Messalina: Devourer of Men by Zetta Brown Read Free Book Online

and debate whether or not to pick up, but I do just before the answering machine turns on.
                “Hello? Evadne?”
                “Jared? Hi, how are you?” I’m gushing. Fuck, I sound so stupid! It’s been ages since a man called me at home, especially one who can blow any cobwebs straight to hell.
                “Not bad. And yourself? You sound out of breath.”
                “I was just coming in the door.” I collapse into the nearest chair. Out of breath or not, I’m about to pass out.
                “That’s good. Glad I didn’t miss you.”
    His voice coats my body like honey and as I indulge, there’s silence on the other end. “Evadne?”
                “What? Oh! Yes, Jared?”
                “Umm. Sorry I haven’t called before now, but I’ve been working real hard on an assignment. Listen, I’m catching a redeye to Dallas tonight, but . . . ”
    He sighs and the telephone amplifies it into a growl, making me remember the orgasm he got out of me. I cross my legs.
                 “Are you free tonight?”
    I hear the uncertainty in his voice and decide that Little Miss Evasive has run her course.
    “Why don’t you come over?” I say. “Let me make you dinner.”

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Three

    “The First Date”
     
     
    From the balcony of my high-rise apartment in Golden, I can see across Denver or turn to face the foothills and mountains. I open the Venetian blinds so Jared can appreciate the view when he arrives and load the CD player with as many piano and saxophone jazz discs it will hold.
    In the kitchen, I hide all evidence of takeout food cartons. Hell, I’m trying to impress, so I went to a bistro and bought chicken Alfredo and a wild-green salad. I even went to the best wine shop to pick the wines. There’s a raspberry cheesecake for dessert, but hope I’ll do instead. Tonight, I plan to use all my weapons of seduction.
    My black velvet slip dress is designed to make grown men feel underage. I bought it months ago on a whim, but tonight will be its premiere. The dress hugs all my curves, while exposing just enough cleavage and leg. As far as panties are concerned—why bother?
    Jared shows up right at seven o’clock. Taking several deep breaths, I wipe my sweaty palms on my dress and open the door.
    He greets me with a dazzling smile and dimples that make him sinfully adorable. He wears black slacks and a navy-blue linen shirt. The lustrous sheen of his hair gleams like dark copper. This time, I can’t keep myself from getting trapped by his gaze, which seems to turn a deeper shade of violet before my eyes.
    He must know the power of his stare, because he holds a bouquet of deep purple irises on long green stems. I reach out and gently pull him inside by the arm.
    “You look delicious, Evadne,” he says as he crosses the threshold. I catch the scent of my favorite cologne which is, ironically enough, Obsession for Men. I smile.
    “Please, call me Eva.”
    “Sorry. Am I mispronouncing it?”
    “No, you’re saying it perfectly. Everyone calls me Eva.”
    He inhales deeply and it expands his chest beneath the crisp linen of his shirt.
    “Smells good.” He leans forward to kiss me and wastes no time inserting his tongue for a quick taste. I moan in response. As he pulls away, he gently bites my lower lip and gives me a peck on the tip of my nose. “I’ve been thinking about you, girl.”
    I look down so he can’t see my satisfied smirk. It’s a struggle to keep myself from grabbing him and forcing him to the ground. We are going to have dinner first. We are , damn it! I step back and accept the bouquet.  “These are lovely.”
    “You complement each other.”
    “Flirt.” I spin on my heel to find something to put the flowers in. Using a vase from my china cabinet, I arrange the flowers and place them at the center of the coffee table in the den.
    Jared follows me and