“It’s so obvious that the tissue should come out from under the roll, not on top.”
“Uh-huh. So what about me?” Jud moved to her other foot. “What’s my pet peeve?”
“When someone says ‘I could care less’.”
He growled. “That drives me crazy.”
“I know.” She used her free foot to caress his thigh.
Trying to ignore her, he said, “If I were on death row, what would my last meal be?”
Ticking them off on her fingers, she said, “Prime rib, crab legs and onion rings.”
“And?”
She narrowed her eyes at him and thought for a moment. “Oh yeah, a bottle of scotch.”
“Very good. You, my lovely one, would hoover down an entire German chocolate cake.”
“I don’t have to worry about how my hips look in my coffin. If I suddenly found myself with a free hour, what would I do?”
“Bubble bath. What about me?” He leered at her.
“You’d take some poor unsuspecting female to bed.”
“What? I’ve never had any complaints.”
She looked him in the eye. “So I’ve heard.”
He stopped rubbing for a moment and returned her gaze. “Really? What have you heard?”
She moved her foot on his thigh again, inching it closer to his groin. “I’ve heard tell that you’re very well-endowed. Ya know, hung?”
Smiling, he resumed the foot massage.
“Look at you, so proud of yourself.”
He shrugged. “What can I say?”
“Of course, I found that out for myself last night, when you were grinding on me.”
“Sorry ’bout that.”
“Don’t be sorry.” Her foot reached the top of his thigh and made a direct hit, stroking over his cock. “It feels good.”
“Yeah.” His voice cracked. Clearing his throat, he said, “It does.”
“So tell me, Judson Tate. I’ve heard all the myths and legends…”
He gave her a brief scowl, then waited for her to go on.
“What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done? Sexually speaking, I mean.”
He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, wondering if he should tell her or not. Most women wouldn’t be exactly thrilled by his answer, but he didn’t want to lie to her or hide anything from her.
“Oh boy,” she said. “So many that you can’t narrow it down to just one?”
“No, no. I can narrow it down to one.” He glanced at her and then forged ahead. “One of my buddies asked me to fuck his wife while he watched. So… I… Uh… I did.” He closed his eyes, waiting for some kind of outburst, but none came. When he opened them, Chelsea was watching him, her face unreadable. She nodded slowly, her gaze flitting away. “How about you?” he asked. “What’s your wildest thing?”
Now she smiled. “Nothing.”
“Nothing? So what, you’re strictly missionary position?”
“No, I mean I’ve never had sex.”
Jud was stunned by her admission. A smart, beautiful young woman in this day and age? “Chelsea, why not?”
Pulling her foot away, she curled up under the blanket. “I don’t know. It’s not like I have some high moral code or that I’ve been saving it or anything. I just never went through that whole college ‘hooking up’ thing. Then when I got older, I didn’t feel the need to just get it over with. I wanted it to be with the right person.”
“Jesus, Chels. We’re kinda coming from different sides on this.” He closed his eyes with shame. “Shit, all the things I’ve been saying to you. You must think I’m a lecher.”
She laughed and sat up. “No I don’t. I loved all the things you said. It was really hot.”
He shook his head as he ran through the past couple of days in his mind. He must have offended the hell out of her.
Chelsea grasped his hand. “Stop it, Jud. It’s okay. I like you and I want this to happen between us. It’s not like it’s a great gift or anything, but I want to do this with you, have…sex with you. I consider myself lucky that the man I want to be with for the first time is so obviously very good at it.”
He smiled at that, happy that she was taking his sordid past in stride. He squeezed her hand. “I like you too, and I want to be with you too. But I do see it as a gift. Having sex with you would be a very nice gift.”
“I bet you say that to all your virgins.” She grinned at him.
Jud rolled his eyes. “C’mon, Chels. Can you give a guy a break? I’m trying to have a moment here with you.”
The smile dropped from her face. “I’m sorry. That’s very sweet of you.”
“That’s better.” Releasing her hand, he cupped her face and leaned down and kissed her.
Chelsea couldn’t breathe. Her heart was racing as he kissed her. She’d just disclosed a terribly intimate detail to Jud and he hadn’t thought she was a freak. He was being so sweet that she wanted to cry—her chest ached and her throat tightened. She opened her mouth to suck in a breath and Jud slipped his tongue in, licking and tasting.
Sure, she was a virgin, but she’d been kissed before. Never like this though. At least not by a man she was so emotionally invested in, a man she desperately wanted. It made her head spin, and the concussion had nothing to do with it. It was all about Judson Tate. She moaned into his mouth, clinging to him until she could take no more. She pulled away and gasped, taking quick breaths.
He seemed to be equally affected, panting lightly. “Damn, Chels, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to control myself.”
“I don’t want you to.” She smiled.
As he sat back, Chelsea saw that his hands were shaking. “Ya know, I’ve wondered for months why you didn’t have men lining up for you. I thought you were just choosy.”
“I am.” Besides, it was hard to date men when you were in love with someone else. And she did love him. She might not be the most experienced woman in the world, but she knew without a doubt that she was in love with Jud. Now she just had to make him fall in love with her too. Piece of cake.
He was studying her, looking at her as if she were made of glass.
Clearly she wasn’t. If she was, she would have just shattered into a thousand pieces when he’d told her about his craziest sex experience. Having sex with his friend’s wife? While the guy watched? It was out there all right, but in the big picture, it could have been worse.
“What are you thinking?” she asked.
After a moment, his lips formed a huge grin. “Just that I can’t wait for you to get over this damn concussion.”
“Me either.” She gave him a quick peck on the lips and stood up. “Now take me home.”
“Yes ma’am.” He pushed himself up from the couch, watching while she grabbed her things.
She was acutely aware of him and it was nice to know now that he felt the same way. When she was ready, she inched over to him, placed her palms on his chest and looked up. She felt his heart pounding under her hand.
“Do you have to go already?”
She wanted to tell him no, and that she never wanted to leave, but it was probably best not to spook him too much. “I do. I need to grab a shower, get some clothes that actually fit me…”
“Okay, but we’re on for Friday night, right?”
“Absolutely.”
He covered her hands with his own. “I have an idea. Instead of going to that Italian place, why don’t I cook for us? We can have a nice romantic evening right here.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “What do you think?
Chelsea shook her head slowly, but she was smiling. “I think I’m in big trouble.”
Chapter Five
The overnight bag sat ominously in the middle of her bedroom floor as Chelsea took one last look in the mirror. Jud would be there any minute to pick her up for their romantic dinner and it was safe to say that she was more than a little nervous. He’d said to dress casually so she’d gone with a red sweater with a draped neckline and a pair of jeans
.
It had been two days since her injury and her first day back to work. Her headache was gone and she’d been clear and sharp, but they’d had her scanning lift tickets at the base, feeling it was best to start her off slow and keep her off the mountain.
So here it was Friday night and her date with Jud. He’d made no secret of his intentions, hence the overnight bag. They were both off for the weekend and Jud had told her to pack some extra clothes. Maybe they were assuming too much, but she didn’t think so. At least on her part. She was ready to stay at Jud’s forever, and he was too much of a gentleman to kick her out early if she didn’t live up to his expectations.
Grabbing her bag, she made her way to the living room where Megan was reading.
Smiling, Megan closed her book. “You look great—sexy, but not like you’re trying too hard.”
Full of nervous energy, Chelsea shook out her hands to dispel some of it. “I’m glad you approve,” she said, taking a seat next to Megan.
Megan grasped her hands. “It’s gonna be fine, more than fine if Jud’s reputation is close to reality.”
Chelsea raised a brow.
“It is. Just relax and have a good time.”
“Easy for you to say.” Chelsea jumped at the quick knock on the door. “Here goes nothing.” She stood up and went to answer the door.
Jud was also dressed in jeans and a sweater—his usual outfit—but tonight he had an aura of raw sexuality that was more palpable than ever. He smiled and his eyes sparkled, stealing her breath. “Hi.” He leaned down and planted a brief kiss on her lips. “You all set?”
“Yeah, just let me grab my bag.”
“I’ll get it.” Jud moved into the apartment and saw Megan seated on the couch. “Hey, Megan. How’s it goin’?”
“Great. You guys have a good time.”
“I’m planning on it.” Jud picked up Chelsea’s bag and held out his other arm. “After you.”
Chelsea stole a last glance at Megan, who smiled and winked.
Jud closed the door behind them and promptly dropped her bag and pulled her into his arms. This time he gave her a real kiss. His lips were soft as his tongue licked hers open to explore her mouth. It was a leisurely, thorough kiss, as if they had all the time in the world. As if they weren’t in a hurry to get each other naked. It was perfect.
* * * * *
“That feels good.”
Jud closed the fireplace screen and looked up at Chelsea, her hands and feet reaching for the warmth of the flames. She looked relaxed and happy.
She smiled at him. “First you make me a fantastic dinner, and now we’re having wine in front of a crackling fire after a stroll in the snow. It’s been an amazing evening. It’s like you read some guidebook to planning the perfect date.”
Handing her a glass of wine, he sat next to her. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.” He took a sip of cabernet, taking in her sparkling eyes and rosy cheeks. He’d cooked dinner for other women, snuggled by the fireplace with them. But tonight it was different. It was special. Chelsea was right—“amazing” was the perfect word to describe the evening.
“That chicken was fantastic. How did you learn to cook?”
Jud stretched, warming his feet by the fire. “I guess it started by watching my mom. Then I got hooked on all those TV shows with the famous chefs.”
Chelsea laughed and turned toward him, curling her legs underneath her. “I love to watch them too, but I’m still not very good in the kitchen. I think there’s a real art to it.”
“Maybe, but I love it—grabbing a bunch of ingredients and throwing them together to make something really flavorful. It’s cool. Very Zen.”
“And women love a man who cooks.”
He grinned at her. “There is that.”
“Uh-huh. So your mom could cook. Did she work?”
“She taught elementary school for a few years, but she quit after she had me—”
“Had her hands full, huh?”
“And my three sisters.”
“Three sisters? Wow.”
“Yeah, a lot of drama at the Tate house. But it taught me about women, for sure.”
Chelsea slowly shook her head. “You’re parents are in…Vermont?”
“Yep. Retired, happy and busier than shit. They’re golfing, skiing, traveling. I hope I have their health when I reach that age. And your folks? They’re in Boulder, right?”
“Mm-hmm. My dad’s still working, an attorney. Mom’s on the parks board, saving nature from big business. Actually, they’re both a couple of liberal tree huggers.”
Jud laughed. “They sound fun. I’d love to meet them.” He watched as a trace of uncertainty flickered in her eyes. He wasn’t stupid. He knew she was wondering why the player who wouldn’t be around long would want to meet her family. He couldn’t blame her for having so little faith in him. Chelsea wasn’t stupid either.
At last, she smiled. “I don’t think you could handle it. They’re pretty intense.”
“I can do intense.” He moved a little closer to her. “How are you feeling? Does the head still hurt?”
She took a long swallow of wine, her tongue darting out to lick her lips. “I feel good.”
The look in her eyes made his cock stiff. He studied her every move as she placed her wineglass on the side table. “Fuck. Maybe you shouldn’t be drinking. I’m such an idiot, giving you wine—”
“Stop.” She stroked his forearm. “I talked to the doctor today. I don’t have any more restrictions.” She leaned in and waggled her eyebrows. “No restrictions.”
Groaning, Jud palmed her cheek and kissed her. Her lips were soft and pliant, opening for him as she kissed him back. She tasted of garlic and wine—two of his favorite things—and he wanted to eat her up. He brushed his tongue over hers again and again as he stroked his hand down to caress the soft skin exposed by the neckline of her sweater.
His fingers feathered over her breast as he reached down to her waist, holding her gently. Keep it slow. Make this last. He was desperate to make this night good for Chelsea. No—great. Perfect.
Her hands were warm against the back of his neck as she eagerly kissed him, moving closer. He gripped her tightly, one hand on her back and the other drifting down to caress her behind. He felt dizzy with desire as more blood migrated toward his cock. He tore his lips away from hers and blazed a trail down her neck to the bare skin above her sweater.
“God, Jud.” Her voice was deep and breathy as she squirmed in his arms.
Damn, she was killing him. He licked his way down some sweet-tasting skin to where her sweater met the top of her breast. He hooked his fingers around the material and tried to pull it down so that he could get at that beautiful flesh, but it was a struggle. Best to go underneath… Then. “Fuck.”
Jud pulled away and leaned against the back of the couch. What was he doing? This was definitely not slow. He tried to catch his breath and cool down, but Chelsea was not having it. Before he knew it, she jumped on his lap and straddled him, her mound pressing deliciously onto his rock-hard dick. “Chelsea, wait—”
Wet warm lips covered his, her tongue plunging deep into his mouth. Christ. He palmed her butt and rubbed her against him until he felt as if was going to explode. She groaned into his mouth and took up the rhythmic thrusting on her own. This was going to be over in two minutes.
Threading his fingers into her hair, he grasped a handful and pulled her head back, putting some space between their mouths. “Chelsea, stop.” He was surprised by the desperation in his voice.
She froze and stared at him, then covered her mouth with her hand. Slowly shaking her head, she carefully extricated herself and tried to get up. “I’m sorry. I—”
Jud grabbed her arm and kept her seated on his lap. “You’re sorry? For what?”
“Well… I… I shouldn’t have… You were trying to stop…” She looked away.
Shit. He cupped her chin and forced her to look at him. Seeing the uncertainty in her eye
s, he wanted to kick himself. “Chels, I wasn’t trying to stop. I was just trying to slow this down. You have me so turned-on, I was about to come in my jeans.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “You don’t have to say that.”
“I’m not just saying it. Damn, Chels.” He grabbed her hand and placed her palm on his cock. “You feel that, right? That’s all you, darlin’. And it’s about to burst.”
She smiled and he felt as though he could breathe again. “I, uh, I guess I lost myself a little as well,” she said. “Sorry about jumping you.”
“Don’t ever be sorry about jumping me. Guys love that. In fact, from now on, feel free to jump me anytime you want.”
Holding out her hand, she said, “Deal.”
He shook her hand then pulled her close and wrapped her hands around his neck. Grabbing her butt again, he stood up with her in his arms. “Let’s take this somewhere a little more comfortable.”
* * * * *
The woman in the mirror looked like a stranger to her—tousled hair, green eyes sparkling vividly, lips puffy from kissing.
Chelsea smiled and tried to calm her nerves. On the way to Jud’s bed, she’d made a detour to freshen up in the bathroom. He wanted to slow things down, right? She was anxious but she was also excited. How lucky was she? About to have sex for the first time with a gorgeous, experienced man, who she also happened to be in love with? She doubted that there were many women who had been as fortunate.
Quickly using the facilities, she deemed herself ready. The lights were low in the bedroom and Jud was in the process of placing a few condoms on his nightstand. He smiled when he saw her and she got chills.
“Make yourself comfortable.” He gave her a long, sweet kiss. “I’ll be right back.”
Chelsea watched him go, then took a seat at the foot of the bed. She pulled off her socks and decided to stop there. She wanted Jud to take off the rest of her clothes. It was sweet, really, the way this was happening now. No games, eyes wide open.
The last time she was in his bedroom, she hadn’t been in any shape for snooping. Glancing around, she saw that it was a typical guy’s room—no frills. It was neat though. No dirty clothes on the floor, not a lot of clutter on the furniture. The walls were bare except for a single painting.
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