Todd Manning: Enigma, Ch. 17

Chapter 17

He woke to the sounds of Blair in the shower. Picturing her standing there lathered up and letting the water flow down her was hard to resist.

“Behave yourself, you almost did yourself in last night. You don’t need to ravage her 24/7.”

“Speak for yourself, Samuel. I quite like the idea.” Todd leaned back against his pillows, his arm under his head. “She’s hard to resist, that toned body, those gorgeous lips. Admit it, you’d love to be in there helping her wash. Stroking those fine muscles, you with your painter’s eye and touch. You want her as much as I do.” He was turning himself on thinking about her. “Damn, I’m nuts sitting here talking to you.” Todd hopped out of bed and headed to the bathroom. He opened the stall door and stood there admiring her lithe body. She was about to shampoo her hair.

Blair turned at the sound of the door and saw Todd staring openly at her. He stepped in and took the shampoo bottle from her and put some in his hand.

“Turn around Blair,” his voice husky. She tingled with anticipation as she turned.

Todd began to slowly work the foam into her strands, the silky texture of her hair became mixed with the scent of orange blossoms and other tantalizing smells. He moved closer letting her feel how excited he was. Blair moaned and would have gotten closer, but he held her away as he finished her hair, then he turned her back to face him. He pulled her into his arms. “Go ahead, lean back and rinse, I’ve got you.”

Blair was already breathless and the action of leaning back in his arms moved her hips nearer to his. He was so ready for her, and she ground her hips against him in response. Water cascaded down her back rinsing her hair, but Blair had only one thought, she squirmed closer, moaning, letting him know he was driving her crazy.

Todd knew she was beside herself, but he waited until he was sure her hair was free of the suds. She continued to writhe against him pleading. He lifted her and entered as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Blair gasped and sighed as he settled her. Now firmly secure around him, she relished how he filled her and she began her ride. His mouth played along her neck and every so often she felt a delicious little nip. It was heady and her belly and groin rippled in reply.

Todd nuzzled her neck and felt every quiver and movement as she rode him. She was heavenly to touch, her skin was like finely woven silk, smooth and slippery. She glistened with moisture, the droplets sparkled reflecting the overhead light. His lips captured those droplets, tasting her as she shivered in delight. The moment was upon them, he gyrated unable to stop, letting loose with a cry of pleasure. Their shouts mingled with the sound of the water splashing and then he let her down, clasped her face, and tenderly kissed her pliable lips.

Blair wound her fingers into his hair kissing him, feeling his strong muscular body rubbing hers, they were so close she could feel his heart beating.

Todd raised his head looking at her. “Hi, Blair.”

“Hi.”

“How’s your morning going so far? I’ve got to tell you, mine’s pretty good right now,” he said, grinning.

Blair laughed and hugged him. “Mine’s been downright spectacular so far.”

“Great but look, I’m turning into a prune so what say we get out of here?”

“Whoa mister, you need to finish with your shower, wrinkles or no wrinkles. I suggest you make it quick.” She laughed and stepped away and out the door before he could stop her.

Todd laughed and made quick work of his shower, anxious to get back to his wife.

Blair was putting on her makeup when he strolled out of the bathroom in just a towel. He was great to look at. His hair was swept back and glistening, still wet from washing. She watched his chest muscles move making note of the brief discomfort he felt as he slipped on his shirt. He slipped into his shorts and grabbed his slacks.

“See anything you like?”

Blair jumped realizing he was talking to her. “Everything,” she smiled then got serious. “I also saw you twinge a moment ago. Maybe we should slow down a little bit. You’re still recuperating.”

“It’s nothing, a few sore muscles. Where you’re concerned, I’ll never ease up. If something makes you happy, that’s all it takes for me.” He strode over and offered his hand. “Let’s go eat, I’m starving.”

***

Todd was on his laptop when the phone rang.

“Hello”

“So it’s true, you’re back in the land of the living.”

“McBain, nice to hear your voice too. I hope you have some good news for me.”

“I think it’s what you’ve been waiting for. Interpol just contacted Bo and told him the contract against Samuel has been withdrawn. Looks like somebody decided to cut their losses.”

“Possibly...”

“That’s kind of cryptic. I thought you’d be overjoyed.”

“Let’s just say I think something else is in the works now. Don’t get me wrong I’m glad no one’s gunning for me. Blair and the family will be glad to hear we can get back to Llanview.”

There was silence on the other end and then John said. “Okay, you don’t feel like sharing right at the moment. If I were to hazard a guess, would this something else have to do with the man on the ship.”

“Score one for the detective.”

“Todd, what’s going on?”

“I received an unexpected call just before leaving the hospital yesterday. He didn’t like my gift to him I guess.”

“I know you scored a hit, Todd, we found the blood. You’re telling me he’s making it personal.”

“As personal as it gets, John.”

“So what are you doing about it?"

“Me, I’m biding my time. I’ve been trying to find out where his call came from. Hold on a minute. Something just came up on my laptop.” Todd opened the message and frowned. “John, someone’s after The Sun. Tell Bo, we’ll be coming home soon. I’ve got to go.” Todd stood up, he hugged himself across his chest. Damn it! Who are you and just what are you planning?