“Maybe,” I answer, smiling, our lips still touching.
“We need to stop now, before I can’t. I don’t want to fuck you in the bar break room, Elle.”
“Does it really matter where it happens?”
He studies my face, not answering immediately. “Yeah, it does. We need to go slow and if we’re going to give having a relationship a shot, then I want to do things right.”
“What does that even mean? It’s not like there’s some manual we can refer to.”
Isn’t every person’s opinion of what’s right and wrong in a relationship different?
“It means we’re going to get to know each other all over again and not have sex until the time is right.” He says, his expression serious.
“How will we know when the time is right?” Pressing my pelvis into his, I rock against his hard cock. “Because now feels like the perfect time to me.”
His hands grip my hips, holding me still. “What am I going to do with you? You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you?”
“What makes you think anything to do with us will be easy?” I question, my eyebrows raised.
“Easy or hard, makes no difference, Elle. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’ve wanted you for so long.” His fingers tense on my hips. “Now we have this chance and I’m not letting anything get in the way.”
His confident words have my heart racing. Does he mean them? It’s difficult for me to place my faith in another person, especially a man. There’s never been a male figure in my life who’s really cared for me. My own father has no interest in spending time with me and he helped create me. Sure, he’ll pay for anything I want, but he doesn’t really know me. Why would someone like Josh who has everything going for him want a future with someone like me?
Chapter Sixteen
Josh
Her brow puckers in a frown and I can tell she’s overthinking things.
“Hey, hey, none of that,” I say, running my index finger over the wrinkle between her brows. “Stop all those negative thoughts right now.”
“How do you know what I’m thinking?” she asks, her lips pressed together.
“Do you honestly think I don’t know you after all this time? I’m well aware how that mind of yours works.”
“Okay, oh wise one. What am I thinking right now?” Her lips move into an adorable smirk I want to kiss away.
Cupping her face with my hands, I close my eyes and pretend to focus, but I’m fighting every urge my body has to throw her down on the table and show her how crazy about her I am. “You’re thinking you want to meet my younger brother.”
“Owen’s here?”
My eyes open at the excitement in her tone. “He is and I want you to meet him, but not if you’re too excited about it.”
She giggles. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Unless he’s a hot tattoo artist, you’re all set.”
“Sean’s here too.”
“Well then you might be screwed,” she taunts.
“What were you saying?” Burying my face in her neck, I blow a raspberry on her skin and dig my fingers into her sides.
“I don’t want anyone, but you.” She shrieks, wiggling in my grasp.
My fingers cease tickling as I take in her words. Our eyes lock. Instantly, we’re both serious. “You’re the only woman I want. I haven’t been with anyone since we slept together.”
Her eyes grow wide as if my words shock her. “I haven’t either.”
I’m pleasantly surprised by the three words I never expected to hear. For as long as I’ve known Elle, she’s never gone for long without sex. “Why haven’t you?” I ask, bluntly.
“Our time together meant too much to me. I didn’t want to be with anyone else after. Why haven’t you?” she questions, turning my words back at me.
I caress her cheek with the back of my fingers. “Do you really need to ask? Can’t you tell I’m absolutely crazy about you?”
She chews on her bottom lip. “I want to believe you are, but it’s not easy for me to trust men.”
“I’m not any man, Elle. I’m only me. You’ve known me long enough to see what kind of person I am.” My hand raises to tuck the long strands of hair falling in her eyes behind her ear. “Now what do you say we go have some fun?”
“Let’s do it.”
We leave the break room, our hands clasped together and matching smiles on our faces. Owen notices us as we approach and smirks in my direction.
“Elle, this is my youngest brother, Owen. He’s a sophomore at B.U.”
She holds her hand out and he tugs her forward, pulling her into his arms. “I’m a hugger,” he says with a wink aimed in my direction over her shoulder. Shaking my head, I watch, making sure she’s not bothered by his antics.
“I’m a ball buster,” she says, raising her knee toward his groin.
He drops his arms as if he’s been burned. Holding his hands up he steps back. “I like my balls the way they are.”
She smirks. “I was only kidding. But seriously, you should be careful. Not every girl is going to want you to get handsy with them.”
He directs a look loaded with skepticism at her then holds his arms straight out at his sides. “Are you sure? I’ve yet to meet one who doesn’t want my hands on them - or to get their hands on me.”
She snorts, before rolling her eyes and I laugh. “Are you sure you guys are related?”
I nod. “Sometimes it’s even hard for me to believe, but it’s true.”
“Elle,” Sean calls her name as he approaches with a fresh beer in hand.
“Sean,” she smiles. I find myself bothered by the close hug they share. Jealousy is an emotion I don’t have a lot of experience with. I dealt with some when Janny initially began dating Kyle, but it didn’t take me long to work through it. With Elle, I don’t see it ever going away. She’s the kind of girl that attracts guys like flies to honey and this will never change.
“What are you two up to?” Sean asks, eyes sweeping from Elle to me, before taking a pull from his bottle.
Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, I draw her closer to my side. “I think we need to dance soon and then we’ll figure out the rest.”
“I can’t dance with you,” Elle says shaking her head.
“Why not?” I scowl.
“I don’t dance with people who are better than I am.”
“Whoa, wait a minute. Are you complimenting me? I never thought I’d hear you admit I was good at something.”
Her eyes lower shamefully, before she glances up at me. “I’m sorry I’ve been so horrible. I didn’t know how to deal with my feelings for you. I realize this isn’t much of an excuse, but it’s the truth.”
Leaning down, I kiss the top of her head. “It doesn’t matter, Elle. We’re both where we want to be now and that’s all that matters.”
* * *
“Thanks for bringing me home,” she says as we drive through the mostly empty Boston streets.
“You don’t have to thank me. I planned on taking you home, anyway. My eyes flick in her direction, taking in her delicate profile before returning to the road in front of us. “When can I see you again?”
“I...oh.” She brushes her hair back from her face.
“What?”
“I guess I assumed we’d be spending the night together. At least, I was hoping we were.”
“I want to more than anything, but no sex and no sleepovers for the time being.”
“No fun, you mean,” she says with a pout.
“Come on, it won’t be that bad. At least we get to spend time together. I’ll show you why it’s awesome to be my girl.”
“Am I?”
“My girl?” I question, my eyes snapping in her direction.
She nods. “Uh huh.”
“You better be. All these months of being without one another has taught me not to waste any more time.” Reaching over, I catch her hand, holding it in mine. “We’re together or we’re not. N
o more of this limbo bullshit.” I kiss the back of her hand, before continuing. “If this isn’t what you want, now’s the time to tell me. Otherwise, you’re in, and I’m not letting you change your mind.”
“I’m not changing my mind. I’ve wanted this for far too long. And as much as it scares me to trust you, I do.”
Once we reach her apartment, we walk to her door with our hands clasped. Openly holding hands is somewhat surreal. Any time we’ve done this in the past it’s always been for a fleeting moment. There’s never been a time where we weren’t trying to fight our attraction. To be with her, touching her freely, feels amazing.
She leans back against the door to her apartment when we stop in front of it. Her teeth press into her bottom lip coyly as her eyes sparkle up at me. She’s trying to tempt me...and she fucking does, but I’m not going to let anything ruin this opportunity for us. No matter how much need is churning through me, I’m not stepping inside her apartment, tonight.
“I’ve got your number,” I say, closing the distance between us. My hands cup either side of her neck. Her pulse flutters wildly against my palm. “You’re a little tease, aren’t you?” My head lowers when I brush the tip of my nose against hers. Her warm breath washes over my lips, tempting me further.
“I don’t know what you mean,” she replies, playfully.
I hover close to her lips. “Are you sure you don’t?”
“Hmm, how about we stop talking and you kiss me instead?”
“Is that what you want, Elle? Do you want me to press you back into this door and take your lips?” I question as I lean closer, caging her in. “Does this remind you of the last time we were standing in this same spot?”
“Yes,” she whispers.
“Do you remember how I made you come?” I ask, drawn in by the desire I see reflected in her chocolate eyes.
“I do.” Her fingers grip my shirt over my chest, tugging on the faded cotton.
“Your pussy tasted so sweet. I bet it would be just as delicious right now. Are you wet for me, Elle?”
“Why don’t you find out,” she taunts.
Slipping a hand between us, cupping her, I feel the damp heat of her through her sundress. It would be so easy to slip my fingers up the inside of her thigh and work them under the edge of her panties, but I won’t. “I want you more than you know and I’ll be tasting you soon, but it’s not going to happen tonight. Now, I’m going to kiss you goodbye and you’re going to go inside without argument.”
“Is that what I’m going to do?” She asks, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
My hand leaves her pussy to slide around her hip and down to grip the bottom of her ass. Squeezing one cheek in my palm, I press her closer to me. My other hand rises to hold her face. “Don’t push me, Elle. You won’t win and we both know you don’t like to lose.”
“From what I see, either way, no one’s winning tonight.” She rolls her eyes.
“Such a fresh little mouth.” My fingers move inward to pluck her lower lip. “Next time I see you we can work on improving your attitude.”
“How are you planning to do that?” she questions, skeptically.
“You don’t think I’m up for the challenge?”
“I’ve been like this for twenty-four years now. I’m not sure anything can be done about it.” She flips her hair. “Besides, I think my attitude is perfect the way it is.”
I grin. “I’m sure you do. And I’ll let you in on a little secret.” Leaning down, my lips brush the bottom of her ear. “I wouldn’t change a damn thing about you, Elle. Now give me a kiss so I can go home and try to get this hard on to go away. I have a feeling I won’t be getting much sleep tonight.”
“I have a great cure for your problem. It involves me on my knees and your dick in my mouth.”
“Goddamn, Elle. Your dirty mouth is such a fucking turn on.” Gripping my cock, I press down, trying to get my rock-hard erection to subside. Bending down, I brush a kiss on her cheek and take a step backward, placing some distance between us. “Unlock your door and get inside. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”
“Where are we going?” she questions, tipping her head.
“Did you forget about Lily’s christening?”
“Oh shit.” She covers her mouth. “I didn’t really forget; it momentarily slipped my mind.”
“I have to work until two so I won’t make it to the church for the actual christening, but I’ll see you back at Kyle and Janny’s.” I run a hand over the short hair along my jawline.
“I’m surprised you’d want anyone to know about us,” she says, her eyes lowering.
“Elle, look at me,” I coax. She glances up and I continue. “I want everyone to know about us - from the people we know - to total strangers on the street.”
A smile breaks out, lighting her face. “Okay, I’ll see you there.”
Chapter Seventeen
Josh
Cleaning up my space, I take all the necessary steps to make sure everything is properly disinfected. I never leave before I’ve completed this process. The ramifications of skipping a step could be life altering. There’s a stringent process you have to go through to procure a license to open a tattoo studio. I had to be trained on bloodborne pathogens and how to prevent them from spreading. I take every aspect of owning my own business seriously. Cleanliness, customer service and satisfaction - one isn’t more important than the other.
Flipping off the lights, I shut the door and head out to the front of the studio, waving as I pass Sean on the way. “I’m outta here, man.”
“Go have some fun with, Elle.” He wiggles his eyebrows up and down. “I’ll lock up when I’m done.”
“Sounds good on all counts. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
* * *
My palms are damp as I approach Kyle and Janny’s front door. I’m excited to see Elle. Last night when I was lying in bed replaying our time together, I sent her a text.
Me: Sweet dreams, beautiful.
I was relieved when it didn’t take more than a minute for her to reply.
Elle: If I dream of you, they’re sure to be sweet.
I didn’t have time to text or call her today and now I’m a little anxious about seeing her. Will things be awkward again - or will she be happy to see me? Either is possible and with the way our interactions have gone for the past six months, I’m afraid to hope for the best.
Pushing the door open, I step inside. Hearing some female voices coming from the kitchen area, I head in that direction. I’m pleasantly surprised when I find the object of my affection and Janny busily working, preparing the food.
My steps are silent as I sneak up behind Elle. She shrieks when my arms wrap around her waist and my lips move into the curve of her neck. Chuckling against her skin, my mouth moves to the bottom of her ear. “Hi.”
She tips her head, allowing me to trail kisses down the side of her neck. “Mm, you scared me, but this makes up for it.” Her hands rub over the top of mine where they’re clasped around her waist.
“I missed you,” I whisper in her ear.
She spins around in my arms, hands sliding up my chest to curl over the top of my shoulders. “I missed you, more.” Her tongue slicks over her bottom lip and I have to fight with every bit of strength I can summon to resist the urge to devour her. I want to strip her naked, sit her on the counter and eat her pussy for hours, but now is not the time or place.
Eyes locked on one another, we stare, frozen in the desire we’re struggling with. Both of us know the slightest motion might propel us beyond the edge of reason.
“Wow, this is new and exciting,” Janny interrupts, snapping both of us out of our heated stare off. “How long has this been going on?”
Our heads snap in her direction. The huge smile on her face has Elle and I both returning it.
Glancing down at the watch fastened around my wrist, I say, “about fourteen hours.”
“Oh, wow,” is her only reply as she picks up a tray of appetize
rs and hurries from the room.
“Yep, wow,” Elle says with a wink aimed at me.
Leaning forward, I brush my lips over hers. They taste so sweet, I do it once more. “I really did miss you. My bed was lonely last night.” My hands move to the counter, one on each side, caging her in.
“Your bed didn’t have to be lonely. That was your own fault,” she fires back at me, shaking her head.
“My bed’s going to continue to be lonely for the time being,” I inform her.
“Who are you trying to convince? Me or you?” She gestures between us with her index finger before placing it in the center of my chest and trailing it straight down to the top of my cargo shorts. My dick reacts immediately. She owns him completely and the rest of me too, but it’s too soon for her to know.
Swallowing over the lump of desire in my throat, I order myself to calm down. Catching her hand, I raise it to my lips, kissing the tips of her fingers. “What do you say we head outside and join the rest of the party?”
She rolls her eyes.
“Isn’t this where you’d tell me I’m a boy scout?” I joke.
She twists her lips like she’s carefully choosing her words. “Have I told you I’ve always had a thing for boy scouts? It started with Kent James in third grade, then it was Barry Wilson in fourth grade and the list goes on and on.”
“No, you never told me. So that means when you were calling me a boy scout you were really saying you were crazy about me?”
Her teeth press into her bottom lip as she nods, staring up at me with wide brown eyes.
I trail my index finger slowly along the V-shaped neckline of her dress. “I never told you this, but I was a boy scout and I’m really good at tying knots.”
“You already showed me how creative you can be tying a bow tie.”
“I can’t wait to show you what I can do with some rope.” I wink.
The Complete Quake Series Page 62