The Puppy Problem

by Katie Meyer

“That’s better.” His breath tickled her ear when he spoke, her perch bringing her up to his level.

  “Mmm-hmm,” she agreed, using her legs to tug him closer, creating a delightful friction between her legs where their bodies met.

  He kissed his way from her ear to her neck, pushing her blouse aside as he worked his way down. “I told you I wanted to get you on this table.”

  She arched her back, giving him better access. “Is reality living up to your fantasy?”

  His hand dipped beneath the low neckline, cupping her breast. “Oh yeah. But if this is going where I hope it is, we may need a bedroom.”

  His thumb rasped across her nipple and she bit her lip to keep from moaning. “You think so?” she teased once she could speak.

  He nodded, his mouth busy doing something amazing to her earlobe.

  “Well then, what are you waiting for?”

  * * *

  Luke didn’t need to be told twice. Releasing her breast, he gripped Megan’s hips and lifted her easily, loving how well she wrapped around him. Quick steps took him down the hall to her bedroom, the only room of the house he’d hadn’t been in. The furnishings were simple: a dresser missing a knob, an overstuffed chair with an assortment of clothes draped across the back and, most important, a queen-size bed centered under a low window.

  Goal in sight, he was across the room in three strides. The caveman in him wanted to throw her down and strip her as quickly as possible. Instead, he stopped just short of the bedside and released his grip, letting her slide slowly down his body until her feet hit the floor. “Are you sure?” He needed to know this was fully her choice before they were in the bed, neither of them thinking straight. “We don’t have to do this.”

  She stared at him, lips swollen from his kisses, hair mussed. “What? Don’t you want to?”

  “More than my next breath. But if you need more time—”

  “Then all I need is to know if you brought protection.”

  Relief surged through him. “Yes, ma’am.” He reached into his back pocket, withdrew his wallet and one of the condoms he’d stored there earlier. “Scout motto—Be Prepared.”

  She took the packet from him and tossed it on the bed. He reached for her, but she moved back, bumping into the mattress. Before he could protest, she grabbed the hem of her blouse and pulled it over her head, revealing a blue lace bra that barely covered her full breasts. He swallowed hard, temporarily frozen. When she reached behind to undo the clasp, he stopped her. “Let me.”

  She hesitated, and then dropped her arms to her sides. Stepping to her, he traced the strap over her right shoulder, gently sliding it down before dipping a finger under the sheer fabric covering her nipple. She whimpered as he teased her, and then moaned when he ducked down to suck her through the lace. Her responsiveness stirred his blood, sending it south to where he strained against his pants. But this wasn’t about his pleasure—not yet. She was trusting him with her body and he would make darned sure she didn’t regret it.

  Releasing her now rock-hard nipple, he moved to the other side, using his left hand to pull the thin fabric down and give his mouth direct access. He licked and sucked, the fingers of his right hand working the other breast. Her breathing grew ragged, and he felt her thrust against him. Even fully clothed, he could feel her heat.

  He felt her fingers at his belt, clumsily working the buckle. “You’re killing me.” Her frustrated whisper only encouraged him. Moving her hands aside, he reached for the button of her pants, kissing his way down her belly as he undid them. She shuddered as he eased the denim down her thighs.

  “Up,” he directed, lifting her until she was sitting on the edge of the bed. Kneeling in front of her, he freed one foot and then the other from her jeans. His hands massaged her feet then her calves, kneading gentle circles as he felt her muscles relax. Only then did he move between her thighs, pressing a kiss to the scrap of fabric covering her before moving it aside.

  He teased her, using his tongue and fingers, slowing whenever she approached climax, driving her higher but not letting her go over the edge. Not yet. He needed to be inside her when she let go.

  Megan’s hands fisted in his hair as she writhed beneath his mouth. Sensing she was nearly there, he explored her with his fingers and found her more than ready. Still, he teased a bit longer, waiting until she bucked beneath him before rising to his feet.

  Her eyes fluttered open, confusion on her face, and he smiled. “I’m not done, don’t worry.” Quickly, he shucked his clothes, the sight of her driving him to hurry. She was the sexiest thing he’d ever seen, her flushed skin exposed by the lingerie he’d pushed aside somehow even hotter than if she’d been completely nude. He found the condom where she’d thrown it and quickly rolled it on. He thought about moving her to the center of the bed, but he didn’t want to wait another second. Instead, he positioned himself back between her legs and pressed against her, letting her feel him at her entrance.

  Her legs wrapped around him, pulling him closer, but he resisted. “Look at me.” It took her a few seconds, but when her gaze met his, he thrust into her waiting body. He kept eye contact as he slowly withdrew, noted the desperation in her face, heard her whimpered frustration as he left her empty.

  “Please...” she begged.

  “Please what?” He shifted ever so slightly, stimulating her without moving any deeper.

  “Please...don’t stop.” Her body arched up to him, and he couldn’t hold out any longer even if he’d wanted to. Grabbing her thighs, he lifted her, adjusting his angle and then pushing forward, filling her over and over, watching her head roll side to side as she rode the waves of pleasure with him. When he felt her closing in, he increased his rhythm, and when she finally climaxed, the squeeze of her muscles pushed him over, too.

  Stunned by the intensity of his release, he settled there, body shaking, as air heaved in and out of his lungs. Beneath him, Megan lay nearly motionless, eyes closed, even as he felt her spasm around him as she rode the aftershocks. When he thought he could move without falling over, he pulled out and used a tissue from the box on the nightstand to dispose of the condom before climbing up beside her on the mattress.

  “Are you okay?” He ran a hand gently over her body and felt her shiver. “Cold?”

  “Mmm...maybe a little.” She snuggled against him. “But I feel too good to care.”

  He kept one arm around her and pulled back a corner of the bedspread with the other. Holding her tight, he rolled them both onto the exposed sheets before covering her up.

  “Nice move.” She giggled and pressed closer. “Actually, all of your moves are pretty good.”

  He pretended to frown. “Just good? Not amazing, or excellent, or the best you’ve ever seen?”

  Her eyes twinkled. “You know, it’s hard to really judge based on a single example. I might need a repeat performance to form a truly accurate opinion.”

  His body stir and he grinned. “I think we can make that happen.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Megan woke the next morning sore in places she’d forgotten she had. Luke had made good on his promise of a repeat performance, and then, out of condoms, he’d found other ways to “improve his score,” as he’d put it. By the time he’d left a few hours before dawn, she’d been more than willing to award him top marks before a final kiss goodbye.

  A hot shower eased the kinks from her muscles and cleansed the scent of sex from her body. But nothing, not even the mundane chore of emptying the dishwasher or making breakfast, could wipe the satisfied smile off her face. Even Owen, not the most observant when it came to emotional nuance, had commented on it, asking why she was so happy.

  That he didn’t normally think she was happy gave her pause. “I’m always happy, buddy.”

  “Nope.” He shook his head, too long bangs falling into his eyes. She’d have to convince him to let her cut his hair
soon. A dilemma for another day. “Some days you are mad, or sad, and mostly you are just...” He struggled, his face crunching as he sought the right word. “Regular. You’re usually just regular.”

  She chewed on the word and decided he was right. But that wasn’t a bad thing. “I think most people are regular a lot of the time,” she finally replied, using his terminology for lack of anything better.

  He nodded, his eyes back on his cereal bowl. “Yup. But today you aren’t regular. You’re happy.”

  “I guess I’m just glad it’s Saturday,” she hedged. Not a lie, just not the whole truth. Thankfully, her son’s newfound social awareness didn’t seem to pick up on her prevarication. Or he just was more interested in the sugary cereal she only allowed on weekends than he was in her elevated mood. Just as well, she was still getting used to it herself.

  A knock at the front door provided a welcome interruption from any further questions. Carrying her mug she answered it, her pulse stupidly ticking up in hope that it was Luke. But, of course, it wasn’t. That wasn’t their arrangement. Instead, Cassie was on her front step, again bearing food.

  “I brought scones,” she said by way of a greeting, as if it was perfectly natural for her to show up unannounced early on a Saturday morning. “Cinnamon are my favorite.”

  “Mine, too.” Megan held the door wide for her, and then led the way to the kitchen, now empty. Owen’s cereal bowl was in the sink and a glance out the back door showed him tossing a ball to Lily. “I know you said you wanted details, but you could have just called.”

  “I could have,” she agreed, pulling two pastries out of the bag and placing them on the plates Megan handed her. “But you might not have answered. I figured it would be harder to avoid me in person.”

  She laughed, knowing Cassie was right, and grateful her new friend didn’t hold that against her. “And you brought baked goods as backup?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not above bribery.”

  “I’m glad.” The cinnamon scones really were her favorite. “Can I get you some coffee?”

  “Sure.” Cassie accepted a cup and took a sip before starting her questioning in earnest. “So, how was it?”

  “How was what?” Megan stalled, taking a bite of her scone. Sugary goodness crumbled in her mouth, almost making her forget the reason for Cassie’s impromptu visit.

  “Whatever it was that’s left you with that ridiculous grin on your face.”

  Megan washed down the pastry with a sip of coffee, and shrugged. “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Liar!” Cassie said without a trace of malice. “You’re practically glowing. Now spill it or I’ll take back the scone.”

  Megan shook her head, amused more than annoyed. “Fine. If you must know, it was fantastic.” She took a sip of her coffee then added, “All three times.”

  Cassie squealed and rounded the table, pulling her into a hug. “I knew it!”

  Megan embraced her, laughing. “You did not.”

  “I did,” Cassie insisted, pulling away. “Although I didn’t know how many times. When you decide to do something, you really go for it.”

  “Making up for lost time, I guess.” She ate another bite of her pastry. “I have to say, it was worth the wait.”

  “I bet,” Cassie said with a knowing grin. “So, now what?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know, exactly. By the time he left, we were too tired to talk about it.”

  “So he hasn’t called yet, I take it?”

  Megan glanced at the clock and then over at the counter where her phone was charging. “Not yet. But it’s early. And really, it’s okay if he doesn’t. I’m a big girl, and we didn’t make any promises.” At least, that was what she’d been telling herself.

  “No, it’s not okay. If a man gets nookie, he should at the very least call the next day,” Cassie insisted, indignation flashing in her eyes. “Better yet, he should send flowers.”

  Megan was about to argue when the doorbell rang. She settled for rolling her eyes at such an outdated, sexist idea and headed for the front of the house.

  Ever curious, Cassie followed right on her heels. “Who do you think it is?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine.” She reached the door and swung it open, stumbling into Cassie in the process. “Give me some space, will you?” she protested, catching herself on the doorjamb.

  “Oh, okay. Sorry. I thought...never mind.”

  Too late, she looked up. Luke, looking befuddled, stood at her front door with a bouquet of tropical flowers in his hand. Crap.

  “Hi,” Cassie said in a chipper voice from somewhere over Megan’s left shoulder.

  “Um, hi. Cassie Santiago, right? Nice to see you.” Shifting from one foot to the other, he nodded before turning back to Megan. “I’ll just go. You can call me...or not...whatever.” He started to turn and then, as if suddenly remembering, he thrust the flowers at her. “These are for you. Do what you want with them.”

  “Wait, no!”

  Misunderstanding, he jerked his head toward Cassie. “Fine if you don’t want them, maybe she does.”

  Frustrated, she grabbed his arm. “I mean no, don’t leave.”

  He shook off her hand, hurt shadowing his features. “It’s fine. If you want space, I can do that. I didn’t mean to overstep.”

  This was ridiculous. “I said, don’t go.” Clearing her throat, Megan started over. “When I said I wanted space, I was talking to her.” Megan pointed at Cassie, who was watching the goings on with rapt attention. “She was standing too close and I backed into her trying to open the door.”

  Cassie waved, looking only slightly embarrassed. “It’s true. I was trying to see who was at the door. I thought it might be you, and I was right.” She turned to Megan, smirking. “And I was right about the flowers, too.”

  Luke rubbed a hand over his jaw. Clearly, this hadn’t been the welcome he’d expected.

  “Please, come in. Cassie was just leaving.”

  Taking the hint, Cassie nodded. “Right, consider me already gone.” She dug in her pocket, pulled out her keys and then scooted by the two of them and out to her car.

  Megan watched her drive away then turned to find Luke staring at her. “Let’s start over, shall we?” She backed up, breathing a quiet sigh of relief when he followed her inside and mutely handed her the bouquet. “Thank you for the flowers. They weren’t necessary, but I love them.”

  A bit of the tension bunching Luke’s shoulders seemed to dissipate. “Good. I was worried you’d be upset, given the whole secrecy thing, but I told the saleswoman they were for my mom. I figured you could tell Owen or whoever that they were to celebrate finishing that big project you’d be working on.”

  A few of the little bubbles of joy bouncing around inside her popped at the reminder of their unusual arrangement.

  Sensing her sudden change in mood, he frowned. “You don’t have to keep them, if you think it will cause problems.”

  She held the flowers to her chest protectively. “Of course I’m keeping them. I just hate having to be dishonest about it.”

  He grinned. “So you want to tell people I gave them to you in appreciation of the best sex I ever had?”

  “Fine, fibbing it is.” She laughed, shaking her head at his audacity. They weren’t doing anything wrong, not really, and a few white lies never hurt anyone.

  She hoped.

  * * *

  Luke didn’t stay long at Megan’s. He had work to do and he knew she didn’t want Owen wondering about their relationship. Still, it wasn’t easy to leave and it didn’t get any easier the next time, or any of the times after that.

  For the next few weeks, he’d visited under cover of darkness. At school, they maintained the appearance of a polite but professional relationship. Despite the strained secrecy, the sex was amazing, and so was the conversation the
y shared between bouts of lovemaking. Luke loved hearing about the progress Owen was making or learning more about her growing software development business, and she’d proved insightful when he had issues from his day that he wanted to discuss.

  In fact, everything was perfect. So why, with things going exactly as planned, did he feel worse each day? It was like being a kid and wanting a particular toy, and then after you finally got it realized it wasn’t so great after all. Except in this case, being with Megan was even better than Luke had imagined. It wasn’t her; it was the whole situation that left him feeling hollow, as though something vital was missing. That, of course, was ridiculous. Maybe he just needed someone outside the situation to remind him of that.

  Ensuring that his office door was firmly shut, he dialed Grant. If anyone could knock some sense into him and tell him he was being an idiot, his fishing buddy would.

  On the second ring, he picked up. “So, did you ask out that hot mom yet, or what?” Grant asked by way of greeting.

  Luke rolled his eyes, reminding himself this was why he’d called. He needed Grant’s bluntness right now. “Hello is the way normal people start conversations.”

  “Thank goodness I’m not normal. And you didn’t answer the question.”

  “Yes, I asked her out. Sort of. It’s complicated.”

  “Which is why you’re calling me, I assume. If it was all rainbows and unicorns, you’d be busy with her instead of talking to me.” There was no censure in his voice, Grant just called it like he saw it.

  “I wouldn’t put it quite like that,” Luke replied, a niggle of guilt reminding him he’d skipped fishing the last three weekends in a row. “In fact, things are going really well. She’s smart, and sexy, and I really like her.”

  “So what’s the problem? Is it your job—did some old biddy on the school board find out and throw a fit?”

  “No, they don’t know anything. In fact, no one does. We agreed to keep things quiet for now.”

  “So...what, you’re sneaking around?”