Discovery (Traveling Hearts - Vol. 3): Traveling Hearts, #3

Volume 3 of the Traveling Hearts series!

In one day, Kelsey Truman's life was turned upside down: She was fired from the job she loved and she caught her fiancé, Carl, cheating on her.

Nursing her broken heart and bruised ego, the normally shy, reserved financial analyst decided to leave what was left of her life and go on an around-the-world tour with her best friend. It’s just the change she needs!

Now, Kelsey's travels take her to new and even more exotic destinations, from the modern city of Zurich to the hot deserts sands of Morocco. Now a seasoned traveler, she continues to see the world and learn more about herself, while exploring her more sensual side.

Will her new adventures make her forget all about Ben? Or does fate have something else in store...?

Note: Parts of Traveling Hearts were previously published as Holiday Delights.

Also includes Sneak Peeks at some upcoming novels!

~Volume Three – Second Chances~

Ohhhhhhhh! Kelsey fell back on the bed, panting. Oh god! Oh my...uh... She reached up and pulled the dark head down towards her.

Hmmm...all good, Kelsey? the man asked, laying his head on her chest.

She let out a laugh.

Ist guet! she exclaimed, a Swiss-German phrase she had learned from her lover. Hmm Peter.... She stroked his dark, wavy hair.

Yes? he looked up and smiled at her.

Well, I’m glad I took you up on your offer! she said, grinning at him.

Me too.

Kelsey yawned. Ohh...I’m tired!

I hope so, that’s the third time tonight!! he laughed, rolling to his side.

"Oh, I didn’t hear you protesting!" she said.

Me? Never, he kissed her cheek affectionately.

Kelsey Truman closed her eyes, letting those delicious, post-orgasm feelings run through her body. Kelsey had been traveling for some time now, on an extended around the world trip, after being fired from her job as a Senior Analyst at a hedge fund company. Few people knew she was on her trip and she didn’t even know if people in her office knew who she was.

That’s why she was surprised to hear from Peter Bossart, a Swiss banker she had met and worked with in the past when he was in New York. They met a few times and although she thought him handsome in an unconventional way and very intelligent (finally, someone she could talk to about emerging markets), she never thought of dating him, much less sleeping with him. Of course, this was before she discovered her ex-fiancé had been cheating on her.

Peter had sent her an email, asking her what she was doing now that she was no longer with Synergy. When she said she was in Europe, he asked her to come to Zurich, as his guest of course. She didn’t think anything of it, as Peter and she had been friendly, and so she booked a ticket.

They met at the train station. Peter was waiting for her and they exchanged hugs and he carried her backpack to his car and they went to his house. After dropping off her stuff, he toured her around the city and then she offered to cook dinner for him, to say thank you.

Kelsey could cook, nothing special, but Peter was appreciative. He set out a wonderful French merlot that complemented their dinner. The wine was excellent, the conversation even more. After months on the road, Kelsey was itching to talk about the stock market, financial markets, the latest IPOs, and Peter could not only understand her, but he had his own opinions on the matter as well. Somewhere between talking about the BRIC economies and bear markets, Peter kissed her (or she kissed him, she couldn’t quite remember). She was somewhat surprised, but the wine and the familiarity somehow got to her and she continued to kiss him.

They were on his couch and she leaned her body towards him, and she felt his hardening erection against her belly.

Kelsey... he groaned as she continued to rub herself on him. Are you...

Yes, she said, kissing him, silencing him. She stood up. Where’s your bedroom?

He grabbed her hand and led her to the bedroom. She kissed him, going on her tiptoes and wrapping her arms around his neck. His hands moved down slowly, untucking her shirt from her pants. He slid his warm fingers up her ribcage, his fingers lightly probing her breasts. Kelsey pulled away for a moment and took her shirt and bra off. Peter stared at her full breasts appreciatively. He cupped one globe in his warm hand, making her gasp. He sucked on one nipple, drawing it deep into his mouth. His hands moved lower, his thumbs hooking into her pants waist and pulling them down with her panties. His hands cupped her buttocks, pulling her closer to his erection.

Peter! she moaned. She ground into him, feeling his hard cock. He continued to kiss and suck her nipples, rolling them in her mouth, biting them slightly.

She pulled away after some time and unbuttoned his shirt, kissing him from his neck down to just above his waist. Impatiently, she unbuckled his belt and tugged down his pants. His cock as already straining against his underwear. She bit into the waistband and dragged them down, his erection springing free. She stuck her tongue out, licking the tip of cock. He cried out and then let out a moan as she took him into her mouth.

She continued to work his penis, licking and sucking him. She took him whole and then sucked back, loving that look on his face as she did. Finally, he dragged her down to the bed, moving on top of her. He kissed her neck, driving her wild. He moved between her legs, rubbing his crotch against her, driving thrills up her spine. Peter stopped kissing her for a moment, grabbing a condom from his side table. He sat up, unwrapped the condom and slid it over his cock. He positioned himself back on top of her and slowly eased his throbbing cock into her soft, moist pussy.

Ohhhh...Peter... she moaned softly into his ear. Yes, yes...

Tell me what you want, Kelsey, he said, an edge to his voice.

Please...

Say it.

Fuck me, Peter, fuck me hard.

He moved his hips back and then gave her a deep thrust. She yelped in surprise and grabbed his head. He repeated it, making her gasp. He continued, fucking her hard and deep. She came in no, time, clinging to him and her body shook.

Peter... she whispered.

He stopped thrusting and braced himself on his elbows, looking down at her. Good?

Yes... she smiled up at him. Are you...

He cut her off with a kiss.

Oh no...we are not done yet...

He gave another deep thrust into her.

We are far from done...

*****

Kelsey smiled at the memories of the last three days. She had meant to stay only for the weekend, but Peter asked her to stay another day or two, as he had already put in a request at the office for a some time off. She agreed, and in-between going out, conversations, and seeing some sights, they spent fucking each other’s brains out. And sometimes, they didn’t even wait before they were in the bedroom.

Once, at a very nice bar in the downtown Zurich area, they had a quickie in the men’s room. In his defense, she had started it. While no one was looking, she deftly removed her panties and handed them to him. She gave him the come hither look and walked towards the restrooms. Peter followed her, then dragged her into an empty stall (thank God for enclosed European bathrooms!). He pushed her up against the wall, lifted up her skirt and thrust into her. Kelsey braced herself against the stall door and he fucked her. He pulled out before he came, spraying his cum on her ass. He pulled down her dress and gave her a playful spank, calling her a bad girl. They laughed as they exited the stall, the thrill and excitement of getting caught partly made the sex better.

Peter was insatiable and Kelsey found herself matching his enthusiasm. It was a little weird for her. Peter was the first guy she had been with for more than one night on this trip and it was nice to learn from each other and learn each other’s likes and dislikes.

On her last day, they decided to stay at home, since all they wanted to do was have sex anyway. They fucked in the shower and then in the bed. They were sitting in the living room, watching a movie when she put a hand on his cock. To her surprise, he was already hard. He stroked and teased him, cupping his balls and moving her hands. Without a word, Peter bent her over the back of the couch and thrust his fingers deep into her pussy, stroking her until she grew wet. She felt him enter her, fucking her from behind and then grabbed her tits and he pushed deeper into her. She screamed for him to fuck her hard. She came quickly and then pushed him back on the couch and finished him off with her hands and mouth.

They lay naked on the couch, wrapped around each other, lazily stroking each other’s bodies.

Hmmm...Thank you... she said, nuzzling his ear. This...it’s been nice.

"Thank you, he said, pulling her closer. I wasn’t sure you’d accept my invitation."

A weekend in Switzerland? How could I say no? she said playfully. Of course, the sex was a great bonus.

In truth, she enjoyed spending time with Peter as well. It was, in a way, a vacation from her vacation. With Peter, she felt comfortable and well...he made her believe she could trust someone again. But she knew all these would end in a few hours. She liked Peter a lot, but she knew this was going to be a one-time thing. Peter didn’t ask her to stay longer, not did she want to. Kelsey smiled to herself. She had been discovering herself on this trip and she was starting to like it. It was time again for her to move on.

*****

From the moment Kelsey arrived in Morocco, she still had to pinch herself every now and then. While she had been on the road for a few months now and had seen so many amazing things, nothing prepared her for this country. In Asia, being her first destination, everything was shiny and new, while Europe had certainly been more familiar. However, North Africa was nothing like she had or could ever imagine. The moment she stepped off the ferry from Spain and onto Tangier, Morocco had filled her senses – the blue azure of the Mediterranean sea, the red brick buildings, the smell of the souks, the spice of tagine stews – in all her travels, this was one place she was truly in awe.

She explored the mosques, museums, and markets of each city, never getting tired of all the sights, smells, and sounds of this place. Kelsey traveled from Tangier to Casablanca by train (which was nothing like in that famous movie) and finally, she took a private car to Marrakech where she would finally meet up with her best friend, Alex Benton. It had been months since she had seen her friend and finally, after long email exchanges and Skype calls, they settled on Marrakech for their next stop.

The car dropped her off outside the beautiful walls of riad (or garden courtyard hotel) they were staying at in the old city. After a few months of frugality, she finally had enough money for some comfort. She entered the gates, her jaw dropping at the beautiful courtyard in front of her. It was done in traditional style, with white walls and high ceilings and a swimming pool in the middle.

Kelsey! Oh my god! Is that you? she heard a familiar voice call her. Kelsey turned around, and she saw Alex running towards her.

Oof! she grunted as she had the wind knocked out of her. Alex! I’m so glad to see you!

In truth, she was more than glad – she was ecstatic. A few months on the road and Kelsey had been aching for a familiar face. Her life in New York as a hedge fund analyst seemed like a million miles away and she hardly thought of it now (even Carl, her cheating bastard of an ex-fiancé). However, once in a while, she’d think of fall in Central Park or the taste of New York pizza and feel homesick.

Kelsey, you look AMAZING! Alex exclaimed. I almost didn’t recognize you!

Kelsey raised her eyebrow. Uh, are you ok, Alex? Did you start going blind?

Her friend laughed and pulled her to the nearest mirror in the lobby.

Look at yourself, girl! You must have lost 20 pounds since I saw you! And your hair!

Kelsey stared at herself in the mirror. It had been a long time since she really looked at her body. Her clothes seemed baggier, but she was replacing them every once in a while anyway that she didn’t notice (and she couldn’t figure out what her size was in other countries, so she let the sales people get her what fit). Her skin had taken on a dusky bronze color, as she had spend a lot of time outdoors. Her hair had even seemed blonder – almost platinum and shiny. Sure, she needed a haircut, but it seemed thicker and healthier.

Wow, I didn’t think...I haven’t been in front of a full-length mirror in a while!

Alex smiled at her.

The last few months have been good for you...isn’t it nice not to stress about work and get out of New York? C’mon! Let’s go to our room!

*****

Kelsey was so happy to finally have her own room that she didn’t want to leave at all. Of course, it didn’t help that the rooms were absolutely gorgeous. The twin beds were located in an alcove off the main room, which had a couch and opened up into a balcony overlooking the courtyard. The linens were plush and décor done in traditional Moroccan style. After a long nap, the familiar call to prayer at dusk ran out the city, and that was their signal to start getting ready for dinner.

What are we doing tonight? Kelsey asked Alex.

Well, I was thinking we could go find a restaurant in the main square, then come back here? There’s some sort of party with other guests and a show by some traditional Moroccan musicians.

Sounds good! Kelsey said, nodding.

She took a quick shower and got dressed. She tried to dress as conservatively as she could, since she stuck out a lot and she didn’t want anyone to harass her, which had happened in the past. She imagined walking out with Alex (who was even more stunning, with her red hair and green eyes) would cause more commotion. She chose a pair of long linen pants and a long-sleeves kimono top. She did wear a nice sleeveless top inside with some embellishments, as she thought she could always remove her kimono top if it got too hot or at the party inside the hotel where she knew would mostly be foreigners. After putting on a little bit of makeup, she was finally ready.

Let’s go! Alex said cheerfully.

She was wearing a long green dress that came down to her ankles, wore a short sleeve blouse and a scarf around her shoulder. Alex had always looked stunning, long and lean with striking features.

The front desk recommended this great place for couscous just around the corner!

The two of them walked outside into the warm night, talking animatedly and as they caught up with each other’s lives.

They sat down at Café Tazi and ordered, then continued talking. Alex, of course, told Kelsey of her many adventures in different countries and different beds.

Oh, wait, I totally forgot about that Spanish football player!

Kelsey shook her head.

Wait, is that before or after the French painter?

Alex thought for a moment.

Uhmmm....after I think. But definitely before the Aussie teacher in France! her face lit up. "Man, they must grow them big over there!’

Kelsey choked on her orange juice.

Alex’s eyes went wide.

Kelsey! You slept with an Aussie, didn’t you??

She couldn’t hide her blush, thinking about Adam.

Well, yes...I met this guy in Paris... Kelsey told Alex about her adventures in Paris and the well-endowed Adam, but leaving out the part about his age.

Alex could barely contain herself.

Oh my god! Kelsey! She gave her friend a high-five. Woo-hoo, you go girl! Anything else you want to tell me?

Well...there was this guy in Italy...

*****

After more gossip and a hearty meal, the girls walked back to the riad. As they entered, they could already hear the lively music and the sound of laughing and talking.

Looks like we got here on time! Alex exclaimed. Oooh! Wine

She caught Kelsey’s arm and dragged her to the wine table. They stood in line for a while (it was hard to find alcohol in Morocco after all) and finally they each got a glass. They walked towards the musicians, enjoying the music and booze.

Kelsey? she heard her name and turned around. Behind her stood a grinning Ben Knight.

Ben?! she asked incredulously. She hadn’t seen him since...well leaving him at the club in Paris. Sucking face with that Brazilian hussy, Estella. What are you doing here? I mean, wow!

His blue eyes twinkled.

Yes, what a coincidence! I can’t seem to go anywhere without bumping into you!

Well, yes...at least this time we didn’t literally bump into each other! she said.

He laughed. Yes, no mishaps this time! he turned to Alex. Nice to see you too, Alex!

The three of them launched into a conversation, recounting their travels and catching up. There was no mention of Estella, but Ben had apparently made his way to Vienna, Germany, Portugal, and then Tunisia before he came to Morocco. 

How about some refills, ladies? he asked them. They handed him their glasses and he walked back to the wine table.

You didn’t tell me you saw Ben again!

Well...I mean it didn’t seem important...besides... her voice tapered off.

Besides what, Kelsey? Alex asked quizzically. Don’t hold back from your best friend! What did you do? Or what did he do to you?!

Oh Alex, get your mind out of the gutter! It’s not that!

Kelsey recounted to Alex the entire story about Estella.

Oohh! Sounds like you’re jealous! And you’re blushing!

Am not! Kelsey’s cheeks grew pinker.

Yes you are! It’s okay, Kelsey. Ben is pretty hot and mysterious...

It must be the wine! Speaking of which...

Ben was walking back towards them. Here you go ladies...

Alex grabbed her glass. Guys, I’m gonna go talk to that hot musician over there....wish me luck!

Kelsey’s jaw dropped as her best friend made a hasty exit.

Wait-uh... she took a sip of her wine.

So, I guess it’s you and me! Ben said wryly.

I think you’ll be safe with me, Ben, she giggled, warmth spreading through her body.

"Oh, I don’t know, Kels, what if I don’t want to be safe with you?" he said, his smile lighting up his eyes.

Oh stop! she patted him playfully on the shoulder. Uh, I haven’t drunk a lot since...

Paris? he completed the sentence for her.

Kelsey’s cheeks burned even more, thinking about that night. Ben said nothing, not even mentioning the pub crawl of Estella. She didn’t dare to ask him.

Yes, probably, she said. So, what do you think of Morocco? she asked, changing the subject.

It’s lovely. This is my first time here, and it’s so...different. Like even the smell of this place is different.

Yes, that’s exactly how I feel, she commented. Like, something about this place wraps itself around you. She took a sip of her wine and they listened to the music.

So... Ben began. What have you guys got planned tomorrow?

Oh, Kelsey thought for a moment. I’m off to a desert tour for a couple of days. I’ve always wanted to sleep in those tents in the desert, so I signed up with a group.

Oh, did you book with the hotel? he asked.

Yes.

Great! he said. I’m actually signed up for the same thing! 9 am tomorrow, right?

Kelsey couldn’t believe her luck on this trip. There were dozens of desert tours from Marrakech and she had to pick the one he was in. Well, it’s not like we’re sharing a tent or anything, she thought.

He motioned to her glass Do you need a refill?

Oh...uh...I think I’m done for the night! The traveling had caught up with her and she suddenly felt tired and slightly drunk.