by Codi Gary
He knew what he was doing was dangerous, but he couldn’t resist leaning closer. Her brown hair was loose down her back and a little wild. He reached up to tuck the strands behind her right ear, and whispered against the shell.
“Are you sure? Not even if I was naked? And under the right circumstances?”
Her breath caught and his heart sped up at the sweet sound. He pressed closer and felt the hard buds of her nipples through her shirt against his chest. His cock hardened against the basketball shorts he wore over his boxer briefs, something that was going to be all too obvious if he backed away from her.
“What kind of circumstances?” she asked, softly.
There was no way she hadn’t caught his meaning. Either she was curious about what he would say or she was baiting him. What she didn’t seem to realize was that he was more than ready for the challenge.
He lifted his left hand off the counter, trailing it across the velvety skin of her arm, from her wrist to her bicep. “The kind that have me stripping off this adorable shirt, and finding you braless and beautiful underneath. Then I’d put my thumbs into the side of your shorts and push them all the way down to your ankles. Your panties—”
“What if I wasn’t wearing any?”
He might have thrust against her; he couldn’t be sure. “Even better.”
Dustin’s mouth touched the side of her neck, just under her ear, and she let out a soft moan.
“Then what?”
He stilled, his mouth hovering over her skin. She was encouraging him. She’d been keeping him at arm’s length for months, but here they were in his pool house kitchen, and she wanted him to talk dirty to her.
His hands settled on the curve of her hips. He brought her lower body tighter against his so she could feel what her teasing was doing to him. When she didn’t jerk away, he growled, and nipped lower, just above her T-shirt collar. She pushed her own hips forward, pressing closer, and he pulled the shirt down, kissing the newly exposed flesh even as he kept talking.
“After that, I’d drop my shorts, and lift you up onto this counter. And as soon as my cock was free of my briefs, I’d put it inside you. In and out. Slowly, swirling my hips until you came.”
Rylie’s breathing was coming in short, tight pants, and he was so turned on he wanted to follow through. Hell, he wanted to carry her all the way back to the bed and make the walls shake.
The faint sound of music drifted down the hallway, and she stilled. “That’s Marley. She’s coming over with breakfast and we’re having a girls’ day.”
God, he didn’t want to stop. Didn’t want her to come to her senses and for this, whatever it was, to end.
“What time is she coming?”
“She was going to call when she was on her way,” Rylie said, breathlessly.
Feeling bold, his hands slid up under her shirt, running his thumbs across the skin of her waist. “I should probably get out of here then, before she shows up.”
“Probably.”
He pulled away, staring down at her. “I really want to kiss you right now.”
Rylie’s brown eyes doubled in size. “I haven’t brushed my teeth.”
“I don’t care. I smell like BO.”
She shook her head. “No you don’t. I was only kidding. You actually smell really good.”
The way she said it, husky, almost guttural, was the hottest sound he’d ever heard.
“Rylie—”
Her phone started ringing again. Her face was so full of regret it made him feel slightly better when she pulled away.
“If I don’t answer, she’s going to freak.”
With great effort, he stepped back. “Then you better get it.”
She went down the hallway. Before she could come back, he walked out the door. Not because he didn’t want to pick up where they’d left off, but because he knew they shouldn’t. Rylie was dating someone. She’d been with the same guy for three years. She wanted monogamy and marriage and the whole shebang.
And he wasn’t the guy to give her it.
* * * *
Rylie sat in the massage chair as the girl at her feet finished up her pedicure. When she’d told Marley how nervous she was about the first date she’d had in three years, Marley had planned this girls’ day complete with getting their hair, nails and toes done. After this, they were getting their eyebrows waxed and heading back to the pool house.
When she’d had to admit to Marley where she’d been staying, her friend hadn’t been happy at first. But she’d explained everything Dustin had done for her, and Marley had grudgingly admitted that maybe he wasn’t all bad.
It was a step in the right direction, and Rylie was going to take it. She wanted her friends to know Dustin the way she did.
Why? Why do I care what Marley thinks of Dustin?
Because Dustin was her friend? He’d gotten a bum rap that wasn’t all deserved?
“I can’t wait to see your new dress,” Marley said, drawing her from her thoughts.
Right, her dress. The one for the date she no longer wanted to go on.
Okay, that wasn’t totally true. She had been excited about it. Will Younger owned a mechanic shop in Pleasant Valley and had been changing her oil for years. When he’d asked her about Asher, and she’d told him they’d broken up, she’d been surprised when he’d asked her if she was dating yet. She hadn’t considered how long before she started trying again, just kept saying she was swearing off men. Surprisingly, when Will had asked, his green eyes alight with interest, the yes had just tumbled out.
Of course, that was before Dustin had pinned her to the side of the kitchen counter and talked dirty to her. She hadn’t even known she liked dirty.
Until now.
“Rylie? You okay? You’ve seemed out of it all day,” Marley asked.
“Oh, I’m fine. Just thinking.”
The woman doing her toes put the clear coat on and took her hands to help her up.
“What are you thinking about?” Marley asked.
“Nothing, just my date.”
Marley gave her a look that clearly said she could smell the bullshit Rylie was slinging. “Is Asher still bothering you?”
Rylie didn’t want to talk about Asher. She’d had to block his number after he’d sent her twenty-eight text messages, one after another, all about whether or not she was living with Dustin. It had been her fault for trying to explain that she was just renting from him; that had only seemed to make things worse.
“No, not for a couple days now.”
“I wish you would just file a restraining order on his ass.”
Rylie sat down in the chair the woman indicated and slipped her feet into the dryer. “I think if I just avoid him, he’ll get tired of trying. Asher never liked to put in much effort when we were dating.”
The other woman finished with Marley’s toes and when she helped her into the chair next to Rylie’s, Marley gave her a hug. “I am so sorry you are going through all this.”
“It’s okay. Dustin has been really great about it.” At Marley’s disgusted face, Rylie protested, “I’m serious. He’s not a bad guy. He’s actually pretty great, he just likes to hide it.”
“Yeah, beneath a layer of slime and sleaze.”
Rylie didn’t respond, and Marley shot her a sharp look. “Do you like Dustin?”
“I just said he was a good guy—”
“No, I mean, do you like him?”
“Of course not,” she said. Was it a lie if she wasn’t sure? She was attracted to him, and obviously wanted him, if this morning’s antics were any clue. Was it anything more than lust, though?
“Why don’t I believe you?” Marley asked.
“Because you are a distrustful person?”
Marley tapped her newly painted red nails against her lips. “Hmmm, no, that’s not
it.”
Rylie did not want to analyze her feelings for Dustin today. “So, after this, it’s eyebrow waxing and then we’re done?”
Marley took the change in subject easily. “We’re not just getting our eyebrows done.”
“We’re not?”
“Nope. You’re getting back into the dating game. You need to be prepared.”
“I shaved my legs this morning…” Rylie’s voice trailed off as she realized what Marley had planned. “Uh uh, hell to the no!”
Marley cackled gleefully, like she was a supervillain revealing her evil plan. “Yes, yes! This is happening.”
“If I get waxed down there I won’t be able to walk for a week!”
“You’ll be fine, seriously… And your date will appreciate it.”
Rylie glared at her. “He won’t be seeing it. At least, not tonight.”
An image of Dustin lifting the skirt of her dress and finding her groomed flashed unbidden through her mind. What did it say that she couldn’t imagine hooking up with Will on the first date, but she had no trouble fantasizing about Dustin getting all up in her business?
Marley seemed to think her silence meant she was mad at her. “Okay, well, it was just a thought. I know that getting my hair and nails done makes me feel pretty and getting a special wax gives me this weird confidence—”
“Fine, I will do it. Just stop talking.”
Marley grinned and whispered, “Slut.”
“Shut up.”
Chapter 15
Dustin grabbed a water from his fridge and watched out the window as Marley’s car took off down the driveway. It was just after five-thirty and Dustin felt like a stalker, standing there staring at the pool house so intently.
Victoria came into the kitchen behind him, and said, “Okay, Mr. Kent. Your dinner is in the fridge, and I will see you on Monday.”
He turned, hoping Victoria didn’t think he’d been spying on Rylie. “Thanks, Victoria.”
When Victoria walked toward the side door, he said, “Where are you going?”
“I want to see Rylie’s new dress. It’s a woman thing, you wouldn’t understand.”
Dustin stood there as she closed the door, thinking that he very much wanted to see Rylie in her new dress.
And then he wanted to see it on the floor.
God, he needed to get the hell out of here and drink something. Picking up his cell phone, he noticed a missed call from his brother, Charlie. That was weird. He hardly heard from any of his brothers, unless it was around the holidays or his birthday.
He hit the voicemail button and held it to his ear.
“Hey, little brother, it’s me! I’m in town and on my way to your place. I’m going to crash with you instead of mom, in case I want to relight some old flames. See you in a few!”
Dustin checked the time the message was left. Thirty minutes ago. Shit.
Dustin looked out the window again in time to watch his big brother slide open the pool house door and step inside.
He ran out the side door and down the stairs. He didn’t want Charlie walking in on Rylie changing or Rylie to think his brother was an intruder. Well, he kind of was, but Dustin didn’t want him getting whacked by a frying pan.
When he stopped outside the glass door, he found Victoria and Charlie with their backs to him.
Looking at Rylie, who was as shiny as a new penny.
The golden highlights through her brown hair had been touched up and she’d applied a dark shadow to her eyelids that made her brown eyes pop. He couldn’t really see the dress with his brother and Victoria in the way, so he knocked on the door.
Rylie glanced over Victoria’s shoulder and when she saw him, she smiled. Victoria gave her a hug before opening the door for Dustin.
“Isn’t she lovely?”
Dustin’s gaze traveled from the black, strappy sandals that laced up her calves and showed off the sparkly purple polish on her toes. The black dress was tight, hugging her curves with a pendulum ruffle breaking up the waist. With her loose curls and glossy lips she was more than lovely.
She was nut-punchingly gorgeous.
“Hey, bro, you forgot to mention you had a renter,” Charlie said, coming over to slap him on the back. “Guess I shouldn’t have assumed you’d take me in.”
“Yeah, that was stupid of you. Maybe next time give me a little more warning than a half an hour.” Dustin didn’t mean it though. Of his three older brothers, Charlie was the one closest to him in age and his favorite.
His brother’s black hair was overly long, and his T-shirt showed that he’d been bulking up since the last time he saw him.
“Well, it’s a good thing you have a big ass house with fifty other rooms then.” Charlie shot Rylie a killer smile. “It was nice to meet you, Rylie. Since I’ll be staying a while, I look forward to getting to know you.”
Dustin’s jaw clenched. The last thing he wanted was for Rylie to get to know his very charming brother.
“It was good to meet you too.”
Charlie took off out the glass door before sliding it closed behind him. When it was just Dustin and Rylie, he cleared his throat.
“You’re beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
“That dress is… Well, it’s definitely something.” What the hell was wrong with him? He didn’t have problems talking to women.
“Really? I was afraid it was too tight.”
“Yes. I mean, no, it looks perfect. Sexy.” He ran a hand over his hair and groaned. “I mean, your date is going to love it.”
“Will. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”
“Will, huh?”
She sighed, seeming to realize she’d given him an in. “Will Younger. I’ve known him for a while. He’s nice.”
Nice. Of course Rylie would go for a nice guy after that asshole Asher. The opposite of what she’d had.
Definitely not a womanizer who’d almost nailed her in this very kitchen.
“Well, I hope you have a good time.” What the hell else was he going to say? This morning was something that shouldn’t be repeated; he’d already decided that. Didn’t mean he wanted to hang around and watch some other guy salivate all over her.
There was a knock on the glass door and he realized it was too late. On the other side stood a stocky man with sandy hair and a nervous smile. The way he kept pulling at his collared shirt made Dustin think he would probably have been more comfortable in a T-shirt and jeans for his date.
Rylie opened the door, and he couldn’t see her face.
Just the way her dress hugged her round, delicious ass.
“Hey, Will. This is my coworker and landlord, Dustin.”
Dustin’s eyebrows rose at her description. She wasn’t lying, but he’d started to think there was more to them than just that.
Though it made sense she wouldn’t want to introduce him as a friend. Friend carried implications when it was between a man and a woman.
Will stepped inside with his hand out. “Nice to meet you.”
Dustin took it, noticing the stains and rough callouses on the man’s hands. This was the type of guy Rylie wanted. Someone who worked with his hands.
“Good to meet you. Where are you two headed?”
Will slid his hand out to rest on Rylie’s lower back and Dustin hated it. “I thought we’d go to dinner and see where the night took us.”
“Sounds like fun. I’ll let you two get to it. I have an unexpected guest to deal with, anyway.”
Dustin walked past them outside, but turned when Rylie said his name.
“Thanks.”
Dustin had no idea what she was thanking him for. Not mentioning their little interlude this morning? That he’d been civil to Will?
“You’re welcome.”
What else was he going to say anyway?
Don’t go? What was the point? The only thing that happened between them was some close calls.
That’s all it needed to be.
* * * *
Charlie had talked Dustin into heading into town for a drink at the Shotgun Wedding Bar and Grill. Charlie had already tossed back three shots of Jose, and didn’t seem to be slowing down.
Dustin wasn’t stupid; his brother didn’t just pop into town for no reason. “You going to tell me what this impromptu visit is all about?”
Charlie leveled him with blue eyes identical to his. “Sure, let’s trade stories. What is up with that stone-cold fox living in your pool house?”
Dustin nursed his beer, not wanting Charlie to get any ideas about Rylie. “Nothing. She was in a bad spot and I said she could rent the pool house until she found something else.”
“Yeah, but you don’t get involved with women and you definitely don’t let them stay with you.”
“She’s not staying with me. She’s in a separate living space.”
Charlie waved at the bartender, indicating he needed another round. “Fine, semantics. The point is, you’ve never even hung around a woman for more than a couple of days, but this one you’re playing the hero for.”
“She’s my coworker.”
Charlie snorted.
“Fine, she’s a friend. Or something close to it.”
“Now we’re getting somewhere.” Charlie took his shot, and hissed between his teeth. “I guess that means it’s my turn, huh? Well, I told my boss to shove it, right before I walked out the door and never went back.”
To say Dustin was shocked was an understatement. Charlie had gone to NYU and graduated with a master’s in architecture. He’d been working at a large firm for the last eighteen months, and as far as Dustin had known, Charlie was happy.
“Why?”
“Ah, that is a long story for another time. For now, all you need to know is I’m seeking a little help getting back on my feet, Brother. Got an extra room for me?”
“Sure. For a price,” Dustin said, grinning.
“I just told you I was unemployed.”
“I don’t need your money.”
Charlie watched him suspiciously before his brother’s eyes flared wide. “Hell no!”