by Jess Dee
Her blood smoldered. He wore the same glazed expression he’d had that day at the beach. At the time, she’d mistaken it for worry—now she knew better.
The look on his face was desire.
“Clarify it anyway—so there are no misunderstandings. What exactly did you tell Vicky?”
He stared at her for the longest time, his eyes now a stormy gray. Emotion played across his face, but she couldn’t read it. “Danny, please.”
His gaze softened. “I told her I don’t treat you the way I should. I take advantage of you and of our friendship.”
Not true. Not even a little bit true. But that wasn’t the crux of what he’d discussed with Vicky, and Amy knew it. “And?”
“And Vicky suggested I change my behavior and attitude. She told me life’s too short to mess around with the people you…care about. She insisted I do whatever it took to show you how much you mean to me.”
“You’re my best friend. I know how much I mean to you.”
“You don’t have a clue.”
“Then tell me. Please.”
“How specific should I be?” His voice was hoarse, and his chest so close the fine hairs sprinkled on it teased her nipples every time he inhaled.
“Very.”
“Are you listening carefully?”
She nodded.
Daniel pulled her body flush against his and molded his lips to hers.
And Amy finally heard him.
He wanted her. His mouth told her as it worked hungrily on hers, tantalizing, licking, sucking, and tasting. His arms told her as they trembled beneath her grasp. His physical reaction told her—his nipples hardened against her breasts and his hips ground into hers, pressing his erection firmly into her stomach.
Most of all, the low, throaty groan that emanated from deep inside him told her.
She wanted him, too.
When the kiss ended, and Amy finally found her breath again, she murmured, “Now I know.”
“You don’t know the half of it.”
“Then show me. Come back to your apartment and show me everything.”
Without waiting for an answer, Amy wheeled around and walked off. She reached his door and opened it without a backward glance, heading straight for the kitchen. The bottle of water she pulled out of the fridge was icy—unlike her.
She was burning, engulfed by need. A fire raged inside that even the long, cooling drink couldn’t dampen. She burned for Daniel. Yearned for him with a desperation that shook her to her core. The desire to hold him, lose herself in his kisses and make him a part of her raged inside her like an inferno. She ached to strip off his boardies and have wild, wicked sex with him.
Her breath came in short gasps. Thoughts of him, of their last hour together, echoed through her belly, reverberating in a warm heat between her legs.
The front door closed.
He was there, in the apartment.
Should she go to him? Wrap herself around his beautiful body and run her hands over his flat stomach? Relish the strength below the devastating contours of his chest? God help her, she wanted to. She ached to strip his shorts off and render him bare and hard.
The images of Daniel naked stoked the fire burning inside her. She wanted him so badly she could taste it. Taste him—his hot, salty skin as she kissed her way along his square jaw and his come as he spurted in her mouth.
The phone rang. And rang and rang. She heard Daniel’s familiar message as the machine picked up and then a blurred voice. Daniel swore before answering with a throaty hello.
He spoke in a low, rumbling voice. Memories of that voice rasping in her ear, telling her to come, flashed through her mind.
Blindly, she made her way from the kitchen, clutching the bottle like a lifeline. Wanton fantasies that had nothing on the real-life man roared through her head.
Daniel’s attention was focused on his conversation. He didn’t see her hunger as she studied him. Muscles bunched in his arm as he jotted something down, carelessly shaking his wet hair as he ran his other hand through the short curls.
Amy sagged against the wall, imagining that hand running through her hair, over her back, around her waist, up to her breasts, and down to her wet, pulsating core.
“How about next Tuesday?” He put the pen down and drummed his fingers against the pad of paper, restless, uninterested. He made an impatient gesture with his hand.
Condensation beaded on the icy bottle she held against her chest. She rolled it from side to side, trying to cool down. The cold was a stark contrast to her feverish skin, and she gasped.
He looked up and froze.
Seconds ticked by.
“I’ll call you later.” He hung up without waiting for a reply.
Awareness hummed across the room. Daniel swallowed and clenched his jaw.
The bottle dropped from her slackened hand and rolled unnoticed across the carpet.
Their eyes locked.
She lifted shaky arms to untie the straps of her top. The damp spandex dropped to the floor, the silence in the room punctuated only by Daniel’s sharp intake of breath.
“Y-you…” Her voice was so husky she had to clear her throat. “Y-you’re my best my friend, Dan. Always will be.”
His eyes darkened to that familiar, smoky gray. He didn’t move. Except his gaze, which swept over every inch of her, scorching her already-burning body.
“But what we’re about to do…could b-blow that friendship clean out of the water.” With trembling hands, she nudged at her bikini bottom, inching it down her legs and kicking it aside, until she finally stood naked before him.
“Morgan.” His voice was raw, his expression carnal.
She approached him, stopping inches away.
When he lifted his palm to touch her aroused nipple, keeping his caress featherlight, her breath left her throat in a hiss. “Limits,” she gasped.
He raised an eyebrow, the gesture lazy—and so damn sexy.
“Need limits.”
Daniel leaned forward, flicking his tongue over the puckered bud, sending sparks of excitement tingling down her spine.
Amy forgot what she was saying.
Concentrate!
“Friendship first for us…always.”
“Just…friendship?” His breath blew hot against her skin.
She shivered and shook her head—a pointless action, since his face was pressed to her chest, and he couldn’t see. “With…benefits.”
Daniel’s response was muffled by her breast. The only thing she understood was his low groan. With that one hungry sound, she knew she had his consent. He’d agreed. Friends with benefits.
She tangled her fingers in his sleek, wet curls and held his head firmly, pushing her breast against his warm tongue. When it rasped over her nipple, her knees buckled.
His arms shot around her waist, catching her, supporting her. He groaned aloud and clamped his mouth over her breast, suckling her tight, tender bud, nipping, licking, and teasing it. Amy almost wept with longing. Moist heat pooled between her legs and oozed down her inner thighs.
She tugged his arms, urging him out of his chair, and he slid his body up against hers, making every inch of her ache. He held her close, his solid chest rumbling against her aroused breasts as he let out a ragged groan.
The floor dipped away and fire shot through Amy’s veins as he caught her lower lip between his teeth and nibbled. Heated desire took control of logic. His damp swimsuit did little to cool her feverish skin. Nor did it conceal the length of his erection pressing against her belly, driving her to the edge of sanity.
She slipped her hands under the elasticized waist and shoved the unwanted clothing down his legs. Without breaking the kiss, Daniel stepped out of his shorts. His cock, rock hard and free, poked proudly against her stomach, turning her insides to liquid.
She ran her hands around his side until they rested on his very firm, very tempting butt, then she raked her nails over the soft skin. He growled against her mouth, jerking in
to her.
His reaction empowered her, validated her femininity, and she ran her fingers along the hard lines of his pelvis until she brushed the satin steel of his erection. When she wrapped her hand around him, Daniel let out a guttural moan, swept her up in his arms, and carried her to his room.
Amy’s heart stuttered. As much time as she spent in his apartment, she’d always given his bedroom a wide berth. There was something too intimate about that room—the place where he slept, made love to women—for her to feel comfortable there. It was a part of his world she’d never wanted to intrude on. It was his private place.
For the first time ever, she found herself desperate to be in forbidden territory with Daniel.
He laid her down on his bed and stood before her in all his naked glory.
Her mouth went dry. He was beautiful—hard, lean, hot, the epitome of masculinity, and very, very aroused. The subtle scent of his spicy aftershave clung to his sheets, surrounding her. She inhaled deeply as she stared at him, and her mouth began to water.
She watched him watching her, his smoky gaze raking every inch of her body.
“I’ve never wanted anything more in my life,” he whispered.
Emotion clawed at her chest. “I’m all yours.”
Daniel shook his head. “Not yet. But…soon.” And then his devilish, sexy mouth parted and he knelt over her.
Smooth, hot lips touched hers, and Amy forgot to breathe. His tongue tortured her mouth with deep, silky strokes, stirring in her an unimaginable lust.
He braced himself on his forearms, lying above her, not quite touching yet driving her mad. Her body screamed for his embrace. She felt empty, neglected. Desperate for contact of the most intimate kind, she shoved her hips up and cried out in frustration.
He deepened his kiss in response and gradually lowered his body until finally—finally—it covered hers, enveloping her in its heat.
Greedy for more contact, her hands were everywhere, running down his sinewy back and over his firm butt. Squeezing his muscular arms, digging into his damp curls, relishing his solidity, loving his feel. Loving his response. She was so ready. The need to have all of him overwhelmed her. She bucked against him.
He dipped his hand down and groaned when he found her moist center. “Amy. Sweet, beautiful, Amy. Do you have any idea what you do to me?”
Coherent speech was impossible, so she settled for a long sigh as his finger found her clit and massaged it. Pleasure rolled through her.
“Christ, babe. You’re so wet.” He slipped his finger in and she bore down on it.
“Please, Danny.” He was doing mad things to her, and although it felt good, so good, it wasn’t enough.
She reached for his cock and sheathed it with her hand. “Danny?”
“Amy?”
“Make love to me.”
A primal growl echoed through the room as Daniel stilled. His eyes closed, but not before she saw triumph and steely determination in them.
“You sure about this, babe?”
She ground her pelvis against his hand. How much more sure could she be? “I need to feel you inside. Please, make love to me.”
She adjusted her grasp as his cock grew in her palm.
When she looked up, his eyes were still closed, so she bit his neck. Hard. The time for niceties was over.
His eyes flew open and locked with hers. Flames of desire burned in them.
“Now, Danny.” Once again, she bucked against him.
He moved his arms to either side of her face. “Say it again. Tell me what you want.”
“I want you to make love to me.” She twisted her waist.
“Morgan, wait.” His jaw clenched.
She stared at him uncomprehendingly. She wouldn’t wait anymore. Couldn’t.
“I…I need a condom.”
There was no way she was having anything between them. “I’m on the pill.”
He nodded slowly. “Then we’re okay. I promise.” And because it was Daniel, she knew they were.
She drew her legs wider apart and gasped when the tip of his cock plunged into her. With a throaty growl and an expert thrust, he filled her.
Amy moaned in pure satisfaction. It was perfect. He was perfect. They fit together perfectly. In awe, she opened her eyes to stare into Daniel’s. This, them together, was the ultimate connection. She had never felt as close to him—to anyone—as she did at this moment.
“Amy. Oh Christ, Morgan…” Daniel shuddered.
The movement reverberated through him and through his cock. Her muscles tightened convulsively around him, setting off a fresh wave of longing. She wound her legs around his waist and arched her back, frantic to get closer, take him deeper. Her hips moved, rotated in circles, and then pumped up and down. Anything to get nearer to him and have him deeper inside.
“Easy.” He stilled her frenzied efforts, holding her tightly. “Wanted this too…long. No…control.” His voice was agonized. Perspiration beaded on his forehead and his shoulders bunched under her touch.
When he began to move, skilled hands urged her to move with him as he rocked back and forth in an intimate and erotic rhythm. Slow at first, but gradually picking up speed. Thrust for thrust, she met him, the electricity inside building each time he plunged into her.
“Amy…” His husky voice drove her wild.
The tension mounted. Vaguely, she registered the soft mewling noises coming from her throat.
He caught her mouth with his and kissed her hard.
It was too much. Too good. The building orgasm overwhelmed her, and she let go. Wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. As the world spun around her, she was aware of Daniel’s hoarse cry as he too gave way to the exquisite release that rocked her very soul.
…
Daniel lay on the bed, cradling Amy in his arms. He felt a protectiveness deep down in his bones. She was all woman and soft curves. Tiny bumps peaked under his touch when he ran his finger down her side.
Amy had blown him away today. He’d been hard ever since she’d walked through the door. She’d tortured him with her cute games. Caressing him, teasing him, whipping him into a frenzy. Oh, he got his own back, tickling and tormenting her. But touching Amy was like shoving his hand into a fire. He got burned every time. Today, he’d been seared all over.
His wildest dreams hadn’t prepared him for the real woman. Amy was feminine and sensual and had damn near driven him over the edge. She’d taken him to the ends of the universe and back and left him shattered in her wake.
Friends with benefits? Yeah, right. What they’d just shared went so far beyond the so-called limits Amy had placed on their relationship it was laughable. But if limitations gave her a sense of security, he wasn’t about to argue. Not yet, anyway.
His dick was flaccid for what felt like the first time in months. She’d milked every last drop he had to offer. Yet, as sure as he knew he held the woman he loved, he knew it wouldn’t remain soft for long. Even as he dipped his hand over the curve of her hip bone, his groin stirred.
“You asleep?” She wasn’t. Her breathing hadn’t evened out yet, and every few minutes, soft moans of contentment escaped her.
“Too dazed to sleep.” Her voice, deep and drowsy, sent a dart of desire through him.
“Mmm…it was pretty amazing.”
“It…it was…wow.”
He nuzzled her ear. “You were… Hell, Morgan, I’ve waited since forever to make love to you.”
She stretched lazily. “Was it worth the wait?”
He could hear the smile in her voice. “God, yes.”
“I never realized it would be like this.” She sounded tentative. “For weeks, I’ve dreamed about it, but it always seemed like such a bad idea.”
Weeks? He’d been thinking about it for years. Thinking, obsessing, and yearning. After loving her from a distance all this time, he finally had her right where he wanted her. In his arms and in his bed. He wasn’t about to let go. Ever.
Shifting ba
ck a little, he lifted a few strands of long hair out of the way and kissed her neck.
“How does it seem now?”
She shivered. “It’s looking a lot better.”
“You don’t sound 100 percent sure about that.”
“Convince me.” Her voice was a husky invitation.
“Gladly.” He rolled her onto her stomach and proceeded to trace a slow path down her back with his finger. He followed it with his tongue, and when he reached the base of her spine, he kissed it.
She moaned. “Danny.”
“Shh…”
He ran his fingers lightly over her buttocks, gently caressing her curves. She had a fine ass. He’d spent enough time studying it clothed. Being up close… Well, he needed more time to get to know what it really looked like. From where he was positioned, it looked good. Damn good. It was round and firm and gloriously feminine. He reached down and bit her left cheek.
“Ow.” Her complaint was a low sigh, accompanied by a tiny shift. She spread her legs and lifted her hips, giving him an intimate view of her pussy.
Hunger engulfed him. So much for his soft dick.
He nuzzled her right butt cheek, and she moaned and moved her leg another inch, inviting further exploration. “Daniel…”
His first instinct was to bury his finger deep within her slick folds, but he didn’t. He just looked, his mouth mere inches away. His cool breath steamed against her heat.
She groaned, her voice several tones lower than usual, and her buttocks clenched several times.
“Christ, Morgan. You’re beautiful. So…hot. So…wet. I can hardly breathe when I look at you.” He was almost dizzy from lack of air.
“Daniel…”
He shushed her again as he reluctantly pulled away, saving the best for last. She squirmed beneath his hand as he made his way down her leg, pausing at the tender spot behind her knee to pay it special attention with butterfly-soft kisses. He continued his journey to her foot, massaging her toes until she shivered with pleasure.
When he was done with her feet, he rolled her over and began all over again.
“Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted to taste you here?” He nibbled her neck before trailing kisses under her chin and followed an invisible line down to the bottom of her throat. “And here?” He nipped his way along her collarbone to her shoulder and back again.