Tap That!

by Tracey Pedersen

  She pulled away and placed her lips on his, slipping her tongue into his mouth. He dragged her to him, clutching her hair in an iron grip and thrilling her senses. She felt him stir below her, and a wicked smile crept onto her lips. She moulded intimately to him, sliding and slipping, encouraging his engorgement.

  His kisses made promises she hoped his body could keep. She wasn't ready for this night to be over—not when she'd dreamed of it for so long. If nothing else ever happened between them, it would be her own sensual, secret memory.

  He lifted her slightly, raising his now-erect cock and angling it toward her. She lowered herself, inch by succulent inch, finally grinding against him when he was fully embedded. She tucked her feet under his thighs and began moving gently above him. His hands sought hers and they linked their fingers together to hold her arms wide and support her weight as his eyes stayed glued to her swinging tits.

  She watched him watching her and felt a new thrill of excitement shoot down her spine. Jasper didn’t try to hide his lust—it was written all over his face. The thought that he wanted her had her moving faster above him, pushing hard against him and revelling in the intimacy. He let go of one hand, licked his thumb, and reached down to rub it over her clit, almost bringing her to an instant climax.

  “Oh, God.”

  “You are so hot. I could watch you all day and all night.”

  She gasped as she tried to speak, “Better apply for leave.”

  He laughed and dragged her lips toward his again. He was more forceful now, plunging inside her mouth and biting her lip hard while he held her tightly against him. She returned the gesture, sinking her teeth into his top lip, and his response was immediate as he arched his back to get deeper inside.

  “I’ve dreamed about doing this with you.” He whispered the words so softly she might have imagined them while his hands made urgent demands on her flesh. He held her waist and drove into her over and over, groaning whenever she squeezed her muscles around him. His fingers dug into her skin as his dark eyes watched her enjoy herself; her nipples peaked and hardened as they swayed above him. Everything about Jasper Collins was sexy. Her daydreams had been nothing compared to the reality of him.

  Slowing his movements, he pulled her forward to lie on top of him. He pushed her knee, indicating she should stretch out her leg; she did as he wanted and straightened both legs. The sensation where he penetrated her was like nothing she’d ever felt. Suddenly, she was moving against him and he was wrapping his legs around her. His shaft glided directly over her clit with every movement, and the heat between her legs exploded as they moved together. The friction as she pumped onto him drove her crazy, and it wasn’t long before the deep, familiar tingling started.

  She gasped as her climax raced toward her, trying to think of something else—anything to hold it off for a few more seconds. He was moaning below her, and she knew he was close to losing control. Coming together was sexy and she longed to wait for him, but it was no use—she was too turned on. The shockwaves of pleasure burst through her, causing her to clench hard around him. That was enough to send him over the edge, and they both cried out, their sounds of pleasure joining to become one in the darkness.

  She turned her head and settled against his chest as his groans subsided. Every so often, she raised her head and kissed his nipple, then settled down again. Her thighs were slick, but she had no desire to wash it off. His hands ran over her back and grazed the curve of her breast squashed against his chest. She was completely exhausted and her limbs had turned to jelly.

  The last thought she had as she drifted off to sleep was that she hadn’t let the cat in.

  Chapter Eight

  “I just want to apologise—”

  She placed her fingers against his lips. “Not necessary.”

  “You don’t even know what I’m going to say.”

  “I can imagine, and I really don’t want to have this conversation.”

  “What conversation?” he rolled onto his back, confusion filling his voice.

  “The one where you tell me you had fun, but that you’re not looking for a serious relationship. The I’m-trying-to-let-you-down-gently conversation where you look worried that I’m going to be clingy.” She shrugged her shoulders and stared at the ceiling. “We had fun. I know that’s your thing.”

  “You've said that a few times, now. That’s really how you see me?”

  “How can you not be aware of the vibe you give off? You always have someone with you, or you're talking to a woman every time I see you. It's not much of a stretch to think you have a lot of experience.”

  “I have a lot less than people think. I'm surprised that you think that of me.” He scratched his forehead, obviously annoyed.

  “I wasn't trying to start an argument. I just want you to know that I'm a big girl and I’ll be just fine if this is a one-off thing for you.”

  Liar!

  “Oh yeah, I got that loud and clear.”

  She reached out and ran her hand down his arm. “Just forget I said anything, okay?”

  “No. If that's what you really think, then this is not going to work between us.” He slipped out of bed and looked around for his pants.

  She sat up with the sheet draped across her chest. “Jasper, I didn't mean—”

  “There's no need to say anything else,” he interrupted. “I realise I'm the man about town mothers warn their daughters about.” He dragged on his jeans and quickly pulled on his T-shirt as Mimi moved to the side of the bed. “Stay there. I can see myself out.” With that, and the bang of the front door, he was gone.

  Mimi flopped back onto the pillows and groaned. “Why did you say anything, you idiot?”

  ***

  Man, what an idiot he was being! He tore up the street in his car, wondering what was wrong with him.

  Why did you bite her head off? She didn’t even say anything that bad!

  He’d woken up early, worrying about not wearing a condom last night while they’d had the best sex of his life. By the time she’d woken up, he’d already worried himself into a frenzy about it. What if she had regrets? What if she was angry he’d never suggested wearing one?

  The truth was he’d been so overwhelmed by her that he’d plain forgotten. He had them in his wallet—there was no excuse for his actions.

  Now that she thought he was with a different girl each night, she’d be even more pissed if he raised the topic. So, he’d gotten out of there as fast as he could. If only he’d said what he normally said when he wanted to get away from girls without hurting their feelings: “I have to get to work—emergency, sorry!” Instead, he’d tried to apologise and had then been sulky about not being good enough for her.

  Jesus Christ! She has me all tied up in knots!

  ***

  After a shower, which should have seen her luxuriating in the aftermath of a night of blissful sex with her high school crush, but had instead turned into miserable thoughts that she’d never get to experience that with him again, Mimi padded downstairs in search of Tiger. She felt awful that he’d been left outside last night. If something had happened to him, she’d never forgive herself.

  She stepped to the back door and almost tripped over the cat as he swept between her feet, hugging her calf and mewling his hello. “Hey, how did you get in?” She picked him up and gave him a scratch under the chin as he pushed against her hand. His bowl sat near the back door and was half-full of food. “Hmm… I don’t remember putting food out for you.”

  Tiger squirmed to get down and she placed him on the ground. His water bowl was missing, and she frowned to herself. After scanning the kitchen, she found his bowl upside down on the drainer.

  I know I didn’t do that!

  “Who fed you, buddy?” Tiger ignored her and trotted to his bowl.

  It can only have been Jasper.

  Great. Not only had he rocked her world most of the night, but he’d also fed the cat and washed his water bowl. He’d then had to endure her insul
ting him and telling him she was fine with him using her as a one-night stand.

  Which is a total lie.

  Chapter Nine

  “Have you seen the scorching hot chick who works here?”

  “Which one?”

  “There’s more than one?” The fencing contractor licked his lips. “Green eyes, hair to tangle your fingers in, so she can’t get away. Man, I’d like to tap that!”

  Jasper looked at him, incredulity marring his usually friendly features.

  Only one way to put a stop to that kind of talk.

  “That’s my girlfriend, you dick.”

  “Well, you’re a lucky bastard, aren’t you?” The contractor didn’t miss a beat as he continued, “Sorry, mate, I didn’t know.”

  “I’d appreciate it if you kept your plans to ‘tap that’ to yourself.”

  “Sure, sure. Will do.” He scurried off across the carpark and joined his workmates. After saying a few words, they all turned to look at Jasper as they guffawed and slapped the worker on the shoulder.

  Irritated, Jasper returned to his car. He wouldn’t give those guys the satisfaction of witnessing her throwing him out of the office. Even though he hadn’t seen her or spoken to her for two days, his make-up visit to Mimi would have to wait.

  ***

  “Can you go, instead of me?” Mimi pleaded as confusion flooded Alyssa’s eyes. “I have so much to do here.”

  “Like what? The fencing guys leave in a few minutes and I already did all the filing and answered all the emails. Ruben says you promised Jasper you’d be at every single shoot.”

  “I did, but that was before…” she let her words drift away.

  “Before what?”

  Before he kissed me and made me lose my senses. Before his hands and mouth enthralled me with their touch. Before I took a long, slow ride of deliciousness on his—

  “Mimi, before what?”

  “Nothing. I just wanted some time out, but you’re right: I did promise, although I have no idea why. Cate knows what she’s doing; I just stand around and hand her things.”

  “Well, I want to go. I’ve been promised tight abs and muscled bottoms. I don’t want to miss that.”

  “Cate might not let you stay in the room. It’s essential people only when she takes the shots.”

  “Yeah, except for you. Anyway, I’ll be the most essential person she’s ever had. She’ll let me stay. Trust me, we go back almost as long as you two.”

  ***

  There was no need for a pep talk in the mirror before Cate started shooting, this time. Mimi had no interest in what the other men had to offer, and Jasper had no reason to be there. Which was why her irritation skyrocketed when she saw him slip through the door five minutes later.

  Alyssa had followed through on her promise and was holding Cate’s camera lenses like the good servant she professed to be. If there was any job that was essential, it was that one. Being indispensable ensured she would be staying for the entire session.

  Ruben was in the middle of his photos when Jasper pulled Mimi gently to the side, signalling to her not to say a word. He opened the door to the makeup room and pushed her through.

  As soon as the door closed behind him, she hissed at him. “What are you doing here?”

  “I need to talk to you.”

  “Really? You’ve done a pretty good job of not talking to me this week.”

  “I’m sorry. I wanted to call, but I behaved pretty badly. I thought I’d give you some time to cool down.” He watched her face, worried she’d storm out before he could finish. “I was at your office today, but the fencing contractors got in my way.”

  “What do you mean? They promised not to block access to the site.”

  He scratched the back of his head. “That’s not what I mean—it doesn’t matter. I just want to talk to you and clear the air.”

  “So, talk.”

  “I’m sorry for what happened the other night.”

  “You’re sorry we had sex?”

  “No! Of course not. I’m sorry about the morning after. I shouldn’t have run out and I shouldn’t have taken offence. I want to continue with our dates.”

  “Seriously? Why?”

  He reached for her hand, but she snatched it away. “How can you ask me why? I thought you enjoyed yourself.”

  “I did.” God, so much! “I did. I’ve realised since then that I’m not cut out for casual sex, though. I don’t want to have the other dates, sleep together a few times, and then go our own merry ways. I have a responsible position at the community centre and I don’t want parents thinking I’m not putting their kids first. I want a real and lasting relationship, Jasper. I don’t want to be avoiding you in the supermarket for the next two years because we’re both embarrassed.” She paused, wondering if she could tell him what was at the core of her refusal. Whatever, she didn’t owe him anything but the truth. “I don’t want to be one of your conquests.”

  “I don’t want that, either.”

  “Great, we agree, then. Let’s be friends and forget about the rest.” She turned away, so he couldn’t see her face.

  “Phew.” He blew out his breath behind her. “This conversation has not gone how I planned. I was all set to apologise and tell you I think you’re the one I’ve been waiting for, and now you want to be friends. Is that really what you want?”

  “I think it’s the best way forward after what happened. I don’t want to go through that again.”

  Can’t go through that again.

  ***

  Jasper quickly excused himself once they were back in the studio. Mimi watched him leave with a mixture of concern and despair. It killed her to friend-zone him, but it was best for both of them. The last thing she wanted was a broken heart weeks from now when their fifth date rolled around and he changed his mind and moved on to someone else. She’d watched him plough through women for too long now to believe it could be any different for her. He seemed upset, though, which she hadn’t expected.

  The photo shoot continued all afternoon. Alyssa left to have a late lunch with Ruben and Mimi was left to hold the camera lenses. She focussed on the photographs and all the things they still had to do to sort out the calendar.

  The printer would start the layout two weeks from now. Saturday was all planned out, and after that, they just needed to choose the best shots and the order they wanted them in. Cate would do the touch-ups and forward them to the printer.

  Alyssa had created some beautiful promotional flyers and the printer had promised to produce two thousand of them at no extra cost. The calendars were expected to be ready in a month and selling could start straight away. With the fencing now in place around the hall, the repairs could begin, and they’d been promised a finish date in plenty of time to plan for Christmas. They could juggle the money as it came in and pay it out for repairs.

  Everything was coming together nicely—everything except the ache in Mimi’s heart for Jasper.

  ***

  Well, you royally screwed that up, didn’t you?

  Jasper sat in his car for over an hour after he left the studio. He went back and forth with himself, convinced she’d change her mind if he just explained better. Finally, he resigned himself to respect her wishes and be without her. He thumped the steering wheel in frustration more than once.

  Ruben and Alyssa leaving together did not improve his mood. He watched as they laughed and chatted and then disappeared around the corner in the direction of the main shops. Ruben was the only one who knew how he felt about Mimi; he was never going to hear the end of it once his friend realised they were done.

  You can’t change her mind. You just have to get on with things.

  He snorted to himself as he started the car and pulled out onto the street.

  Getting on with things sounded so easy, but losing Mimi was not going to be easy on him.

  Chapter Ten

  Two weeks passed quickly and Mimi found herself in the pub on the corner, celebrating the se
lection of the final photographs for the calendar. Everyone who’d posed had been invited, and she’d spent a fun evening laughing at the men each attempting to outdo each other with their stories. Cate and Alyssa rounded out the bunch, and more than once, Cate had to be rescued from the clutches of her soon-to-be-famous photographic subjects.

  Jasper said a quick hello and then spent the whole night on the other side of the bar. He joined in the festivities and the laughter, and Mimi was glad to see he seemed happy. A tiny sliver of hurt pierced her heart; she’d kind of hoped he’d have more trouble moving on, but it was definitely better this way.

  She’d hit it off with Shawn that first day at the hall and soon found herself in a booth chatting to him. He described the fire they’d attended earlier in the day and the way smoke had billowed from the windows above their heads. Apparently, Jasper had stopped them all from going inside when they’d arrived, and the windows above them had finally blown out, showering the carpark in glass. If they’d ignored Jasper, they could have been seriously injured.

  The last thing she wanted to talk about was Jasper, but Shawn couldn’t seem to shut up about him. He’d had a few beers and was determined to tell anyone who would listen what a great guy his leader was.

  I know how great he is. I have first-hand knowledge of how great he is… in bed.