The Left Side of Perfect

by Meghan Quinn

  “Oh, did you get wall art?” Sage is leaning toward me, her water glass halfway to her lips.

  “Maybe,” I coyly answer.

  “Ugh, you’re driving me crazy,” Ryan says, leaning toward Sage, drawing her attention. “He totally got a picture of a plane with a naked girl leaning against it.”

  “What?” Sage’s face morphs into a combination of excitement and shock, looking so damn cute. “You got a nudey pic?”

  “She’s not naked.” I drag my hand over my face. “She has strategically painted stars over her tits and crotch.”

  “Ew, don’t say crotch.” Ryan bites into a piece of bread.

  “Is this girl voluptuous?”

  Ryan nudges Sage with her elbow. “The knockers on this chick put me to shame. We’re talking huge, and she has a tiny waist, with long freaking legs and red hair.”

  “A redhead?” Both girls eye me.

  And I decide to tell them truth why I really got the picture. “It wasn’t about the girl; it was about the plane. It was the same plane my grandpa flew when he was in the Air Force.”

  Both their faces soften before turning to each other. Silently they speak. It’s a crazy thing to watch, their lips curving at the same time before they both say, “It was totally for the nude girl.”

  Christ. I really shouldn’t do anything with these two together. I’m asking for trouble.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  COLBY

  Exhausted.

  My mind feels like fucking mush.

  We spent over two hours in the air today, having to refuel once while practicing maneuvering. My lungs are tired from pulling more Gs than my body intended for the day, my legs feel cramped from the long hours in the cockpit, and my brain is depleted from the two-hour debrief we had.

  As our four-ship formation leader, Bent was relentless during the debrief, going over every single move we made, playing back videos from the HUD, asking what we were thinking at each exact moment we made a move. It was fucking painful.

  And now that I’m home, I want to crack open a beer, put on mindless TV, and fall asleep because tomorrow, we have another mission mapped out with the same aerial maneuvers we tackled today.

  Don’t get me wrong. I feel privileged every damn day to fly an F-22, but it’s days like today that remind me I’m not just living out a dream, I’m doing a job. A job I love.

  I open the door to my apartment, flip on my light switch, and set my duffle bag on the bench next to the door. I took a shower in the locker room and changed into a fresh flight suit that I’ll wear tomorrow.

  Untying my boots, I set them to the side along with my cap, and hang my keys on a little hook I keep close to the door. When I look up, I catch a figure standing a few feet away, startling the ever-living fuck out of me.

  I cock my hand back, ready to deck the person, when my eyes focus and notice it’s Sage.

  It’s Sage standing in my living room, wearing nothing but a light pink nightie that barely covers her hips, the fabric see-through, showing off every inch of her smooth skin.

  “Jesus Christ, you scared me, Sage.”

  “I’m sorry.” She walks toward me and places her hands on my chest. My hands instinctively fall to her hips where they move to her back and down her ass, inching up the fabric of her nightie.

  Bending forward, I nuzzle her ear and whisper, “What are you doing here?”

  Her fingers slowly start to unzip my flight suit, her nails grazing along the sand tee I’m wearing underneath.

  “I wanted to see you, even if I had to stay up late. I missed you. I haven’t seen you in a week.”

  “I know.” I kiss the side of her neck. “I’m sorry. Our schedule has been crazy lately. And Bent told me today that in the next couple months, we’ll be going on TDY.”

  She pulls her head back, her hands pausing on the zipper. “Really? Where?”

  “Not sure yet.” I press a light kiss against her lips. “But I don’t want to talk about work. I want to talk about this little piece of fabric you’re wearing.”

  Her cheeks turn a pretty shade of pink as her fingers continue with their pursuit to undo my suit.

  “I saw it today and had to have it. I couldn’t stop thinking about you peeling it off me.”

  If I wasn’t already hard, I’m a fucking stone now.

  I bring one of my hands to her shoulder where I lightly play with the thin strap holding up one side, running it between my fingers before slowly lowering it down her shoulder, letting it drop.

  “It’s fucking sexy.” I reach my hand under the fabric covering her ass and give her cheek a good squeeze. “Everything about you is sexy, Sage.”

  Her hands bring the zipper of my flight suit to my crotch where she pauses and moves her hands inside, cupping my erection without hesitation.

  “Fuck,” I groan into her ear, my will slipping with each passing second. “I want you, bad, Sage. I want to fuck you so bad, bury my cock so far in your sweet pussy that you can barely walk tomorrow.”

  “Colby,” she says shyly.

  “I want to know what it feels like to have your slick pussy contract around my cock when you orgasm. I want to see how far I can make you lose control.” I nip the spot just below her ear. “I want you naked, in my bed, legs spread, and begging for me.” I move the hand on her ass to the front of her body and press my finger past the small thong she’s wearing and into her slit. I’m greeted by her arousal. “Shit, sweetheart, you’re so wet.”

  Slowly, I gently move my finger over her clit, loving how easily I slide up and down.

  “Please tell me you want this, that you want us.”

  On a short breath, she nods and says, “I want this, Colby.”

  Not able to hold back any longer, I pick her up where she wraps her legs around my waist, and I take her to my bedroom where I lay her on the bed.

  Her white-blonde hair spreads over my dark bedding, her eyes intent on my body as I unzip the rest of my flight suit and strip to my boxers. The entire time, her legs glide back and forth, lust brimming with the excitement I can see in her smile.

  I crawl onto the bed, straddle her head with my palms, and lean down where I press my mouth against hers. Her hands ride up my back, tentatively at first, but once I slide my tongue inside her mouth, cracking open the seal of her lips, she groans and digs her fingers into my back.

  Fuck, yes.

  Her legs wrap around mine, anchoring me in place while we make out, something we’ve been doing for the past few months, something we’re really good at. I love Sage’s lips, as they’re so soft and pliable. At times she can be rough and other times she can be shy. Right now, she’s being rough, and I like it.

  This is what I need. This release. This connection. After a long fucking day in the air, I want to come home to this. Fuck, it turns my shitty day into something pretty damn good.

  I bring one of my hands to the hem of her nightie and drag it up her body. She arches her back to help me remove it completely. I drag it over her head and toss it to the side, fixating on her small breasts, her pebbled nipples.

  Dragging my mouth down her body, I take one of her breasts into my mouth and suck hard, her body moving with my mouth, lifting and squeezing, her hands falling to my head where her fingers tangle with my hair.

  “Oh, Colby.” Her voice tight, strained, it turns me on even more.

  My cock swells, the fabric of my briefs barely able to contain my erection as I pulse it against her thong-covered pussy. Just two thin layers separate us and yet, it feels like we’re wearing a full set of clothes. I can’t have any barriers, not this time. Not now.

  “Need you naked, sweetheart.”

  “Then strip me.”

  Fuck.

  The green light.

  Like a crazed man, I reach down, remove her thong and my own briefs, my cock falling heavy across her leg.

  Her breath hitches in her chest when I work my mouth back to hers, taking her lips against mine, my hips barely ro
cking back and forth, the tip of my cock pressing against her slit.

  “Oh God,” she moans.

  “Are you sure about this?” I ask between kisses.

  She tilts her head to the side, giving me access to her neck while she says, “Yes.”

  Thank Christ.

  Normally, I would take my time with her, I would maybe eat her out a bit before fully burying myself inside her, but I can’t, not tonight. My cock is aching so damn bad that if I don’t get inside her soon I fear it might fall off.

  Pausing my kisses, I reach over to my nightstand where I snatch a condom, rip the packaging open, and quickly roll it over my length, fisting myself a few times while staring at a fascinated and extremely turned-on Sage.

  Her eyes are heady, her mouth swollen, and her nipples so goddamn hard that my mouth falls to them again as I reach between us and bring the head of my cock to her slit. I rub it up and down slowly, sucking hard at the same time.

  “Oh, God. Oh, Colby.” She holds on to my shoulders, stilling beneath me as I work her body like my own damn instrument. Stroking, sucking, licking, pleasing every inch of her.

  Bringing my mouth to the side of her head, my teeth nibbling on her ear, I say, “Spread your legs, Sage. Wide.”

  She nods and moves her body so she’s completely spread for me.

  I press my forehead against hers and say, “Grab on to my neck and hold me in place. I want to watch your eyes as I slip my cock inside of you. I want to see you take me all in.”

  Slowly, I push my erection inside her, wanting to die a very happy death with every inch. It’s been so damn long since I’ve been inside a woman that this feels like absolute heaven. We’ve gotten off together, but nothing like this, nothing this good.

  When I’m fully inside her, I still, letting her adjust to my thickness. “I’m going to be honest,” I breathe out. “I’m not going to last long.”

  “Me neither,” she answers as she starts to pant. “I’m right there. Move once and I’m falling over.”

  Her pussy starts to spasm, and fuck if it doesn’t feel amazing.

  Wanting to follow close behind her, I pump my hips, pulling my cock almost all the way out and then slamming hard inside her. With each thrust, her head falls from side to side, eyes shut, pleasure morphing her face.

  “Yes, Colby. Yes, right there.” Her fingers sink into my skin as her moans grow louder and louder.

  “So close. This pussy, fuck, Sage, so tight, so perfect.” I drive harder inside, my vision starting to tunnel as a wave of pleasure starts to ripple up my spine. “Fuck, I’m going to come. Where are you, sweetheart?”

  “Right . . . there . . . yes,” she screams and moves her hips with mine, pulling my orgasm out of me.

  My stomach bottoms out, my dick pulsing, as I fall over the precipice, my entire body feeling like it’s floating on a cloud.

  Slowly, I move my hips in and out, dragging out our orgasms until we have nothing left to give.

  “Shit.” I look at her, smiling. “That was . . . fuck, Sage.”

  She lifts her hand to my face where she slowly traces my cheek. “That was amazing, Colby.”

  “It was.”

  Sincerity crosses over her face, and I lose my breath when tears slip from her beautiful eyes. I’m about to ask what’s wrong, but she says, “I’m so glad I met you. You’ve made me so happy these last few months.”

  Still inside of her, I lean down and kiss her lips. “You’ve made me happy, sweetheart.”

  Continuing to stroke my face, she locks me in place, not letting me leave my position. She studies me for a few heartbeats before she licks her lips and says, “I love you, Colby.”

  Everything around us stills as her words sink in. The only other person who’s ever said that to me is Rory, and she’s the only person I’ve said it to. But in this moment, with this girl slowly working her way into my life, I can honestly say I feel the same way.

  I press my lips against hers one more time, loving the way she tastes, and with happiness feeling my chest, I say, “I love you too, Sage.”

  * * *

  Colby: It happened.

  Ryan: What happened?

  Colby: Seriously? You ask me every single day of my life.

  Ryan: Wait . . . did you . . .

  Colby: *Nods*

  Ryan: You got the freaking panini without me?? How could you? I told you I could go on Thursday. What is wrong with your self-control?

  Colby: You know, your blonde really shows sometimes.

  Ryan: Soo . . . you didn’t get the panini without me?

  Colby: NO! Sage and I had sex. Jesus.

  Ryan: WHAT?!?

  Colby: Do I really have to type it again? You know I hate this shit.

  Ryan: TELL ME EVERYTHING!

  Colby: No.

  Ryan: Did she orgasm?

  Colby: Of course she fucking orgasmed. What kind of question is that?

  Ryan: Got you to talk about it.

  Colby: You’re really annoying.

  Ryan: And yet, I’m still your best friend.

  Colby: Best friend?

  Ryan: Don’t you dare deny it or try to tell me it’s Stryder or Bent. It’s me. I’m claiming the title and that’s final. I would appreciate a T-shirt with our faces on it that says best friends forever.

  Colby: No.

  Ryan: God, I hate it when you get all one-worded on me. It’s super annoying.

  Colby: I’m glad we both annoy each other.

  Ryan: So . . . tell me more. Was it everything you ever hoped for?

  Colby: We’re not doing this.

  Ryan: Please!

  Colby: No.

  Ryan: Lighten up.

  Colby: Best friends know when to quit.

  Ryan: Not this best friend. Nice try. At least tell me this . . . was it missionary?

  Colby: Jesus Christ.

  Ryan: It was, wasn’t it? You totally looked her in the eyes while sliding inside of her, didn’t you? Hands interlocked? Why am I picturing this so well in my head? Is that weird?

  Colby: I’m saying bye now.

  Ryan: I am so right! Aren’t I? Just say it. Just admit to it. Come on.

  Colby: No.

  Ryan: Come on . . . just tell me I’m right. Say it.

  Colby: Don’t expect to hear from me for a week. We’re on a break.

  Ryan: Don’t you dare Ross Geller me. Just give me an answer.

  Colby: No.

  Ryan: I have all afternoon to text you, nothing better to do. Tell me.

  Colby: No.

  Ryan: Yes.

  Colby: No.

  Ryan: Yes – I can do this all day.

  Colby: Fine! Yes, it was missionary. Happy?

  Ryan: Very much so. Have a good day, bestie.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  RYAN

  “What’s up.”

  “Hey,” I cough into the phone. “Uh, I don’t think I can make the barbecue tomorrow night.”

  “Why?” Colby asks. “Wait, are you sick?”

  I cough some more. “Just a little, but I’ll be okay. I don’t want to make anyone else sick. I’m finishing my shift here at the show and then I’m taking the day off tomorrow to get better. Figured going to a barbecue won’t help.”

  “What kind of sick are we talking about?”

  “Sore throat. I think it’s a post-nasal drip situation. So much snot, Colby. So much snot.”

  He chuckles. “Thanks for the details.”

  “You asked. You know I don’t hold anything back.”

  “Well, you sound like shit. Don’t you think you should take tonight off?” he asks, concern in his voice. What a stand-up guy.

  “I would but taking two nights off won’t do well for me, plus I can’t call in this short of notice.”

  “Sneeze on one of the girls, then they’ll send you home.”

  “Now there’s an idea.” My Uber driver pulls up to the theater, and I thank him quickly before exiting the car. I’ll tip him after I
get off the phone. “I just got to work, so I should go, but thought I would give you the heads-up.”

  “Okay. Sage will be upset. You know she was looking forward to seeing you. She hasn’t seen you in a long time.”

  “I know. I miss her.” I heft my purse on my shoulder and make my way through the back entrance of the theater, using my employee key card. “But the last thing you guys need is to be sick, especially since you’re probably going at it like bunnies now, am I right?”

  “Just when I was feeling bad for you, you go and say something like that.”

  I chuckle, my lungs constricting on me, causing a nasty cough to fly out of my mouth. “Ugh, sorry. I should go.”

  All annoyance leaves Colby’s voice. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yup. All good.” I hold back the cough that wants to escape me, my voice tight. “Just going to drink some tea. Talk to you later.”

  “All right. Let me know if you need anything.”

  We hang up, and I make my way to my little makeup station where I slouch in the chair, the bright bulb lights shining on me, highlighting the bags under my eyes and the dryness of my red nose from blowing it every few minutes.

  Like I said, so much snot.

  “Hey girl.” Leah comes strolling up to me, takes one look and slowly backs away. “You look like you were hit by a truck.”

  “Thanks.” I rest my head in my hand and shut my eyes.

  “What happened to you?”

  “The post-nasal drip. It has taken over my body, seeped into my brain, and has made everything fuzzy.”

  Leah makes her way to the makeup vanity and leans against it, arms crossed, wearing her short purple silk robe. “Mucus doesn’t do that.”

  “This mucus does.” I rub my eyebrows where it feels like there is a hammer trying to erupt out of my forehead. “I already said I can’t come in tomorrow.”

  “Why are you here?”

  “Tera couldn’t make it in on such short notice. So I’m going to wear this.” I lean over to my purse and pull out the same mask dentists wear, planning to wear it to cover my mouth tonight.