INTO THE STORM by Ruth D. Kerce (Copyright © 2002, all rights reserved)       "Forget it!" Val tossed her empty papercup into the trash, then took off out of the food court and headed into the mall.       "What's the problem, Val? It's not like it's a blind date." Janine called after her, rushing to catch up. "You've known him for years."       "Only in passing." Val couldn't believe that Janine was trying to set her up with Nathan. He was nice enough, but the man had been divorced three times. She didn't need the baggage. "I think I'll stay celibate."       "You don't have to sleep with him. It's just dinner, and you haven't been out with anyone since Grant left you for that bimbo model last year." Janine turned and whistled at a hunk who strolled past.       Val slapped her shoulder. "Stop that. You are so embarrassing. And please, don't remind me of Grant." He'd told her that she wasn't hot enough to show-off to his corporate colleagues. She hoped he got demoted to janitor.       "So you'll go out with Nathan?"       "No. I'm not looking for another relationship right now." When Janine looked ready to protest, Val added, "Nor am I looking for a dinner companion."       "You're no fun at all." Janine pulled her toward Frederick's of Hollywood. "Let's get you something sexy."       "I don't need anything or anyone sexy."       "Ah, so you do think Nathan is sexy. I knew it!" Janine's smile lit up her face.       "I didn't say that." Even though it was true. "Now leave it alone. I'm perfectly happy with my life as it is." That was her story, and she was sticking to it.       Janine snorted. "Sure you are. Ooo, pasties!"       Val glanced out the kitchen window at the black clouds rolling across the sky. A major storm was in the works. The wind had already picked up and was whipping through the trees. She heard thunder rumble in the distance.       She pushed up the sleeves of her over-sized Tweety-Bird sweatshirt and shoved a large frozen pizza into the oven. Chocolate ice cream was on the menu for desert. Binge and comfort food. And she might even make nachos later. Good thing she wasn't prone to gaining weight. She pinched the flesh around her hips. Well ... maybe she was a little prone.       A splatter of rain hit the window, and she glanced out the pane. "Here it comes." She was glad she hadn't made any plans to go out tonight. The evening would have been ruined. A streak of lightning make her jump. Then the sky opened up, and a deluge of rain pelted the ground.       The doorbell rang, and again, she jumped. "Geez!" Her nerves were shot. Bad weather always did that to her, even since she'd been a little girl and got locked out of the house during a lightning storm. She started down the hall. "Who would be crazy enough to get out in this?" She made her way to the front door and peeked out through the side window. "Oh, I don't believe this."       She unlatched the chain, turned the lock, and pulled open the door. "Nathan, what are you doing here?"       He huddled beneath a soggy newspaper. "Can I come in?"       Val stepped back from the door and motioned him inside. "You're soaked." His brown hair was plastered to his head, despite the newspaper covering, and water ran down his face.       He tossed the paper out the door, then rubbed his arms. "And cold. Bad timing tonight. Can you close the door?"       "Oh. Yes. Sorry." She shut the door. "You never did answer me. Why are you here?"       "For our date."       "Date? What date?" Even though she asked, she already knew the answer. Frustration tightened her chest.       He glanced at her sweats. "I thought we had a date tonight."       "I'm going to kill Janine," Val muttered. "You're dripping over everything."       He wiped his face, and water dripped from his elbow. "Sorry."       She help up her hand in a halting motion. "Don't move from this spot." Val rushed down the hall as the lights flickered. She hoped the electricity wasn't going. That would be all she needed.       "Did I get the wrong night?" Nathan shouted after her.       "You could say that," she answered, raising her voice so he could hear her. A moment later, she reappeared with a terry cloth robe. "Drop 'em."       His eyes widened. "Excuse me?"       "Your clothes. Peel 'em off and put this on." She handed him the robe. "I've got to check on dinner." With a shake of her head, she rushed off. Janine was in major trouble. She was going to put Crazy Glue in that girl's lip gloss so she'd keep her mouth shut for once in her life.       Nathan stripped down to his underwear, then slipped on the robe. It was large and obviously belonged to a man. If a guy kept a robe here, then he and Val had to be an item. Somehow he got the feeling he'd been tricked by Janine. That woman always had seemed flighty. Why he even listened to her when she spoke, he'd never know.       All he did know was that he'd wanted to ask Val out for a long time. He'd never managed to work up the courage though. When Janine said Val was hot for his bod, he'd been thrilled and jumped at the chance to accept the dinner invitation.       He gathered up his wet clothes. "What do you want me to do with these clothes?"       "Toss them in the dryer. The laundry room's on your right."       Val set two places at the kitchen table. She couldn't very well kick Nathan out, not until his clothes dried anyway. And with the worsening weather, she was actually happy for the company. She wouldn't be as afraid with him here.       At the sound of a cough, she turned. Nathan stood in the doorway. "Hi," she greeted. He looked so natural standing there in the robe, like he belonged. It fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean waist.       "Hi, yourself. Is some guy gonna kick me in the ass for wearing his robe?"       Val chuckled. "It's my brother's. He forgot it the last time he visited from California. Sit down. Pizza's ready."       He sat across from her. "Have we been set-up by Janine, or did you really tell her that you wanted to have dinner with me?"       "We've been set-up."       Nathan pulled a gooey slice of cheese and pepperoni onto his plate. "I think I'm totally embarrassed now and should just crawl out the door and back into the storm."       Val laughed. "Don't be embarrassed." She popped an olive in her mouth. "Janine is seriously in need of therapy. She can't stand to see a person without a mate. Strange, considering she doesn't have one herself."       He shrugged. "Well, I haven't been too lucky in the mate department anyhow. But then, you know that." When she simply nodded, he visibly cringed. "And you're not terribly impressed, I gather."       "It's none of my business." She avoided eye contact, while sprinkling grated cheese over a pizza slice.       His hand covered hers, and she looked up. "I'm really not a bad guy."       "I never said you were."       "But you're thinking that a man who's been divorced three times must have some severe character flaw."       "Severe never entered my mind." Nathan laughed, and the sound washed over her. He had the cutest dimples when he smiled. And she couldn't help but wonder what had happened to cause three marriage attempts to fail.       "You want the dirty details?"       "Only if you want to tell me."       He glanced out the window, then again met her gaze. "If it'll keep me out of the storm, I don't mind. I hate storms."       Val smiled, feeling like she's found a soulmate. "Me, too. Why don't we eat and clean up the dishes first, then go into the living room to talk?"       "Sounds good."       What had he been thinking? Nathan settled on the couch and took the pint of ice cream Val offered. He'd totally agreed, even offered, to expose himself and his private life. He must be nuts.       Val sat on the other end of the couch and took a big spoonful of chocolate ice cream from her pint. "Go ahead." She slid the spoon into her mouth and closed her eyes.       As Nathan watched her savor the flavor, talk was the last thing on his mind. She opened her eyes and actually blushed, as if she could read his seductive thoughts.       Val cleared her throat. "Sorry. Chocolate fetish."       He laughed, and she blushed even deeper. "That's okay. I was enjoying the view. It's been a long time." He looked away and took a spoonful of his own ice cream. Why had he said that? He sounded pathetic.       "For me, too," she said in a low voice.       Nathan raised his eyes to meet hers. What he saw shook him to the core. Reflected in her light brown gaze was need, hunger, understanding, compassion, and desire. The same feelings that were coursing through him right at this very moment. He set his ice cream on the coffee table, then took Val's pint from her hand.       "What are you doing?"       She looked like a trapped little lamb, not sure if he was the big bad wolf or a harmless puppy dog. He stuck the spoon in the ice cream and scooped out a hunk. "Open up for me, Val." He held the spoon in front of her mouth, and she opened. He slid in the spoon. "Suck on it for me."       Val closed her eyes and sucked.       "No." Nathan's voice lowered to a husky whisper. "Look at me while you're sucking it."       Her eyelids fluttered open, and her gaze met his. His heart raced, and a wave of need hit him, more fierce than the storm raging outside. "Use your tongue to get every last drop."       Val followed his instructions, actually enjoying the sexually-charged game. With the storm surrounding them, it felt as if they were in their own little world, where no one could disturb their play.       He pulled the spoon out, and she licked her lips. "Mmm, mmm, good."       "Oops."       "What?" Nathan's slight smile made her wonder what he was up to now.       "Drop."       Before she knew his intentions, he leaned over and licked a spot just above the neck of her sweatshirt. Her heart slammed against her chest at the feel of his tongue on her bare skin.       She tangled her fingers in his hair, holding him to that spot, which she'd wager hadn't really been chocolate stained. She leaned her head to the opposite side to give him greater access. Nathan took full advantage, creating sensation after sensation through her body.       Gradually, he worked his way up to her mouth. She loved every moment of his attentions. He brushed his lips across hers, then traced the outline of her mouth with his tongue.       "Cool," he murmured.       "From the ice cream."       "Lips should be warm."       From the light tone of his voice, Val knew he wasn't criticizing, but teasing her into an invitation. She was happy to oblige. "Maybe you can help me out?"       "Oh, yes, ma'am. I think I might be able to do that. Or at least, I'll do my best." He covered her lips with his.       Val returned his kiss, opening her mouth for his exploration. He tasted of chocolate and spice. She guided his hand beneath her sweatshirt, needing to have him even closer. She felt him stiffen and pull back, as if surprised. Then he relaxed and feathered kisses across her cheek to her ear. She was a little disappointed he hadn't ravaged her mouth and body right then. But maybe he was the timid sort.       His hand eased up her ribs. "Your skin is so soft," he whispered. When he cupped her bare breast, he groaned. "No bra."       Val felt like groaning, too. His hand felt so warm against her skin. "I don't like being bound."       "Too bad," he responded with a chuckle.       It took her a moment to catch his meaning. She slapped his shoulder. "You're teasing me again."       Nathan looked into her eyes, his gaze intense. "Not entirely."       A jolt of excitement made her tremble. She reached down and slowly untied the belt of the robe he wore, slid it from the loops, and held it out to him. "Do it." The robe gaped, revealing his bare chest and black boxers. She needed to touch his body, feel his skin, but she resisted, needing to know just how serious he really was, and how far he'd take this.       Nathan gulped as he took the belt from her. Was she serious? None of his wives had ever trusted him enough to allow such a loss of control.       His heart rate increased, and he felt a light sheen of sweat on the back of his neck. He gently placed Val's wrists side by side and looped the belt loosely around them, just tight enough for her to feel constrained, but not so tight that she felt completely helpless. He glanced up at her, wary of what he'd see in her eyes or what she'd say, but she simply smiled.       After the soft cloth was entwined around her skin, he pushed her arms over he head. He lightly tied the end of the belt around the leg of the table next to the arm of the couch. "If you pull against this too hard, you'll topple the table and break the lamp."       "Making sure I don't move?"       He smiled. "Making sure you understand that you can get loose, but there will be a consequence." He lightly kissed her lips. "You okay with this?"       "I trust you."       Her soft words struck his heart. She looked so innocent, lying there in a Tweety-Bird sweatshirt pushed up just enough to reveal her stomach. Her slightly mussed hair and eager expression did funny things to his insides. It made him want to love her, protect her, possess her. He shook his head. The storm was jumbling his emotions inside as much as it was jumbling the neighborhood outside. It had to be the storm, because he'd never felt so connected to a woman.       Val nudged him with her knee. "Hey, you losing interest already?"       The question brought him back to reality. "No way. Just planning my strategy."       "Ooo, I like the sound of that."       Nathan fluttered his fingertips across her stomach. The lights flickered, and she glanced around the room. He felt her stiffen and knew what she was feeling. "It's okay. I won't leave you until the storm is over."       Their gazes locked. "Thank you," she whispered. "That means a lot to me."       He leaned down and kissed her, lightly at first, then deepening the kiss when she opened her mouth for him. He pushed her sweatshirt up her body, until his hand made contact with her breasts - full and soft. He cupped one mound, testing the weight, then he rubbed his thumb across the nipple.       Val arched her back. The table shook, rattling the items on top.       "Easy," Nathan warned. "I think I have you tied too tight." He reached for the belt.       "No. Please. I like it this way."       His pulse jumped at her words. "Okay." He cupped both her breasts in his hands and squeezed lightly. Beautiful. He leaned down and licked one nipple, smiling when Val gasped at the wet contact. He trailed kisses down her chest and stomach. His fingers hooked inside her sweat pants, and he dragged them down her long legs. Her socks quickly followed, and he deposited each item on the carpet.       When he glanced back at her, his lips twitched, and he tried his best to contain the chuckle that threatened to spill from his mouth.       "What?" Val glanced down her body. "Oh, geez!" Her face reddened. "I wasn't expecting to be seduced."       "Obviously." Nathan played with the elastic of her black and white, puppy-paws underwear.       "I'm so embarrassed."       "Don't be. They're cute." He eased her underwear down her legs and stuffed the item into a pocket of the robe he wore. He'd remember to retrieve it before he left. A souvenir of this night together.       Nathan gulped as he looked down at Val--tied up and naked, except for the sweat shirt pushed above her breasts--splayed on the couch for his pleasure. He'd never seen a more erotic sight.       She lifted her leg and pushed her foot inside his robe, sliding her thigh around his waist. "Take that thing off."       "Hey, who's in charge of this seduction?" Nevertheless, he stripped the robe off and pulled her lower body tightly against his. He felt her moist heat right through his boxers. He hardened even more than he already was--the need for her more painful than he thought possible.       Val squirmed as his hands roamed up and down her body. "You're torturing me. I need to feel you ... inside me ... please."       He stood and tugged off his underwear. He'd never felt such urgency to join with a woman. Still, he held himself back, wanting to prolong his anticipation, and hers. As Val's hungry gaze slid down his body, Nathan took several deep breaths to try to get somewhat of a grip on his desire.       Val spread her thighs. "Please, Nathan."       His name spoken in her passion-laced voice undid him. He pushed his fingers past her curls to make sure she was ready for him.       "Oh, yes!" She bucked against his hand.       With an almost animalistic growl, he positioned himself between her spread thighs and pressed his hardness into her body. Her hot, wet folds squeezed him tightly, and he about lost it. "Don't move," he hissed.       Val remained motionless beneath Nathan, watching his jaw clench and sweat form on his brow. She wanted to tell him not to hold back, to just take her. But she remained silent, letting him set the pace ... this time.       After a moment, he opened his eyes and locked his gaze on hers. He pulled almost completely out of her, then slowly slid back in to the hilt.       Sweet torture! She pushed her pelvis up against his, needing release. A whimper escaped her lips, and Nathan smiled.       He pulled back again, then pressed deep--harder this time. His gaze, intense and so erotic, never left hers.       "Faster," she begged. With her hands tied, she felt so helpless. She wanted to grab Nathan, sink her fingers into his skin, hold him against her and never let go.       "Faster?"       "Yes," she answered in a breathy whisper.       "Harder?"       "Yes. Oh, yes."       He gave her what she wanted, and more. Nathan filled her completely, not just physically, but emotionally. Sensations built to a level Val never believed possible. She was on the edge, teetering toward an explosive release that she craved more than her next breath.       "Come on, baby," Nathan encouraged as he pressed harder, faster. "Let go."       Val's climax shot through her. Her back arched, and she called out Nathan's name. She felt his body stiffen, and his groans of pleasure rumbled through her.       They collapsed together, exhausted and breathing heavily. Nathan raised his head. "Sorry about the lamp."       "What?" She glanced behind her before realizing that she'd pulled loose of her ties and tipped the table. "I didn't even notice."       Nathan kissed her gently on the lips. "You're incredible." He shifted their positions so she rested half on his chest. "I think I've just gained a new appreciation for storms."       She smiled and caressed his chest, pulling lightly on the sparse dark hair covering his skin. "Me, too."       He looked out the livingroom window. "It's still going strong out there."       With a saucy smile, her hand crept down his body. Surprise made her glance down, then she looked back up into Nathan's eyes. "And you're still going strong in here."       He chuckled. "You bring out the best in me." He reached for one of the chocolate pints. "Melted just enough."       "For what?" She felt her heart beat accelerate.       "A girl with a chocolate fetish should be able to figure that one out." THE END