Tempt Me!

by Tracey Pedersen

  “Oh, thank God!” he breathed against her hair as she laughed. “At least you know I was not expecting this.”

  “Relax, I know. The look on your face downstairs cleared up any doubts I had about that.”

  “Sorry. I was surprised.”

  “Don’t go getting all serious on me.” She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him, a moan of longing sounding deep in his throat. His mouth claimed hers, exploring every millimetre of her lips, tasting and tempting her, all at once.

  Their hands moved to hang at their sides and their fingers twisted together, their mouths still fused as they absorbed the taste of each other. Barely touching, they explored each other with kisses that held a promise of fulfilment. His hand slid up her arm and his other hand tangled in her straight hair. She pushed herself against him and bit gently on his lower lip. Her tongue soothed the place where her teeth had explored and she whispered against his lips. “Mr November, I hope you’re going to be… accommodating tonight.”

  He pulled away and laughed loudly. “Stop making me laugh. I’m trying to keep you interested.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with laughter during sex.” She smirked at him as he hooked his thumbs in her shirt and pulled it from her arms. He threw it aside as she did a little jump and wrapped her legs around his waist again. “I’m ready for you to laugh me into oblivion.”

  “It will be my pleasure.” He moved toward his bedroom, kicking his pants out of the way as he went. He shouldered the door open and laid her reverently on the bed. His hands ran across her skin and settled on her hips as he admired her draped across his bed. He moved to free her of her boots and dragged her jeans off, stepping back to gaze at her in her matching red underwear.

  I shouldn’t be surprised. Everything about her is sexy.

  “Do you always wear matching underwear? Or did you intend for this to happen today?”

  “Always matching, of course. Doesn’t everyone?”

  He grinned in the darkness. “Not that I’m aware of. Haven’t you ever seen the movies? Women are always panicking when it comes time to take their clothes off and reveal their grandma undies.”

  She cackled and held her arms out as he covered her body with his. “If I tell you something you can’t hold it against the no strings, no gooey-eyed plan, okay?”

  “Never.” His lips found the pulse point in her neck and she stretched her head back, sighing as his lips explored her flesh.

  “Well, I’ve made sure I didn’t wear grandma undies every day since I started working here.” She ran her hands up his back. “You know. Just in case.”

  “Oh, really?” His words were muffled against her warm skin. “This is getting less no-strings by the second Becca.” He chuckled and she joined him. “I may have to report you to management.”

  “After the oblivion part you can report me to whoever you want.”

  “You really want to get to that part, don’t you?” He sat up and straddled her, running his fingers across her bra. He hooked his fingers in the fabric and pulled both sides down in one swift movement, freeing her breasts. He slid down the bed and hovered over her, licking his lips and watching her face. “We might have to stretch it out. Since it’s a one-off and everything.”

  Her breathing increased and he smiled as he watched her chest heave. He licked one finger and made slow circles around her nipples as they hardened under his fingers. Her eyes never left his and the memory of their mouths together was soon too much. He crushed his lips to hers, taking up the exploration they’d left off in the lounge. He ground himself against her thigh as her moans caught in her throat and her smouldering eyes glued him to her.

  “I want you,” he whispered against her mouth and she responded by digging her fingers into his shoulder. One leg wrapped around his as she moved with him, thrusting and pressing, warm and pliant under his hands.

  “I left the condoms in my bag,” she whispered back and the two of them snickered together in the darkness. “Let me get them,” she said as she kissed him again and he rolled off her, arms stretched out on the bed. “Hold that thought.”

  Light steps carried her to her bag and in just a few seconds she was back. She dragged his underwear down and crawled over him on the bed. “Damn, I wanted to explore you more.”

  “Well, I can’t wait. If you were trying to stretch things out, you went about it the wrong way. I need you inside me right now.”

  “Don’t let me stop you,” he laughed, as she pulled the condom wrapper open with her teeth and threw it aside. Chris stretched out, watching her fingers as she slipped her hands around his length and held it. Her eyes held his as she felt her way and pressed the cap of the condom to his head and licked her lips. Warm fingers rolled the rubber down to sheath him and without a word she loomed over him, guiding him to her with steady hands.

  He bit his lip as their flesh touched. For a moment he lingered at her entrance but she moved forward and in one swift stroke she was moulding intimately around him. Their gasps mingled as they moved together, finding their rhythm, discovering how they fit. Palms flayed out on his chest as she pushed against him, rotating her hips and grinding against him. Her thighs gripped his waist and his fingers dug into her skin, holding her close, admiring the languid movements of her breasts. For all of her urgent need, the wanton movement of her hips was erotic, leaving him with a primitive urge to possess her.

  She seemed to want to be in charge. Her moans increased and he moved his hands to capture hers. Their fingers twisted together and he watched her bite her lip, moving above him with her eyes closed, enjoying the sensation of their bodies fused together.

  He pulled her down to capture her mouth, the change in position pulling more gasps from her lips. One hand buried itself in her hair, the other squeezed and kneaded the flesh of her ass. Her tongue plunged into his mouth and he sucked on it, wanting to explore every part of her. Teeth nipped and growls burst from both of them when he pushed her leg down and rolled her over. He thrust inside her and she cried out, squeezing her muscles tight around him, making him want to never pull out.

  He’d missed his favourite thing, though, and no matter how turned on he was, no matter how much he wanted to burst inside her, he didn’t want her to miss out. Holding the condom against his skin, he slipped out of her as her eyes flew open in the darkness.

  “Oh,” was all she said.

  “Relax.” He kissed her mouth. “You’ll get there.” He kissed his way down between her legs. She moaned as his lips brushed her nipples, but his goal was something far more tempting.

  The first touch of his tongue had her back arching; the second saw him chuckle as goose bumps flared across her skin. A gentle exploration commenced, his warm hands spread across her thighs, holding her legs in place as his mouth pulled groans from her throat. She relaxed into the bed as he tongued her, tasting her flavour and tickling her most sensitive parts. His thumb moved across her lips before dipping inside, the heavy anticipation evident from her increasing moans. Her taste left him rock-hard and when he finally loomed over her, it was on unsteady legs.

  She opened herself to him, eager to have him slip between her thighs. He wasted no time pushing inside her again, riding the rhythm they quickly found for themselves. Her legs circled him, feet pressing against his buttocks, insides squeezing tight and pulling him in. Her hands gripped his face as their tongues mingled and she tasted herself on his lips. Sweat trickled between her breasts as the thrusting focussed all of her sensation on one spot. She pushed up to meet him as he ground himself against her, and she marvelled how it didn’t seem she could get close enough.

  Driving hips pushed her to the brink and an almost forgotten flicker sprang to life, deep in her belly. He coaxed her to abandon, his body surging deep into hers. Forcing himself into her body and into her heart. His fingers gave her nipple a tight squeeze and with a cry of release, she was suddenly flying apart. As she gripped him and ground herself harder against him, Chris couldn’t hold out any longer.
With his own shout he lost control and poured himself into her, ending their long, languid ride of fantasy. He collapsed on top of her, gasping for breath, even as she let out a giggle below him.

  Her lips trailed kisses along his jaw as he struggled to catch his breath. The sensations running through his body, just from the touch of her hands made him want to roll her over and take her again.

  I hope she has more condoms. This night isn’t over by a long shot.

  ***

  “I have to go, Chris.” She leaned across and kissed his nipple. “Thanks for last night. I had fun.” She grinned as he reached out and captured her face for a kiss.

  “Me too. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much.”

  The grin that rewarded him warmed his heart. She leaned closer and their kiss deepened, tongues mingling in a more familiar way than they had last night. Last night had been all about exploring each other; discovering what each liked. Becca had made a point of finding his ticklish spots and making him laugh, even while her mouth traced a path that thrilled him. He’d returned the favour, holding her down and making her shriek as his mouth sucked first one nipple and then the other. The memories of what they’d done all night long would stay with him for a long, long time.

  She broke their contact and for a moment he wanted to ask her to stay. Beg her if it came to it. He’d promised her no strings, though. If he had to pretend one night was enough for him, that’s what he’d do. The last thing he wanted was for her to stop working at the cafe. He’d offered her a job and he intended to make sure she could keep it. A bit of suffering, coated in longing, wouldn’t kill him.

  He watched her collect her clothing from around the room. She disappeared into the lounge room and returned, buttoning the shirt she’d retrieved. He watched her skin disappear behind the fabric and thought of the moment he’d pulled it from her body last night.

  Good memories. Ones to sustain him through the long hours he’d put in downstairs today.

  He swung his legs around and sat up in bed as she slipped her shoes on and came to stand in front of him. “So, are we good?”

  He pulled her toward him and rested his head on her belly so she couldn’t see his face. “We’re good.”

  We could be so much better if you’d stay.

  Fingers smoothed his hair. A sensation he could get used to. “Great. I’ll see you on Monday morning, yeah?”

  “I’ll be here.”

  She dropped a kiss on the top of his head, grabbed her bag and let herself out of the apartment.

  Damn, Chris. You’re in trouble, dude.

  Chapter Eight

  “I’m sorry Chris, but we can’t approve the loan for you.”

  “We can’t? Or you can’t?”

  Nate chuckled. “Well, that’s the same thing, isn’t it? The numbers don’t fit into what the bank is happy risking.”

  “Bugger. Without this loan I’ll have to move to a new site, which means a load of new expenses fitting out a new store. I might as well close down.”

  “I didn’t say we couldn’t lend you anything at all. Maybe a smaller amount for a move could work better for you.”

  “Is there any indication of how much you can lend? Or do I just have to keep applying and hope I hit the magic number?” His tone was sharp—disappointment ate at him, and the fear he might have to close down completely had him on edge.

  “Of course not. I have the numbers here. We can lend you up to one hundred grand, but nothing over that. With your current borrowings that would take you to just over two hundred thousand.

  Chris flopped back in his chair. “It sounds like a bloody lot just for a cafe, doesn’t it?”

  “I guess, but it’s a lot less than you might invest in a different industry. If you had warehouses and dozens of staff you could expect to be millions of dollars in debt for a young business.” Nate stared at his friend. “You don’t have to decide today. Here, I’ve done you a print out of the various amounts. It shows your new repayment amount for each one.” He slid the papers across the desk. “Think about it and let me know.”

  “Okay, thanks. I’ll have to run the numbers by my accountant.” He stood and shook Nate’s hand. “Don’t worry about walking me out. I know the way.”

  ***

  “Are you going to tell us what’s wrong?” Kenneth and Becca stood behind Chris as he counted items in the stock room. “You’ve been grumpy ever since you came back from lunch.”

  Chris sighed. “Kenneth, one day you might learn to mind your own business.”

  “Well, when that day happens, I’ll take over being nosy,” Becca said. “Tell us what’s up. Is everything okay?”

  Chris sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. He’d congratulated himself all day on his ability to be immune to Becca. He’d survived the weekend alone and today he’d joked with her as normal and pinched himself on the leg each time he found himself getting ready to inhale her perfume. Kenneth had been none the wiser but now she was standing close again; badgering him as well. He turned to face his two employees. “The bank knocked back my loan. They said the issue isn’t the future of this place as we’re doing great. It’s purely the numbers on paper are more than they’re prepared to risk.”

  “Oh.” Becca pursed her lips. “So you try another bank. Or a finance company. If the numbers add up for you, then just find someone else who’ll lend it to you.” She made it sound so simple.

  “I’m a bit old school, like that. If the bank thinks it’s too risky then I don’t think I should put myself into such a large amount of debt.”

  “Wow. You’re going to give up, just like that?” Kenneth’s voice showed his shock. “I thought you were a fighter, Chris.”

  “Listen to you two! It’s not your money that’s on the line. Or your hair turning grey if things go sour. I could end up homeless if I’m not careful.”

  “Spineless is a much worse fate than homeless, you know.” Kenneth took a step back. “When we first started you told me about your grand plans every single day.” He looked at Becca, “It never let up, every hour there was a new idea.” He turned back to Chris. “What happened to that guy who was full of innovative ways to make this business work? When did you become a coffee shop instead of a place to make your own dreams come true?”

  “About the same time the loan repayments came due.” Chris pushed past them both and threw his apron onto the counter. “You should both be going home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Oh, no you don’t.” Kenneth grabbed his arm and ignored the glare thrown in his direction. “We have an idea to cheer you up.”

  “Really, I’m fine.” Chris sighed and tried to tug his hand away. “No cheering up needed. I’ll just have a quick sit down then I’ll start getting ready for tonight.”

  “No need.” Kylie rounded the corner and leaned against the counter. “I’m here and Jeff will be here any minute. You have the night off.”

  “Err… no I don’t.”

  “Yes, you do.” Becca waved Kenneth away and he smiled and left through the back door. “I’m taking you out.”

  “I thought you were busy at night.”

  “Busy not working, yes. I’m not a slave to my job like you are. We organised for Kylie and Jeff to manage on their own tonight, while you and I have some fun.”

  She leaned over him, the blue tips of her hair grazing the back of his hand that rested on his knee. For a moment her smell engulfed him and he had visions of the kind of fun they’d had upstairs in his apartment. The fun he’d convinced himself couldn’t happen again.

  If she really wants me to relax, she’ll offer me another night like that one.

  He touched the end of her hair and looked up as she stood upright and it slipped through his fingers. From the blank look on her face, he was sure a night between the sheets was not what she had in mind. “Where are we going?”

  “I told you. Somewhere fun. Now, upstairs with you to get changed.”

  “Should I meet you somewhere?”
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  “No need. I brought my clothes from home. I’m not letting you sneak away when I’m not looking.”

  He let her push him toward the staircase as Jeff arrived through the back door. “I see you’ve succumbed to the plan. I thought you might not,” he said, as he squeezed past him on the way to the kitchen.

  “Traitor. You could have told me they were up to something.”

  “And risk missing out on my night of freedom? No way!”

  Becca shooed him up the stairs before he could reply and he ignored her prodding as his heavy footfalls slowly climbed to his apartment. As he compared these reluctant steps to the laughing ones they’d taken together just a few nights ago, he suddenly realised she was right. He did plod. There was a lack of joy in his movements. Kenneth’s comment about the dreams he used to spout about day and night were spot on too. He wasn’t the same man he’d been when he started this business.

  He reached the top of the stairs as this revelation hit and he leaned against the kitchen counter to consider what it meant. Becca slipped past and looked at him with a frown. “What’s wrong? You can’t change your mind.”

  “I’m not. I just realised that all of you are right. I am lacking in fun.”

  “Oh, hooray. We’re going to fix that tonight, though.” She grinned and he was struck by how beautiful she was—and how much he wanted her.

  He reached out and wrapped his hand around her waist before pulling her closer. To his surprise she didn’t resist. “You know, we could stay home. There’s a lot of fun to be had right here.”

  “Really?” She breathed against his chest as his lips rested on her blue fringe. “You’d risk everyone downstairs hearing us? We weren’t exactly quiet last time.”

  He smirked into her hair. The memories of exactly how much noise they’d made as they’d laughed through their lovemaking, were fresh in his mind. Those hours with her were the most relaxed he’d been in months. The prospect of a repeat performance filled him with longing and he didn’t care who could hear them.