by Mari Carr
She raised her hands to the shower wall, using them for support and leverage as she moved in time with the thrusting of his hand. Her eyes closed when she felt the first twinges of her orgasm approaching.
It never made land. Jake withdrew from her. She started to protest, to rise, but he held her in place as his hand drifted to a different opening.
She fell silent, anxious for his touch. Several times over the past few weeks, she’d recalled the slight pinch of his finger in her ass as he pressed her against the wall of the bar. Josie had loved the touch as much as she’d feared what came next.
What if the pain was too much to bear? What if she wanted to stop?
As if he’d read her mind, Jake paused. “It’s your fantasy, Josie. We can explore it or not. It’s your call.”
“If it hurts—”
“I’ll stop. God, Josie, I never want to do anything that doesn’t bring you pleasure. I wouldn’t hurt you.”
Jake had claimed this full moon because he insisted she needed to try this with a friend, not a stranger. He’d been right. She would never have come this far with someone she didn’t know, didn’t trust.
And as crazy as it seemed given their short acquaintance, she did trust Jake. That thought stopped her in her tracks. She trusted him.
“Josie?”
“I want to try.”
“Good.” Jake turned off the water, enveloping her in a soft towel before grabbing one for himself. “I bought a couple of things that might help.”
Josie giggled. “I think you’re better at the full moons than I am.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and directed her toward his bedroom. “What can I say? You inspire me. By the way, what’s next month’s fantasy?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Jake. You can’t have them all. I mean that sort of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?”
He sat on the mattress and pulled her down to sit next to him. “I don’t think so. Wasn’t the list created as a way to explore your sexuality? I don’t remember you saying anything about going out and having sex with twelve different men. Just that you wanted to try different things.”
Josie wasn’t sure how to respond. He was right. Again. Damn.
First he’d pointed out the flaw in choosing fantasies she’d never act out with a stranger, and now this. Her list hadn’t addressed the who, just the what. Her real reason for not wanting to spend another night with him was based on her emerging feelings, but there was no way she’d confess that to him. Hell, she still didn’t know his last name and she’d refused to give him her phone number or address.
They were still—essentially—strangers.
“Even so, you’ve already had three full moons. Maybe I should let someone else have a turn.”
His eyes crinkled when he smiled. He was too handsome for her peace of mind. “Do you have someone in mind?”
She shook her head.
“What’s the next fantasy?” He’d continue to press for the answer until she told him.
“Bondage.”
He blew out a long, impressed whistle. “Oh, hell yeah. That one is definitely mine.”
She laughed. “You know, this isn’t like calling dibs or shotgun. Just because you say it’s yours doesn’t mean I’m going to give it to you.”
He rose slowly, grasping her wrists before she could determine his plan. Jake lifted her from the bed, twisting her away from him until he had her hands captured tightly at the small of her back. She struggled to free herself from his strong grip, but he wouldn’t release her.
“I’m very good at bondage.”
“This isn’t an audition.”
Jake didn’t reply. Instead he pushed her forward until she had no choice but to lie on the bed, facedown. He followed her to the mattress, his legs caging her upper thighs, his hold on her hands relentless, unyielding. For a few moments, neither of them spoke. Jake simply held her immobile, his strength overwhelming her in ways she couldn’t resist.
She closed her eyes and stopped fighting the inevitable.
Jake released her, leaning over to press soft, warm kisses to the nape of her neck. “I’m sorry.” His voice was quiet, tender. “I tend to get a little crazy when I consider this may be the last time I’ll see you.”
She smiled at his heartfelt admission. “The feeling’s mutual, Jake, but believe me, I’m not someone you want to get mixed up with. I’ve got enough baggage to keep a fleet of bellhops busy. I wish you could just trust me when I say this is better.”
He placed a kiss on her bare shoulder, then straightened, moving aside. “I’ll take what I can get. And for the record, I’m still gunning for next month. Crawl up into the middle of the mattress and get on your hands and knees.”
Her body responded to his deep-voiced command instantly, her nipples tightening, her pussy clenching. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that he was good at bondage and probably every other damn thing on her list. Something about him called to her—be it chemistry or attraction or just a spark fighting to become a flame. Whatever it was, it was potent, irresistible. New.
Josie assumed the position, then looked over her shoulder, finding Jake’s bright blue eyes staring at her ass.
She giggled, then wiggled. “Come and get it.”
He ran his hand over her ass cheeks, grinning at her invitation. Then he surprised her by leaving the bed. “Almost forgot my surprises.”
She watched as he retrieved a plastic bag from the chair in the corner. Returning to her, he dropped a tube of lubrication on the mattress. Then he held up a sex toy, still in its wrapper.
She bit her lower lip. “Seriously? They make toys for this?”
He tilted his head, studying her face. “Of course they do. They have toys for sex acts I’ve never even heard of before. Don’t move. I want to wash this off real quick. Then we’re going to have some fun.”
Josie twisted, lying on her back. She reached over to pick up the lubrication. “Couldn’t get a bigger tube of lube? I mean I’m not sure this will last us more than six or seven years.”
He chuckled, calling out from the bathroom. “The giant size was on sale. Guess I should warn you, that was actually one of the previous girlfriend’s complaints. What I call thrifty, she called cheap.”
“Good information to have, but not a problem. I’m pretty cheap myself. Curse of being poor. Hey, my TV is going on the fritz. You have an inside track on where I can find an inexpensive one?”
“Actually, I do. But are you sure you need a new TV? I’m pretty good at fixing stuff. I could take a look at it if you wanted.”
“I’m not sure it’s worth fixing. The thing is ancient. I’d really like to replace it with a flat screen. My damn living room isn’t that big as it is and the old TV eats up a lot of space.”
Jake returned to the room still talking about the TV. “Gotcha. I’ll do some checking around for you if you want. I have a buddy who works at Best Buy. Maybe he can get you a deal.”
“That would be great. Thanks.”
Such a mundane conversation considering their nudity and sexual props. Josie turned her head to hide her smile, lest he misread her response. Jake was carrying a butt plug, while she toyed with the cap on the lubrication.
Jake picked up on her mirth and grinned as well. “Three full moons in and the magic is already waning. We’re getting worse than an old married couple.”
Josie waved the lube around. “Maybe this will help.”
Jake approached the bed, stopping her when she started to resume her previous position on her hands and knees. “Changed my mind. Stay like that.”
Josie lay back down. “Won’t this make it trickier?”
He climbed onto the bed. “Depends. How limber are you?”
She laughed. That had been one of her reasons for compiling the Howl List. Trying new things while she was still able to strike the poses. “I can hold my own.”
“Good. I like seeing your face when you come.”
Josie fell s
ilent, uncertain how to reply to such a lovely comment. Jake was a master at sweet compliments. They warmed up all the cold, lonely places inside her, making it hard to remain aloof, distant.
Jake lifted her legs, crawling between them. “Hold them up.”
She grasped them beneath her knees, surprised when Jake grabbed a pillow and thrust it beneath her ass. Nothing like being on display.
Ordinarily she would have been mortified, but everything was different with Jake.
He took the lube from her and uncapped it. “This is going to be cold.”
Placing the tube at her opening, he squeezed some of the gel into her anus. She shivered, but Jake soon warmed her up.
He pressed one finger inside her slowly, his gaze never leaving her face, and she realized he didn’t want to watch her come. He wanted to make sure she wasn’t in pain. Had anyone had ever shown her such care? In her entire life, she’d run her own show, taken charge of her own destiny. Her mother hadn’t wanted a daughter, she’d wanted a girlfriend, so Josie had assumed that role. Tony had always needed a mother figure, looking to Josie to pay the bills, to make the household decisions, to be the responsible adult. And Tommy just needed her. She was his mommy and she’d never let him down. Never.
In all her life, she couldn’t remember a single time when someone had taken charge and simply let her be.
Jake stilled. “Josie? Are you okay?”
Clearly she’d given something away in her face and he’d misunderstood.
She shook her head. “I’m fine. Actually, I’m great.”
He gave her his sexy crooked grin and forged deeper. Jake drove her higher, first with one finger, then with two…and Josie lost the capacity to think. She continued to hold her legs up and open for him, but her grip began to slip as she became more excited. Her skin grew slick with sweat from the heat he was producing in her body.
She moaned when he withdrew, wanting him back again. Then she felt the tip of the butt plug. It was thicker than his fingers, though not as big as his cock. The plastic was harder, unyielding. Jake had coated it with lubrication, but it still pinched as he slowly pushed it in.
She released a harsh breath when the toy was lodged to the hilt.
Jake studied her face. “Okay?”
She nodded, unable to speak. Her body was writhing, searching for something more.
Jake read the response. Leaning down, he took her clit between his lips and sucked. Josie cried out when he moved even lower, his tongue entering her pussy, filling the empty space.
“Yes.” She clenched his hair as Jake fucked her with his tongue. One hand pressed against the plug, mimicking slight thrusting movements in her ass, while he rubbed her clit with the fingers of his free hand.
It was too many sensations at once and they ganged up on her, taking her down hard. Fast.
She came loudly, calling out Jake’s name as he continued his ministrations, wringing every last mind-blowing pulse out of her.
Josie lay boneless on the bed while Jake removed the plug. He tossed it to the foot of the bed, then donned a condom.
She lifted her arms, welcoming him inside her, loving the way his hard cock filled her pussy.
Jake lay on top of her, his weight resting on his forearms. He made love to her gently as he pressed soft, warm kisses on her cheek.
Josie wrapped her legs around his waist and they groaned in unison as the slight change in position allowed him to sink deeper.
Jake never sought to speed up the play. Instead, he took her leisurely, as if they had all the time in the world. When they came, it wasn’t a whirlwind, rather it was as comforting as a warm summer’s breeze.
Josie fought not to cry at the beauty of the moment.
Jake slowly withdrew, went to the bathroom to clean up and dispose of the condom, then he returned with a warm washcloth. He pressed it between her legs, washing away the sticky gel.
Taking care of her.
Tossing the cloth aside, he crawled into bed, dragging them both beneath the covers. He pulled her close, his strong arms encasing her, making her feel safe, protected.
Jake kissed her. “Stay the night.”
Josie had never been more tempted by anything in her life. She was pleasantly drowsy, warm, comfortable. All that was waiting for her at home was an empty house and a cold bed.
“I want—” The sound of her phone ringing from the living room caught her attention.
Jake lifted his head. “What’s that?”
“My cell.” Josie looked at the clock by Jake’s bed. It was nearly eleven. Too late for anyone she knew to call for a chat. Tommy. What if something had happened to him? She sprang from the bed. “I have to get it.”
The phone stopped ringing.
Jake sat up. She left the room and walked naked down the hallway to retrieve her purse. Tony’s number flashed on the screen and her heart began to pound. Shit.
She quickly redialed, her fingers trembling slightly. “What’s wrong?” she asked the second Tony said hello.
“Why didn’t you answer your phone?”
She didn’t have time to play the jealousy game with her ex. He’d only called her one other time on his Saturday dates with Tommy and that was to tell her their son had fallen off his bike and needed three stitches in his elbow. “Tony.”
“Tommy’s got a fever.”
“How high?” She walked to the table and hastily started pulling her jeans back on. She’d never bothered retrieving them after their shower.
“It’s 102.5. Should I take him to the doctor? I’ve got him bundled up under a bunch of blankets and in bed, but it keeps going up.”
She juggled the phone as she attempted to button her shirt. She stuffed her bra in her purse. “Bundled up? Uncover him. You need to cool him off, not warm him up. If the temperature creeps much higher, he could have a seizure. Get a cold washcloth for his forehead. I’ll be right over.”
Tony sounded relieved to hear help was on the way. He’d never been good in an emergency or when someone was sick. “Okay, good.”
“Where’s Janice?” It pained Josie to speak the other woman’s name, but she really didn’t want to come face to face with the home wrecker. She’d only seen the woman on two other occasions and both of those times were from a distance.
“She’s out with some friends.”
Tony didn’t seem too happy about that, but Josie was relieved. She’d pick Tommy up, make sure he was okay, then either take him to the doctor or home. “I’ll be there soon.”
Josie disconnected the call just as Jake came out of the bedroom. He’d pulled on a pair of sweatpants that hung low over his hips.
“Problem?”
She nodded. “Yeah. I need to leave.”
“Anything I can help with?”
God. She could imagine the drama she’d face if she showed up at Tony’s house with Jake. “No. It’s fine. I just need to get home.”
Jake looked like he wanted more of an explanation, but Josie wasn’t ready to give him one. She’d let things go on too long between them. Her emotions were becoming too engaged. Better to make a clean break. Rip off the Band-Aid.
“I have to go.” She hastily pulled on her shoes, and then reached for her jacket.
“Yeah. I can see that.”
He sounded upset. Josie couldn’t blame him. Three times he’d shown her the time of her life, offering little pieces of himself along the way, and every single night she’d taken everything she could, then run off like a thief in the night. Guilt assailed her.
“I’m sorry.”
He lifted one shoulder. “You’ve never lied about the rules of the game. But I’ll tell you what. If you come back again, we’re going to up the ante.”
She stood at the door, her purse in her hand. “What do you mean?”
“Next time we’re together, we’re sharing last names and phone numbers. Deal?”
“What makes you think there will be a next time?”
Jake stepped close to her,
cupping her face in his hands to kiss her. The gentle pleading in his touch was almost her undoing. She forced herself to pull away.
Tommy was sick. She had to go. She belonged there. Not here.
“Come back.” Jake’s demand was laced with entreaty, but she didn’t refuse him, nor did she nod.
Instead, she left.
Josie carried a drowsy Tommy into the townhouse, her mind reeling over the hours spent with Jake and her tense conversation with her ex. Tony had opened the door, taken one look at her disheveled state and frowned.
“Hot date?” he’d asked.
She dodged all his questions as she gathered up Tommy and his things. Tony, sensing her anger, had calmed down a bit, helping her carry their son to the car. Once he’d been buckled in, Tony had opened the driver’s side door for her. Then, much to her surprise, he’d given her a kiss on the cheek, and thanked her for taking such good care of Tommy.
He was playing with her head and she didn’t like it. She didn’t have time for a Tony mindfuck. The asshole had dumped her, left her alone to raise their son while he trotted off to live with his new girlfriend.
She forced thoughts of Tony from her mind as she recalled Jake’s hurt face when she left him without an explanation. Jesus. She was messing with Jake as much as Tony was screwing with her.
“Mommy.”
She glanced down at her son. She’d just lifted him out of the car, thinking he was asleep. “Yeah, baby?”
“Can I sleep in your bed tonight?”
She’d already planned to put him there, wanting to have him close in case he needed her in the night. “Of course you can.”
“Will you sing to me?”
She grinned. “If you really want me to.” Her voice was nothing to write home about, but apparently all her young son heard in her lullabies was a chorus of angels. It was nice to be loved so much. When Tommy looked at her, he saw perfection, not flaws. It warmed Josie’s lonely heart.
“Daddy sings bad.”
Josie carried her son upstairs to her room and laid him on the bed. She pulled off his shoes and jacket—she and Tony had left him in his pajamas—and tucked him into her bed. She walked to the bathroom for medicine and a cool washcloth, then put on her own PJs. Returning to the room, she crawled in next to him and felt his forehead. He was still hot, but she didn’t think it was anything to worry about.