Harlequin Desire June 2020 - Box Set 1 of 2

by Maureen Child

  He needed to understand his true role when it come to Rusty Lockwood. He needed to know where he actually stood in all of his relationships and what the hell he was supposed to feel.

  Because his entire world was in upheaval and he honestly had no idea what to think about any of it.

  “I’ll see what I can work out,” Reese replied. “But I can’t make promises right now.”

  “Understood. I’ll be in touch soon.”

  Reese disconnected the call, held his cell at his side and continued to stare out the window. He wasn’t ready to face Josie yet, not when his body was still humming from their brief, intense encounter. Their clothes had stayed on. There had barely been any skin-on-skin contact. What would happen when they finally took that next step?

  Because Reese had every intention of doing just that. He’d been uncertain before, even after that first kiss, but the way she’d responded moments ago—how could he deny either of them?

  There was too much passion here to ignore. There was too much pent-up desire. Who knew how long those feelings had been stirring?

  They would never know what they could have if he didn’t take the risk. No, he didn’t want to lose her as his best friend, but what if things only got better?

  When he turned, he found Josie staring straight at him. She’d clearly had time to compose herself, but that hunger was still in her eyes. Her squared shoulders and tight lips, though, were good indicators that she wasn’t happy about what she was feeling.

  “You’re going back to Green Valley?” she asked.

  Reese pocketed his phone. “That’s not where I thought we’d pick up from where we just left off.”

  She crossed her arms and stared across the room. “Where did you think we’d pick up? Kissing? Because I’m still not sure that’s a good idea.”

  And that’s where they clearly disagreed. There wasn’t a better idea, in his opinion.

  “You weren’t complaining a minute ago,” he reminded her—just in case she’d forgotten. “In fact, you were enjoying yourself, if I recall.”

  Her gaze darted away for a split second before she glanced back to him. “A minute ago, I was sidetracked by, um…”

  “My slick moves?” he asked with a smile.

  Her eyes narrowed. “Does your ego need to be stroked? I could’ve kissed anyone and gotten carried away. My eyes were closed, you know, and I happen to like kissing.”

  Jealousy consumed him as he closed the distance between them. He had her wrapped in his arms and falling against his chest. Her hands flattened on him as her focus was directed straight at his face.

  “You think you’d react that way to just anyone?” he asked, tipping her back just enough so she had to cling to him. “Don’t throw other men in my face, Josie. I might prove you wrong.”

  “But…we’re friends, Reese.”

  Something in him softened at her tone, which was laced with confusion—as well as curiosity and desire.

  “We are friends,” he murmured, closing the space between their lips. “Very, very good friends.”

  Because this was Josie, he wanted to take it slow. He wanted her to recognize this insistent attraction and come to terms with the fact that they had already crossed the friend line. They might as well fully explore this passion.

  True, everything surrounding them was in total chaos. But if they didn’t take the chance now when they were thrown together, then when would they?

  “Reese.”

  His name slid through her lips as she closed her eyes and tipped her mouth to his. As if he needed any more invitation than that to claim what he so desperately ached for.

  Reese wanted her out of this little black dress, he wanted her hair messed up, and he wanted to be the cause of every bit of her chaotic, sexy state.

  He’d never wanted a woman so bad in his life.

  Her hands came up to his shoulders; her fingertips dug in. Didn’t she know? He’d never let her fall.

  Reese lifted her up firmly against his body as he spun her around and sat her on the edge of the table. She eased from his kiss and locked her gaze with his. He waited for her to stop him, all the while praying she’d let him continue. Touching her was like a drug he hadn’t known he was addicted to and now he couldn’t get enough.

  He reached up to the strap of her dress and eased it down her arm, taking her bra strap with it. Josie trembled beneath his touch and he had to force himself to keep this slow pace. She wanted him, wanted this—that much was evident in her heavy-lidded stare and flushed cheeks. Not to mention she wasn’t telling him no.

  Keeping his attention on hers, Reese slid the other straps down, earning him a swift intake of her breath as she raked her tongue across her lower lip. There was no way she could imagine the potent spell she held over him—he hadn’t even been sure of it himself until now.

  Josie shifted and braced her hands on the table behind her, quirking a brow as if daring him to stop. Damn, this woman was silently challenging him in the most delicious way.

  Reese started to lean in, more than eager to get his lips on that velvety skin of hers.

  “Reese,” she whispered.

  He stopped, his hands braced on either side of her hips.

  “As much as we both want this, tell me it won’t change things.”

  The plea in her tone, in her eyes, had Reese swallowing the truth—because things had already changed. The dynamics of their relationship had started changing the moment he knew he wanted her, which, if he was honest with himself, was years ago. She was just finally starting to catch up.

  “You’ll still be my best friend,” he answered truthfully.

  He settled his lips over hers as he grazed his hand up her bare thigh and beneath the hem of her dress. She shifted and rocked back and forth slightly to give him better access.

  There was nothing he wanted more than to pleasure her right now. To pour out all of the passion he’d been storing up just for her. No woman could ever compare to Josie—which was why he refused to lose her in his life. Yes, intimacy would change things, but maybe it would make them even closer.

  Reese feathered his fingertips along the seam of her panties, earning him a soft moan and a tilt of her hips. But the moment he slid a finger beneath the silky material, he was the one eliciting a moan.

  Josie leaned further back, dropping down to her elbows, but still keeping her eyes on his hand. He’d never seen a sexier sight than what was displayed before him. With her hair a mess, her dress hanging on by the curve of her breasts, those expressive eyes silently begging for more and her spread thighs, Reese didn’t think he’d be able to ever have a meal at this table again without getting aroused.

  As much as he wanted to roam his mouth over all of that exposed skin, he didn’t want to miss one second of the desire in her expression. The moment he slid one finger over her heat, Josie’s eyes fluttered closed and her mouth dropped open on a gasp.

  Yes. That’s what he wanted. That sweet, vulnerable reaction.

  Finally, Josie eased back all the way and arched her body as she reached down and circled his wrist with her delicate fingers. Relinquishing control was not his go-to, but he was more than willing to let her guide her own pleasure.

  It wasn’t long before those hips pumped harder against his hand, before she cried out his name and clenched her grip a little tighter.

  Reese took it all in. The passion, the need, the completely exposed way Josie let herself be consumed by her desire.

  He’d never forget this moment, not for the rest of his life.

  When Josie relaxed against the table and released his wrist, Reese eased his hand away and adjusted the bottom half of her clothing. She’d gone totally limp and he couldn’t help but smile. He’d never seen her so calm, not worried about a schedule or making plans for something else. She was still, quiet…and utterly breathtaking.


  As much as he wanted to use her release as a stepping-stone to more, Reese gathered her in his arms and lifted her against his chest. Her head nestled against the crook of his neck like she’d done so a thousand times before.

  Reese lifted her bra straps back into place and adjusted the top of her dress.

  Josie’s hands reached for the zipper on his pants.

  “Not now,” he murmured, placing a kiss on the top of her head.

  Such an innocent gesture when the most erotic thoughts were swirling through his head. Just knowing she wanted to keep going was a victory he hadn’t known was even possible. But she was coming off a euphoria she hadn’t anticipated and he didn’t want her to think he assumed or expected her to reciprocate.

  Josie lifted her head, her tranquil gaze locked on his. “Why?”

  He said nothing, but he also wasn’t ready to just let her go. Gathering her up, he crossed to the wall of glass doors and eased one open with his foot.

  “Where are we going?” she asked, looping her arms around his neck.

  “You’re going to sit out here and relax and I’m going to bring you food.”

  When he placed her on the cushioned chaise in the outdoor living area, she simply stared up at him with her brows drawn.

  “That’s what you’re worried about? Food?”

  “Oh, I’m not worried,” he corrected. “You haven’t had dinner.”

  She blinked and then shook her head and muttered something under her breath about men being more confusing than women. That was an argument he was smart enough to walk away from.

  Leaving her outside, Reese went back into the kitchen, and his gaze kept wandering to the now-empty table. Yeah, he’d never be able to eat there again without thinking of her as she’d just been, and he sure as hell wasn’t about to tell his chef what had happened in his kitchen.

  Reese turned back to the island, rested his hands on the edge and dropped his head between his shoulders. He just needed a minute to get control over his emotions and his arousal. Turning down her advance had been the most difficult thing he’d ever done, but he wanted the time to be right, for her to come to him because that’s what she truly wanted and not because she was fuzzy-headed from a recent orgasm.

  When he glanced back up, he caught her gaze staring back at him from where she remained outside. There was a vast distance between them, but he recognized so much in her eyes that he couldn’t deny. Along with confusion and a hint of frustration, he still saw passion and he wondered exactly what she planned to do about it.

  EIGHT

  Josie stepped out onto the balcony off her guest room. The moonlight cast a bright, sparkling glow over the ocean. She had no clue how long she’d been standing out here letting her thoughts roll through her mind.

  Chris had texted only a little while ago and she’d finally responded, telling him this was her final correspondence, she had moved on and she wished the best for him. Then she blocked his number.

  She didn’t know what to make of everything that had happened earlier with Reese and she couldn’t worry about Chris’s feelings at this point. It was her slipup on the phone with him that had started this entire ordeal and toppled her life out of control.

  All of those neat, tidy boxes that had compartmentalized every aspect of her life were now completely obliterated.

  From the way Reese made her feel, to the fact that she’d never felt such a rush of emotions, to the way he’d eased back when she’d reached for him. Everything was different now and she had no idea how she could juggle all of these feelings and still remain calm.

  Josie crossed her arms and rubbed her hands over her skin. The breeze off the ocean washed over her, tickling her and doing nothing to dampen her arousal.

  And she was still aroused. True, Reese had brought her to pleasure, but she wanted more. He’d left her wondering what else she could experience with him. What would happen if they managed to get all of their clothes off? If they were skin to skin and not worried about anything else beyond physical intimacy?

  How would this change their relationship?

  Not only that, if she completely let go and gave in to her desires, there would certainly be no controlling where it led. She’d never felt like she was floundering before, but that’s exactly where she was right now. The decisions she should make collided with the decisions she was making and all of it was confusing the hell out of her.

  A sickening feeling settled deep in her stomach over the possibility of losing her very best friend. She couldn’t afford to be without him. She couldn’t imagine even one day without texting or talking to him. He literally knew her secrets; he was her go-to for everything.

  And he’d made her eyes roll back in her head and her toes curl with a few clever touches as he’d laid her out on his kitchen table.

  Shivers racked her body as she recalled every talented trace of those fingertips. Who knew her best friend had such moves? And who knew she’d love it so damn much?

  Dinner earlier had been strained. Josie wasn’t sure if things were awkward because she was still aroused or because their relationship had shifted so far away from something she could recognize and label.

  Regardless, Reese and his chef had outdone themselves with all of her favorites. She only wished she could’ve enjoyed them more.

  Josie turned back toward her room and closed the patio doors at her back. She had to get up early and look refreshed for her Q&A and photo shoot. Considering it was well after midnight, she wasn’t sure how fresh she would be able to make herself. There was only so much carefully applied concealer could do.

  The silk of her chemise slid over her skin as she padded her way back to her bed. Every sensation since she’d felt Reese’s touch only reminded her of how amazing he’d been. Every moment since her release, she’d ached for more and didn’t know how to make that happen.

  But didn’t she know? She was just as much in charge of what was going on as he was.

  But was she as brave? Nothing scared or worried Reese. That was the main area where they were 100 percent opposite.

  In that kitchen earlier, though, they had been completely and utterly perfect.

  Except for that one-off with Chris, Josie had never done something so spontaneous in her life. She made plans for everything and typically got irritated when her plans were shifted or canceled. Some might have even called her a nerd, but she preferred to be described as “structured.”

  Right now, though, she preferred to finish what Reese had started. Or maybe she’d started this? Regardless of who’d started what, the fact was, nothing had been finished.

  And maybe she opted to break out of her perfect box because Reese made her feel things she’d never felt before. Maybe, if she was being honest with herself, she liked experiencing her reckless side with him because she knew she was safe. Reese would never let her get hurt.

  Was he in his room thinking about what happened or was he fast asleep without a care? Knowing Reese, he’d fallen right to sleep, and she wasn’t even a thought in his mind right now.

  Well, too bad, because there was no way she could ignore this and certainly no way she could go to the Q&A and photo shoot while feeling such turmoil.

  She didn’t know if she was making the best decision or the biggest mistake.

  There was only one way to find out.

  Arousal and nerves clashed inside her as she tiptoed down the hallway toward Reese’s bedroom.

  This was insane, right?

  She should just go back to her room, read a book or play on her phone or anything until she could push him from her mind.

  But one step led to another and she found herself standing outside the double doors leading to the master suite. Josie placed her hands on the knobs and eased the doors open. Moonlight flooded the room, cascading a beam directly onto the king-size bed across from her.
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br />   She couldn’t do this. She shouldn’t be here.

  What was she thinking? This was Reese. Her very best friend from school who had seen her at her absolute worst—when her prom date dumped her, when she had that dumb idea to get a perm and he told her she was beautiful anyway, when she broke out in hives from some new facial cleanser she’d tried for an article and he ordered in dinner so she didn’t have to go out in public.

  He was her rock, her support…not her lover.

  Josie turned back toward the hall.

  “Stay.”

  The word penetrated the darkness and had Josie reaching to grip the doorknob again for support. Her heart beat so fast, so hard in her chest, unlike anything she’d experienced before.

  “I shouldn’t be here,” she murmured, still facing the darkened hall. Too late to slip out now.

  “You want to be here or you would’ve stayed in your room.”

  Why was he always right?

  “That doesn’t mean this is a good idea,” she told him.

  The sheets rustled behind her and Josie pulled in a deep breath, willing herself to finish what she’d come for. This was what she wanted; this was exactly why she’d made that short trip from her room to his.

  He knew full well why she’d come, so denying it now would only make her look like a fool.

  Josie turned, not at all surprised to see Reese standing behind her. Bare chest with a sprinkling of hair, broad shoulders, his dark hair messed up from his pillow and those hip-hugging black boxer briefs were not helping her resolve.

  “Who’s to tell us this is a bad idea?” he countered in that husky tone of his.

  Well, no one really, but shouldn’t she be the one saying this wasn’t smart? Shouldn’t she insist that they were friends above all else?

  Yet she’d come to his room because she wanted to forget that common sense logic and remember exactly how amazing she’d felt in his kitchen.

  “Stay.”

  He repeated the simple command, and something just clicked in place—something she hadn’t necessarily planned or given much thought to. For the first time in her life, she didn’t care about her plans. She only cared about her wants.