Harlequin Desire June 2020 - Box Set 1 of 2

by Maureen Child

  And she wanted Reese.

  Everything about this felt out of control, and yet safe at the same time.

  That moment when she took a step forward, she saw Reese’s shoulders relax, a smile spread across his face. There was something so intimate and arousing about the darkness, the quiet of the night and the moonlight streaming through the windows. There was no need to even pretend she didn’t want to be here. It was time she owned up to exactly what she needed and not make excuses or apologies.

  When this was over, there would be no room for regrets. Regrets would only lead to the downfall of their friendship, and she refused to let him slip from her life.

  Josie reached for Reese and she could have sworn she heard him mutter something like “finally,” but she wasn’t positive. Her heart beat too fast, the thumping rhythm drowning out anything else.

  All at once his hands were on her, his mouth covered hers, and he cupped her backside, lifting her against his firm body.

  Every thought vanished as she let the overwhelming sensation of passion consume her. An unfamiliar feeling overcame her and all she could think was that this felt too right to be considered wrong.

  Reese turned and moved them through the room, never taking his lips from hers. Josie laced her fingers behind his neck and held on as anticipation built and her body ached for so much more.

  She tilted and landed softly on the comforter as Reese came down to rest on her. The weight of his body pressed her deeper into his warm bed.

  The way he settled between her thighs had Josie tipping her hips, silently begging him for more. Reese’s lips left hers and roamed over her jaw and down the column of her throat. She arched her back, granting him access to anything and everything he wanted.

  His weight lifted off her as he eased his way down her body. Strong hands tugged at her chemise and Josie reached down to help him. She shimmied the silk up and over her head, tossing it aside without a care, leaving her only in her lace panties.

  Reese came up to his knees, and in the glow of the moonlight, she didn’t miss the way his heavy gaze raked over her body like this was the very first time seeing her.

  He’d seen her plenty—in all kinds of outfits, in a bikini—but never like this and never so intimately. She wanted to freeze this second, to remember his look forever. She’d never felt sexier or more beautiful than right now.

  Josie lifted her knees and came up onto her elbows. She wanted him to touch her with more than his stare. She needed skin to skin, and she was done waiting.

  In a flurry of movements, she worked off her panties and assisted him in taking off his boxer briefs. Reese slid off the bed for a moment and procured protection before coming back to her.

  This was really happening.

  Josie should have been worried, but all she could think of was how much she wanted him to join their bodies, to make them one. Nothing felt weird or awkward, even though this was Reese.

  Actually, she was surprised how perfect it felt.

  He braced his hands on either side of her head and leaned down to glide his lips over hers.

  “Be sure,” he murmured.

  Josie wrapped her arms and legs around him, guiding him to exactly where she wanted him. The second he slid into her, Josie’s body bowed as she cried out. Her fingertips dug into his shoulders and Reese immediately set a rhythm that did glorious things to her.

  With his strong grip on her hips, Reese eased up and stared down at her while he made love to her.

  No. They weren’t making love.

  This was sex. She hadn’t planned for anything more.

  “Get out of your head,” he told her. “Stay with me.”

  He eased back down, slowed his pace and smoothed her hair away from her face. She didn’t know how he always knew what she was thinking. He was just amazing like that.

  Speaking of amazing, the way he moved his body over hers, glided his lips across her skin, had her body climbing higher. Josie gripped his hair as he covered her mouth with his. Her ankles locked even tighter as her climax hit.

  He didn’t release her lips as he swallowed her moans. Her knees pressed against his waist as every possible emotion overcame her. The intense pleasure and utter serenity completely took over. Josie lost herself in the moment, the man.

  Nothing could ever compare to this right here.

  Before she could come down from her high, Reese pulled his lips from hers, pumped even harder, and she watched as his jaw clenched. Those bright blue eyes locked onto hers as his release rolled through him.

  Josie had never seen a sexier sight.

  This was the only side to Reese she had never seen, and she honestly hadn’t known she could get turned on so much even after her body had stopped trembling.

  But seeing him come undone, well, Josie figured she’d be staying the night in this bed because she wasn’t finished here.

  Reese eased back down, shifting to the side and gathering her in against his side.

  “Stay,” he whispered.

  Again, such a simple word that held so much meaning, so much promise.

  Josie turned, tipping her head up to his as she raked a finger across his jawline. “I’m just getting started,” she whispered back.

  NINE

  “Who were you referring to when you said you couldn’t be her?”

  Reese didn’t mean to break the silence with that question, but he’d been wondering for some time now and obviously Josie wasn’t going to be forthcoming with the information.

  Just in the past two days he’d discovered there was much more to her than he’d ever realized. Clearly, she’d held this secret, but she’d also been hiding a passion that matched his, which he hadn’t even considered.

  Knowing they were compatible in more ways than just as friends blew his mind.

  Having Josie in his bed had been more than he’d ever imagined…and he had a hell of an imagination where she was concerned. But realizing they were so damn compatible was just another confirmation that a physical relationship had been worth the risk.

  The silence stretched between them as she sat on the edge of the bed with her bare back to him. The sun hadn’t even come up yet and she was trying to leave. She’d spent the night here, they’d gotten little sleep, and they had to get ready to go to this interview at his restaurant and attempt to fake an engagement.

  Reese would rather stay in this bed and figure out what was really going on between them, to know what she was thinking. Physically, she was here, but he wasn’t sure she was with him mentally.

  “What do you mean?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder.

  That long, silky black hair fell down her back and he had the strongest urge to reach up and feel those strands slide between his fingertips.

  “In your closet the other day,” he reminded her. “The one with the leak. Who were you referring to when you said you couldn’t be like her?”

  Her eyes darted down, but even from her silhouette, he could see the sadness in her expression. Reese eased closer, but didn’t touch her. He still didn’t know where they’d landed in this postcoital moment, and he didn’t want to make things awkward. He wanted her to feel comfortable enough to answer his question.

  “My mother,” she murmured. “I don’t remember much about her, but I do remember her always wearing bright colors. She loved blues and reds. She always had on red lipstick, too.”

  Reese had never met Josie’s mother, and actually hadn’t seen many pictures of her, either. But he did recall seeing one photo, years ago, and Josie looked exactly like her mother. The long, dark hair, the doe eyes, the petite frame and the flawless, light brown skin tone.

  “I remember Dad saying that when he first met mom during his travels to the Philippines, when he first joined the army, he fell in love with her on the spot. He loved how bold and vibrant she was. She challen
ged him and made him work for her affection. They were so in love.”

  Reese wanted to erase that sorrow from her tone, but he wasn’t sorry that he’d asked. This was a portion of Josie that she’d kept locked away from him. They’d been friends for so many years, yet he’d never heard her talk of her mother this way and he sure as hell hadn’t had a clue that she’d kept a shrine to her in her closet in the form of unworn clothes.

  “Were those clothes hers?” he asked.

  “No.” Josie came to her feet and slid back into her chemise before settling back down and turning to face him. “I buy them thinking I’ll take the plunge one day and just step out in something bold like she always did. But I’m not her. I’m boring, predictable and more comfortable in black. Besides, that’s how my readers know me—classic black. Any photo I’m in or any event I attend, I’m always in black. It’s my signature look now.”

  She attempted a soft smile, but that sadness still remained in her eyes. Had she always had that underlying emotion? Did he just take for granted that she was okay with how her life had turned out? He couldn’t imagine losing his mother, but he doubted Josie would ever feel whole with that void in her life.

  He was still trying to figure out how he felt regarding the fact that he was adopted. Now he had three parents and his world was all over the place. Even so, this was nothing like what Josie had gone through.

  “You can wear whatever you want whenever you want,” he informed her. “Be yourself. If that’s a bright red dress, then do it.”

  She gave him a sideways glare, that typical Josie look when he suggested something she thought was a completely moronic idea.

  “I’m serious,” he urged. “There’s no dress police. Maybe that could be your next article. How to revamp yourself—or some clever title you’d come up with.”

  Josie laughed and relief washed over him. He always wanted to hear her laugh, to see her wide smile and know she was happy.

  “I wouldn’t use something so trite as the word revamp in my title. I’m beyond college days when I was too tired to come up with something catchy.”

  She came to her feet again and smoothed her hair back from her face with a sigh. “Besides, I’m not getting the equivalent of an adult makeover, so this plan is irrelevant. I’m fine with who I am, I just sometimes wonder what it would be like. That’s all.”

  Reese sat up in bed, the sheet pooled around his waist. He kept his eyes on that body he’d worshipped nearly all night. He wanted to know if she’d join him again tonight, because one night wasn’t nearly enough, but he wanted to leave that next step up to her. He wasn’t ready for a long-term commitment and he didn’t want her to misunderstand what was happening here. It was up to her to continue what they’d started. She’d come to him once before…he had to believe she would again.

  “I’m going to get ready,” she told him. “If we leave early, we can swing by Rise and Grind. I haven’t had an iced mocha latte in forever.”

  “You had one last week. I picked it up for you and brought it to your house and even delivered it into your home office.”

  Her brows drew in as if she were trying to remember, but then she shrugged. “Well, a week is too long.”

  Reese shoved the covers aside and rose. Josie’s eyes immediately landed on his bare body and then darted away.

  “You’re not going to act embarrassed, are you?” he asked, purposely not grabbing his clothes.

  “No, no.” She glanced anywhere but at him. “Nothing to be embarrassed about, right? We’re both adults and last night was…it was…”

  Reese bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at her stammering and her focus darting all around the room like she was trying to find something to land on other than him or their night together.

  He rounded the bed and came up behind her. Not touching her took a considerable amount of willpower, though.

  “No regrets,” he told her.

  Josie jumped, clearly unaware he’d moved closer.

  “I don’t have regrets,” she stated, still without looking at him. “I have concerns.”

  Might as well be the same thing, but he wanted to alleviate any worries.

  “Nothing we did was wrong,” he told her, taking her shoulders and turning her to face him. “You know that, right?”

  Her eyes caught his as she nodded. “I just don’t want things to change.”

  “How would they change? We both had a great time, we both enjoyed it…if your moaning and panting my name were any indicators.”

  She rolled her eyes and smacked his bare chest, which was the exact response he wanted. He needed to lighten the mood so she didn’t feel like this was anything more than what it was…sex between friends. He didn’t want her worried or afraid that they couldn’t still be the best of friends.

  They were both on unfamiliar ground here. And he wasn’t sure how the hell to even start setting boundaries. All he knew was that he wanted her on a level he’d never wanted anyone before…the rest could sort itself out later.

  “We won’t start comparing notes,” she said with a smile. “You did your fair share of that sexy clenched-jaw thing so I know you had a good time.”

  “Sexy jaw thing?” he asked. He had no idea what that meant, but he’d had a good time. He decided to zero in on the fact that she’d called him sexy.

  Maybe they would be right back in his bed tonight.

  “Your ego needs no help from me,” she told him as she took a step back. “And I need to get ready. Coffee is on you this morning.”

  She sashayed out, but not before tossing him another grin that punched him with a heavy dose of lust. He had no idea how this interview would go or what they’d be expected to do in the photo shoot, but none of that mattered.

  Reese was already counting down the time until they came back here, and he could get to know more of that sweet body of hers.

  * * *

  “And if you could slide the back of your fingertips down her cheek,” the photographer suggested.

  Josie stilled, her palms flat against Reese’s chest. He had one arm wrapped around her waist and had her flush against his body, while he used the other hand to obey the photographer’s commands.

  “Now lock eyes,” the photographer added. “Like you’re dying to kiss, but you can’t.”

  Well, at least that part wasn’t fake. With Reese this close and her hormones still in overdrive from last night, she desperately wanted to feel his lips on hers…sans an audience.

  Was that normal? Should she want to strip down her best friend? She wasn’t even sure what to call this newfound relationship they’d created, but she also knew if she read too much into it, she’d drive herself mad.

  Maybe she just needed to create a new box, one without a label but still a nice, neat area to keep these emotions in for now—until she knew what to do with them.

  “A little closer,” the photographer stated as she snapped away.

  She moved in closer and Josie tried not to break eye contact with Reese, but the lights and the people standing around watching were a bit unnerving.

  They’d set up just inside the stunning entryway of Conrad’s. With the serene waterfall wall, the suspended glass bulbs showcasing pale greenery, the place seemed simple, yet classy, and perfect for a photo where the photographer wanted to focus on the couple.

  “Breathe,” Reese whispered.

  Her eyes held his and that desire staring back at her had her heart beating even faster. Having sex and being in the dark was one thing, but pretending to be in love with lights and cameras all around was definitely another.

  Melissa stood off to the side, smiling like a mother of the bride. Guilt settled deep. All of this had started simply because she wanted her ex to move on.

  One failed marriage was embarrassing enough. She didn’t want to be known for another unsuccessf
ul relationship. Perhaps she and Reese would fool everyone with these photos of a couple in love and then once they announced they were better off as friends, people would see them in public together, and everything would go back to normal.

  She hoped.

  “Oh, wait a minute.”

  Josie jerked away from Reese when her editor interrupted the clicking of the camera.

  “Where’s her ring?” Melissa asked. “We can’t do photo shoot about the engagement without the ring.”

  Josie froze. The ring? Damn it, she hadn’t thought that far ahead. Reese had joked about it, but that had just been him trying to annoy her in that playful way of his. They weren’t actually going ring shopping. Good grief, that would be absurd, but she couldn’t think of a lie right off the top of her head.

  Her eyes darted back to Reese’s, who was reaching into his pocket.

  “Right here,” he stated, producing a ruby set in a diamond band. “I cleaned it for her this morning and we were in a rush to get here, so I slipped it into my pocket.”

  Josie’s attention volleyed between Reese’s sexy grin and that ring she’d never seen before in her life. Was he serious? How in the hell did he just procure a ring—a rather impressive, expensive-looking ring—out of his pants pocket? Even Reese wasn’t that powerful…was he? How had he made this happen and why hadn’t he clued her in on it?

  “Here you go, babe.”

  Reese lifted her left hand and slid the ring into place and the damn thing actually fit like it was made for her. Had he known her ring size, too?

  “Let me see,” exclaimed her editor.

  Josie was busy examining the rock herself because this was seriously a piece of art. When her editor grabbed her hand and squealed, Josie couldn’t help but laugh. She glanced back to Reese, who merely winked, as if he’d had everything under control from the start.

  Again, the man took care of all the details and never acted like he was put out or tired. How did he do all of that without a planner, a spreadsheet, a personal assistant?