Unedited Excerpt from Imperfection

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From “Pete’s Fiftieth Birthday Party”

 

“It’s so warm in here.” I am warm, hot, damn near burning up, but it isn’t from the wine or the party. It’s from doing everything I can think of to subtly, sensually, torture my husband. I am like a cat in heat. I am beside him every moment. I’m brushing my body against his. I’m whispering to him about which of his body parts I’d like to lick first when we get home. I’m—

 

“Take a walk outside,” Ann suggests.

 

“Huh?” As a question, it is my most inelegant.

 

“It’s cool outside. If you’re warm, take a walk. Just don’t wander too far. Just about everybody’s eaten, and I’m trying to get this cake out here as soon as possible.”

 

“I think we’ll do that,” I tell her, though I give her a sidelong glance. I wonder for a second if she knows what’s really transpiring between me and JB. “We won’t go beyond shouting distance, I swear. I’m just so hot.”

 

Ann gives me the eye and I realize she thinks I’m having a hot flash. I am not having a flash. I have precious little of the plumbing even required for that. No, I’m just horny as all hell. I’d like to think I know the difference.

 

“Actually, we can walk to the car and get your jacket.” Earlier, he told me to get my jacket. I told him I didn’t need it, but now we’re walking to the car anyway. We go around to the driver’s side and JB surprises me by leaning down to kiss me.

 

His kiss is not what I expect. I know that he’s aroused too, but his kiss is gentle, staid. It’s the kiss he used to give me when we dropped Shannon off at school. Right after she was out of sight, he would kiss me like I needed it, like he needed it. This kiss is soft and dry, a nuzzle of the lips, a soft opening of the mouth and a little sucking.

 

This is love, but my body still has something else entirely in mind. When he nibbles at my lips, the heat is stronger than it was before. I need him. Now. But we can’t leave yet.

 

Reluctantly, I let go and turn so that we are side by side, no longer facing each other. He trails soft patterns against the flesh of my back at the deep V in my dress.

 

He squeezes me again, tightly. “You need a spanking,” he growls into my ear.

 

“For what?”

 

“For this.” He brings my hand down to the front of his pants.

 

I raise one corner of my lips, but pull my hand away, retreating.

Bending over the SUV, I prop myself up on the hood with my elbows. My hips rest against it. I take a moment to marvel at the phenomenal landscaping and the fact that the entire back of the house is bright, warm and visible. I can make out revelers in every room. Then, just barely, I curve my back and turn to look over my shoulder. I give my butt a shimmy. “Really? A spanking.”

 

JB lets his eyes droop and scorch over my body from foot to head and back again. His jaw works as he grinds his teeth. Uh-oh. I know that look. We aren’t going to make it home.

 

When he doesn’t move, I ask him again. “You think I need a spanking, Daddy? I haven’t been spanked since—”

 

Thwack!

 

His broad hand comes down to slap me right in the center of my butt. I suck in a sharp breath when I feel that scintillating sting. I hold my breath now because he doesn’t end with striking my flesh through my dress. Instead, his hand completes its descent by cupping me from the back, between my legs. I can feel the rub of his fingertips through silk against my clitoris. I utter a little ay as I feel that touch course through my body and end at my nipples, which are already chilled and pebbled from the night air.

 

Thwack!

 

He repeats the slap to the center of my ass and the sliding of his hand under to nuzzle me. I feel a tiny pop inside me, just like the breaking of a tiny bubble. It’s this subtle, near-nothing sensation that lets me know I’m saturated inside and out. I’m glad I’m wearing a black dress.

 

I slide my foot over until one of my ankles tangles with his. I tug at his leg until he moves to stand behind me, which doesn’t really take much prodding. He drops his head to kiss my neck. My flesh tingles there because it is a sweet spot. I am eager so I drop my head to the side, letting my hair fall out of his way. I’m laying myself bare for him.

 

Feeling behind me with deft hands that have done this a thousand times, I slip the tongue from the buckle of his belt. I unbutton the top of his pants, which fall right below his belly. I reach in, feeling my way, and ease my hand into the elastic band of his underwear. When my fingers close over his hot penis, I clutch him gently. My fingers don’t go all the way around. I tease the thick, rigid vein underneath with my fingertips and score it lightly with my nails.

 

“I saw you put panties on when we left the house tonight. Where are they?” His voice is gruff.

 

I reach into my bra. That’s where I tucked the black satin bikinis I took off in the bathroom. I hand them back to them. I don’t look, but I know he’s bringing them to his nose. There’s a subtle sniff. His lips and tongue are on my neck again, his arms encircle me.