by Alicia Rae
I dipped my head, unable to hold back any longer, and I kissed her cheek and then her throat, breathing in her lavender scent. “Talk to me,” I whispered, “please.”
Gail drew back, lowered her hands to my arms and tilted her head up at me. “You are one stubborn ox.”
“The same could be said about you.” I grinned. “Except the ox part, of course.”
She unveiled a kindhearted smile before her eyes sobered. “Well, you already know that I needed a roommate because my hours at work were cut.”
“Yes,” I replied in acknowledgment.
“What I didn’t tell you was that I depended on those hours. I’m still paying off my college loans, and I help my parents with Caroline’s expenses,” she added in a sad tone that I felt all the way to my bones.
“Why couldn’t you just tell me that?” I asked, confused about her reasoning to hide from me what I had already conjectured.
“Because my finances are my own responsibility. I’ve always kept them private.” Vulnerability briefly passed in her eyes before she concealed it. “And once we started dating, I wanted to know that you were with me to be with me and not out of guilt or obligation due to my circumstances.”
Her last reason made me see red.
I carefully spun her around and placed her ass against the counter. My hands rested on each side of the countertop, caging her in. Rage burned within me at the way she perceived herself and us.
“Understand this, Gail.” I looked directly into her eyes. “You are in my bed because I want you to be, not because it’s convenient since we are roommates.” Standing to my full height, I glided my hands up her sides and continued until I cradled her face. “It’s this, right here.” I watched her eyes shimmer with that constant energy and palpable connection I always felt when I was near her. I’d never felt that before in my life. “And I know you feel it, too, so don’t ever think that last part again.”
Gail bent forward and kissed one side of my cheek and then the other. “Thank you,” she said softly.
I leaned into her more. I fucking loved when her hands were on me. “For what?” I asked.
She moved to the corner of my mouth and kissed my lips. “For being you,” she replied simply.
I laughed quietly before turning serious again. “Gail”—I sighed—“I will have your back every step of the way, but I need you to be honest with me.” I tugged on her bottom lip, enjoying its softness, before I pulled back. “I don’t want you to stress over money when I can help you.”
Her eyes filled with fury. “That’s just it, Damon. I don’t need your help beyond our living arrangement. I’ve been financially independent for a long time. That’s the way I like it.”
“Well, that’s about to change, sweetheart,” I said, cupping her jaw. “Because a woman who shares my heart and bed will share my help, too.”
An assortment of emotions flitted across her face before she ended with a playful glare. It gave me hope that we were making progress at subduing her stubborn streak.
“I don’t know about the help, but certain portions of your speech sounded wonderful,” she teased.
I was done talking for now. All I could think about was her being naked and beneath me with my mouth taking hers. If I could not get her to see I was here to stay with my words, I sure as hell would show her with my body. I would just have to keep working on the rest.
I slid my hands under her ass and tossed her over my shoulder in one fluid movement. Her loud squeal filled the apartment. I headed straight toward my bedroom with a grin on my face.
“We are going to agree to disagree—for now,” I huffed, lightly smacking her lovely ass. “We’ll get back to it…after I’ve had my way with you.”
~Gail~
I squeezed his glutes good and hard to steady myself as he carried me off. My feelings about our conversation were all over the place. Nevertheless, I knew without a doubt that I cared deeply for him. Right now, all I could focus on was getting to have hot, passionate make-up sex with this handsome man who had somehow chosen me.
Damon set me down at the foot of his bed. I stepped into him and snuck my hands under the hem of his shirt while his mouth crashed over mine. It was as if he could not wait a second longer. He pushed his tongue forward, parting my lips, and I opened for him. With each dueling stroke, I gave him everything. He consumed me in every way.
I stripped him of his shirt, jeans, and boxers. Then, running my hands down his bare body, I sank to my knees, and he murmured my name in a gruff tone.
My lips grazed over the tip of his erection before I swirled my tongue around him. I slowly drew him into my mouth, sinking him all the way to the back of my throat. His velvet-like soft skin mixed with his hardness, sending heat through me in dense waves. He gently twined his hands in my hair, and for balance, I set mine on his thighs, feeling them constrict beneath my palms. Caressing him with my lips and tongue, I moved up and down his length. I ignored my own need throbbing in between my legs, wanting to solely focus on his pleasure.
“Gail,” he rasped in warning, “I’m going to come if you keep going.”
I yearned to taste him, so I took him deeper. All the while, I kept my momentum steady, gliding back and forth. I increased my pressure and suctioned my lips around him. He slightly tightened his hands around my hair strands. His whole body stiffened, and warm spurts of cum flowed down the back of my throat. I swallowed before leisurely drawing back.
I peered up at him to see his eyes watching me. They glistened with a profound sense of satisfaction, yet they were dark as though promising more to come.
Damon lifted me to my feet. He removed my work shirt and tossed the pink material off to the side. He lowered his head to graze his lips across the top of my shoulder. “I don’t know what it is about scrubs.” He dragged his mouth across to unhurriedly kiss my neck, causing a shiver to run up my spine. “But I fucking love seeing you come home in them,” he added as he lifted his head to look at me.
His gaze heated with hunger at the sight of my matching pink bra. He moved his hands to the middle of my back and unclasped it, letting the satin material fall to the floor with a soft thud. He gently set his fingertips on the swell of my breasts as he soaked me in with his eyes. The look unnerved me and aroused me at the same time. My body begged for him to ravish and devour me, yet him barely touching me made my senses attentive of his every move.
“Damon,” I pleaded, wanting him to give me more.
He shook his head. “Anticipation makes it worth the wait, baby.” He grinned devilishly.
He flipped his hands over and lightly dragged his knuckles down my stomach, and he lowered onto his haunches. My heart rate sped up as he yanked my bottoms and panties to my ankles, and I lifted my legs one at a time to step out of them. His hands glided up my legs until he reached the center of my thighs. With one outward tug on my thigh, he widened my stance, exposing me.
Damon cupped my ass and pulled me against his awaiting mouth. I exhaled a shaky breath as soon as his warm tongue lightly connected with my clit. I leaned forward, bracing my weight on his broad shoulders, as he teased my folds, lazily but thoroughly and completely. My sex pulsed uncontrollably with need for more.
He pressed his fingers into me with an exquisite slowness, drawing out each and every sensation from my core. My orgasm undulated from low and deep within my belly, and I cried out as I fell over the edge. He gave me a few seconds to gather my scattered wits as he grabbed a condom from his pants on the floor. Then, he cradled his hands around my legs, scooped me up, and spun us around before gracefully falling backward onto the mattress with me on top of him.
I rose up onto my knees as he promptly sheathed himself. His hands came to my waist, and he lifted me before gradually lowering me onto him. I settled my hands on his chest while gazing into his eyes, watching as emotions passed through them.
I began to rise and fall over him, reveling in the way he held my hips and pushed up into me, causing me to moan lou
dly.
“That’s it, sweetheart…feel me,” he crooned, grasping either side of my hips.
Oh, I do.
His eyes were luminous, and his expression was raw as we stared into each other’s eyes. The lustful look had my insides melting, liquefying.
I rolled my hips on his next thrust, feeling the heat between our bodies, and I was all sensation. Tension coiled low, low in my belly, tighter than it ever had before, and I was amazed at how deep he was this way.
Every muscle in my body clenched, ready to explode. Within seconds, I unraveled beneath him, letting my orgasm break free. Damon reached up to grasp my nape, tugged me downward, and buried his nose into the crook of my neck as he came.
As we each steadied our breathing, Damon nuzzled kisses up and down my throat and all the way over to my cheek. I closed my eyes and memorized each of his sweet touches.
Smiling against his skin, I thought about how Damon had come into my life, stolen my thoughts, consumed my every emotion, and drove me wild with desire for him.
I eagerly slipped my feet into my black pair of stilettos. Tonight was a girls’ night out at a local bar with Abbey, Lily, and Audrey, and we were celebrating Audrey’s first weekend back home in three years.
Abbey and Audrey had become friends during our college years, but this would be Lily’s first time meeting Audrey. I had no doubt that they would quickly become friends with their similar personalities.
I strode back into the bathroom to double check my hair that was straightened down my back. My hot red strapless dress snugly fit my curvy behind, ending midthigh, and I had given my eyes a smoky appearance to liven up my fair complexion.
I grabbed my purse and went in search of my phone and keys. I found them in the kitchen on the counter. Damon was not home from work yet, but I knew he was planning a night out with the guys. I sent him a quick text, so he would not worry that I was leaving a little early.
Hey, just wanted to let you know I’m on my way out. I’ll see you later tonight. *Kisses* ♥
I grinned at my phone, wishing I could kiss him right now. I starved for that man’s damn sweet kisses.
Next, I sent a group text to Abbey, Lily, and Audrey.
Getting ready to head out. See you girls soon!
I slipped my phone and keys into my purse, ready to rock and roll, when my front door opened. Damon strolled inside, looking utterly handsome in his gray shirt, faded work jeans, and tan construction boots. A tool belt dangled from his left hand, and all the veins in his forearms and biceps bulged like he had been lifting weights all day. I wanted to wrap myself around him, except he was covered in speckles of sawdust.
I glanced up to see his eyes lazily gazing up and down my body with a look of longing.
“Damn,” he breathed.
Damon dropped the items in his hand, and a loud thump followed. Walking over to me, his hands came forward like he wanted to take me in his arms.
“Wait!” I exclaimed with a frown, taking a quick backward jump.
He came to a dead stop with a questioning stare.
I took a slight step forward, reached up on my toes, and gave him a tender, light kiss. “You’ll ruin my dress.”
“It’s about to be ripped off that gorgeous body of yours in about ten seconds anyway,” he countered huskily. “I’ll just have to buy you a new one.”
“You can’t,” I replied, shaking my head. “I’m about to head out with the girls, remember?”
“Shit,” he groaned.
“And you’re going out with Kyle and Jason after they get home from their meeting, right?” I added, realizing he must have forgotten since he’d worked at the office by himself today.
He leaned down and gave me a chaste kiss. I lifted my hand and cupped his jaw, feeling his stubble while enjoying his soft lips on mine.
Then, he broke away. “I’d much rather spend a night in with you, naked, in my bed and skip spending an evening apart.” He sighed.
“Me, too,” I responded in agreement. Then, I recalled what he had said to me in the bedroom last week when I was on the brink of losing my mind if he did not put his hands on me. “But anticipation makes it worth the wait, baby.” I grinned playfully.
“Forget I ever said that.” He laughed. “I’m more of an instant-gratification kind of guy now.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “How convenient for you!”
I chuckled, pressing my palms into his firm chest, and he laughed again. My eyes caught the time on the kitchen clock at my left. I was now running late.
“Well, I’d better go. I told the girls I was heading out.”
“All right,” he said regretfully. “I’ll try to catch up with you later.”
“Okay.” I smiled at the idea. “Go have a few beers with the guys, and have a good time.” I picked up my purse and moved toward the door.
“You, too,” he said, turning around. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Not soon enough.” I winked and waved good-bye.
I quickly headed for my Firebird and hopped in. I drove to the bar where Abbey, Lily, Audrey, and I were meeting. As much as I already missed Damon, I was looking forward to some much-needed time with my girls.
After parking, I headed into the bar and looked around. It was jam-packed with people. The music blared from the speakers around the room, and colored strobe lights beamed in the direction of the dance floor. I politely maneuvered my way through the crowd.
Abbey flung her hand in the air. “Over here!” she yelled.
I strode over to them, and everyone stood to their feet.
Abbey threw her arms around me first, and I hugged her back.
“You, my dear, are late!” she exclaimed.
“I’m always late. You know this already.” I chortled, pulling back. “And I happened to learn from the best.”
“Yes, you did!” Abbey giggled. “But I still have to give you shit anyway.”
“Thanks,” I replied dryly, but my voice was laced with humor.
Audrey’s eyes lit up when I turned to face her.
“Gosh, I missed you, hon!” I embraced her tightly before I pulled back. I held her at arm’s length to get a good look at her.
She was a few inches taller than me, and she had the brightest, most stunning green eyes I had ever seen. Her full lips were curved into a kind, genuine smile.
“Me, too.” She affectionately squeezed my arms. “I can’t believe it’s been three years.”
“I know,” I replied in awe. “I’m so glad you are here. Please tell me you’re home for good?”
Audrey pursed her lips together. “Um…I’m not sure yet.” At my frown, she added, “But I’m hoping to stay.”
“Well, if I get any say, you are!” I said jokingly.
“Okay.” Audrey chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Lily waddled over to my side, and I spun around to see that her pretty round belly had grown.
“Look at you, lady!” I beamed. “You look beautiful! How are you?”
“Thank you.” Lily offered a friendly, shy smile. Her hands came to her stomach and caressed it. “Baby Blimp and I are doing wonderful. The doctor said he or she is as healthy as can be.”
“That’s delightful news, Lily.” I stifled back emotions as I hugged her. “I’m so happy for you and Kyle.”
“Thanks,” she said, drawing back.
We all took our seats at the wooden square table.
“Since I knew you’d be late, I took the liberty of ordering your 7-and-7.” Abbey snickered as she slid a glass in front of me.
“You know me all too well.” I winked at her.
“Yes, I do.” Abbey grinned. “So, you’d better drink up, girl. You are already one behind Audrey and me—and Lily, for that matter,” she added, tilting her head toward Lily. “That girl is on her second water, and she has already been to the ladies’ room twice.”
“That’s because Baby Blimp decided to make me thirsty today while making my bladder a bouncy bal
l,” Lily chimed in.
We all laughed, and then we each took a sip of our drinks. I glanced around toward the dance floor and saw several people dancing to the beat of the music.
“So, what’s new with you, Audrey?” Abbey asked, redirecting her gaze.
“Not much, except work and more work,” she replied. “My parents have been on me about visiting, and I was feeling overwhelmed with my schedule, so I decided to come home.”
“How are your parents?” I asked gently, knowing it was a sensitive topic for her.
Audrey was not close with her mom or dad. They had put Audrey through the ringer when she was a kid. It had been a bad home situation, and she rarely ever spoke of it. Even though I had been her best friend since we were kids, I did not know many details.
“Not good,” Audrey responded, drawing her brows together. “My mom is sick. It’s the only reason I took a leave of absence at my job and came home,” she added sadly.
My heart broke for Audrey, knowing how hard it must be for her to return to Lake Tahoe with her mom and dad. “I’m so sorry, Audrey,” I said, setting my hand on her shoulder to offer her comfort. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“You name it, Audrey, and we’ll be there for you,” Abbey said in a soft voice.
“Thanks, guys.” Audrey smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. “You’re already giving me exactly what I need—just some quality girl time.” She masked her emotions behind a more reassuring smile. “So, I thank you for inviting me tonight.”
“Of course.” Abbey raised her glass for a toast. “It wouldn’t be a party without you!”
We all clinked our glasses together and took another drink.
“So, I hear you adopted a little girl, Abbey.” Audrey unleashed a friendly grin. “And you tackled a handsome fiancé.”
“I did.” Abbey nodded. Her eyes glowed blissfully. “Pearl has been a blessing to Jason and me. We can’t imagine our lives without her.”
“I’m so happy you found happiness, Abbey,” Audrey said. “If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”
“Thank you, Audrey. That’s very kind of you to say.” Abbey smiled.