by M. Clarke
“Let me help you with the dishes, Becca,” he said sweetly, taking the plates from my hands after he placed the stack he had in the sink.
“You’re the guest. I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting you wash the dishes.” I turned on the water, squirted soap onto the sponge and started to scrub.
“I’ve cooked here before and besides, we’re friends, so I’m not really a guest,” he said, rinsing the plate I just scrubbed.
“Seriously, it’s not much and I can do it myself.” Grabbing more scrubbed dishes to rinse, I nudged Matthew with my hip to make him move over. Suddenly, he pulled the spout from the faucet with one hand, and wrapped his other arm around my waist, pulling my body against his. After he peered at me with a playfully dangerous look, he leaned in to whisper, his lips brushing against my ear. “If you don’t let me help you, I’m going to make you extremely wet. You’ll be so soaked, it will drive you crazy. Believe me, either you’ll be begging me for more or begging me to stop; it’s your choice.” Then he let go.
OMG! Blistering heat sizzled throughout my body. Was he really talking dirty to me or was I really off on the interpretation? Swallowing a big lump of air, I surrendered and moved aside; I had no choice. He had just completely captivated me, making me weak in the knees and absolutely speechless.
“See? We can be two friends washing dishes together. Not so bad, is it?” He bumped his hip into mine as he rinsed the fork in his hand.
Friends, I repeated the word in my mind as a reminder. Trying to hold in my smile, I gave him a playfully evil eye. “Watch it, I have a soapy sponge here,” I threatened.
Matthew twitched his brows and bit his bottom lip, looking at me with a lustful gaze. “I know something we could do with that sponge, but you’d have to be naked.”
Shit! He did it to me again. I was burning up now, but not from anger. Yup, I was going to have to keep my mouth shut and hope to make it the rest of the night without wanting to get naked for him.
Thank goodness, Max and Jenna stepped into the kitchen.
“Where’s our dessert?” Max asked, sporting a huge smile, while gazing at the both of us. His eyes were full of suspicion.
Then I remembered why I’d come into the kitchen in the first place. “Sorry, I thought I would do the dishes first.”
“Why don’t you get the dessert while Becca and I finish the dishes,” Matthew suggested.
Max raised his brows. “Hmmm. I’m not going to ask. Just don’t get her too wet.”
Matthew’s lips curled into a smirk and winked at me. “I believe I already have.”
Not only could I not look at either of them, but my face was redder than it had ever been before, and I wanted to pull out the spout and drench myself in cold water.
After coffee and dessert, Max and Matthew said good night and left together with Jenna’s parents. Jenna and I sat on the sofa and kicked our feet up. Leaning back, I flicked at the bracelet Jenna got me for Christmas, listening as the charms made a clinking sound. “I love how they sound,” I snorted.
“Me, too,” Jenna said, mimicking my motion. “So…” She dropped her hand and intently focused on me, “anything new?”
“Not much,” I replied, continuing what I was doing.
“I’m not talking about your daily routine.”
I was pretty sure I knew what she meant, but I wanted to give her a hard time and besides there was nothing going on. Still, I didn’t want to give her any reason to think otherwise.
“You know what I mean. Don’t try to steer away from the subject. You know what I’m talking about.” Jenna narrowed her eyes at me, as if that could get me to answer faster. Truthfully?
“I have no idea.”
“Matthew. Sound familiar?”
I don’t know why but just hearing his name got my full attention, even knowing she would spit his name out. Placing my hand on Jenna’s, I stated matter-of-factly, “we’re just friends.” I didn’t want this to be awkward for her, plus I didn’t want her to tell Max all the details of what had happened between Matthew and I, so I left it at that. This also reinforced why it was best if Matthew and I just remained friends. Though I was sure that was the way he thought of me anyway.
“Did you get him anything for Christmas?” Jenna asked softly, sounding unsure if she should have asked that question.
“Of course not. I hardly know him. I only gave your parents a little gift because you are my best friend and it was the first time meeting them.”
“Thank you. That was so sweet of you.” Jenna stood up. “Stay here.” She went into her room and came back holding a wrapped box.
“That’s not for me, is it?” I asked worriedly. Jenna’s parents had already given me a gift certificate to Nordstrom.
Handing it to me she said, “It’s from Matthew. He told me to give it to you after he left. It was difficult to hide it from you. First, I hid it in the kitchen and then I brought it to my room when you weren’t looking.”
“Sneaky,” I said, referring to her. “But I didn’t get him anything.”
“You can always take him out to eat. After all, that’s what friends do.”
There was something mischievous about Jenna’s tone or was it just me freaking out?
“Well I think this was one of the best Christmases ever. I got to spend it with my three favorite people and my parents.” Jenna reached down to give me a hug. “Merry Christmas, Becky.”
“Merry Christmas, Jenna.” I hugged her back.
“Anyway,” she started heading to her room. “I’m meeting Max and his parents for Christmas dinner tomorrow night. Matthew will be there too, of course. Do you want to come?”
“No!” That came out short and quick. “I mean no, thanks. I have things to do.” I quickly diverted the subject. “Are your parents going too?”
“Max asked me if I wanted to invite them, but I thought it would be too soon.”
“Yeah. I understand.” I looked at the gift I was holding, wondering what he got me. A book?
Jenna swung her door open. Before she could enter I asked her a question. “Did you get your gift from Max?”
“Yesss,” she replied, sounding more than a little happy. “He got me a diamond pendant and matching earrings. Now I don’t have to borrow yours.”
“That’s one expensive gift. He did great. I approve, but you can borrow my fake ones any time.”
“It really was sweet of him, but I think it’s too much.”
“Nah, he’s got tons of money. He should shower you with tons of gifts.”
“Becky, you know I’m not comfortable with that, especially when I can’t give him equally in return.”
“So what did you end up getting him?” Recalling the conversation Jenna and I had about what to get Max for Christmas. What do you give to a person who has everything?
“I got him an engraved picture frame with a picture of us, some dress shirts and ties. I know, I know… lame, but it was so hard to shop for him.”
“I can imagine,” I muttered. “I think he would love anything you give him, even if you tied yourself with a pretty bow and walked in naked.”
“Becky,” she squealed.
I loved making her blush. It was the cutest thing to see. Jenna had that angelic appearance. With the right makeup, she could look like a sexy vixen, but she could never act like one. She was too innocent and sweet.
“I’m just saying. He would love that lingerie I bought for you. It’s just as much his gift as it is yours,” I reminded.
“Good night, Becca.” She giggled and shut the door behind her.
Shaking my head, I let out a breath. I knew sooner or later, she would tease me about that. Deciding to open the card first, I pulled it out of the envelope.
Becca,
I can’t believe you don’t have one!
Hope this comes in handy when you’re reading all those manuscripts.
Don’t read on the computer. It’s bad for your eyes.
You owe me lunch or a tri
p to Victoria’s Secret.
Your friend who actually works.
I guessed it was an e-reader and I was right. His gift and words touched my heart deeply. On Christmas Eve, he showed me how sweet and caring he could be, but that wasn’t the first time. There was a side to him some lucky girl would get to see often, if she was his. Tonight he stole a bit more of my heart, though I had not wanted to give it to him.
Max and I had been texting back and forth, trying to figure out if Becky and Matthew had something going on last night. When I had asked her about it on Christmas Eve, she claimed they were just friends. Matthew was smooth and charming, just like Max. I only hoped he wouldn’t do anything to hurt Becky or ruin their friendship.
We had a wonderful Christmas at Max’s parents’ house. His parents and Matthew were a joy to be around. Carlos, their Italian chef, cooked up a delicious meal as usual, and we ate till we were stuffed. After dinner, we exchanged Christmas presents. Max and I left before midnight to head home.
“What are you thinking about, Max?” I asked, as we were lying shoulder to shoulder on the bed, too tired to even get undressed. Holding up my arm, he caressed my skin gently while moving idly back and forth, causing a tingling sensation.
Max had opened the curtain, providing us with romantic lighting. Though it was dark, the lights reflecting inside his bedroom were just enough to see each other clearly.
Releasing my arm, he turned toward me. “I’m thinking about how lucky I am. I never believed true love existed, until I met you.” His hands slowly laced through my hair as he continued. “I didn’t think it was possible to love anyone so much. You come first, Jenna. Every morning I wake up happy, knowing I get to hear your voice. I look forward to the moments I get to hold you in my arms. Sometimes I feel I don’t deserve you, but you make me want to be a better man. I’m going to show you that I can be worthy of your love, worthy of those lips.” He sensually caressed my bottom lip with his thumb. “Worthy of your smile,” he moaned as he glided his thumb to my upper lip, then ever so slowly down to the middle of my chest. My heart was thumping mercilessly from his feather-light touch, anticipating what he would do. “Worthy of this gorgeous body that commands me to do whatever it wants and needs.” Then his hand softly stroked my cheek. “I’m going to show you that I can be worthy of you every single day.”
Feeling his words fill my heart, I replied while caressing his face. “Love changes you in ways you didn’t expect, molds you to be a better person, and opens your heart to something wonderful. You are my something wonderful, Max. You have given me all that and so much more. I can’t possibly put it into words.”
“Jenna,” My name rolled off his tongue, sounding so hot and sexy. His eyes grew wicked, full of want and need. I knew that look. Oh God! I could almost feel his hands all over me, my body surrendering to him. I could practically feel him inside me, exploding with pleasure. “I’m going to show you how worthy I can be.” That was all it took for me to become completely unraveled. ‘Take me now!’ I silently pleaded.
Sliding one arm around my back, he pulled me closer. Max softly kissed my lips, taking his time as his hand explored from my neck, over my breast, down my side, and to my thigh. Lifting the hem of my dress, he tugged it upward and started to unbutton it as he continued to tease me with his tongue, licking, tasting, and savoring my exposed skin.
“I love this red dress on you, babe. It reminds me of the red dress you wore during the New York fashion show, not to mention the buttons in front give me easy access,” he mumbled as he moved his lips further down. “I like easy access,” he moaned pleasurably.
I barely heard his words; I was drowning in the pleasure he was giving me. Next thing I knew, he had completely unbuttoned the dress. “Babe, you have on another sexy layer.”
I opened my eyes and recoiled beneath him. I had forgotten I was wearing Becky’s gift. Shyly I said, “Compliments of Becky.” Then my finger went straight to my mouth as my face flushed with warmth. Before I realized what I had done, Max grabbed my finger and started to suck on it, sending sizzling heat down my arm.
“You’re seducing me, and you have no idea that you are doing it. Thank Becky for me. You are so beautiful and crazy sexy. I’m going to make you want to wear one of these every night.”
There were no words after that. Max crushed me with his mouth. He sucked my tongue so hard, I thought he was going to swallow me up. As he pulled my straps down slowly, he kissed and nipped at my exposed flesh. So sensual, it was driving me senseless. Slowing things down even more, he kissed my shoulder, and then lowered his lips to the base of my breast.
Anticipating what he would do next, I quivered and arched my back for him, letting him know I was ready as my nipples hardened. With his tongue, he continuously swirled around my breast, teasing me, making me moan. Then finally, the wetness of his tongue brushed over my nipples and I arched my back even more. The electrifying sensation shot between my legs so fast, I burned and ached for him.
Pulling the lingerie aside, his kisses followed down my stomach, lower and lower till I thought I’d explode when his tongue licked, flicked and stroked my clit. A whimpering sound escaped my mouth when he devoured me even more. When his finger teased my opening with fast quick strokes, I wanted to scream out loud; I was pretty sure I was drenched and beyond ready for him.
“Max,” I panted, spreading my legs further, letting him know I was anxious. Tugging his sweater, I pulled him toward me and opened my mouth to take in his lips. With my other hand, I tried to pull off his sweater. Seeing I was getting nowhere, Max lifted himself up and did what I couldn’t do. The reflected light cast perfectly on his beautiful, toned body. I couldn’t help myself as I ran my hands across the hardness of his chest.
Suddenly, Max seized both of my hands and pinned them down on either side of my head. Releasing the pressure slightly, his mouth cupped my breast and sucked until I could not handle it any longer. Screaming inside with intense pleasure, the building ache of wanting him was overpowering. “Max,” I sighed under my breath.
“You want me inside?” he taunted, hovering over me, giving me that confident smirk. He knew he had the power to seduce me, to fulfill me, to dissolve me, to take me completely.
“Yes,” I squirmed.
Max slowly moved off the bed and casually took off the rest of his clothes. Turning to me, he shifted my body so fast; I was in a ready position. After he got me completely naked, he put on a condom and anchored his body on top of mine. Brushing the hair from my face, he glided his finger over the diamond pendant necklace he had gotten me for Christmas.
“Merry Christmas, babe,” he said, looking lovingly into my eyes. Again, the city lights shone dimly, reflecting in his eyes. I could see the sincerity of what he said next. “I love you, Jenna. You are my forever.”
Then…BAM! He was in me, making me gasp and suck in air. He rocked to the rhythm of our bodies pressed together as our eyes locked. Max took it slow at first, giving me that irresistible smile. When he started to pump faster, I had no control and my eyes naturally closed, as I took in all that he had to offer. He was filling me up with his love, his passion, his need…all of him. I was expanding, bursting.
Max was full of energy tonight. It seemed endless as he pounded into me again and again. Cradling me, he went deeper and faster, until I was sure the room had started to spin. His deep groan filled my ears, telling me he was at the point of no return. We were both high in the state of ecstasy, both bursting to the core…climaxing…fulfilling with no limits. Wanting to explode, my moaning grew louder.
“No one can hear you, babe. Scream louder for me,” Max said in between heavy breaths. Pushing me further up on the bed, he bent from his knees, lifting my butt with both of his hands. Half my body was on the bed; the other half lifted in the air.
As the mattress bounced and the bed frame rattled, he rocked my world to no end. Tears started to stream down from the corners of my eyes and I had no idea why. Feeling drained, but wanting
more, my fingers dug into the sheets as my pulse intensified. Then my hands reached for his hard, defined chest, but I was unable to grip it. My hands didn’t belong to me anymore, neither did my body, heart or soul. Every part of me belonged to Max.
Taking all of what he was giving me, I let myself go. When Max pulled out, my body shuddered from withdrawal. Panting, Max held me to his chest and kissed my lips. “Merry Christmas, Jenna. I think I may be worthy tonight,” he chuckled softly as his naked body vibrated against mine.
“Merry Christmas, Max. You are more than worthy,” I replied out of breath, snuggling to mold my body to his, as we shared a sweet moment of laughter together.
Having the apartment to myself was nice; I was slowly getting used to it. I was the one that was usually traveling to book conventions or not coming home for whatever reasons. Regardless, though I missed Jenna, the peace and quiet was appealing.
It was the first time I had spent Christmas alone, but I didn’t mind. We had celebrated the day before so it wasn’t a big deal that I was alone on Christmas day. Unable to sleep last night, I decided to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” They play this every single year and somehow, I ended up watching it every single year.
Leaning over to my nightstand, I looked at my phone; I had gotten texts from my friends, all wishing me a Merry Christmas. They must have sent them late last night. Though Christmas was over, I wished them all the same back.
I was just about to kick back in bed, when there was a knock at the door. Putting my robe on, I looked in the mirror and quickly fingered through my hair to look presentable. Oh well, it must be a delivery.
“Coming,” I yelled when I heard another knock, louder this time, so impatient! Looking through the peephole, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Knowing I would be looking, Matthew showed me all of his white teeth.
Opening the door half way and hiding behind it as much as I could, I tried to greet him without coming off rude. “Yes?”