The Things We Crave

Chapter Nine

Catherine felt that Vincent was definitely arrogant. Just listening to the way he talked, listing his achievements like they were easy for anyone to do; been there done that type attitude. She took on a few clients that were high-end big money since she made the cover of that tabloid. He was not as bad as they were. At least Vincent had a sense of humor. The other guys were dry and talked about their boring job. They put her to sleep. Sure, it seemed that Vincent’s favorite subject was himself, but at least he has had a few interesting experiences and he paints a colorful story. He did stop a few to ask questions about herself.

Vincent did think very highly of himself, thought to be too good for the people he grew up with at his poor beginnings. Brad was the only one he associated with from his past. He calls his parents every now and then, not as much as he should, but he has been busy chasing the fast money the past ten years. Who has time to call every day, once a week even? What could have changed in that short time to bother his parents? He wouldn’t be caught on a plane in coach or going to a restaurant or hotel that wasn’t five stars. He felt that he clawed his way to the top, so he has earned the privileges. He talked mainly about himself because the truth was, he didn’t really know what else to talk about.  

He was excited Catherine agreed to sit with him but, he was also suddenly nervous. He had a strong urge to impress her. She must have dates with high rollers all the time, as beautiful as she is, and they obviously didn’t make the cut for her to still be single. Tammy showed him the magazine she made the cover with, a professional football player who is well known for his skills on and off the field. Her questions made the conversation run smoothly and he became more relaxed as it went. The only problem he found was that she had a lot of energy and from what he could tell she didn’t have much of a plan for the future. She was more interested in having fun than work on a career. He thought it was too bad to work hard for a degree like that and never use it. Even so, he enjoyed her company and was entertained by her stories in and around the racetracks. He noticed how excited she got and how her face lite up when she talked about it.

“So which games you want to play first?” Vincent asks pulling Catherine closer by the hip as the walked by the first booth.

“I don’t care really, any of these here will do. I’m wanting to be apart of the races they have planned but that won’t be for another thirty minutes.”  Catherine says as the stop in front of a basketball hoop booth.

Vincent drops a token in Brad’s jar and picks up the small basketball, “I was hoping you were going to join in that race. I’m probably the only one who could actually challenge him in a race. Now that I know you a little better, I should have known.” He chuckles as he shoots the ball right in the hoop.

“Nice shot! Well, I do know we have use of the arcade of the resort, I wouldn’t guess a hot shot like yourself would want to play a few games of air hockey.” She snatches the ball before he could, spins and hooks it in the hoop.

 He smirks as she dusts her hands and places them on her hips. “You would guess wrong my dear, I haven’t played in years, but I think I could take you. Let’s go.”

As they make their way to the arcade, Catherine asks, “What do you do for fun?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t really have time to do much. Although Brad handles the paperwork end of the business, I handle everything else. I travel a lot, checking on each club. I review any problems that are happening, find ways to resolve them. I have on going meetings with my advertising crew to research new ways to get people to choose our clubs over others. Plus, I’m in charge of all the scheduling for clients who want to rent the halls for parties, balls, privet auctions, or special events.”

Catherine scrunches her nose and winches. “Damn, Vincent! Sounds like you have too much on your plate. You need to hire an assistant or a few other that can take off some of that, delegate someone with a few things. You’re going burn yourself out and age yourself before your time. I hate to see that handsome face looking fifty at thirty-five.” She pinches his cheek with a giggle.

He rubs his cheek, “That’s funny, Brad says the same thing. I would hire an assistant but,” he sighs, “It’s hard for me to let go of the responsibilities. I want to make sure it gets done right. I’d be pretty picky on who I’d hire as my assistant.” An idea pops in his head.

They walk to the air hockey table and start the game. As they play, Vincent continues, “You have a degree in the very thing you say I need. What would I have to do to get you to work for me?” He sinks the puck into her goal.

“Damn!” She laughs as she digs out the puck. “You would not want me as your assistant. I have no experience and you would see a side of me you would definitely not find attractive. I get bored too easily and more than likely slack off or fall asleep on my desk. I have a terrible work ethic, always late; ask my mother, and unorganized. Or as my sister puts it, I’m a slob.” She rolls her eyes. “So, I suggest you look for somewhere else. Plus, I’m not leaving my mom. After she’s recovers from this cancer crap, maybe I’ll look you up.” She flicks her wrist and sinks the puck. She smiles then bites her lip.

Vincent licks his lips as he tries to control his hormones. She was doing it again, turning him on without trying. He retrieves the puck, as he looks around, he notices a pool table. “Can you plat eight ball?” He gestures over to the corner of the room.

“Sure, I used to play with Dad all the time. I’m no professional but it would be easy either.” She says coyly as she sha-shays over to the wall and pulls down a que stick.

He grins with mischief in his eyes. The way her body moves is driving him crazy. He craves her in the worst way and doesn’t know how much longer he can resist putting his lips on her skin. His hands ach to touch her bottom or a handful of those perky, bouncy breast. He goes to get the balls and set the rack. While kneels he counts and breaths heavily as he gains control. Soon the game is on.

Catherine can tell by his body language and his wandering eyes that he’s attracted to her. She smiles to herself and thinks, Lexie would be proud. She continues to flirt and pose her body in suggestive ways while playing the game. She couldn’t understand why he hasn’t tried anything on her yet. He hasn’t touched her butt or pressed up against her or tried to kiss her. I must be too subtle. Maybe I need to be bolder. I didn’t take him for the shy type, maybe I should make the first move?

They finish the game and leave the arcade. Vincent needed some fresh air. Catherine was hitting all the right buttons and he was losing his grip. His pants felt suffocating as his erection pushed on the fabric. He noticed a photo booth. Maybe in there he can make move without a bunch of prying eyes. He had to do something; it was obvious she wanted him but she was being subtle about it. With family everywhere he could understand. He guides her over.

“Want to do this, they got funny props to make the photos?” He asks picking up the oversized red glasses.

Catherine puts on the purple top hat and fake monocle lens with a sassy grin. “After you good sir.” She says in a deep voice with a bow. Then giggles.

He laughs while climbing the booth. Catherine drops in a token and sets the timer for the pictures. She scampers in and sits on his lap. His hands snake around her body. He couldn’t resist any more. His nose behind her ear, he kissed her neck causing chills to ripple down her back. Her hands slip into his hair as his kisses become more confident. She laughs when he nibbles her earlobe. He smiles against her skin. He reaches up and turns her face by her chin. She looks into his eyes and she was done. She pressed her lips to his, he groans leans into her kiss. He repositions her so she is straddling him. His kiss was firm, hungry, delicious. She wanted more. His hands were now bold, grabbing both cheeks of bottom. A soft moan slips out of Catherine’s lips as she breaks for air. This causes him to push her down so she could feel his erection. She reaches into his pants and firmly takes him into her hand.

He moans and quickly loosens his pants for her. She kisses his neck while she brings him closer to his release. He couldn’t stand it, he was so turned on, her hands on him was so intense. He tried like hell to be quiet. He grit his teeth and buried his face into her hair. It smells like apples, the pleasure she was giving him. He moans softly, Catherine giggles at his reaction to her touch.

As his release approaches, he whispers, “Give me that hat.” Catherine sits back and takes off the hat and gives it to him. A few strokes later he is pouring himself into in. He smiles with euphoria at her.

“Feel better?” She asks.

“It’s a start, but I’m thinking I can do you one better…later.”

Meanwhile the camera caught it all. After collecting their picture and throwing the hat in the trash, they head to where the race is soon to start.