Sensual Confessions: Family Ties

By Marilyn Lee

Four confessions that highlight family ties.

Book 1

My Mother’s Man

Lacey is dismayed to find herself attracted to her mother’s younger lover.

Book 2 Falling Hard

Doug reluctantly allows his brother’s pregnant girlfriend to move in and promptly falls for her.

Book 3

Secondhand Lover

Things are going well for James until a beautiful woman he can’t resist comes looking for his twin brothers.

Book 4

And Eating It Too

Gemma arrives at a New Year’s Eve party to find her fantasy man there—along with his equally attractive brother.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marilyn Lee Unleashed
• Release date: Feb 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386852018

Marilyn Lee

Marilyn Lee lives, works, and writes on the East Coast. In addition to thoroughly enjoying writing erotic romances, she enjoys roller-skating, spending time with her large, extended family, and rooting for all her hometown sports teams. Her other interests include collecting Doc Savage pulp novels from the thirties and forties and collecting Marvel comics from the seventies and eighties (particularly Thor and The Avengers). Her favorite TV shows are forensic shows, westerns (Gunsmoke and Have Gun, Will Travel are particular favorites), mysteries (loves the old Charlie Chan mysteries. Her all-time favorite mystery movie is probably Dead, Again), and nearly every vampire movie or television show ever made (Forever Knight and Count Yorga, Vampire are favorites). Marilyn has won numerous writing accolades, including a CAPA award for Bloodlust: Conquering Mikhel Dumont and the following Lub-Dubs Awards for 2009: Lifetime Achievement Award, In Blood And Worth Loving (Best erotic novel and best sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal Award. She loves to hear from readers who can email her at [e-mail] or who can visit her website, http://www.marilynlee.org. Visit her Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.lee.393950?ref=tn_tnmn) She has a Yahoo! Group called Love Bytes that readers can join by sending an email to [e-mail]

Book preview

My Mother’s Man

Mom, Dad, and I did everything together from doing the dishes to spending all our free time together. I grew up thinking we were the perfect family—until Dad shocked both Mom and me by divorcing her. I kept hoping and expecting they would reconcile allowing us to be the perfect family again. So, needless to say, I was upset when first Dad and then Mom started dating again.

How do I look? Mom asked as I stood in the doorway of her room, watching her put the finishing touches on her makeup.

Mom was a beautiful woman with smooth, dark skin and warm brown eyes. She’d kept in shape and always looked great. But she’d been positively sparkling since she’d been dating the new man in her life, Paul Warner.

Well, darling? What do you think?

I shrugged. Don’t you think you’re moving too fast?

She arched a brow. How am I moving too fast?

You’ve only known this guy for a few months and—

Your father and I have been divorced for 18 months, Lacey.

Had it been that long? I frowned. I know, but—

It’s time for us both to move on. Do you resent my dating Paul because he’s younger than I am or because he’s not your father? Or because he’s white?

No! I know I spoke too quickly, but Mom had a way of nailing my feelings that made me defensive.  My best friend, Morris, swore I was too old-fashioned. Maybe he was right, but I couldn’t help how I felt. The idea of Mom dating a white man who also happened to be younger than her would take some getting used to. Of course I don’t resent your going out with him, I lied.

Mom gave me a knowing smile. I’m glad to hear that, Lacey.

As Mom crossed the room to me, I thought how much closer she looked to 33 than she did to 43. No wonder this Paul wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.

Mom hugged me. I know watching me date other men isn’t easy for you, Lacey, but you’re old enough to understand and accept that I have needs just like your father.

I hated it when she used her let’s-be-reasonable voice on me as if I were still a child. I shrugged. No one liked to think of their parents having needs. I understand that, Mom.

Good. She smiled. That will make being away from you for two weeks easier.

I resisted the urge to ask why her boss couldn’t handle a business meeting without her. She worked as an executive assistant to an engineer who seemed too dependent on her. He wanted her to travel with him all the time.

When we return from this trip, Paul will be leaving on one of his own.

Great. Then maybe he wouldn’t expect her to spend all of her free time with him.

Do you have any plans tonight?

I shook my head.

Good. Then tonight is the perfect time for you and Paul to meet.

Tonight? I shook my head. I don’t think—

Tonight, Lacey. Once you meet him you’ll see how nice he is and why I enjoy being with him. She smiled. It’s a man and woman thing.

I’m an adult, Mom, I said, aware that I wasn’t really acting my age.

You’re 19.

That adult, I reminded her.

A very pretty 19. Mom caressed my cheek. Will you do something for me?

Sure. Name it.

Give Paul a fair shake tonight. Of course once you see him, you’ll be smitten. He’s very attractive.

I give everyone a fair shake, I said.

Of course you do. Now I want you to dress to impress and to show off that fabulous figure of yours.

The day I dressed to impress my mother’s boyfriend was the day I knew the best part of my life was over. Besides, Mom was five inches taller. I was just 5’ 4 with larger breasts, a bigger ass, and darker skin. Mom was curvy but slender with clear skin the color of heavily creamed coffee. We’re nothing alike, I pointed out. And any man who’s attracted to you is going to find me a little on the short side and probably think my skin is several shades too dark."

Are you kidding? I think the phrase brown sugar was coined with you in mind, she told me.

I couldn’t help but smile. Mom had always been my biggest cheerleader.

She grinned. So dress to impress. Okay?

I’ll think about it. 

She hugged me and walked back to study her reflection in her vanity mirror.

I left her bedroom. Poor Mom. She and dad had been high school sweethearts who had married a month after their high school graduation. She’d probably forgotten what constituted an attractive male. This Paul of hers was probably borderline butt ugly.

IT WAS A HOT AND STICKY June night, so I slipped on a pair of baggy sweats, flip flops, and pulled my dark shoulder length hair up into a pony tail. I knew Mom wouldn’t be pleased when she saw me but why in the world would she expect me to want to impress her boyfriend?

That night when Mom introduced me to Paul Warner I felt as if I’d been blindsided. He was nothing like I’d expected. He was tall, muscular, and tanned with dark hair and very dark gray eyes. Although not exactly handsome, he was definitely interesting. His gaze was intense and his smile that rare, genuine kind that could make a woman feel as if she were the most beautiful, enchanting person he’d ever met. When he smiled at me, my heart raced, and I felt warm all over. 

And when his hand closed around mine, I felt a jolt of electricity shoot from my hand up my arm. My face burned, and it was all I could do not to jerk my hand from his. I lowered my eyelids to conceal my expression from him. But I could feel his gaze on me.

I wasn’t much of a talker at the best of times, but that night, sitting opposite Paul Warner, I felt like a schoolgirl crushing for the first time. Conversation was just about impossible as I struggled with the unwanted feelings of attraction I felt each time I allowed my gaze to linger on Paul’s face. 

Worse, each time I glanced at him, I found his dark gray gaze on me. Why was he staring? Was he comparing me unfavorably to Mom and wondering how she and I could be so unalike?

I tore my gaze away and cast a guilty look in Mom’s direction. She smiled at me and went on talking.

Paul didn’t seem any more inclined to talk than I was.

Our silence left Mom to do most of the talking that night. Paul is a realtor, Lacey, Mom told me. He was the instructor of the real estate course I took last year at Community College. That’s where we met. When the course ended, he asked me out and I agreed.

I watched Mom give Paul a long, lingering look before she continued. That was the best decision I’ve made in years.

Paul turned a warm, slow smile on Mom.

I clenched a hand into a fist under the table, struggling to overcome the jealousy coursing through me.

You’ll have to forgive Lacey, Paul. She’s very shy, but also very sweet.

And very pretty too.

Very pretty? He thought I was pretty? Surprised, I turned to find him looking at me. He gaze lingered on me for so long, I felt my cheeks burn. I tore my gaze from his and turned a guilty look at Mom.

She was smiling at Paul. I knew you’d think so.

He arched a brow, his smile widening.

Lacey has expressed an interest in real estate. Perhaps you can find some time to talk to her about careers in real estate while I’m gone, Mom suggested.

I’d be delighted to.

Wonderful. Mom smiled at me.

I kept my gaze on her and remained silent. I just wanted the meal to be over so Paul could leave. Once he was gone, so would the tension knotting my stomach.

After dinner, Mom made a bad situation worse by insisting that Paul and I sit in the living room while she made coffee and cut one of her delicious chocolate cakes.

I didn’t think being alone with him would be a good idea. I’ll come and help you, Mom, I said quickly.

Mom shook her head and waved me back to the sofa. Don’t be silly, Lacey. You and Paul can use the time to get to know each other a little. She turned and left us alone.

I was very aware of Paul sitting beside me on the sofa. Mom does too much. I really should go help her, I said and started to rise.

He reached up, caught my hand, and pulled me back down onto the sofa beside him. I agree with your mom that our spending this time getting to know each other is a good idea, Lacey.

After surrendering my virginity in a painful and disappointing night two years earlier, I’d decided to wait for further intimacy until I met a man who made it impossible for me to say no to.

I hadn’t really dated much since that night. So I didn’t have much experience with men. Still, it was fairly clear that the attraction wasn’t all on my side. That knowledge confused me. The level of attraction I felt for Paul frightened me.

I turned to find him staring at me, while he still held my hand. You’re with my mom, I reminded him in a small, shamed voice.

Your mother is an attractive woman, and I like being with her, Paul said, resisting my efforts to free my hand.

But? What’s the hesitation I hear in your voice? She likes you a lot. I haven’t seen her this animated in ages. I jerked at my hand and he finally released it. I slid across the sofa, putting several inches between us. I won’t have any part in dimming that spark in her eye, I said firmly.

He smiled. Your mother’s right. You’re very sweet. He sighed. Please don’t think I want to hurt her. It’s just that I find you very attractive, Lacey.

He made my name sound so sexy I almost liked it. I stood up. I’ll go help Mom.

Paul got slowly to his feet and caught my hand. Why don’t you help me instead? He asked softly.

My heart raced, and my entire body felt flushed. Help you do what?

I’m sure if we put our heads together, we can come up with something we can both enjoy doing together.

There was no mistaking the suggestive look in his eyes. Or my attraction to him. But I wasn’t about to admit that to him. I pulled at my hand. Please, don’t—

Paul. My name is Paul. Lacey.

I know that.

Then say my name, Lacey.

Paul, don’t...please.

You don’t need to be afraid of me.

What I don’t need is you trying to make me feel things that aren’t right. I tugged at my hand.

He released it and stepped away from me.

I turned and hurried from the room.

Chapter Two

Igot through the rest of the night by forcing myself not to look at Paul. On the few occasions he spoke to me, I answered without meeting his gaze. I thought he was making things easier for me when he rose after having a piece of cake and a cup of coffee.

Surely you’re not leaving already, Paul, Mom said.

That’s about all I can manage and still sleep tonight, he told Mom with a charming smile that made her sparkle with delight. And you have a busy day tomorrow so I’d better say good night.

Mom leaned up to kiss him on the corner of his mouth. Good night, Paul. Mom turned to me. Why don’t you see Paul out while I clean up, sweetheart?

I shook my head. Oh, no, Mom. I’ll clean up while you walk him to the door. I reluctantly turned to face him.  It was nice meeting you, Paul.

Don’t be silly, sweetheart, Mom said. She was already beginning to clean up. You walk Paul to the door.

No, really. I—

It’s all right, Lacey, he said. I promise not to bite you the moment we’re alone—even though I’d really like to.

I blinked at him and then turned to stare at Mom. She appeared not to have heard him. He had spoken softly. 

Go ahead, sweetheart, Mom urged.

I sighed and accompanied him to the door where I gave him what I hoped was a look cool enough to keep him from making any more outrageous remarks.

He smiled at me in silence.

Since he clearly couldn’t take a hint I tried to make myself clear. Look, I don’t want you talking to me like that. If you’re going to go on seeing my mother—

He stared at me, his gaze intense. "You’re assuming that I’m going to go on seeing her."

I gasped, feeling as if he’d knocked the wind out of me. What? You have to keep seeing her!

What makes you think that?

You can’t stop seeing her! She likes you so much!

He shrugged. I like her, too.

Then why are you implying you might not see her again?

Because the liking I feel for her pales in comparison to the way I feel right now with you.

I stared at him.

He stared back. Although he didn’t touch me, he leaned so close I could feel his breath against my cheek.

If I turned my head just a little...his lips would be within reach. I’d never wanted to be kissed so badly before. Just standing next to him left me feeling lightheaded with longing and desire. It took all my willpower not to lean against him and offer him my lips. I was ashamed at how badly I wanted my own mother’s boyfriend.

I didn’t turn my head. I stepped away from him instead. Please, just leave, I whispered.

I’m going now, but I should warn you that getting rid of me won’t always be so easy. He stroked my cheek.

I trembled.

Good night, Lacey.

I pulled the front door open. Goodbye.

Not goodbye, Lacey. Just good night. He strolled past me and out the door.

I was so shaken that I stood at the door for several minutes after he’d left. Still not up to facing Mom, I decided to go up to my bedroom to calm down. Just as I started up the stairs, Mom came into the hallway.

Come into the kitchen for a moment, Lacey.

I thought I’d go upstairs and—

I won’t keep you long, she promised.

I took a deep breath and followed her silently. I sat at the table with my head bent, cleaning a non-existent spot on the table.

So, what did you think of Paul?

How was I supposed to answer that with an honest response that wouldn’t shock and hurt her?

Isn’t he nice?

I...ah...

It’s hard to believe he has a six-year-old daughter, Mom went on. I love how he stays in shape by building cabinets in his spare time. Did I tell you that? He’s—

The fact that he had a daughter did nothing to cool my ardor. Mom, are you in love with him? I asked, interrupting her. Have you and him...

Have we what, Lacey?

I looked up. I knew it was none of my business, but I had to know if she’d slept with Paul.

Mom turned to look at me. Do you like him, Lacey? she asked gently, dodging my questions. Are you attracted to him?

I stared at her in silence. Mom had been encouraging me to date more lately. She kept asking how I expected to find a special man if I didn’t date. I had a feeling I’d found that special man—and he belonged to my mom. I was almost tempted to deny finding Paul attractive, but Mom usually knew when I wasn’t being truthful.

He’s very...there’s something...he’s a man.

Mom laughed. Yes. He’s a man all right. And you like him?

Well...he—he’s— I took a breath. Oh, Mom, I’m sorry!

About what, Lacey? That he likes you too?

Oh, no! He likes you, Mom! I said wildly. He told me so several times.

Mom nodded. Yes. I know he likes me, but we need to be realistic. He likes me all right, but you’re a younger, sultrier version of me with larger breasts and a bigger butt. She smiled. Meeting you knocked him off his feet.

My eyes welled with tears. No. He’s yours, Mom.

Is he? That remains to be seen. Now go dry your eyes, sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow.

I sat where I was, staring at her. Why didn’t she reproach me? Shout at me? Or even slap me? Why did she just stand there with that understanding look in her eyes? Didn’t she know how much I wanted her man?

Ever since my parents’ divorce, I’d tried hard to make sure Mom was happy. I’d been careful