Maya Banks - Sweet Persuasion

Do you know of anyone who fulfills sexual fantasies? Serena James asked.

Quiet descended. The hands massaging her tense shoulders stopped. Serena cracked one eye open to glance over at Faith Malone, who was lying on the next massage table, and then she craned her head to look over her shoulder at her masseuse, Julie Stanford, who owned the all-inclusive beauty salon Serena and Faith went to on a weekly basis.

Uh, honey, youre the fantasy fulfiller, Julie remarked in a dry voice. And do you have to talk about sexual fantasies while Im giving you a rubdown?

Quit your bitching and keep massaging, Serena grumbled.

She closed her eyes and relaxed back onto the table. She should have known better than to bring up what was occupying her mind lately. A quiet sigh escaped her lips when Julie began kneading her muscles again.

The time to talk sexual fantasies is when Im giving Nathan Tucker a massage, Julie said in a dreamy tone.

Faith laughed next to Serena. Is he a regular now?

Yep. Twice a month, Julie said cheerfully. Now that is a job Id do for free. I have to be careful not to drool on his back.

Not the front? Serena mumbled.

Julie chuckled. He only lets me do his back. Pity. Id pay him to massage that chest.

Only his chest, huh? Faith said.

Why only his back? Serena asked.

Julies hands shook as she laughed. Hes embarrassed, I think. Doesnt want me to see his hard-on.

Her hands moved more firmly over Serenas back, and Serena groaned in pleasure.

But enough about my obsession with Nathan Tucker. I want to know why youre asking about sexual fantasies.

Yeah, me too, Faith piped up. Thinking of expanding Fantasy Incorporated?

Serena chuckled. Uh, no. Paying people to fulfill other peoples sexual fantasies is called prostitution, no?

Then why do you want to know about it? Julie persisted. She patted Serenas shoulder to let her know she was finished and then moved over to Faith.

Serena sat up and reached for a bathrobe, wrapping it around herself as she perched on the edge of the massage table. She stared over at Faith as Julie started her massage. Why was she asking about it?

It was a slip of the tongue, one made by her ever increasing frustration that her lifes work was all about fulfilling other peoples fantasiessome frivolous, some the culmination of lifetimes of hope.

She was proud of her work. She made other people happy. And maybe that was why she was frustrated by her own lack of contentment.

Maybe I just need to get laid, Serena muttered.

An amused grin split Julies lips. Dont we all. Well, except Faith here. Im sure Gray is giving her all she needs in that quarter.

Hey, no hating, Faith protested. I cant help it if Im irresistible.

Serena threw a hand towel at Faiths head, and Faith reached up, snagged it from her hair and threw it back.

When are you getting married anyway? Serena asked Faith.

Oh, no, you dont, Faith said as she cracked her eyes open to stare at Serena. We were talking about your sexual fantasy question.

Yeah, we were, Julie said pointedly.

Serena let out an exasperated breath. You two are worse than a dog with a bone.

Yep, Julie said with a grin. I have no life, remember? I have to live vicariously through my clients. Now spill.

Serena bit her bottom lip then shrugged her shoulders. What the hell. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I have some pretty . . . interesting fantasies.

Julie snorted. Dont we all.

Serena could see Faiths blush start at her feet and creep up her body. She grinned. Apparently Faith does, judging by that blush.

Faith gave a mortified squeak and hid her face. Were not talking about me, she said in a muffled voice.

No, but I wish we were, Julie muttered. I bet that sweet, innocent exterior shields a twisted mind.

Serena. Were talking about Serena, Faith pointed out.

Julie turned back to look at Serena. So spill, honey. Whats so interesting about your sexual fantasies, and why would you want to know if someone we knew could fulfill them? As gorgeous as you are, you wouldnt have to walk far to find any number of men more than willing to take directions.

Serena gave her a dark look. I havent told you what my fantasies are.

Ooohhh, Faith exclaimed. Hurry up, Julie. This sounds like itll be good.

My magic hands are being dumped for her demented fantasies? Julie asked in an exaggerated hurt tone.

Like you arent every bit as eager to hear as she is, Serena drawled.

Julie grinned. True. Okay, Faith, all done. Better get dressed. You have no idea what Serenas fantasies involve, and I have to think Gray would object to a lesbian threesome.

Faith blushed bright red, and it looked like her insides were squeezed to the bursting point.

Serena rolled her eyes. Youre way too easy, Faith.

You only think Im all sweet and innocent, Faith mumbled as she pulled on a robe.

What was that? Julie asked, pouncing on Faiths statement.

Serena. Were talking about Serena. Remember?

The phone rang, and Julie held up a finger for them to wait as she walked over to answer. Serena sat there with her feet dangling down the side of the table. In the weeks the women had been meeting for massages and then lunch, theyd discussed a lot of outlandish topics, but never had those included the personal details of Serenas deep, dark fantasies, and she honestly wasnt sure she was prepared to unveil them. Even to her two closest friends.

But if not them, then who?

Exactly.

She sighed. Maybe she should just forget about them and continue on fulfilling other peoples hokey fantasies.

Julie returned, a look of apology darkening her pretty features. Im sorry, guys. I cant do lunch today. That was one of my clients in need of an emergency overhaul.

Thats too bad, Faith said with an unhappy grimace.

Overhaul? That doesnt sound good, Serena remarked.

Julie grinned. Its her own fault. She went to another stylist to get her hair done, and now shes ten sorts of sorry and is crawling back to me.

Just like you like them, Faith said as she hopped off the table.

You two go on without me. But, she said, pinning them both with a glare, Ill expect a full report later. As in nothing left out. Dont make me hurt you.

Serena rolled her eyes and got down off the table to go dress. Trust me. Its not that juicy, Julie. As if anything in my boring-ass life would be.

Julie studied her with a speculative stare. Oh, I dont know, Serena. Its always the boring ones who turn out to have the most shocking secrets.

Again, a rosy blush stained Faiths face, and Serena and Julie both burst out laughing.

Obviously we havent been pressing Faith enough for hers, Serena said dryly.

Make her tell you at lunch, Julie suggested. Then you can call me later with the dirt.

Oh, she wont do that, Faith said innocently. Because then Id have to give you the dirt on her.

Somebody had better give me the scoop on both you deviants, Julie warned. Ill withhold all services until I get it. And you, my dear, are due for a wax soon.

Crap, Faith grumbled.

Serena linked her arms through Faiths and started to drag her toward the dressing room. We could always find a new salon, you know.

Julie snorted. Sure, if you want to look like a scarecrow.

Shes arrogant, isnt she? Serena said in a loud whisper as they exited the room.

Julies laughter followed them into the changing area.

Serena veered off into her cubicle to dress, and a few minutes later she met Faith out front where Julie was already soothing her distraught client. As Serena and Faith headed for the door, Julie caught their gaze and rolled her eyes heavenward. Serena blew her a kiss.