Love in London (Chasing Dreams – Vol. 4): Chasing Dreams, #4

Annie is a former best-selling author whose complete devotion to her work has left her love-life, well, non-existent.

She decides to spice things up and, with the help of her best friend and editor, decides on an outrageous plan to help her write her next best-seller: visiting four different men in four different cities all across Europe –all in search of a dream!

As Annie settles into London for her final sensual adventure, she meets Peter, a handsome and confident lawyer. The powerful, charming man urges her to explore her own sexuality while he eagerly watches. Peter knows how to open doors into Annie in a way that both frightens and intrigues her.

Delving into steamy situations she never could have imagined, Annie finds herself at a fetish club where the faces of her past return to say their farewells.

An ending filled with love, acceptance, and hidden truths, the game has become a reality for Annie and she will be forever changed by its outcome.

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Note: Parts of Chasing Dreams were previously published as European Secrets.

Also includes Sneak Peeks at some upcoming novels!

~London: Volume Four~

This is truly miraculous, Kate murmured as she thumbed through the pile of papers under her hand. Her eyes flicked upward to steal a glance at the woman smiling dreamily at the people passing by. And Dante actually made you do all of this? For real?

"He didn’t make me do anything. He just showed me the way," Annie sighed, remembering her time in Italy.

Look at you, Kate laughed as she grabbed her tea. Just look at you! This isn’t going to be a fictional story, more like an autobiography.

The two women giggled and chortled for some time before finally settling down. They were sitting inside a lovely London café overlooking the River Thames. The day was overcast and brought a threat of thunderstorms and rain, the breeze delivering a slight chill to anyone walking outside. To Annie it was as beautiful as any other day. Life wasn’t lived unless one could look past the things considered bad and continue forward, learning that nothing would remain stagnant forever.

This is the last segment: the final chapter, Kate said softly. I’ve been in Madrid helping another client, but I wanted to be here in case, in the end...well...if it becomes too real and doesn’t work out, and you need...

Annie nodded, cutting off her friend and agent as she babbled nervously. They were not supposed to talk about the reality of this journey. Annie was still invested in the fantasy of the plot. She could not lose focus now.

It will be ok, Annie reassured. It felt strange to suddenly be the one inspiring confidence. She felt so sure of herself and was amazed by how much she had grown since leaving the States. I’ve been here a day already. I’m guessing I’ll be meeting my new man tonight?

Kate gave Annie a sly smile and removed a business card from her purse. Sliding the textured rectangle across the table, she leaned back to observe the way Annie’s eyes skimmed over the delicate font, reading the cursive print of Peter Jenkins’s name on the front.

A lawyer, the writer confirmed. And he has his own private office.

Kate sipped her tea and nodded. It’s on the east side of London near Commercial Street. Have you had a chance to familiarize yourself yet?

Annie nodded absentmindedly as her fingers grazed the pebbled surface of the card in her hand. She had explored the wonderful city as soon as she had landed the previous day, plus she had visited London for a week a few years earlier. She wasn’t an expert, but she understood the layout of the global city and what it had to offer.

Will he be expecting me?

The last thing Annie wanted was to make an unexpected appearance for a booty-call in the midst of a busy office.

I contacted him today, Kate replied. He’s looking forward to meeting you as soon as we’re finished here.

Oh! Better get going then.

The women paid for their teas and lunches and stood. Annie gave her friend a warm smile before throwing her arms around her, suddenly filled with glowing happiness.

Thank you so much for all of this, Kate, Annie whispered. I’m a new person.

The agent chuckled kindly and gave her client a tight squeeze before dislodging herself from the embrace. I’m glad to help. It has been fun collecting these characters for you. And, of course, I can’t wait to get my hands on your finished story.

With a playful wink, Kate pulled her purse over her shoulder and bid her friend farewell. Annie knew that her agent would remain in London until the final adventure was complete, but it still brought a hint of sadness to Annie’s heart as she walked away. She wanted to thank her over and over again for creating such an amazing outline, but knew that Kate understood how grateful she was.

Annie peered at the business card in her hand. It was time to meet her final suitor. She realized that this was the most nervous she had been on the journey thus far, knowing that it would be the climax to an utterly awakening experience. Would this man be confident like Pedro, accommodating like Adrien, smoldering like Louis, or tempting like Dante? She was anxious that he would not live up to the expectations the others had set before him, but knew there was no way to judge until she met him.

*****

The commute to Commercial Street gave Annie a chance to view the city even more. Beautiful, pointed buildings wound their way along narrow streets, and cars puttered next to the bus she rode. Annie adored England and had always dreamt of living there when she was younger. She loved the culture and, of course, the suave men with their sexy accents. London seemed like the perfect city to inspire her writing, what with its laid-back demeanor and lovely sights, but Annie knew that she was still playing a role in her arranged fantasy. She did not want to lose her focus—that being her finished story.

Locating the Law Offices of Jenkins & Smith was not hard. Nestled in a quaint corner of businesses and cafes sat a large wooden door, dark green and intricately carved. Attached to an old, red brick building, the office could have been mistaken for an everyday home, its windows covered in ivy and cement steps a bit worn. Annie recognized the address, though, and read the golden plate upon the door labeled with the private business name.

After ringing the doorbell, she was surprised to be greeted by a cheerful redheaded woman. Annie had thought that the man she would be meeting would have answered. The administrative assistant made Annie wonder if this meeting was just that: a meeting. Perhaps her suitor would be giving her the details of their night’s adventures, allowing her time to prepare. It made sense. Why would the man invite her up for sex in the middle of his workday in the very place he was employed? Then again, after everything Annie had experienced so far, nothing would have surprised her.

Hello, Annie said to the small redhead. I am supposed to meet Peter Jenkins here.

You must be Annie, the sweet woman replied with a smile. Please follow me. His office is upstairs.

The curious writer followed the assistant toward the back of the tight main floor and through an adjoining hallway. A door to her left read Richard Smith, the window to the room revealing a darkened office. He must have been the other law-partner and it was clear he was not present at the moment. Annie followed her hostess as they began to climb a steep, dimly-lit flight of stairs. The upper half of the building gave Annie chills as she entered an eerily silent, dark hallway.

The short woman in front of her strode through the darkness and pushed open a nearby door, revealing a small, sunny office with two bright windows covered in plants. A man was leaning back in his chair, casually typing on a laptop, which rested upon his glossy, hardwood desk. Annie’s eyes widened as she took in his rugged appearance; a scruffy chin and a light, thin mustache. Dishwater blond hair hung in his eyes in a haphazard fashion, almost making it appear as if he had just run his fingers along his scalp without any real planning. Yet he looked amazing. Annie imagined that the man could have walked through a tornado and still come out looking like a model. He had an aloof, reckless air about him that made Annie’s knees weaken.

Ah, Annie, he said without needing an introduction. Please, sit, sit! I hope you had no troubles finding the office.

His accent was so rich and potent. She felt like he could sweep her off her feet and she would think nothing of it. She fought the urge to curtsy, feeling so much like a schoolgirl suddenly. Stumbling forward, she sat heavily in the offered chair, giggling like a fool. Peter turned his attention to his secretary.

"Nancy, the Coopers are still ear-wigging about the paintings in Lest’s Café. Could you bring them a reminder of the contract they signed to quiet them down a bit?"

The lawyer handed a packet of stapled papers to the redhead with a smile. She agreed placidly and left on her mission without a word. Shifting in her seat, Annie eyed the tiny office, enjoying the brightness beaming off the cream walls and the green plant-life. It had been so dark and creepy in the seemingly haunted hallway of the upper-floor, she was glad Peter’s office was so welcoming.

He gazed over his laptop before closing it quickly, directing his full attention to her. The man did not look like a lawyer, what with his boyish good looks and playful brown eyes. He seemed like the type of guy who would be caught skateboarding freely through the streets or surfing a dangerous tidal wave. Annie could not stop blushing.

Would you like something to drink? Tea, coffee, wine?

Shaking her head, she flattened the ruffles in her billowy, green skirt, wondering why she felt so flustered in his presence.

No, thank you.

You seem nervous, love, Peter observed with a knowing smirk. Perhaps you really have come for legal advice.

The two broke out in laughter and Annie felt herself beginning to relax. The man was certainly charming and his casual nature made the woman feel more in control.

How do you like London?

It’s absolutely gorgeous, Annie replied quickly, relieved to be able to converse with the handsome man without babbling like a fool. I have loved everything about England since I was a little girl.

Peter smiled at this and leaned forward. And I’m glad it decided not to rain. The sun certainly brightens my office quite a lot.

And it was true. The moody clouds that had darkened the sky earlier were slowly drifting away. Annie could see patches of blue peeking over the edge of the rooftop that stood level with the window behind Peter. The small, vine-covered shutters on the window to Annie’s left were open, revealing the lovely shops and businesses on the streets below. She could hear people laughing and talking as they hurried around the corner of the small office building.

It’s a wonderful space, she said. A good view of the sky and the life outside.

Peter nodded and then leaned back, gesturing with his head for her to approach. Feeling her heart quicken its pace with excitement, she stood and circled his dark desk, enjoying the way he patted the flat surface as if it were an old friend. Annie sat upon the wooden top, her ankles crossed as she made herself comfortable before him. She tilted her head to the side as she observed the way Peter’s eyes trailed from her black flats, along her smooth legs, and finally coming to rest on her face.

You’re a beautiful woman, Annie. I’m a man who knows what he wants. And clearly I want you.

Annie almost gasped at the blunt confession and was at a loss for words. She sat upon his large desk as he leaned forward and parted her legs. His head inclined toward her and she prepared herself for a kiss, but was surprised as he whispered into her ear instead.

Pleasure yourself before me.

Annie’s wide eyes stared down at the strong hands upon her thighs, her breath hitching in her throat. But, your secretary...

She’s running an errand right now. The Coopers, whom Nancy is speaking with at this very moment, can natter for hours. No one will interrupt.

Annie shivered as Peter’s hands slid away from her legs. The lawyer leaned back again and crossed his arms, studying her as if she were a painting. He was so calm, so in control. A part of Annie wondered how he would respond if she said no. He wasn’t fearsome. She knew that he could be trusted, but the cool demeanor in which he acted seemed to camouflage another persona deep within him.

I find that lovers can never truly understand their partners’ bodies until they actually see their counterparts’ own self-stimulation. Would you agree with that statement?

I would, Annie answered.

"So many people believe so strongly that they understand what another person wants when it comes to sex, the entire ordeal often ends with feelings of failure or resentment. What better way to build trust between lovers than to observe and respect the way we want to be touched?"

That’s true, Annie said. But...in this office?

Peter chuckled as he watched the woman eye the two windows that overlooked the busy neighborhood, however he said nothing as she took a moment to think. Annie was somewhat nervous at the idea of some peeping tom watching her masturbate from a window across the street, but the prospect of being caught made a familiar flutter return to the growing heat between her legs. Remembering the amazing experience in Rome, she wondered why she was even worried at all.

Essentially, she had never been so openly sexual with her own pleasure before and she had no idea how Peter would view her private exploration. With Pedro, he had dominated her while telling her to please herself, but they had been together, equally vulnerable and hungry for each others’ touches. Now it was an odd situation. She was uncomfortable with the idea of masturbating in plain view of a man who was most likely going to sit, fully clothed, and watch. But she knew that this was one of the reasons for her trip. She wasn’t going to give up now over such an outlandish request.

Annie picked up the lawyer’s laptop and handed it carefully to him. With his assistance, they cleared the desk, leaving the shining, glossy surface smooth and free of any debris. Without a word, Peter reclined in his chair and rested his head against his hand, his sharp eyes staring at the writer without blinking. Even without speaking he had a demanding presence and Annie felt compelled to fulfill his wishes.

Unsure of how to begin, and feeling a bit foolish, Annie lay back onto the desk, her feet dangling off the end slightly. Reddening in the face, she hooked her thumbs underneath her frilly, white shirt and lifted it over her head, revealing her pale torso and lacy, beige bra. Chancing a glance at Peter, she saw that he still held a hungry gleam in his eyes as he watched, his expression never changing. Annie knew that she wasn’t exactly a sex goddess and felt nervous at the thought of disappointing him. She had been unprepared for such a request and was left with just her own fingers and imagination as aides.

Closing her eyes, Annie thought of her previous lovers. She recalled Pedro’s sultry commands while they had fucked in the shower, his thrusts pumping into her with maddening speed. Lying upon the lawyer’s desk, her hand sneaked up her body, squeezing her breast with the strength of the men who had taken her during her amazing journey. Her thin fingers slipped into the bra she wore and circled the hidden nipple of her left breast, the teasing touch hardening the shy nub into a firm point. She bit her lip and her toes curled at the end of the desk. She imagined being held by Adrien as he undid her bra and eased her onto the kitchen counter, taking her without hesitation.

Annie freed her left breast of the bra, allowing the cup to fall down and press the soft mound upward. The rosy nipple was erect and visible for anyone to see and she pinched it, tugging at it until it sent sparks of pleasure throughout her. Heavy-lidded eyes opened and she gazed at the way her hand mechanically moved about her breast, her fingers teasing the aching nipple. The sight of her bra halfway undone made her arousal build as she imagined being held in the firm grip of a lover, his embrace so strong she was helpless to correct her clothing mishap. The twisted bra was all she could focus on as her right breast bounced with the movement of her body, trying so hard to stay hidden underneath the soft material.

Annie’s other hand snaked downward and disappeared under the hem of her skirt. Fingers slipped beneath her lingerie and tapped the sensitive bead hiding between her legs, awakening the nodule with a gentle prod. A breathless moan escaped her and she quickly pulled the skirt and underwear from her body, allowing the material to fall to the office floor with an airy flutter. She rolled the bra down, but kept it twisted below her breasts. She couldn’t explain it, but she was greatly captivated by the sight of it; almost as if she had been bound by the tight material.

With her fingers circling her clit, Annie panted as her other hand teased her nipples, tweaking the delicate nubs and pulling them harshly. Annie’s fingers dipped into her opening, sliding in and out of her wet heat before returning to the swelling clit. She bit her lip and humped her cupped hand as she pressed her fingers against her growing arousal, spreading the moisture all over her sex. She imagined riding Louis’s thick cock as Adrien sucked her tits and she moaned audibly, her voice sounding flat in the small office.

Annie rolled onto her side so she was facing Peter, her eyes locking onto him as he continued to watch, his eyes sharp and a secretive smile upon his face. He was leaning forward slightly with his elbows relaxing on the armrests of his large chair, hands grasping each other lightly. The fire in his eyes made Annie want him terribly.

Come on, she whispered as she curled in on herself, intensifying the heat within her body. Her hand pressed into her throbbing womanhood with even more force. Come here.

Peter simply shook his head, a smile appearing on his face with cruel, teasing amusement. Annie groaned and shoved herself against her hand, her hips moving like a wave against the force of her fingers. Her other hand squeezed her breasts, occasionally pulling the rounded mounds until just her fingertips remained upon her nipples. He was watching her, just as an audience of people had in Rome.

Yes!

Annie’s thighs quivered as she came, her wet fingers slowing their desperate need to evoke pleasure. Throbbing bliss pounded throughout her sex and her gyration calmed as she gave a few final thrusts against her hand. She swept some hair from her face and sat up, her body glowing in the sunlight that peeked through the clouds. Turning, she stared at Peter and saw that he appeared satisfied.

Lovely, lovely, he said. You know your body well. Thank you for showing me.As Annie dressed herself, Peter busily wrote a note on a memo-sheet and slid it across his desk. I hope you will join me tonight. It’s a private party, but they are always accepting of new guests.

Annie took the note, seeing that the lawyer had written an address and his phone number across the printed lines.

I look forward to it, Annie replied. I will see you at 7:00.

*****

Annie sat at the dimly lit desk in her hotel room, her laptop propped open and a pile of papers resting beneath her forearm. She had been writing since she left Peter’s office and almost felt the urge to cancel the second half of their arranged meet-up. When inspiration hit, it really knocked her down.

She wasn’t so much writing a ‘sex-scene’ as she was her own musings. The self-exploration on her part had left her intrigued and she wondered why she had been so apprehensive about performing for the man’s viewing pleasure. So far on her trip, she had dropped her inhibitions and obeyed the urges deep within her. When Pedro wanted her, she let him take her. When Adrien and Louis stated that they would have a threesome, she jumped on board, literally. Dante had truly awakened the beast within her and made her feel unstoppable. Hell, she had even allowed the man to pleasure her in front of thirty people. So why had a simple, almost meager task of masturbation seemed so bizarre?

Annie allowed her random thoughts to fill paragraphs of story onto paper and into her computer. It was because she had always felt that her true pleasure could only come at the hands of a man. Of course she had gotten off to her own touches many times, but in the vicinity of a partner it had seemed appropriate that he join her or at least help to spur her orgasm. Instead, Peter had left her on her own, watching with animalistic pleasure as the seemingly taboo idea of a woman