Inside the Lines: Without a Trace series, a contemporary erotic romance novel by Ally Bishop Page A

my complete inability, he stares at me in awe.
    “Nope. I’m not that into it. But I’m happy to let you whip my ass…here.” I wink and take a sip of my soda.
    He reaches for my hands, pulling me to my feet and kissing me soundly. “Aye. But I’d rather do it elsewhere,” he teases.
    How on earth is this turning me on? Yet it is, and I refuse to contemplate it further. “Keep dreaming, MacKenzie.” I punctuate my response by nibbling his bottom lip, then tracing it with my tongue.
    When we finally separate, he clears his throat. “Well, I’ve no wish to keep beating ye here . What else would ye like to do?”
    We’re both dressed casually, and my jeans are getting more wear than typical. I’m also saving on makeup costs, as I enjoy being a bit more bare-faced around Fin. There’s something about him that puts me at ease, and I don’t mind looking younger and less edgy. Usually I hate that I look barely legal—hard to garner much respect that way. With Fin…it’s different. He makes me feel like it doesn’t matter. Which brings up all sorts of uncomfortable questions that I don’t want to deal with.
    “We could go home and find fun things to do.” I link my hands behind his neck. “We can even stop by the sex shop on our way back to see if we find something fun to enjoy.”
    His eyes widen. “A sex shop? I canna say I’ve ever been to one.”
    I lean back in his arms, face to the ceiling. “You are such an innocent!” Then I smile at him. “I feel like I’m Mrs. Robinson, debauching her young lover.”
    “I’m willing to be corrupted, Mistress.” He nuzzles my neck, finding the spot to nip with his teeth that sends my hormones soaring.
    “Then I shall lead on, my little lamb. Into the lion’s den we go.”
    Shay’s Sexy Suite is anything but a lion’s den. Fashionably decorated with soft, reddish pink chintz and white velvet, it screams girly good times, rather than sexual depravity. Shay burns a light incense in the back, which, when combined with whatever strawberry fragrance she uses out front, creates a welcoming patina for the senses. Fin is, as usual, completely at ease, his fascination with the array of elegant toys on display refreshing. Hell, I could just watch him walk around the room and get turned on.
    In the “back room,” the decor turns dark and moody, but still with a feminine vibe. Here, Shay sells the heavier sex items, like expert canes and whips that are hand-crafted by artisans from all over the world. Fin loses himself in examination of crops, and I wander over to the leatherwear.
    When I feel a light hand on my shoulder, I turn in surprise.
    “Mistress Hathaway!” Ari practically leaps into my arms with enthusiasm. “So good to see you.” She busses my cheek lightly, then steps back in sudden shyness. “This is my friend, Bryant.”
    A dark-haired man steps up beside her, built nearly as petite as she is, though he stands a head taller than her. “Nice to meet you, Mistress. Ari’s told me a lot about you.”
    I take his hand in a firm shake. “Good to meet you as well.” Ari’s glowing with happiness, and Bryant seems smitten. “You look happy, my dear. I’m glad to see it.”
    “Oh, I so am. Thanks to you.” Her light skin flushes, and she glances over when Fin approaches. “Oh, wow. Hi! I didn’t know you two were a couple.”
    Ah, the moment of truth. “Fin, you remember Ari, I’m sure. Bryant, Fin.”
    The difference between the two men is particularly obvious as Bryant’s slim hand gets lost in Fin’s. If Bryant knows who Fin is, or how recently he had sex with Ari, he doesn’t let on.
    We engage in the requisite small talk, but Ari and Bryant are clearly into each other and want to get going. Ari follows Bryant out after we’ve said goodbye, but after a moment, she returns and pulls me aside.
    “Bryant is nothing like the guys I told you about before. I’ve known him for years, but I never had the guts to act on his interest.” She