"Which is?" Erihn asked.

"Finding a lover for Shai," Vivian frowned at the young woman. "Weren't you paying attention at all?

"Well, of course I was. I'm sitting right here."

Shai leaned back, the base of her winegla.s.s. .h.i.tting the plate with a chime of fine china. "How in the world did we get on this topic? Who says I need a lover anyway?"

"I did, dear." Vivian captured the bottle of burgundy before Melanie could help herself. She leaned around Erihn to fill Shai's gla.s.s and then her own. "It's your thirty-first birthday today and, in the two years I've known you, you've never mentioned a man once."

"So?"

"This needs to stop." Melanie liberated the bottle from Viv and filled her own gla.s.s. "Come to think about it, I've never heard you speak about any men. What's up with that?"

Shai picked up her gla.s.s and took a quick swallow. How in the world was she going to get out of this one gracefully? She set the gla.s.s on the table before she spoke. "Just because I don't need a man to make my life complete, does this make me a freak?"

"Yes," they all spoke in unison.

Shai rolled her eyes. "So much for woman's lib. It's lost on you guys. I don't see anything wrong with being alone." "I do. It simply isn't natural." Jennifer leaned forward to pick up her case and extract a cigarette. "Take me, for example. I'm a very successful journalist and I'm not in a relationship. However," she dropped the case on the table, "I do have several gentlemen I can call to entertain me and take the edge off."

Shai blinked. "Take the edge off what?"

"s.e.x, dear." Vivian snared a crab claw off the platter in the center of the table and set to freeing the succulent white meat. "You know, to get your rocks off?"

"To get nailed," Jennifer returned, her tone wry.

"To poke the hole in the doughnut," Melanie chimed in.

"Youladies are so vulgar," Erihn spoke without heat.

Vivian grinned, "Thank you, little mouse." She popped the chunk of crab, dripping with b.u.t.ter, into her mouth.

"Oh, brother." Shai rolled her eyes again.

"You're a virgin," Melanie announced.

Silence reigned at the table as Shai found her friends hushed for the first time that evening. They watched her, their expressions ranging from doubt to wonder as they pondered this idea. She squirmed in her seat, uncomfortable with their questioning stares.

She wasn't a virgin...but she wasn't far from the mark either. In fact, Melanie's off-hand statement was a little too close for comfort. Hasty fumblings in college with a nearsighted computer major didn't make for a satisfied woman. After her somewhat anti-climactic experience, she'd decided that s.e.x wasn't all it was cracked up to be, so she hadn't pursued it further. However, technically, she wasn't a virgin.

"I am not," she protested. "Just because I don't sleep with half of the New York Yankees..."

"I object." Vivian dipped another bit of crab into her container of drawn b.u.t.ter. "It was only the first baseman and the shortstop." A sensual throaty laugh escaped her. "And let me say, my dears, he was anything but short."

"Really?" exclaimed Melanie. "Do tell."

Vivian shifted in her seat. A soft smile played about her thin, red-painted lips. "He had this thing about biting my toes as he came." She shook her head. "Very strange, as I'd never seen that particular trick before. But he did have this amazing maneuver with..."

"Stop!" Erihn's hand came up to halt any further revelations, her cheeks crimson.

Jennifer reached for the wine. "That's a word that's never pa.s.sed Vivian's lips."

"Oh, I don't know, the worddon't might have been in front of that." Melanie cracked a lobster tail with a practiced flick of her wrist as the ladies dissolved into laughter. Shai drained her winegla.s.s. Her cheeks were hot and she just knew she was blushing to the roots of her already-red hair. She'd never understood how all of them had become friends over the years. They were all so different with very little in common.

She glanced at Vivian, stunning in her blue silk jacket and black leather pants. Her clothing, cultured accent and mannerisms screamed money. Divorced several times, Vivian was known for her outlandish lovers, her flaunting of society's mores and her family's seemingly limitless supply of cash. She was lesser known for her charitable works with the homeless within New York City, but that was something she rarely spoke about. A stunning brunette with a wicked sense of humor, she moved in circles that Shai could only dream of.

Jennifer, physically, was almost Vivian's twin. Both had black hair, Jen's long and straight while Viv's was short and curly. Distinguished and elegant, Jennifer was one of the nations' top print journalists and Shai's co-worker at theNew York Times . Jennifer was also one of the lucky three percent who made the big money at it. After writing a piece on a little known war in South America and winning a Pulitzer, the sky was the limit for her and she wrote her own ticket. Shai knew little about her background and Jennifer volunteered very little personal information.

Melanie was the vivacious one of the group. Blonde and a bit ditzy, she'd worked for a late night television talk show as the cue card girl. Her many appearances on television when the show's flamboyant host had picked on her during the show had given her entree to commercials and soon she was headed to Hollywood to make her first movie. She dreamed of making it big in the movies and marrying Mel Gibson. While the Mel Gibson part was out, they all wished her well and supported her at every turn.

And then there was Erihn who was like none of them. She was a romance writer and a long-time friend of Jennifer's. Erihn and Shai had met when Shai, on her first a.s.signment as a reporter, had been sent to interview her on the changing face of romance novels. Both women were almost painfully shy, but they'd hit if off immediately, becoming the best of friends.

But someone was missing.

"Where's Evie?" Shai asked.

Vivian shrugged and reached for a roll. "Maybe she got tied up?"

Melanie sighed. "Only if she's lucky."

"No. Don't tell me that white-bread man you're engaged to ties you up?" Jennifer drawled.

Erihn leaned forward, the candlelight flickered over the scar, making it softer, less apparent. Shai could practically see her jotting mental notes for yet another book.

"Only once." Melanie's creamy skin grew flushed and Shai couldn't tell if it was from the alcohol, conversation, or the memories of the event in question. "It was wonderful. Liberating, actually."

Vivian licked b.u.t.ter off her fingers and grinned at her blonde friend. "Isn't it just?"

Shai blinked. After all the years of outrageous conversations, she should be used to this kind of talk by now. But she wasn't and it made her uneasy. s.e.x was foreign to her and, in her mind, overrated. She picked up her winegla.s.s and drained it yet again. She'd already had much more than she was used todrinking and tomorrow she'd pay the price.

"So, what's your ultimate s.e.xual fantasy, Jennifer?" Erihn asked, her eyes bright with curiosity and far too much wine.

"Mmmm," Jennifer paused, her lips screwed up in concentration. "I don't know." A wicked gleam entered her eyes. "How about handcuffed in the back of a police car? Cuffed to the dividing cage while Joe Police-guy frisks me with his really hard...baton."

Erihn and Melanie dissolved into laughter as Vivian smiled. "Been there, done that. His last name was Mathison from the 13th precinct here in New York." She sighed and picked up her winegla.s.s, her eyes growing dreamy. "And, oh my, what a baton he had."

"Okay." Jennifer stubbed out her cigarette, her tone challenging. "What's your ultimate fantasy, Viv dear, and don't be shy."

"Yet another word that's never been a.s.sociated with Viv," Melanie laughed.

Vivian paused, her gla.s.s halfway to her mouth. Her expression turned whimsical. "Well, I can't honestly think of many things I fantasize about when, let's face it, I've lived most of them. I suppose, if I really had to come up with one, there is the bar wench fantasy, the Madame and slave fantasy, and the bad cop fantasy isalways a good one..."

"Just one, Viv. You needn't recite your entire repertoire of tricks," grumbled Jennifer. She picked up the now-empty bottle of wine and waved it in the direction of the waitress.

"Hmm...probably the saloon girl fantasy." Vivian shifted in her chair. "I'm working in a saloon in the old west as some trail riders come in. Three of them, I think. They order a drink as they eye me in my revealing peasant blouse." She traced her fingertips lightly over the suntanned skin showing between the lapels of her jacket. A sensual smile curved her lips as she began to lose herself in the fantasy.

"The tallest man's name is Stud Lonewolf and he's a sight for sore eyes. With long blond hair, dark blue eyes and pecs that would make a romance cover model cry with shame. As I set his drink in front of him, he grabs my wrist and pulls me into his lap." She shifted in her seat once more before crossing and re-crossing her legs. "I can tell it's been a long time since he's seen a real women. He whispers in my ear all the wicked things he wants to do to me. As I lean back against his chest, he reaches up to untie my blouse and my b.r.e.a.s.t.s fall free. Callused fingers tease my nipple as his knee parts my thighs.

"His teeth nip my neck as one hand traces down my side, across my thighs to the bottom of my skirt. His hand on my skin causes gooseb.u.mps to break out. His fingers tear into my pantaloons to plunder my waiting flesh. Growing impatient, he reaches down with his free hand to unleash himself before lifting me to rub against his stiff rod. My eyes fly open at the sensation to realize that his two friends are watching me. As their eyes grow dark with l.u.s.t, Stud impales me on his manhood."

Her voice changed pitch as she continued. "Soft groans escape my lips as his blond friend comes forward. His greedy lips suckle my breast as I twine my fingers in his hair. The third man comes over to take my other breast into his mouth as Stud forces me up and down...up and down. It's relentless. Just as I begin to reach my peak, he comes with a growl, deep inside of me.

"For a second, I'm disappointed. But, before I can draw breath, the blond cowboy grabs me around the waist and tosses me on the table, thighs spread. Releasing a c.o.c.k that would do a horse proud, heshoves inside and begins thrusting. Pumping, pumping until screams claw my throat and I shatter into a million pieces in his arms."

Vivian slumped in her chair and fell silent. Her cheeks were flushed, a look of near satisfaction on her face.

Shai swallowed hard and reached for her winegla.s.s.Goodness...

"What about the third guy?" Melanie asked, entranced.

Leave it to Melanie. Shai struggled not to choke on her wine.

Vivian picked up her napkin to fan her rosy cheeks. "Oh, him. I wait and nail him later."

Jennifer burst into laughter and slapped her palm on the table. "Bravo, dearest!"

Vivian grinned. "Too bad I only have a vibrator to go home to tonight. I'm feeling a bit frisky right now."

She cast an appraising look around the restaurant as if to spy a willing victim.

"Amen, sister," Erihn whispered. She picked up her wine and gulped the remains.

Jennifer turned her dark eyes on Shai. "So tell us what gets your panties in a bunch, my dear?"

Shai blinked. "My fantasies?"

Vivian gave a throaty laugh. "Why, of course. I have a feeling you aren't as pristine as you pretend to be." Her flashing blue eyes dared Shai to step up to the plate.

"Whoever said I was pristine?" Shai squeaked.

"No one, dear." Erihn patted her hand as if to soothe ruffled feathers.

Shai stared at her neglected dinner while four pairs of expectant eyes watched her. What did she do now?

She cleared her throat. "Well..." She hesitated before letting her eyes drift closed. "I'm lying in my bed.

It's a hot summer night, like tonight. The drapes are moving in a faint breeze, but it's not strong enough to relieve the humidity that has me trapped in my bed. Restless, I kick at my covers as a shadow appears in the window. It's a man."

"Who are you?" She whispered.

"You know who I am." His voice was deep, sensual like the purr of a giant jungle cat. Ripples of awareness moved across her skin. Her nipples tightened beneath her simple cotton nightgown.

"Yes, I know who you are." She sat upright in her bed and held out her hand in silent invitation to the dark figure in the window.

"What do you want from me?" he asked.

"Come to me." "You're inviting me in?"

"Yes," she replied.

"Once I cross the threshold, there is no going back. Is this what you really want?"

She rose to her knees, her gown clinging to her overheated skin. "Yes, I want you, all of you."

His teeth gleamed in the darkness when he smiled. He stepped in through the window, onto her window seat, scattering soft pillows with his booted feet. He was very tall, much taller than her five foot four. He was dressed in all black-- black jeans and a black T-shirt that stretched across his broad chest and shoulders. Black hair brushed his shoulders in a tumble of riotous curls.

Feverish blue eyes gleamed beneath heavy brows. His full sensual mouth curved in pleasure. "I've come to give you your ultimate fantasy."

She gave a faint nod.

He held out his hand, tempting her to reach for the ecstasy he offered. Hesitant, she reached for him, her breath caught as his warm fingers closed around hers. With a gentle tug, he urged her to her feet. Her gown swirled around her thighs as she moved toward him. A strong arm slipped around her waist as he gathered her close, his arousal evident against her lower stomach.

"Tell me what you want," he whispered against her skin. His lips moved over her neck, taking a nibble here, a taste there.

"Everything. Anything. I want every woman's fantasy." She sighed as his mouth touched her ear, teasing the delicate lobe.

His husky chuckle raised gooseflesh on her skin, "I did your laundry and balanced your checkbook."

Shai opened her eyes to find her friends staring at her, their expressions ranging from wonder to outright amus.e.m.e.nt. Suddenly, Melanie and Erihn broke into shrieks of laughter.

Viv lifted her cigarette case, a soft smile tugging at her mouth. "Well, that's definitely a fantasy we know will never happen. Brava, my friend."

Jennifer shrugged. "Not true, Viv. It could happen with some men." She turned toward Shai. "Is that your fantasy? A tall dark stranger entering your bedroom in the dark of night? To make love to you until you can't think? To fulfill your darkest fantasies?"

"Sounds good to me." Erihn reached for her gla.s.s of water. Tears of mirth streaked her cheeks.

"I don't know." Shai shrugged. "If I knew I was perfectly safe?" She took another drink of wine. She knew she was half-past drunk now and careening her way into dangerous territory. For her to discuss her s.e.xual fantasies was something she would never think of doing, ever. But here she was, sitting in a public restaurant drinking loads of wine and discussing intimacies with her friends.

A sudden streak of boldness shot through her and she sat forward, slamming her gla.s.s onto the table."Sure? Why not? Who wouldn't want to have a dark handsome stranger take control of them, body and soul? To make love until they merge as one? To be worshipped with his body till the end of time?"

Jennifer nodded, a speculative gleam in her eyes. "Another one of my favorite fantasies."

Vivian nodded slowly. "As is mine." She raised her winegla.s.s in Shai's direction. "Happy birthday, my friend. I think you just revealed more about yourself than you'll ever know."

Jennifer raised her gla.s.s. "And may your darkest fantasies come true, my dear Shai."

Shai laughed and raised her gla.s.s as Erihn followed suit.

"To fantasies." Chimed in Melanie as they clinked their gla.s.ses and the occupants dissolved into laughter.

Shai raised her gla.s.s to her lips and the laughter caught in her throat when a shifting in the shadows snared her attention. She glanced over Melanie's head to stare into the darkest blue eyes she'd ever seen.

p.r.i.c.kles of awareness raced across her skin and her nipples tightened against the soft lace of her bra.

Her mouth went dry. Surely he was a figment of her imagination. No mortal man could have eyes so dark, so ageless. So haunted.

He was, without a doubt, the most beautiful man she'd ever seen. Piercing blue eyes shadowed by winged black brows. Black hair swept away from his high forehead to fall an inch below his shoulders in soft waves that her fingers ached to explore. Sharp features, high cheekbones and a patrician nose, saved from austere by his mouth. Full and sensual, it screamed of long, hot nights, rumpled silk sheets and musky s.e.x.

It was the face of a fallen angel.