by Aliyah Burke
He pushed up and went to her side. Damn! With her heels on, her head passed his shoulders. Trailing a hand along the smooth material of her dress, he walked around her until he was behind her. Then he nuzzled her neck and pressed kisses along the graceful curve.
“So it was a success.”
“Yes.”
“Glad to hear it.”
She stepped away from him and moved to her bedroom, swiping the item she’d placed on the table along her way. He followed and watched her put it on the top of her dresser before removing her dress.
He swallowed hard as he stared at her in nothing but a thong and her stilettos. Her hair cascaded down her back and he longed to push it aside and kiss her skin. Lick it. Bite it. His cock stirred and he shoved his hands into his pockets.
She groaned as she took off her shoes and padded in the lacy thong to her dresser and withdrew a large shirt that covered her to the knees. “Those things were about to kill me tonight.”
“Looked great in them,” he offered.
She flashed him a smile. “Thanks. Look, I’m beat so am going to crash. You staying or going?”
“Staying,” he said instantly.
She happily went to brush her teeth. Ariel was yawning as she came back to the bed and sat. “Hit the light then and let’s sleep.”
Tuck wasn’t the least bit tired but he respected the fact she was and did as she had said. Besides, it was heaven being able to hold her in his arms. He scrunched closer to her as she lay spooned against him. She patted the arm he had secured around her waist and he kissed her ear.
“Night,” she muttered.
Tuck didn’t answer. There was no need for in the next moment, soft snores filled the air. She truly had been exhausted.
He didn’t think he’d fall back asleep yet, fully intending to enjoy being with her, so he closed his eyes.
* * * *
The mouth around his cock worked up and down, teeth lightly scraping. Tuck groaned and opened his eyes. Light filtered in through the curtains yet he couldn’t care at all what time it was. His attention riveted to the woman who lay between his legs.
Ariel had one hand around his balls, lightly stimulating them with tugs and touches of her nails. Her other hand was settled upon his shaft, working in tandem with her mouth, increasing and decreasing the pressure as she moved.
He sank his hands into her hair and tried to pull her up his body. “Ariel,” he groaned.
“Hmm?” The vibrations rocked through him.
“Shit.” He flexed his hips and drove his cock deeper into her mouth. She didn’t fight him on it, just opened and took him in.
In and out he thrust and she continued to work him. His balls drew tight and he knew it was only a matter of time before he ejaculated.
“I’m about there, babe,” he said.
Her brown eyes flashed up to him and she winked before closing her eyes and getting back to what she was doing. He held his position and watched her enjoy his cock. His fingers tightened in her hair as she hummed around him and he lost it. With a loud shout, he came hard, hips bucking off the mattress.
Drained, he collapsed as she moved up his body, kissing her way until she straddled his cock and stared down at him.
“That’s a hell of a good morning.”
Her smile was one hundred per cent siren. She curved her hand around his cock and rubbed it against her wet pussy. Ariel was naked. Come to think of it, so was he. Somewhere along the way, she’d taken his pants from him. And no, he wasn’t complaining.
“You know, we should be using protection,” she said as she allowed the large head to slide slightly into her.
“I thought you were on the pill.”
“It’s not perfect. You can still get pregnant on the pill.”
“Are you trying to tell me something, Ariel?” He held her hips and drew her down so he sank inside her fully.
“Oh yes.” She captured her lower lip in her teeth. “Nope. Just making a statement. We should be more careful.”
“That’s not enough for me to stop now, babe. If you want that to happen, me stopping, so we can get some condoms for added protection, you need to tell me.” He lifted then lowered her in an agonisingly slow manner.
Her eyelids fluttered. “Nope. Like I said, just making a statement.”
He did it again and again until a whimper escaped her. “Good. I’ll pick some up later then.”
“Later. Later is good.”
“Look at me, Ariel.”
Her breasts heaved in time with her breathing but she opened her eyes and focused on him. “Hmm?”
He sat up and it put them face to face. Her feet were flat on the mattress and he was as far as he could be in her. Holding that position for a bit, he stared at her. Her internal muscles flexed about him, making it hard to remain still.
“I love being inside your pussy.”
Her lips curled up at the sides. “I figured that.”
He kissed her. “I want to fuck you bent over the kitchen counter.”
She trembled even as she gasped. “You want it—carry me there and take it.”
Tuck did as his lady commanded.
* * * *
“What about lambskin?”
Ariel laughed and shoved him. “Be serious.”
“I am. I’m reading the box. It says for the monogamous couple seeking heightened sensitivity.”
“It also says each one is individually tested to help ensure reliability.”
They were standing in the drugstore in the early evening.
“That’s just gross. Why would I want to use one that someone else already has used?” He put the box back and picked up another. “For you.”
“I don’t need the added stimulation. Besides if that were the case, I have things right at my bedside for that.”
His grin widened. “That’s right, you do. In that case, who cares what kind we get?” He swiped a few boxes and put them in the basket. Holding up some of the stimulation oils, he looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“You’re having way too much fun,” she said, shaking her head.
“I am. It’s not common for me to go condom shopping.”
“What did you use for your other women?”
He shrugged, not wanting to bring them into their evening.
She pushed him. “I’m only curious, it’s not a trap. You are so suspicious.”
“Women can be sneaky.”
“I’m pretty sure you know me well enough to know I’m not like that.”
“I do know that.” He kissed her temple. “Come on. What else do we need. K-Y?”
She threw up her hands and walked to the end of the aisle. “You’re insane.”
“So, we need chocolate.” He grabbed her around the waist and lifted her. Her squeal of surprise made him laugh. “Come on, woman, I need to get you some chocolate before you get crazy on me. Don’t hold me up now.”
“Tuck, put me down.”
Instead he lifted her higher until they were nose to nose. “Kiss and I’ll release you.”
She ducked her head and pecked him. “Let me down.”
“That wasn’t a real kiss.”
“You weren’t specific. Put me down.”
He sighed dramatically. “Fine, if you insist.” He slipped her down his body, enjoying the feel of her along him.
She rolled her eyes and turned away.
He spun her back and claimed her mouth in a fierce kiss. “That’s a kiss,” he said once he’d left the temptation of her mouth.
Their mood stayed high as they checked out and walked back to his truck. He tossed the bag into the back of the cab and drew her close before setting his chin on her head. “What do you want to do now?”
“Take me to a park.”
“A park.” He opened the driver’s door to allow her entrance. He climbed in as she slid over to the passenger side. “Any particular one?”
“Nope.” She stretched and he was momentarily distracted by t
he flash of skin she exposed.
“Very well.” He drove them to one less frequented than some of the others.
She smiled as she hopped out and looked around. The heat of summer had faded and they were experiencing cooler weather. He knew she was warm enough in her three-quarter-length sleeve tee and cargo pants.
Catching up to her after locking the truck, he wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked. “Something particular you wanted to do at a park?”
“Just walk. But the noise on River Walk isn’t what I wanted right now.” She rested her head against him as they continued along.
He understood. River Walk was impressive and amazing but because of its popularity, it was also loud.
She paused at a bench overlooking a small lake and sat. He joined her and held her tight.
“Are you going home for Thanksgiving?” she asked, rotating her foot in a circle.
Her question gave him pause. He’d not thought about that at all. “I’m not sure. Are you?”
“Nope. My family will be over in Europe.”
His brow lifted. “What are they doing over there?”
“Travelling. My siblings will be flying over to meet them.”
“But you can’t go?”
“I used my vacation to attend Roxi’s wedding. I had a lot more fun there than I would going over to Europe to be with my family.” She shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong, I love them, but they have a problem with me doing what I do. If I’m stuck with them, I don’t have an escape route to get away when I need to. And trust me. There are times I truly need to.”
He kissed and squeezed her. “I’m sorry it’s rough for you.”
She snorted. “Rough? Boot camp was rough on occasion. Serving in the Middle East was rough. Dealing with my family…” She sighed. “Best way to describe that is hell.”
He honestly didn’t know what to say after that, so he kept everything to himself.
Chapter Twelve
The look on Tuck’s face was priceless and Ariel fought hard not to laugh outright at him. It wasn’t easy, that was for sure. Hell, from his expression, it was like she’d imparted national secrets to him then had blown it off as if it were nothing important. After reaching out to place a hand on his arm, she squeezed it.
“It’s not that big of a deal, Tuck. Don’t worry. It’s not like there is a giant rift between me and the rest. Some families just don’t get along. We love each other and all that but it’s just best I don’t spend much time with them for they make me insane.” She didn’t like to talk about her family or what she’d come from. Wasn’t a thing she found fun.
He draped his arm around her shoulders and played with the ends of her hair as they sat there, overlooking the water. She inhaled deeply then released it slowly. This was better for her. Yes, the River Walk was beautiful but the noise that came with it didn’t always fit what she needed to hear.
“So, are we celebrating together then?” he asked, tugging lightly on her hair.
“We can if you’re sure you’re not going home. Do something for the three of us.” She cleared her throat. “Unless you know Steve isn’t going to be around.”
He shook his head. “I can’t say one way or the other. He has some things going on with…” Tuck shrugged.
Her interest was piqued. “Is he okay?”
He hemmed and hawed for a moment before the nod came. “I think so. Or will be.”
“Is there anything I can help with?”
“It has to do with his wife.”
She coughed. “I’m sorry, his wife?”
“I don’t know the particulars, he’s been fairly close-lipped on it, but yes, his wife. He wants her back and I don’t know how well it’s going for him.”
“Damn,” she said on a low whistle. “I had no idea.”
“I didn’t know until a short time ago. Man’s like Fort Knox. Hard to get into.”
She readjusted on the seat. “I say we go all out. Invite him, maybe Connie as well. They seemed to get along well, and before you say anything, no I’m not trying to set him up. But she would be a good one to have there as well so he doesn’t feel like a third wheel.”
“I think that would be a great idea. Your place or ours?”
“I have a table,” she said with a nudge.
“Hey now. We have the coffee table.”
“It’s shameful. Truly it is. Two grown men who eat on the couch or standing over the sink.”
“Don’t forget the island.” He kissed her ear. “That has stools.”
“Which only get used if I’m there. Otherwise, you two are like college kids.”
“We eat with you enough to ensure our table manners don’t dwindle.”
She laughed at his comment.
“Hi, Tuck!” came a voice from behind them.
Ariel turned her head as did the man beside her. Seriously? Walking towards them was none other than Daisy. She’d been running—her sparkly spandex suit had some places that were a bit darker and sweat dripped down the side of her face. She had her hands on her hips as she neared. The ruby red top barely contained her breasts and the shorts, that same red, seemed unsure what their role was. It wasn’t to keep her covered, that was for sure.
Tuck tensed but recovered quickly. “Daisy. What are you doing here?”
“Running, silly.” She smiled. “What are you doing here? Oh, I remember you, you’re the one who lives across the hall from him. Hi again.”
Ariel gave her another once-over. “Hello.”
It didn’t go unnoticed by her that Tuck had lowered his arm from around her shoulder. Ariel prided herself on not being a jealous, insane woman like many she knew who wouldn’t hesitate to make a scene, claiming she was “fighting for her man” or something like that. Ariel wasn’t about to fight over a man—he either wanted to be with her or he didn’t. She wasn’t about to debase her own morals and make a fool out of herself. Still, that rankled and she clenched her jaw as she turned back to the front.
“What are you doing here?”
“Enjoying the park with Ariel. It was good to see you, Daisy but since you appear to be in the middle of your run, we don’t want to keep you.”
“Oh, it’s not a problem. I was done. Just time for my cool-down stretches.”
Daisy moved to where not even Ariel could avoid looking at her and began to stretch. Bending over, showing off her breasts and bouncing slow as she pretended to have a hold count. Rolling her eyes, Ariel prayed for patience. This wasn’t anything she needed, nor wanted, to see.
When Daisy turned and bent over, showing off her ass, Ariel got to her feet. “I’ll be by your truck whenever you can tear your gaze from her stretches.” She strode away without waiting for him to say anything in return.
“Hey, hey. Wait a second!” Tuck grabbed her arm a few steps away from his truck and spun her towards him. “What is your deal?”
She lifted an eyebrow. “My deal? I don’t have one, I just don’t believe I need to sit there while she bends and stretches her ass and breasts in front of you.”
He held up his hands. “I didn’t ask her to do that. Hell, I didn’t even know she was going to be there.”
“Never said you did. You asked me what my deal was and I told you what it wasn’t.”
“I’m confused. Are you mad at me?”
“Tuck,” she said, rolling her shoulders and pinching the bridge of her nose. “Things would have to be a lot more than this for me to be mad at you. I’m not an idiot. I know you didn’t call her—hell, you could know her jogging schedule, but even if you did, I’m the one who told you to take me to a park. All I’m saying is that I didn’t want to sit there and watch her almost fall out of her outfit as she tried to impress you with what you’ve already seen.”
“So you’re not mad.”
The man seemed genuinely confused about that and she would have laughed had her mood not been on the fence.
“Didn’t say that. I’m pissed. But I don’t blame you for wh
at happened. You’re a man, so I guess it’s natural for you to stare at another woman when she’s dressed—and I use that term loosely—as Daisy was.” She waved a hand. “I’m done discussing this. Take me home please. I need to figure out this Thanksgiving thing, plus there are some things I have to do before work tomorrow.”
The myriad of emotions streaming along his face told her he still hadn’t figured out if he was in the proverbial doghouse or not. “Okay.” He unlocked his truck and held the door for her.
During the ride back to their apartment building, he continually turned to look at her as if completely unsure if she would turn into a head-spinning demon or not. She leaned her head back and allowed the cool autumn air to wash over her. If he didn’t believe her, that was on him, not her.
Tuck walked up the steps beside her, for once not making his typical comment about how she never took the elevator. At the door to her apartment, he halted her as she put the key in the lock.
“Yes?” she asked.
“Look at me.”
She did. He held the bag of their drugstore purchases in one hand but his gaze, intense, remained on her.
“I’m sorry if I upset you by looking at her.”
He’s cute when he’s unsure. She gave a little smile. “Don’t worry about it. I’m sure it’s an attractive sight for many men. Hell, probably even some women.” She made a face. “Not for me. I have to go, I’ll see you later. Come over about eight and we’ll discuss the menu for the meal. Thanks for the day, I had a blast.” She kissed him then stepped inside her place, shutting the door behind her.
Between then and when Tuck showed back up, Ariel was busy. She cleaned, showered, cooked and ate. When he walked in, she was seated at her table making a list of things to cook for the meal. It had been a while since she’d had as large a dinner as they were planning.
“Hey,” she said without looking up. “Connie said she’d love to come.”
“I told Steve he was coming.” He stood beside her and tugged her head back. “He agreed.” Tuck kissed her and she melted a bit inside.
“Good. How’s he doing?”
“He was happy when I saw him last. He went to work before I came here so not sure how he is now.” Tuck went to her fridge and withdrew a beer. “Want one?”