A New Smoker Ch 04

Karen Reed awoke the next morning, reaching over to Dan's side of the bed, only to remember he had departed for an early morning meeting. She smiled, thinking of last night's passion, how turned on he was seeing her smoke a cigarette...and how he said he loved watching her smoke with Russell. Dan certainly had his kinks, she acknowledged, but somehow found them to be stimulating as well. Certainly, unlike any other boyfriend. She also found herself questioning her new smoking persona -- this was so unlike her, none of her crowd smoked and most found the habit disgusting. Yet, she felt a certain bad-girl thrill and the fact it drove Dan nuts heightened the attraction. Was she addicted yet? At this point, she resolved, she was mostly addicted to the thrill and effect on Dan.

Brushing back her 32-year-old golden shoulder length locks, she glanced over at the clock as saw she had some time before needing to get ready for work. Her glance caught the pack of Marlboro Gold Pack cigarettes and silver Zippo lighter. She smiled at the combined idea of why the hell she was doing this but yet enjoying the seductive game here.

Rising to a seating position, her plush, burgundy headboard, she impulsively reached for the pack and pulled a lone white cylinder from the sweet-smelling packet. Leaning back on her pillows, she casually flicked open the lighter. The flicker of the flame, dancing in the early morning light, cast gregarious shadows across her ageless face. A twinkle of anticipation ignited within her emerald eyes as she brought the cigarette to her cherry-red lips.

Methodically, the flame caressed the end of the cigarette, sparks erupting in a ballet as the ember began its amorous relationship with the morning air, an ethereal sight that gave her an almost surrealistic aura. Her high arched eyebrows melted into a look of tranquil content as she took her first pull. An act that some might have considered vulgar, she made into an art form; her thin, yet full lips puckering around the stick, while her pallid fingers delicately balanced it.

Satisfaction fluttered across her face, seeping through her very being, soaking into the golden skin of her neck and cascading down towards her chest as she inhaled. The subtle crackle of the burning tobacco echoed pleasantly in the soundless room. She savored each second, allowing the smoke time to explore the inners of her mouth, leaving a trail of nicotine-laden haze that tinted the air with an earthy flavor. Taking a deep drag, she consciously will the smoke into her lungs, something she hadn't regularly done since starting this journey.

Feeling the smoke course through her veins at lightning speed, she found the act harshly invigorating, leaving behind a potent blend of kick and sharpness that clung to the back of her throat. A soothing warmth crept, delivering a sense of surrendered calm as the nicotine took effect. The rush surfaced as a pulsating hum coursing through her, stirring the senses into an awakened state. The world sharpened into focus, distractions melting away as the nicotine coaxed her cerebral cells into heightened attentiveness. She was at once repulsed and pleased by the feeling...and wanted more.

Exhaling a single cone of serpentine smoke into the morning air, she watched her perfectly manicured hand holding the cigarette perfectly between her fore and middle fingers. Smoke surrounded her curly locks, and she lowered her hand to her thigh, watching the delicate stream of smoke languorously rise from the burning end of the cigarette.

She raised the filter to her lips again and to another affirmative drag, cheeks hollowing as she pulled the smoke into her lungs. At the same time, her left had lingered over the airstrip leading to her pussy lips, lending a slight thrill down her thigh. Again, the smoke filled her lungs and reinforced the nicotine rush. She held it, closing her eyes slowly, before gently exhaling her smoke to the ceiling. She ran her left forefinger over her clit as she finished exhale, watching her cigarette hand.

Karen's mind flicked back to last night, seeing the look in Dan's eye as she enjoyed her cigarette on the balcony with Russell and recalling him saying how hot she looked. And hinting about Russell. Did her really mean...? Her lips wrapped around the filter, and she took another cheek-hollowing drag, her left forefinger running over her clit and onto her damp pussy lips.

As Karen continued to reflect on last night's encounter and the great sex, she began to touch her clit in earnest. She smoked in time with her stroking, filling her lungs with smoke, and exhaling forceful plumes to the ceiling. Her mind suddenly imagined both Dan and Russell naked with hard cocks just for her. She pressed more firmly, feeling a rush of pleasure down her thighs and up her spine. Glancing at the nearly finished cig, she put the filter between her soft red lips and inhaled deeply, feeling the smoke fill her lungs as her orgasm began to rise. When the first wave hit, she exhaled hard without any real style, and white smoke blossomed around her gasping mouth and head. Mmmmmmmm, she stifled a loud moan but grunted instead and the next waves of pleasure hit her. Her orgasm slowly subsided as she watched the cigarette burn down.

One last puff, she thought, taking a leisurely half drag and watching the final bit of tobacco burn down to the filter. She gently exhaled a small plume of smoke and sighed. God, that felt good, she thought. Her reverie was instantly broken by her cell phone ringing. Karen groaned, her hand lazily reaching out from under the comforter, finding the cool surface of her cell phone. Squinting at the invasive glow, she smiled slightly at the name displayed and picked up.

"Good morning," She husked, her voice a sweet cocktail of sleep and satiation from last night's entanglement.

"Did I wake you?" Dan asked, his voice clear and crisp over the phone's speaker. It was rich with warmth despite the cold, clinical environment of his office.

"No, was just laying here...umm, thinking, you could say," Karen's voice betrayed a warmth that mirrored his.

"And how are you feeling this morning, beautiful?" Dan inquired, the endearment dancing playfully in the sterile silence hanging over his desk.

"The question is, how are you feeling?" she teased back, a playful lilt in her voice, "Working so early after such a... let's call it a strenuous night?"

"Functioning on copious amounts of coffee and recollections of last night," he confessed, an impish grin adding sunlight to his voice. "I may need more... 'meetings' like last night to make these early mornings bearable."

Karen laughed, Dan smiled hearing the rhythmic music of her happiness.

"I think that could be arranged," she flirted, her voice lower and sultrier, etching a promise into the airwaves. "You did seem quite productive last night."

"That's one way to put it," Dan chuckled, arching an eyebrow, even though she couldn't see it. His voice dipped down a notch, softer and more suggestive. "Dinner was good too, was it not?"

"Dinner was wonderful," she affirmed, "But admittedly outshone by the evening's other... activities."

"Oh my God," he exclaimed in a loud whisper, lowering his voice knowing he was in his office. "You were so hot, baby. You turn me on so much!"

Karen smile grew larger, hearing the desire in his voice.

"I'm so glad, lover. Makes me happy and I get aroused knowing how much you want me."

"So much, baby, so much. And I love how we match in the things we like to do. And..." he hesitated.

"And what?" she chuckled.

"I've never seen a sexier smoker, either. It just makes you hotter than you already are in my book."

"Well, I must admit I thought was a bit of a strange request at first. But seeing how much it drives you crazy, I have to say I really like the effect...and the feeling it gives me," she confessed.

"I know it's tabooed these days and there are health risks -- I'd never want you to do anything you weren't completely comfortable with," he replied.

"Aw, thank you, you're so sweet. I am comfortable and I love exploring with you!"

"I'm so glad, my sweet girl." Dan said, "We still good for dinner again tonight?"

"Of course! I've got a new cabernet we can try and I was going to pull out the homemade sauce I have and put together a good lasagna," Karen replied.

"Perfect, love Italian!" he affirmed, "though I might need to stop by Russell's place and sign more papers -- that deal still isn't complete."

"Dan, just have him come by here -- save you all that city traffic," Karen said.

"Are you sure? I hate to have him interrupt our time," he rejoined.

"Of course, it's fine. I get to spend time with two handsome men!"

He chuckled.

"Oh, so you think Russell is attractive, eh? I don't know if I should be jealous or turned on!" he said, laughing.

"Really now. Either one is perfectly fine," she said with a laugh. "I did notice you encouraging us to have a cigarette together."

"Mmmmm," he countered, "that WAS sexy and hot. I admit I was a bit jealous but loved seeing you do it, if I'm being honest."

"You did say you had a few more kinks to show me, didn't know it involved another guy though!"

"Oh, I don't think I'm quite there yet with that -- I want all of you to myself," he responded, but Karen thought she heard a spark of uncertainty there.

"Well, maybe I just need to have a kink or two of my own, then. Seems only fair," she teased.

"Baby, you could talk me into anything with you! Text me later, babe, gotta hit this next meeting." Ringing off, Karen put the phone down on her night stand and went into the shower, hoping the day would go fast and work wouldn't be a pain.

With the afternoon sun slanting through the glass windows, decking Karen's office with a splendid array of sunlight. Karen quietly slipped a pack of unlit cigarettes into her drawer. As shadows danced across the room, the door creaked open. Jason, her business rival and a wily creature known for his slicked back hair and the grim pleasure he took in belittling others, stood tall in the entryway, a hawkish grin on his face.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't stressball Karen," he sneered, his thin lips curling at the corners. His muddy brown eyes trailed contemptuously from Karen's face to the to her pocket book on the corner of her desk.

"Ready for your smoke break yet?"

Karen felt a flush of annoyance creeping up her neck. Shit, she thought, she did see the cigarette she had been staring at yesterday just before Dan had called.

"I think it's none of your business, Jason," she retorted.

He strode arrogantly into the room, effortlessly exuding the casual cruelty that defined him. "Oh, but it might be, Karen," he drawled as he leaned casually against her desk. "Pretty sure our dear boss wouldn't approve you taking smoking breaks."

Karen shot him a fiercely disdainful glare. "As if you'd know anything about approval. Last I checked, your marketing strategy was sent back for a 'rethink,' wasn't it?"

A shadow of discomfort passed over Jason's face. It was as fleeting as a comet, but Karen didn't miss that. She knew she'd hit a nerve. Collecting himself, Jason chuckled dryly, his eyes narrowing into sly slits.

"Low blow, Karen," he said, wagging his index finger at her, "but it's still your secret smoking I'm intrigued about."

At this, Karen sighed in exasperation. "Look, Jason, if it helps your inflated ego, those cigarettes are not for me," she admitted. The news startled Jason, his drumming fingers on Karen's desk came to an abrupt halt. "Yes, shocker. People have lives outside of your little mayhem. They were for a friend--I simply forgot I had them."

Jason straightened up, faltering for comeback words. His momentary silence felt like an awarded victory.

Karen couldn't help but smirk as she turned back to her computer, her face shining with quiet triumph. "Now that we've settled my non-existent smoking habit, shouldn't you be preparing for your 'rethink' strategy?"

With nothing left to fuel his snide comments, Jason nodded, gritting his teeth. "Oh, I'll be back, Karen. I'll be the one having the last laugh," he warned as he retreated.

Karen simply shrugged and nonchalantly replied, "I look forward to hearing it, Jason."

As the door closed behind him, Karen basked in the momentary satisfaction of victory, her fingers tapping on the keyboard with renewed gusto.

Karen finished her day uneventfully and thankfully with no more encounters with Jason...the asshole. She drove home, entering the underground garage to her condo complex, and took the elevator to her spacious condominium. Crossing the threshold of her expansive condominium, she discarded her stiff jacket and restrictive work skirt into the laundry hamper. The creeping chill of the marble flooring was heavenly against her bare feet, sending tiny shivers of release and liberation up her spine, as if every cell of her body was shedding not only the physical but also the mental rigors of her taxing workday and that asshole Jason. Her skin, flushed from the day's stress and anticipation of Dan's arrival, tingled under the cooling spray of the shower, as soap and water washed away the grime and frustration of her corporate battles, if only temporarily.

Refreshed and delicately fragrant, Karen delicately patted makeup onto her visage, artfully concealing the weariness in her hazel eyes. She let down her chestnut hair from its confining bun, letting the wild, soft curls frame her face in a picture of understated elegance. Sliding into a breezy summer dress, sunflower yellow with dainty blossoms scattered across the fabric, she took one last glance at her reflection. The dress swirled coyly around her knees, the soft cotton caressing her skin as it billowed softly with every movement, adding a touch of summer mystique to her elegance.

Walking into the living room on her way to the kitchen, she caught sight of her purse on the dining room table. She paused, feeling as if the package of cigarettes was calling to her, like a siren to the mariners of old. She went over, reached in, retrieving the white package with gold lettering. Flipping open the top, she retrieved a lone white cylinder and ran it under nose slowly, inhaling the sweet smell of tobacco. Karen grabbed the lighter and opened the door to the balcony, not wanting to have the smell of burning tobacco in the dining room.

Bathing in soft glow of end of day daylight, Karen stepped out onto the balcony, the highway below filled with city traffic yet distant enough she could barely hear it. A late day breeze touched her skin, her blonde t tresses blowing ever so gently in the wind, but it was the allure of the waiting cigarette she held between her delicate, well-manicured fingers that had her undivided attention. She raised the slender stick to her soft lips, her fingertips gently playing with it in anticipation. The world seemed to hold its breath as she struck the small lighter, the flint sparking, and a fiery glow brightened the twilight.

The stick of tobacco lit up, casting a dim orangey-gold light that danced in her hazel eyes, it crackled like a tiny bonfire under the flickering flame of the lighter, and as the first threads of smoke began to curl upward, she gently inhaled. The sweet, earthy taste of the smoke filled her mouth, flooded her senses with a warm, heady rush that had a faint hint of sin, a tantalizing taste of rebellion and sensuality.

She exhaled, the smoke meeting the breeze and breaking into wispy tendrils, weaving into the cool evening air. The weight of the day seemed to dissipate with each puff, the bluish-gray haze carrying with her stresses away in its silent, smooth trail. The world around her took a backseat, the humdrum of city noise and life's pressures all muted by the measured rhythm of her inhales and exhales.

As she took another long drag from the cigarette, the cherry ember glowing even brighter, it was as if she were pulling life itself, raw and visceral, into her. The smoke curling into her lungs and tickling her throat while the peace it brought trickled warmly into her arteries, and seeped into her brain, muffling the sporadic yells of mind. She thought of Dan's gaze as she would inhale, cheeks hollowing, and how his cock would grow harder. The image sent a shiver down her thighs.

The cigarette was shorter now, wisps of ember falling, tracing a silent glowing path along the cooling metal of the ashtray. She held on until all that was left was a trail of smoke and the faintest ghost of a soothing burn on her fingers. She watched for a moment at the spent stub of the cigarette, the tobacco curled and blackened, the paper a crumbling parchment of satisfaction.

She flicked the cigarette away, the last wisp of smoke curling and twisting in the evening air, fading as it caught the wind. The smell of burnt tobacco lingered, it hovered around her like a familiar friend bidding farewell. Shaking her golden curls off her face, she chuckled in quiet triumph. Karen pressed her lips together, her tongue tasting the remnants of tobacco. It was a flavor she now enjoyed, thanks to Dan's prompting, a reminder of the small rebellion she allowed herself and the sensual power she was starting to feel over him.

Karen re-entered her place and quickly re-washed her hands, spritzed on perfume, and brushed her teeth to help minimize the smell of smoke...not that Dan would have minded, she thought. Walking into the kitchen, she began dinner preparation. Once she had all the key elements in place, she began the journey of transforming raw ingredients into an Italian masterpiece. The verdant, crisp basil leaves were plucked and gently ripped, releasing a burst of aromatic heavenly scent that softened the air with a touch of sweet anise. Cloves of garlic, plump and ivory, passed under the flat blade of her knife, collapsing under force, their sticky insides squeezed out, promising a slow burn of spicy, earthy flavors.

Her hands, now smeared with shades of yellow and green, reached for the perfectly aged, parmesan cheese. The scent, which was musky and fruity, warmed her senses as she began to grate it, the coarse shreds raining down on the burgeoning sauce of ripe tomatoes, succulent minced meat, and melting onions.

She layered the ingredients with love and a growing sense of excitement. The lasagna sheets, golden and pliable, were laid down first, topped with a rich layer of simmering sauce and sprinkles of cheese. Over this, she artfully arranged another layer of pasta, the process repeating until her casserole dish was brimming with potential. Satisfied, she efficiently set the table, perused the wine bar, and selected the bottle she had mentioned to Dan earlier. She opened and poured a generous glass of the burgundy liquid, returning to her living room to await Dan's arrival.

As she sat perusing her Forbes magazine and sipping her wine, her mind wandered to her and Dan's relationship and how much she was really enjoying his sexy ideas. The sex has been so wonderful, she thought, and he was bringing out a part of her she didn't know existed. She absentmindedly flipped the pages, barely glancing at the articles, and took two more graceful sips of wine. Her reverie was broken by the chime of the doorbell. She placed her glass down on the table, tossed the magazine aside and rose from the couch.

Opening the door, her eyes instantly caught his -- a deep shade of blue - the sort of intense blue that reminded her of a remote ocean. Framed by thick black lashes, those eyes possessed a penetrating quality that was almost too hard to endure. There was a silent power behind those eyes, like a fathomless well of strength and determination. His gaze was hypnotic, drawing Karen closer in a spellbinding pull that seemed insurmountable to resist.