KISS

by Catherine Chernow

  "Easy, my she-cat, go easy!” Jared laughed. “Enough!"

  Kat was running out of steam, but she continued to pummel him until her hands were numb. She looked into his bronze face, a face she had come to love, and felt her throat constrict. Tears sprang to her eyes, the long day's events, and her sincere outpouring of love for Jared taking its toll. When the first tear trickled down her face, Jared ceased his laughter.

  "Hey, hey...” he crooned. He pulled her down to his chest. “Kat, ah, Kat...” he rubbed her back. She struggled for a few seconds, but soon, she gave herself over to the sweet sensation of being held in his arms. “My she-cat,” he whispered, kissing the top of her fiery-red hair. “Don't you know that I haven't been able to get you out of my mind? Since the day I walked into KISS, I haven't been able to walk, talk, eat or sleep without thinking of you."

  She hiccupped once as the tears began to flow harder.

  "I love you, Kat."

  She stilled. Lifting her head a fraction, she stared into his handsome face. He wasn't laughing. He was serious. Stone cold serious. Kat sat up and pushed back from him, balancing on his outstretched thighs.

  "Y-you love me?"

  He wiped a tear from beneath one of her sea-green eyes. “I do."

  "Oh,” was all she managed. She sat there ... her mouth agape, eyes wide.

  Jared started laughing all over again. “Ah, my she-cat, you should see your face..."

  "Why? What's wrong with it?"

  He shook his head, serious once more. “Nothing, sweetheart. There's not one damned thing wrong with that exquisite face of yours.” He cupped her cheeks between his hands and kissed the breath from her body. When he released her, she sat there, still as a mouse, and didn't say a word.

  Jared reached out to unbutton her blouse, one little, tiny button by one little, tiny button, taking his sweet time. She allowed him to get to the fourth one when she grabbed his wrist.

  "What?” he asked, raising one dark brow in her direction. “You don't ... want to?"

  "Oh,” she said, sweetness and innocence lacing her voice. “It's not that. It's just that, like you say, ‘paybacks are a bitch.’”

  She scooted off his lap and pulled him up out of the chair. She sauntered to the bed, her hips and fanny swaying in a seductive rhythm. Flopping down onto the bed, she stretched her body, and angled her elbow, propping her chin in her hand.

  "Go on,” she made a little twirling motion in the air with the index finger of her other hand. “Turn around. I want to see you."

  His eyes bugged out. “What? What do you mean, you want to see me?” Jared looked around. “I'm right here, Kat."

  She sat up, schooling her features, trying not to laugh. “Are you going to do what I say, or do I have to get ... tough...” She drew out the word ‘tough’ and licked her lips, the pink tip of her tongue passing up and over her top lip, then her bottom lip. She touched the tip of her index finger to her lower lip, and flicked the wetness from it, running that same finger down her chin, her neck, her chest, ending at the deep cleft between her breasts. She shifted on the bed, making her pencil-slim skirt ride up her thighs, revealing the top of her silk stockings, attached to the lacy garters that dangled from her garter belt.

  Jared's eyes smoldered. She crooked her finger, beckoning him to come closer. He did. When she held up her hand, palm out, he stopped dead in his tracks. “Good boy,” she crooned. “That's my wild panther.” When she glanced at him next, it was to see his hard, stiff member outlined underneath his trousers. “My, my ... are we excited?” she purred.

  "Yes,” he sounded choked, hoarse. “I'm ... excited."

  "Then turn around. Show me.” She made that twirling motion in the air again with her index finger. “I want to see just how ... anxious you are to be inside me."

  He did as instructed, turning in a wide circle in front of the bed.

  "Nice,” she said, eyeing him. “Very nice. Now, strip,” she commanded.

  He yanked at his shirt, the buttons popping free. They scattered to the floor.

  "No!” she shouted when he unzipped his pants. “No,” she softened her tone. “Slowly,” she purred. “Slow ... take off your clothes, Jared, but do it nice and slow."

  Kat could have sworn she heard a low growl leave his throat when he started to take off his shirt in slow, leisurely movements.

  * * * *

  "That's too fast, Jared. Too fast,” Kat patted the air with the palm of her hand. “Slow down. Take it all off ... nice and ... easy,” again she drew out the last word, making Jared's already stiff member strain painfully against his trousers.

  He continued to unbutton his shirt, his movements deliberate. When he looked at her next, she was grinning. The minx!

  "Kat, I swear to God,” he said through clenched teeth as he yanked his shirttails from the waistband of his trousers, “I'm going to..."

  She held up a hand and sighed. “I know. I know. You're going to make me suffer.” Her eyes lit up when he removed his shirt and undershirt to reveal his naked chest. “Like I told you before,” she batted her eyes at him. “Just save it all up for one big spanking, okay? That way, it'll save a lot of wear and tear on your hand."

  He did his best to glare at her when all he really wanted to do was climb in bed and make love to her until her bones melted.

  "What's the matter,” she said, her voice sultry. “Does the idea of paddling me get you all hot and bothered, Jared?"

  How many times had she said his name tonight, he wondered, as he unbuttoned the top of his pants. The sound of his own name, uttered in her deep, sexy voice washed over him, creating tiny ripples of pleasure to snake down his back and buttocks, settling in his groin. He yanked down the zipper and stepped out of his pants, kicking off his shoes and pulling off his socks. The he stood before his beautiful she-cat in nothing but his boxers. He loved seeing the deep blue fire of passion smolder in her eyes.

  The question now was, who was teasing whom? But he didn't much care. She had said his name ... she had said that she loved him. “Kat,” he intoned, “Kat..."

  "Take off your boxers, Jared. I need to see you."

  He ripped them from his body and stood up straight. The proud, tall, male animal.

  "Turn,” she whispered, making that little motion in the air with her index fingers. “Turn and ... let me see..."

  He did as instructed, turning slowly. Jared's cock stuck straight out, primed and ready. When Kat saw it, her eyes widened. “Oh my,” she breathed, “Oh ... my...."

  She pulled her blouse apart. Jared heard the material rip as she tore it from her body. Next, she bounded up from the bed and shimmied out of her slim skirt, kicking it away with the toes of one foot. Her white and blue patterned bra came next. He smiled at the haste in which she yanked the clothes from her body. He folded his arms across his chest and whistled.

  "I don't know, for someone who told me to move slow, you're sure in a hurry."

  "Oh, shut up,” she told him, brushing the hair from her eyes as she unhooked the garters. She bent down to roll her stockings down over her thighs and calves. Jared cocked his head, admiring the sweet curve of her bottom as it raised up before him. She stood and lifted her foot, intent on pulling off her stocking, but she lost her balance and tumbled backwards, right into him. He reveled in the feel of her bottom as it pressed into his hard, stiff cock.

  "Whoa!” he shouted, catching her in her arms. “Slow down, she-cat."

  She pushed him away and stood up again, balancing on one foot, then the other, as she ripped off her stockings. Kat pulled back the bed covers, grinning. “This time we take off the bedspread."

  He folded his arms across his chest and grinned. “Whatever you say, my lovely opponent."

  She climbed onto the mattress and patted the bed.

  He didn't need to be asked twice. Jared flew to the bed and climbed in. He pulled Kat into his arms and kissed her, from the top of her fiery-red hair to the tips of her toes. She turned in his arms and ho
isted herself up by grabbing the intricate-patterned iron headboard. Kat threw back her head and licked her lips as she rose to her knees. She turned her head to look back at him over her shoulder. Jared sat on the bed, one leg up, his arm extended over one knee, watching her performance, staring at her bottom, and the sweet curls at the juncture of her thighs, as well as her swollen bud of desire.

  "Take me,” she breathed. “Take me, now, Jared. I-I can't wait much longer.” She wiggled her bottom in his direction. Wetting two of her fingers, she inserted them in her labia, pulling them in, then out. He watched, fascinated, as her breathing quickened.

  Jared moved, untangling his legs and climbing the bed in his sleek, panther way. He patted her bottom. Running both hands across both cheeks, he inserted his shaft into her hot, wet entrance, taking her like the wild, passionate creature she was. He pumped into her repeatedly as she clung to the headboard, her head thrown back, her cries of passion echoing in the confines of her bedroom. He felt her come. Kat's muscles contracted then eased around his swollen shaft. He pumped into her one last time, spilling his hot love fluid into her heated channel.

  Jared didn't release her. They remained locked together, her hands gripping the headboard, as the aftershocks of their lovemaking passed. Jared could feel her shudder at the same time that he did. He eased his shaft from Kat and patted her bottom again. He loved touching it, molding the white, creamy globes in his hands. Then he pried her fingers gently from the headboard, kissing each one in turn, treating each of her digits with the utmost care.

  He tumbled down on the bed. Kat followed, nestling in his arms. Soon, their breathing grew deep and even. All was quiet.

  The two great beasts of the jungle fell into a deep, peaceful sleep and didn't wake until late the next day.

  * * * *

  In the hazy time between sleep and wakefulness, Kat smelled the most delicious aromas. She dreamt of citrus—clean, fresh ... intoxicating. She licked her lips when she tasted the delicious, sweet juice of an orange, wanting more. Her brows knit together in a frown when the smell changed. Cinnamon. It wafted across her nose. She inhaled deeply, taking in the tantalizing aroma of sweet cinnamon rolls. Her tongue darted out to catch a bit of creamy icing on her lip.

  "Ummmmm...” she murmured as she rolled to her side.

  Coffee. The unmistakable odor of her favorite coffee wafted by.

  She opened her eyes to see Jared sitting there, a mug full of vanilla-hazelnut coffee in his hands. He passed the mug under her nose again. Kat wrinkled it in response then sat up to see a tray laden with breakfast goodies on the night table next to her bed.

  "Good morning, my she-cat.” He brushed some fiery strands of hair from her eyes. “Did you sleep well?"

  Sleep? She vaguely remembered falling asleep in his arms the previous night. The odor of sex filled her nostrils when she flopped back down on the pillows. She turned on her side to face him, pulling the covers up to her chin when the chilly, air-conditioned air danced across her skin.

  Jared tugged the covers down a little to reveal her breasts, the tips of which stood straight up when the chilly air hit them. Kat saw his eyes dilate. She grinned. “Good morning to you, too,” she said softly. She let go of a yawn and stretched, pushing the covers down all the way to reveal the rest of her body.

  Jared sat back in the chair and chuckled. “Any more of that and I'll hop right back in there."

  Kat turned sleepy eyes in his direction and patted the bed. “So join me."

  "Nope, I have other plans for you.” His tone was clipped.

  Kat sat straight up and hurled a pillow at him. He caught it deftly.

  "What time is it?” she asked, suddenly remembering she had to get to work.

  Jared glanced at the clock. “It's eight-thirty."

  She groaned and flopped back down. “I have to leave in half an hour to get to KISS."

  "You will,” he told her. “But for the next half-hour, you're mine.” He got up and walked to the bed. He bent his tall frame and scooped her up, covers and all, walking back over to the chair with her nestled in his arms.

  He sat down, cradling her in his lap. Her nude bottom skimmed his thighs, brushed his groin. Jared grew hard in response, but held himself in check. He'd give her what she wanted just as soon as he got what he wanted.

  He lifted a ripe strawberry from the tray on the night table and held it near Kat's mouth. She looked up at him. “What?” she asked.

  "Take a bite,” he told her. “I want to see you enjoy it."

  "Oh, Jared, that's silly...” she started.

  "No, it's not. I've had this fantasy in my head for days. I want to hold my she-cat on my lap and feed her,” he murmured. Again, he held the ripe strawberry to her lips. It's sweet odor filled her nostrils. Kat leaned over and took a bite, savoring the sweet, heady flavor of the berry.

  Next, Jared held a piece of warm cinnamon roll next to her mouth. Kat bit down on it, reveling in the feeling of being held in his arms, enjoying the freedom of letting him feed her. She didn't have to think ... she didn't have to lift a finger. She sipped at a small glass full of fresh-squeezed juice and enjoyed the rest of the cinnamon roll.

  All from his hands.

  When she ate her fill, she sat up to kiss him, making sure to pass him a piece of ripe strawberry from her lips to his. He groaned when she lapped up a bit of juice from the corner of his lips. Kat ground her bottom onto his erect shaft. He stood with her in his arms and carried her to the bed. He stripped out of his pants and shirt and covered her body with his, kissing her until she went limp. Then he trailed a fiery path across her breasts, his rough, early-morning beard scraping across her sensitive nipples.

  Kat almost came immediately.

  He shifted so that he could push into her hot, wet channel, until he could go no farther and pumped her fiercely. Kat screamed his name just as his seed pulsed into her.

  Jared rested his forehead against hers, his breathing coming in short pants. When it slowed, he gazed down into her face. “I'm going to enjoy feeding you every morning, my she-cat."

  "Jared,” she whispered. “Jared, Jared, Jared...” she intoned his name over and over again, placing small, nipping kisses to his face and throat.

  He rolled off her. Kat rose from the bed, but not before he reached out to pat her bottom. She turned to look at him over her shoulder. Her panther. Her wild, sensual mate. Her soul mate.

  The very thought filled her with joy and ... fear.

  * * * *

  Jared insisted on driving her to work that morning. At each red traffic light they stopped at, he grabbed her hand and squeezed it, bringing the back of it to his lips. He'd run his mouth across the back of it, pressing small, soft kisses to her skin. Kat reveled in the attention. At each stop sign, she'd reciprocate, leaning over to plant soft, nipping kisses to his chin and throat. At one intersection, they got so lost in a heated kiss that the blare of horns from behind was the only thing that shocked them both back into reality. Kat didn't care. She didn't have a single care in the world that bright summer morning.

  Jared pulled the Jag to the curb in front of KISS. He turned to face her, reaching for her hand. “Today's Friday."

  Kat sighed and leaned back, resting her head on the back of the leather seat. She cracked one eye open and looked at him. “If you say so."

  Jared chuckled then became serious. He squeezed her hand. “You work too hard."

  She shrugged. “When you own your own business, you can't afford to take off much time."

  "True,” he agreed. He became thoughtful for a few seconds. “Didn't you say that oldies concert was on a Friday?"

  She turned to face him, shifting in the seat. Kat tugged her right leg underneath her left thigh and replied, “It's tonight, why?"

  "I said I would take you."

  She shook her head. “You wouldn't enjoy it."

  He frowned. “Why not?"

  "A small town concert? All it's going to be is a Beatles tribute band. Th
en there are fireworks."

  "Do a lot of people go?"

  She grinned. “All of Summerville, Jared."

  He felt warm inside when she said his name again. “Well, I will, too. It sounds like fun."

  She angled her head. “Are you sure you want to do that?"

  He pinned her with his dark eyes. “I've never been so sure about anything.” Or you, went unsaid. “I want to go. I want to go with you."

  "All right then, it's a deal.” She reached for his hand to shake it, but he grabbed it and pulled her toward him instead, kissing her on the lips.

  "What will you do today, Jared?” she whispered, stroking her hands over his cheeks. They felt beard-rough, but she loved it. She ran her thumb across his upper lip, reveling in its silky, warm feel.

  "I'm going to go and see my father this morning,” he leaned down to kiss her hand, nipping the pad of the thumb she just used on his lip. “Then I'm going to run a few errands here in Summerville."

  Kat pulled away and glanced at her watch. “I've got to open KISS.” She looked out at the beautiful summer day. For once in her life, she didn't feel like going into KISS. She wanted to spend the day with Jared. She sighed regretfully.

  "Listen, I'll do what I have to during the day, and I'll pick you up at ... what time does the concert start anyway?"

  "Seven-thirty."

  "Okay, then. I'll pick you up at six ... we'll have a picnic tonight before the concert starts."

  "I'd love that."

  His eyes glowed with desire. “I'll enjoy feeding you again on our own private blanket, under the stars and moonlight."

  Kat shook her head. It was her fantasy come true, knowing that they'd make love under the stars. They'd listen to the band, kiss, talk, eat ... love each other. She couldn't wait.

  She was ready to get out of the Jag when she noticed Michael Benton heading down the street toward them.

  "Oh no,” she groaned, flopping back down on the seat. “It's Michael."

  "Michael?” Jared asked, beetling his brows. When he looked out, he saw Dr. Michael Benton, Summerville's lone dentist walking down the street. “Ah, right. Michael Benton, the dentist."