Rough Spark: Big Flirt Series Book Two

by Echo, Kristen

  “It’s not your first time.” His voice dropped to an incredibly deep timber. “But just like that time, I promise I’ll be gentle.”

  I swatted his shoulder as a shiver passed through me. Blake had given me many firsts: First kiss. First ride on a motorcycle. First orgasm. First broken heart.

  “This isn’t sex. It’s... a stupid ride to the city. Don’t turn this into something more.”

  He laughed, lessening my inner turmoil. Blake had one of those deep, sexy roar type of laughs that wrapped around my heart and squeezed. He was so handsome. Even more so when he relaxed because it softened his rugged features.

  “Never suggested anything more. Hold on tight.” He winked.

  “You’re not joking. Are you?”

  He shook his head and went back inside. Less than a minute later, he returned holding a helmet and leather jacket. Without asking permission, he placed the protective gear on my head. I shrugged into the jacket that fit like a glove. It wasn’t his. It shouldn’t have mattered, but that bothered me. I sniffed the collar. A citrus perfume mingled with the leather.

  “Your ex-girlfriend was my size. Lucky me,” I said with a touch of sass.

  “It’s Ma’s gear. I don’t date.” He tossed his leg over the seat and held his hand out for me to take. “Hike up your skirt and hop on.”

  “Why don’t you date?”

  “Less talk and more action.” He motioned with his head for me to move onto the seat.

  Protesting was pointless. I zipped the jacket and exhaled. My pencil skirt wouldn’t lift high enough for me to maneuver onto the bike. Things like this only happened to me. After two failed attempts, I cursed under my breath.

  “Turn around,” he demanded.

  “What?”

  “Do it.” He climbed off the motorcycle as I spun around. He crouched behind me. His big hands slid over my hips and down to the hemline of my skirt. “Hope you’re not attached to this.”

  I glanced over my shoulder as he ripped the fabric. A long tear up to the base of my ass. A warm breeze grazed the back of my newly exposed legs as Blake admired his handy work. I buried my face in my hands.

  “All set. Nice thong.”

  “Blake, don’t look at my—”

  “Relax and get behind me,” he said and straddled the motorcycle.

  I lifted my skirt and shimmied onto the seat behind Blake. My thighs hugged his hips, and I wrapped my arms around his waist, keeping as much distance between us as possible. When the bike lurched forward, I hugged him closer. It was too loud to hear, but I felt his stomach contract as he laughed.

  With my body glued against his, we tore down the highway. It was the most freeing experience. I loved every second. The city skyline came into view far too quickly. We arrived at the mall, and Blake pulled into a parking stall.

  “Why don’t you give me your number? I’ll call you when I’ve finished my errands,” I said, adjusting my skirt so the newly formed slit was on the side instead of the back. I passed him the helmet. “Shouldn’t take more than an hour.”

  “Stores close in forty minutes.” He climbed off the bike, took the gear and shoved it into the saddlebag. “What are your errands?”

  “I need to pick out a tie because my mother didn’t think her father should be buried in something old. I also need to find a dress. She wasn’t happy with what I brought.”

  The black, pinstriped pantsuit was deemed inappropriate. It wasn’t feminine or flattering, according to the fashion police. In my haste to get to Lakeside, I’d thrown random items in my bag. I should have been more selective and could have avoided that argument.

  “Your mother is still a piece of work.” There was a stiffness to his stance and a harshness to his tone. “I never liked the way your folks treated you.”

  My hand landed on his forearm. I had so much more to say, but this wasn’t the time. “Her heart is in the right place.”

  “Still defending them.” He shook his head and stepped out of my reach. “Hurry up. Get what you need, then call me.” He barked his number.

  “Or you come with me,” I said, not looking up from my phone as I programmed his number. “It might go quicker.”

  He removed his helmet and smirked. “Only if I get to pick your outfit.”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Don’t forget that you owe me. I think I’m letting you off easy with this.”

  “You’re being unreasonable. I’ll pay you for—”

  “Already told you that I don’t want your money.” He rubbed his beard as his eyes roamed my body. “Because you’re fighting me, consider this a partial payment. Counts for only half a favor after I select your outfit.”

  I chewed my lip, debating my sanity. As ridiculous as his proposal seemed, I didn’t have time to debate. If he picked something horrible, I’d wear the pantsuit and deal with the repercussions from my mother.

  “Fine.” I’d officially jumped into Wonderland’s crazy rabbit hole with Blake. “It has to be black and it can’t show too much skin.”

  “Killjoy.”

  “It’s for a funeral. I can’t look like a clown or a prostitute.”

  I hurried into the department store with Blake hot on my heels. We tackled the first item on my list. Finding a tie was easy. I selected something green since it was my grandfather’s favorite color. Choosing a black dress that fit my curves wouldn’t be as simple; not that I had much say in the matter.

  Blake pointed at the change rooms. “Get undressed and I’ll bring a few options.”

  “Fine.”

  I marched towards the first room, pushed the heavy floor-length, navy blue curtain aside and entered. The area was surprisingly spacious with a three-way mirror along the back and a wicker chair against the wall. I closed the curtain, ensuring there was no way anyone could see inside before removing my blouse and mangled skirt. As I waited, I glanced at my reflection. My cheeks were flushed, and my nipples were hard. I blamed Blake.

  “What am I going to do with you, Blake?” I mumbled.

  “I’ve got plenty of ideas,” he said, sliding the curtain open and joining me in the changing area.

  I yelped, covered my exposed body as best I could and stepped back until I ran out of room. He closed the curtain and faced me. With his arms full, he sat in the chair and smiled.

  “Keep it down or you’ll get us kicked out,” he whispered as he adjusted the items over his legs. “Thought I told you to get undressed. Why is your bra still on?”

  “Get out.”

  He grinned and leaned back in the chair. “This is the fun part. I wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Get out,” I repeated with a little less conviction.

  “I’ve seen everything you’ve got, Gemma. Felt every inch of your beautiful body. You’ve got no reason to be shy. Take it off or I’ll help remove it. Either way, it’s gotta go.” He lifted a black satin corset. “This goes under the dress.”

  His words caused my heart to beat erratically. I inhaled a long, deep breath and released it slowly as I dropped my arms. When I returned to Lakeside, I never expected to give my ex a peep show. Blake had always appealed to my naughty side.

  “That was a long time ago. I don’t think—”

  “Stop thinking. If you argue, I won’t hesitate to take you over my knee.”

  A jolt of arousal pulsed through my core. I lifted an eyebrow, daring him to do it. Neither of us moved.

  If he was trying to make me uncomfortable, it wouldn’t work. With my body facing him, I reached behind my back and removed my bra. The garment fell to the floor. I stretched my arm and grabbed the corset. His fingers wrapped around my wrist and pulled me closer. I swallowed hard as his breath wafted over my erect nipples, making them even harder.

  “You’re perfect.”

  One more step and I’d be on his lap.

  One more heated look and I’d rip open his jeans.

  “Gemma, you—”

  “Don’t.”

  I closed my eyes, b
reaking the spell. We shouldn’t start something. Especially not in a woman’s changing room. Especially not while choosing a funeral outfit for the only person who loved me. My hand trembled as I covered my torso with the corset.

  “If you’re staying, then shut up.” If he said any more nice things, I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself from claiming his lips. “Please don’t say another word.”

  He released my arm. I glanced at the area, expecting to see a mark. There was nothing because the marks were soul deep. All the feelings I had for this man rushed back.

  The love. So much love.

  The insatiable desire.

  The painful heartache.

  I turned and dressed. The corset boosted my breasts and cinched my waist. Blake held the dress for me and slipped it over my head. The black fabric clung to my curves. I faced the mirror and smiled. The cocktail dress had a sweetheart neckline and flared at the knee. It was tasteful and pretty.

  I twirled, admiring the fit. He’d done good. I thanked him and agreed to buy the dress.

  He nodded and left the change room without saying a word. I undressed with no fanfare and paid for the items. I found him in the parking lot next to his motorcycle, typing on his phone. The man was sex personified. Hands down the sexiest man I’d ever seen or touched.

  Why the hell had I thrown on the brakes?

  My heels clacked against the concrete. He didn’t look up as I approached. I cleared my throat and still nothing.

  “I’m ready. Thanks again for—”

  “Don’t thank me.” He tucked his phone into his pocket and handed me the gear.

  “Would you care to eat dinner together? There’s a burger joint down the road. My treat,” I offered.

  “Are you asking me on a date, Gemma?” The corner of his lip lifted.

  “No.”

  “No,” he repeated with a flirtatious arched eyebrow. “Sounds like you are.”

  I’d missed that playfulness. My heart beat in triple time as I considered being on a date with Blake. We’d never been on a real date. We hooked up at the end of my freshman year. He’d followed me after school. I’d noticed him doing that a few times prior. Instead of going home, I’d detoured to the park near my house. We talked. He flirted like a champ and tore down my defenses. Against my better judgment, I didn’t pull away when he kissed me. I’d fallen so hard for him. Every boy since had paled by comparison. I hadn’t meant a date, but I wasn’t opposed to the idea.

  “You told me you don’t date anymore.”

  “I don’t.” His gaze stayed locked with mine as he straddled his bike.

  “Well, then this isn’t a date. We’re two people who need to eat. When single people go out to eat together, it’s typically called a date, but we don’t have to label it. Don’t read too much into it, Blake.”

  He smirked and patted the seat behind him. “You don’t want to eat alone so let’s consider this one more favor.”

  “What?”

  “We can head back, and you can eat dinner with your parents, or you can owe me another favor? Your choice.”

  He wasn’t playing fair. I didn’t want to rush back. My parents would be at the Lodge, surrounded by their friends. I had no desire to play the role of perfect daughter.

  “Add it to my tab,” I said. “Let’s go eat.”

  “I accept your invitation on one condition.”

  “What’s your condition?”

  “I’d like us to be friends.”

  His request caught me off guard. Given the way sparks flew earlier, I expected… not that. Blake always did the unexpected.

  “Friends?” I repeated the word as I pulled on my helmet. I didn’t think it was possible, but I liked the idea. “How do you propose we do this?”

  “Let’s bury the hatchet. Leave the past alone. No lies. Do you think we can be friends?”

  That was easy. I was an open book. “I’d like that. Honesty works both ways.”

  He nodded and extended his hand to help me on. “This is going to be interesting.”

  Our palms met. The heat from his touch spread through me like a freight train, knocking down any walls in their path. I wanted those big hands on me. Everywhere. My core quivered with less than friendly desire. I straddled the bike, released his hand and buried my face against his back. My fingers splayed across his rock-hard abs. I didn’t even try to keep my distance.

  The motor roared to life and we drove away from the stores. Friends and nothing more. I repeated those words to myself over and over on the ride to the restaurant. Being friends with my first love and a man I wanted to get naked and dirty with would only lead to disaster. I’d given him my virginity. I’d given him my whole heart then everything fell apart. Getting close to him again would either give me the closure I never received or break me once and for all.

  By the time we reached the graffiti-covered walls of the burger place, I’d calmed my hormones. At least, I thought I had. When Blake stepped off his bike and removed his helmet, all friendly thoughts disintegrated. My boyfriend had turned into a man. Ex boyfriend.

  “I think you’ll like this place,” I squeaked. Pretending I wasn’t attracted to him would test acting abilities I didn’t possess.

  We sat across from one another and talked about safe subjects. I told him about boarding school and university, and the geeky awkwardness that followed me throughout my life. I spilled my milkshake seconds later, proving my point.

  He told me about his life after high school, working at the shop and managing the farm. Every time he mentioned his family or his niece his entire face brightened. We steered clear of relationships, my parents and my grandfather’s passing. He was funny. I’d forgotten how much he could make me laugh. We laughed a lot.

  I found pretty much any excuse to touch him and gage his reaction. Each time our skin connected his eyes turned molten. His legs bounced under the table, grazing mine. I wasn’t the only one feeling something. The energy between us was palpable. It wasn’t teenage lust anymore. We were adults.

  When the waitress asked if we wanted dessert, I knew what I wanted. If the menu offered it, I’d have ordered a big helping of Blake covered in whipped cream with a cherry on top. He opted for apple pie with ice cream which he shared without being asked.

  Our forks went for the last bite at the same time. He chuckled and removed his utensil. “Go ahead.”

  “Why are you still so perfect?” I swallowed the last mouthful.

  “Far from it.” His Adam’s apple bobbed as he watched me lick the tines of the forks.

  “You help damsels in distress. You’re ripped and undeniably gorgeous. On top of all that, you’ve got a job, wheels and a house.” I tapped my chin. “Why hasn’t some women snapped you up yet?”

  The waitress returned, interrupting our conversation. He never answered. I paid the tab. Blake offered, but I’d asked him out. It was my treat. We stepped outside and a cooler evening breeze greeted us. I shivered and pulled on the jacket.

  “Are you cold?” He closed the distance between us and rubbed my arms.

  “Not anymore,” I said, placing my hands on his chest.

  This felt like the end of a date. The best first date I’d ever been on. There was no pretense or awkwardness and the attraction sparked red hot.

  I stared into his eyes. “Blake, I’m willing to put myself out there first.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Us. Remind me why things didn’t work out with us?”

  “I’ll never leave Lakeside. The occasional day trip is all I can stomach of the big city. Everyone, including you, is so eager to get out, but I am happy to stick around.”

  My heart constricted. I had asked him to follow me and he’d refused. He didn’t love me enough. His admission stung and the gaping hole in my chest ached.

  “If I hadn’t left, do you think we’d still be together?”

  His eyes narrowed, and I lost myself in the turquoise swirls. “I don’t know,” he answered.r />
  When his fingers tucked my loose strands of hair behind my ears, I leaned in for a kiss. With my lips puckered, I tried to kiss him. I needed to feel those full lips against mine.

  Instead of closing the distance, he pulled away and sat on his motorcycle. “We should go.”

  From perfect to awkward in a nano-second. That was the story of my life.

  “Right.” My cheeks burned with embarrassment. Like an idiot, I’d misread the signals. I quickly put the helmet on and jumped behind him, hoping he’d forget what I tried. “I’m ready whenever you are, friend.”

  Friends and nothing more.

  Chapter Five

  Blake

  Only a layer of black lace and jeans separated us. I swallowed hard. A tiny, thin slice of practically see-through material rubbed against my ass as she wiggled behind me. The heat from her pussy had embedded itself into my psyche. Her nails dug into my stomach as we cruised down the highway. I would never be able to get Gemma Newbury out of my head.

  She wasn’t the type of woman easily forgotten. Hell, the girl had taken my heart the moment we first kissed and held it hostage for too many damn years. No matter how much I tried to convince myself she wasn’t right for me, being near her changed everything. I didn’t regret my decision. Her years of absence had confirmed I made the right choice, but doubt gnawed at the back of my skull.

  What the hell was I doing?

  I never should have turned around earlier. I should have let her find her own way to the city. Her problems weren’t my concern. She wasn’t mine, but deep down I’d never stopped wanting her. After all these years apart, the attraction hadn’t fizzled. If anything, it had grown into something I could hardly control.

  When she’d dropped the clothing and bared her body, I almost lost it. It was a good thing she stopped us from making a mistake. My cock had been so hard, I’d walked funny to the parking lot. When she’d inadvertently asked me out, my heart nearly burst out of my chest. Gemma Newbury was full of surprises. The flirting, touching and laughing flowed more easily than I expected. It was so easy to forget the pain of losing her with her near me. It was like old times. Until the end. As her lips puckered, I had wanted more than anything to claim them again and show her everything she’d been missing because she’d left me. She’d left. Instead of kissing her senseless, I made the split-second decision not to head back down that path. She’d pushed me away. This time I called the shots.