Chapter Twenty

Returning to chambers after her Friday morning hearing, Tori went straight to her desk to retrieve her mobile. She’d tucked it away when she arrived at the Royal Courts, vowing not to be one of those needy women who constantly checked to see if their guy had called or texted.

Still standing, she grabbed it and turned it on. Several messages from Randy waited for her; the first had come in at nine thirty. She grinned.

Randy: Hi sexy thing. I hope u agree last night was AMAZEBALLS!

The next came at ten thirty.

Randy: Hi. Everything okay?

Then again at eleven.

Randy: Did I rush you last night? Hope you’re not having regrets. I respect you & think we can be friends

She glowed with happiness, knowing he wanted more than a one-night stand. Friends? Could they become friends, she a high court judge and he a…a what?

A young stud, that’s what. She giggled.

He was right, though. Last night had been amazing. Clearly, he knew his way around the club and around a woman. She smiled again and started typing.

Candi: Sorry about the delay. Just got back from court

“Shite!” Her shriek bounced off the stone walls of her chambers.

She hit the backspace key furiously. She needed to be more careful. Finishing the message, she hit send.

Candi: Sorry about the delay. Busy morning. I agree last night was super

She pulled her desk drawer open to return the phone but gave up, instead tossing it onto her desktop so she’d know immediately when he texted. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had this much fun.

Randy: When can I see you again? Tonight or tomorrow?

Delighted, she played it coy, enjoying the banter.

Candi: Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?

Randy: No. But hopeful. What can I say…last night was a feast but u turn me into a starving man

Candi: Not till Mon night. I’m out of town this weekend

Randy: That long?

Candi: Sorry

Randy: Okay. Can I take you to dinner in the club restaurant?

Elated, she reread the message several times. He really did want to spend time with her beyond screwing. However, she might slip and reveal who she was. Right now, she wanted to stay his fantasy lover, mysterious and sexy. Once he got to know her, he might decide the real Tori was too old and boring. She didn’t want the magic to end and find herself at the kinky ball without a dance partner.

Candi: That’s sweet. Thanks, but I’d like to keep things light.

No response.

Candi: You know, fun and games for now

There was a long pause before he responded, and she sensed his resistance, his desire to argue the point or even command her.

Randy: Okay. For now

Candi: Can we meet at 20:00 in the Serengeti?

Randy: Sure

A one-word text? He wasn’t happy with her for turning him down for dinner, so she threw him a bone.

Candi: I’m still getting over a recent breakup, so…need to keep it simple

Randy: Sorry to hear, but happy you’re free to play with me

Candi: I promise to bring an appetite. But NOT for food! :)

Randy: LOL Also bring stamina cause I plan to wear u out!

Good. All those hours of running would finally pay off.

Candi: Yum! TTFN & have a nice weekend

She knew exactly what to do with her lunch hour. She would scout out the nearby lingerie shop. She’d looked inside a couple times but had never had the courage to buy any of the sexy items on display. It was different now—she was different. Unlike before, now she had someone in her life who would be thrilled rather than disgusted to see her in risqué undies. She grabbed her purse and hurried out.

A quick hour later, walking back to court, she was toting a large bag filled with enough racy outfits to last awhile. As she walked the narrow streets of the old City of London, Diana called.

Excitedly, Tori told her she planned to meet Randy on Monday night and would be his guest for the evening. “He didn’t even want to wait that long. I don’t want to, either, but it’s my mum’s birthday and I’ve had long-standing plans to spend the entire weekend with my parents in Reading.”

“I’m happy for you, dahling, truly, but I’ve never seen you behave this way or move so quickly. Are you sure? I mean, is it possible you’re rushing things?”

Tori laughed. “Honestly, I’m not at all sure what I’m doing, but it feels right.”

Airy and carefree for the first time in years—maybe ever—she wouldn’t let misgivings stop her from grabbing this chance. The sun was shining again today, wiping away the dreary London mists. Surely, that was a sign the world approved.

“And the bonking was good?” Diana asked.

“Hell’s bells, it was the best sex of my life. But I promise I’ll be careful. I won’t give him any personal information or let him follow me home. Anyway, isn’t it what you wanted? That I live a little and have some great sex?”

“Yes, it is, and there’s no better or safer place for letting your wild side out to play.”

“Thank you again for dragging me to the club. I’m even thinking maybe I should get a membership. Would you sponsor me?”

“Of course, dahling. But I’m still in shock that you ran into that old fuddy-duddy. I just can’t believe Rupert’s a member. I’ve never seen him there before, but I never go on Thursdays, either.”

“He’s definitely not the person I thought he was,” Tori confessed.

Discovering his duplicity was pulling her apart. Regardless of what he’d said about her reputation, or his belief that she should be above such things, it hurt that he didn’t think her sexy enough to fulfill him. That he’d sought his true gratification elsewhere.

“I keep wondering how long this has been going on,” she admitted.

“Rupert is a total arsehat. I pity the women he seduces at the club.”

Tori snorted. “I pity the woman he ultimately marries.”

Still, a measure of sadness crept in. He’d been her good friend for years, even before they started dating. Regardless, the fact that he had a secret kinky side he’d refused to share with her caused a hole to form in her heart where their friendship used to be.

“Ugh, and good riddance, I say,” Diana said. “If you stay away from Thursdays, you probably won’t run into him again. I hope you have fun Monday. But not too much fun.”

They laughed.

“Okay. Not too much. Bye.” Tori slipped her phone back into her purse.

She’d lied. She planned to have as much fun as she possibly could, to seek out and savor every new erotic experience.

A few weeks ago, she had believed her life fading, that she would grow old without ever exploring her sensual side. Now she understood that she could be whatever she wanted, and no one could hold her back.

Least of all herself.