men line up to have a moment with you.”

  I laughed softly. “Would you believe me if I said this was a surprise Christmas gift?”

  He laughed in return, and the deep rumble washed over me, settling heavily in my core. “I actually can since mine was also a Christmas gift.”

  “Go figure.”

  A heavy silence filled the small waiting room as we both stood there. The tension expanded like a bubble around us, taking up more and more space, growing so big it could explode at any moment. What would happen when it did? Would we incinerate with the chemistry sizzling between us? I sure hoped so. Excitement thrummed through my blood, scaring me, and thrilling me in equal measures. My skin was like a live wire, the hair on end as I waited at the top of a roller coaster, holding my breath, waiting for it to tip forward and ride the exhilarating rush down.

  He took one step closer…and another set of heels came clicking down the hall.

  “Good, you met,” a petite woman greeted us from the entryway.

  Ian and I snapped to attention, blinking out of the daze we’d been in. The woman wore all black, contrasting heavily against her pale skin, blonde hair, and ice-blue eyes appearing wide behind thick lenses.

  “I’m Sarah, and I’ll be your photographer today. Why don’t we take a seat and go over what to expect?”

  Ian let me sit first before lowering next to me, letting his strong thighs fall wide, his knee brushing against mine. Just that minor contact had my breath hitching in my chest.

  “So, as you know, this is a boudoir shoot. You don’t have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with but be sure to communicate with each other about what feels good and what doesn’t. I suggest taking advantage of the unique date and stepping outside of your comfort zone, pushing the boundaries.”

  Reckless ideas flooded me, and I fought to keep my breathing under control. I didn’t want to scare him away by panting next to him before we even started.

  “This isn’t porn, so we don’t allow penetration of any kind, but any form of nudity is allowed. We keep it sensual and erotic, but not graphic and gratuitous. Sexuality is such a huge part of a relationship, leaving us bared to the other person. We cultivate this experience for you to get to know each other on another level beyond the typical first date questions.”

  I shifted in my seat at the image she painted, and my mind flooded with thoughts of fucking him on camera. He resituated himself, and I chanced a glance out the corner of my eyes, unable to miss the bulge growing behind his zipper.

  “You’ll each have a dressing room with outfits and props to utilize for your shoot. Once we’re done, we have a separate room for you to meet and chat, with appetizers and drinks. A place to get to those pesky first date questions. So, I’ll leave you each to get ready and meet you on the other side.”

  We stood, and my knees shook, my heart thumping harder the closer we got to touching.

  “Oh, before you go. Would you like to do the photoshoot outdoors or indoors?

  “Inside,” I said.

  “Outside,” Ian said at the same time.

  Sarah’s eyes flicked between the both of us, and I looked to Ian, feeling a pinprick to the bubble of excitement when he gave me a bit of a condescending smile. I’d been given enough smiles like that over my years of working in a high-demand business consisting mostly of doubtful men.

  “Outside,” he said again, with a wink this time, like he knew best and expected me to follow along.

  Pulling my shoulders back, I gave him my own smile that let him know what I thought about him trying to dictate to me. “Definitely inside. It’s too hot outside, and I don’t want to be sweaty.”

  One of his brows slowly rose. “I’d love to be sweaty with you.”

  I almost caved then and there with the promise in his eyes, but my stubborn pride wasn’t backing down. “Inside.”

  “Ooookay,” Sarah said, interrupting the battle of wills. “Inside it is. Lady’s choice. You two get ready, and I’ll see you in a bit.”

  I gave him my own wink with a victorious smile before turning and entering the indicated room to change. I’d worn skinny jeans and a sweater, but now that I’d met the man I’d be getting close with, I wanted to push the limits. Thankfully, I’d worn my black, lacy La Perla lingerie. I wasn’t sure we’d get that far, but despite his condescending tone, I hoped we did.

  Looking through the selection of easy-access dresses, I decided on a black wrap dress I brought myself and kept my pumps on. Looking in the mirror, I tossed my hair again and puckered my lips. “Eat your heart out, Ian.”

  He’d learn like all the other men that underestimated me.

  I tugged the V of the dress open a bit more, exposing my cleavage to its best advantage and stepped out to the studio. Soft jazz played in the background, setting the mood. On one side was all lighting and equipment. The other side was set up like a hotel room; all whites and light colors. A bed, nightstand with a lamp, and a chair that spurred more than a few naughty thoughts. Especially since it held a large man in a black button-up and black slacks.

  “You look stunning,” Sarah complimented.

  Ian’s eyes snapped up and immediately dropped to my feet, working their way up my body like I hoped his hands did later. “Gorgeous,” he rumbled.

  “Let’s get started, shall we? The main thing to remember is to communicate with each other. Otherwise, have fun.”

  “I don’t think that will be a problem.” Ian stepped up close, forcing me to tip my head back to hold his stare.

  The snap of the camera pulled me out of the moment and reminded me that we weren’t alone.

  “Let’s start with an embrace and go from there,” Sarah suggested.

  I went to move for his hips at the same time he moved for mine and our hands collided.

  We both laughed and went to talk at the same time.

  “Why don’t you move your hands here,” I suggested.

  “Why don’t you let me take the wheel, baby?”

  His words were delivered with anot
her schmoozy smile. “How about I just show you what you need to do since you seem to need help.”

  He breathed a deep laugh. “I’m sure I can figure it out,” he muttered.

  The camera kept clicking as we fumbled with the tie around my waist, but not the snap holding it closed. I got his shirt untucked and four buttons opened. All of these done with muttered demands from each of us and fumbling hands. It was a mess, and we were only fifteen minutes in, each one ticking by like a bomb on all my fantasies about to blow up.

  “Stop fighting me,” he growled when our hands collided again to undo the button on my dress.

  “I’m not fighting you.”

  “Then let me get it.”

  “It’s fine. I’ve got it.”

  “You are the most argumentative woman I’ve ever met.”

  “Because I don’t fall at your feet at your half-ass seduction attempts?”

  “Jesus.”

  “Are you trying?”

  “You’re crazy, woman.” My eyebrows shot to my hairline at the comment muttered under his breath. “Here, tip your head this way,” he tried to direct, but I was already moving another way, and we bumped noses.

  “If you would just listen to me,” I growled my frustration.

  Ian took a step back, and my heart sunk at it finally being ended, even if it was a catastrophe. But he didn’t walk away like I expected. No. He squatted down enough to grip my thighs and lifted me. My hands shot to his shoulders as he stepped us toward the bed behind me and tossed me back.

  I opened my mouth to argue but choked on the words when he followed me to the bed. He situated himself between my thighs and pinned my hands to the pillow. His gray eyes locked me in place, and for the first time since we started, the flame grew more than my stubbornness, forcing back any argument. I was still annoyed at his arrogance but staring up at him and feeling the heat of him over me, it dimmed.