by London Casey
“I’ll see you at seven, then. And, Eden?” His voice slid along her spine.
“Yes?”
“You don’t sleep naked.”
She swallowed and fisted her fingers in the hem of her nightgown. “No.”
“You should today.”
“Why?” She asked, dry throat making her voice raspy.
“Because you took this call in that direction and after I hang up, I intend to imagine you sleeping naked.”
She rolled to her side and rubbed suddenly hot cheeks against the cool cotton of her pillow case. The dark of the room, the raw interest in his voice, made her bold. “What are you going to do while you’re…imagining?”
Another of his long pauses greeted her question. She decided he wasn’t going to answer just before he said, “I’m going to use my hand to take the edge off before I pick you up tonight.”
Her lower abdomen fluttered. Heat pulsed between her thighs, a surge of excitement stronger than she could remember feeling before. Eden squeezed her eyes shut and shifted her grip on the phone as she ran through responses in her head and decided upon a whispered, “Why wait ’til you hang up?”
More silence. She relished the long pause, gave her imagination cautious freedom to guess at what he was doing. Noises of movement had ceased a while ago, but they returned to fill the empty space. Seth exhaled a long, low sigh into the quiet. Eden squeezed her thighs together, waiting.
Eventually, he said, “Because I want you to keep your edge.”
Eden smothered a sob of frustration against the corner of her pillow. Thanks to his raspy morning voice and his shameless confession, her edge was now sharp as a new blade and she didn’t know how to dull it short of getting out of bed and driving to his house.
“Eden?” He asked, prodding at her frayed nerves.
She lifted her head and opened her eyes to stare at the bedside photo of her brother and parents, seeking something besides him to focus upon. When she was confident her voice wouldn’t falter, she said, “Seth?”
“Wear a skirt. A short one. I want to see your legs.”
Carefully modulating her tone, she said, “Maybe I don’t have a short skirt.”
His low, throaty chuckle teased her. “Then I guess I’ll just have to find another way.”
Eden swallowed a groan as she heard the soft click of him hanging up the phone. After setting her alarm, she slid her nightgown over her head and dropped it on the floor beside the bed.
Seth stared at the phone. He hadn’t really thought she would be willing to go out tonight. He had deliberately misled her by allowing her to think he wouldn’t be free this weekend, but he wanted to force her hand. He was hard as hell, her teasing having brought his dick to full attention, especially in the wake of the erotic dreams he had been having about her.
She was a puzzle. Instead of being curious about his plans, or irritated that he wouldn’t be available over the weekend, she had blithely agreed to a date this evening. And she knew one of his favorite restaurants. She was straightforward, honest to the point of pain, and still there was a sort of innocence about her. He knew she was intelligent, and that she respected his profession. He was having a difficult time figuring out how to keep his walls intact when the usual defenses weren’t necessary. Maybe the best thing to do was get inside her and work this obsession through. He figured once they got into bed, they wouldn’t get out for days. His consolation was that he expected the sex would be spectacular, and would burn itself out quickly. The thought of working through all that lust with her sent a spurt of heat through his system, hardening his already-stiff dick to the point of discomfort. He’d told her he was going to take the edge off, and he meant to.
He slid one hand down his naked belly to cup his balls, squeezing them lightly, before riding over them to the base of his cock. He gripped his shaft with his fist and began to pump slowly. In his mind’s eye, she lay naked on the bed, her long legs open, giving him little glimpses of her damp flesh. Was she a natural blonde? Were her breasts rounded or more conical? He imagined her nipples hard atop them. What color were they? Other images roamed behind his eyes. Her hair trailing the floor as she hung her head off the edge of the bed, her mouth on level with his groin. Her hot, wet mouth closing over his head as he fed himself to her. Lush pink lips inching down to where his cock and body met, then sliding back up, leaving a wet sheen behind.
His thumb swirled the leaking pre-cum over the engorged head while he imagined fucking her mouth hard and fast and deep. The pressure in his balls increased as he tightened his grip. Her long-fingered white hands wrapping around him, pumping in sure strokes. He rubbed a calloused finger over the sweet spot on the underside of the head of his cock. Her lips sucking and pulling at his dick like she was starving for his come. His hips arched and his dick pulsed as he sped the motion of his pumping hand. Pressing her legs open and slamming his cock home into her dripping, hot cunt. Fucking her and fucking her and fucking her until he poured all that come into her, draining his balls.
As he imagined filling her aching, well-fucked pussy, he came in a rush, sending jets of sticky, hot sperm into the air to land on his stomach, trailing across his closed fist. Oh, yeah. He couldn’t wait to get inside her.
Eden woke to find Ry stretched out on the bed next to her, his back propped against the headboard as he read a paperback thriller. He casually turned off the alarm and held up the nightgown she’d discarded. “Hot date?”
Eden stared at the garment and flushed. She studiously avoided looking at the phone. “Yeah. Seth is picking me up at seven.”
Ry nodded. He dropped her gown between them and swung his feet to the floor. “You go hop in the shower. I’ll find you something to wear.”
Eden took his advice. Thirty minutes later she was out of the shower, teeth brushed, blowing her hair dry and pretending she hadn’t slept naked. The shower had taken longer than usual, so she applied her makeup with hurried strokes, leaving her lipstick off until after she was dressed.
“So why are you here, Ry?” She asked, walking into her bedroom, wrapped in a fluffy terry cloth robe.
“I have to have a reason?”
“Not usually. But the only time you crawl into bed with me is when you’re worried.”
Ry pulled a sundress from her closet and draped it across the foot of the bed. “Well, there’s Michael. But mostly you and Seth. I really am concerned about that. I just want you to know I will be here for you.”
The dress he chose was cut with princess seams that emphasizing her curves. Small flowers in blue and yellow dotted a white background, providing just enough color to create depth. And the hem rode high. Eden smiled. Seth wouldn’t have to stoop to backup plans in order to see her legs.
“Thanks, Ry. It means a lot to me to know I can count on you.” Her smile sobered as she looked back to her friend. “Has Michael decided anything yet?”
Ry shook his head. “No. He’ll have to decide soon, though.”
Eden made a sympathetic noise and he rubbed the bridge of his nose.
“You should have a long weekend,” she suggested, rifling through her lingerie drawer in search of her white silk teddy. “Lots of privacy. Maybe it will help him reach a decision.”
“That’s not a bad idea.”
Eden vanished into the bathroom to slip into the sexy little bit of lingerie she reserved for… well, so far for nothing. But she had a reason to wear it now. The doorbell rang when she propped her foot on the toilet. Her fingers paused at the snaps and she swallowed. She wasn’t ready.
“That will be Seth,” Ry said from the bedroom. “I’ll get the door while you finish up.”
“Thanks, Ry. I won’t be long.”
Refusing to let her thoughts wander to their morning phone call, she left the bathroom, grabbed the flirty sundress from the foot of the bed and slid it over her head. She left her legs bare and stepped into a pair of sandals.
Seth shifted his weight as he rang the doorbell. A moment lat
er, the door opened, and he stood face to face with Ryan Edwards. Seth frowned. What was Edwards doing here? “Ryan.”
The blond grinned engagingly. “Seth. Come on in. Eden will be down in just a moment. We were having a little talk and time got away. She was almost ready, though, so it shouldn’t be long.”
Seth nodded his understanding as he stepped through the door into Eden’s townhouse. Almost ready? How close to ready was almost ready? Why was she entertaining Edwards when she was going out with him tonight? Damn, but the relationship between them was a mystery.
“Have a seat,” Ry offered, motioning to the hunter green sofa in the living room. All the furniture was large, as if it had been purchased with a large man in mind. Seth had spent time with enough women to know that was unusual. Generally, he felt uncomfortable in a woman’s home, the furniture too confining, the colors too pastel, the accents too fussy. This room, though, was clean lines and jewel tones. The carpet was a subtle khaki color, the walls a warm cream. The furniture and accessories were deep green, cobalt blue and maroon. He felt comfortable. He wondered if the rest of the townhouse would be as comfortable. Seth settled into one corner of the sofa. Ryan took a large wing chair nearby.
Ryan grinned at Seth. “How are you settling in?”
“Fine. I took an apartment near the station. Nothing fancy, but it serves.”
Ryan nodded. “Excellent. Have you had a chance to look around much?”
“I graduated from Georgetown. There have been some changes since I left, but a lot is the same.” Seth shifted on the couch, resting his ankle on his other knee. He was irritated with himself again. He liked Edwards, but disliked his relationship with Eden. It shouldn’t matter to him, but it did. It was awkward making small talk with a man who made free with your date’s home. “Do you spend much time here?”
“In Eden’s place? Yes, I suppose I do. I live three doors down, so we see a lot of each other. With our work schedules so odd, we each have keys to the other’s place.”
Seth’s eyes narrowed as he considered the man in front of him. “You have a key?”
Ry laughed. “Sure. Kit has one, too.”
“And who is Kit?”
“Kit—Christopher—is Eden’s brother. He’s three years older.”
Seth frowned.
“She is just as likely to be down at my place. You will understand if I don’t give you a key to my place?”
Snorting softly, Seth decided Edwards was baiting him for entertainment. He wasn’t very entertained. Possessiveness crowded him in his corner of the sofa.
Eden chose that moment to appear, racing headlong down the stairs. He looked up in time to see her whip around the banister at the bottom, loose hair tumbled around her shoulders, hem clinging to her knees.
“Seth! I am so sorry I’m running late. I’m ready to go when you are.” She skidded to a halt in the middle of the living room.
Seth raised an eyebrow. “Hello, Eden. No need to rush, I can wait a few more minutes. You look lovely.”
“Thank you. You look del—handsome yourself.” She glanced at Edwards. “So what trouble have you been brewing, Ry?”
“I was just telling Seth about Kit. I also might have mentioned that Michael and I have keys.”
“You would. Troublemaker. I am having a difficult enough time convincing Seth we aren’t having sex. No need to make it harder on me.” She grimaced apologetically and met Seth’s eyes. “I’m sorry my friend has such a weird sense of humor. Feel free to ignore him—that’s what I do most of the time.”
Seth shook his head. The two of them were truly odd. He took a moment to appreciate her attire. The dress emphasized the swell of her breasts, the dip of her waist, and the long, beautiful sweep of her legs. He suddenly found himself wondering if the backs of her knees were sensitive, and what her skin would taste like. Forcibly pushing the thought away, he said, “I can’t ignore him, I work with him. Shall we go?”
She smiled at him, a completely uninhibited, open smile. It made him want to smile back. “Sure. I’m starving. I haven’t eaten since about six this morning.”
Seth stood and she reached for his hand. The cool weight of her fingers nudging into his grasp gave him pause but his hand responded despite the inactivity of his brain. He squeezed her fingers and drew her to his side. The clean, wildflower scent of her invaded his space.
Edwards frowned at Eden. “You didn’t eat when you got home?”
Eden shook her head. “Michael was here, as you well know. We talked a bit, he tried to bribe me with a foot massage, and then I called Seth. I went to bed right after I got off the phone.”
Seth’s hold on her hand tightened. The possessiveness he felt for her disturbed him. He knew the surge of irritation he felt at the mention of another man touching Eden was jealousy, but it had been a long time since he had felt it. Over the last few years, his emotions had gone into hibernation. He wasn’t so sure he wanted them to reawaken.
“You’re a doctor. How you can take such poor care of yourself is beyond me.” Edwards stood and looked at Seth. “Take care of her. Be sure she eats.”
Seth quirked a brow in surprise. Edwards seemed to think he had some sway over Eden. “I’m not her keeper.”
Eden sighed loudly. “I can take care of myself, thank you. But I appreciate your concern. I’ll call when I get back.”
“Don’t bother. I have a hot date.”
Eden grinned. “Good. You two have a good time. You deserve it. I’ll see you later.”
Enough. Seth pressed his thumb to the pulse point at Eden’s wrist before releasing her hand and touching the small of her back. He nodded to Ryan and turned Eden toward the door. “Ryan.”
Ryan nodded. “See you, Seth.”
Chapter Four
Eden sat back in her chair. The restaurant was crowded, but the dim lighting and hushed atmosphere made it seem less busy. Dinner was excellent, with conversation flowing more freely than she had expected. Truthfully, she had expected him to be less polished, rougher. A personality more in keeping with the rawness of her response to him.
His presence in her living room tonight had hit her hard. She thought she might get used to that. In thirty or forty years. He was wearing khaki pants and a white polo shirt. The staple outfit took on a life of its own on his big body. The short sleeves of the polo stretched across his biceps, creating a distinct contrast to his tanned skin. The shirt looked as if it were straining at the shoulder seams, and the stress pulled the material taut across the planes of his chest and flat abdomen. His khaki pants fit him perfectly, emphasizing the lean grace of his hips and the powerful muscles of his thighs. Eden had a sudden vision of a panther, all lithe muscle and ready action. He looked very much the somnolent predator with his stormy eyes half closed and his teeth gleaming behind his parted lips.
“Dessert?” Seth asked.
She cleared her throat. “No thanks.”
Seth looked up at the server. “Just the check, then.”
“Very good, sir,” the waiter responded.
Returning his gaze to Eden, Seth tilted his head to one side. “How about a walk by the canal?”
“I’d like that.”
In short order they were walking downhill toward the canal. Seth’s palm rested at her waist, his long fingers pressing her hip on the two occasions her heels wobbled. The night was warm and sticky with the humidity off the Potomac. They strolled companionably past the storefronts to the steps down to the canal. The high stone walls gave the feeling of a canyon, sending their footsteps echoing oddly across the dark water. A fog crept in off the river, isolating them and making the canal seem almost surreal.
Eden began to relax. She was pleasantly surprised to find she could relax around him. The rhythmic sound of the water, the distant sounds of traffic muffled by fog, and the mellow pace Seth set for their walk combined to ease the sexual tension she felt between them.
“What made you decide to transfer to Alexandria?” She asked, glancing
up at his profile.
His jaw tightened and relaxed, so quickly she decided she’d imagined the tension. His tone, when he answered, was easy and relaxed. “I graduated from Georgetown and spent a lot of time driving back and forth between D.C. and Philadelphia, where my parents are, when I was in college. I like D.C.”
“Don’t you miss the cheese steaks?”
He snorted quietly. “Sacrifices had to be made.”
“You prefer not to talk about yourself,” she realized.
He paused and turned to her, his eyes inscrutable in the dark. “My marriage ended three years ago. We were living in Rochester, where we’d moved after I completed my fire training. After the divorce she stayed in Rochester and I returned to Philadelphia, which seemed far enough away to give both of us space. She remarried and moved back to Philadelphia last spring.”
“So you left again.”
He nodded. “So I left again.”
Eden pressed her lips together, startled by the hollow that formed in her stomach. She hadn’t expected his past would be empty of women but she also hadn’t pictured him as a husband. Even hearing the brief summary of the relationship from his mouth, she couldn’t reconcile the strong, civil—albeit intense—man she was coming to know with her standard image of a man with an ex-wife. Divorce wasn’t unheard of for men in his profession. Most women couldn’t deal with the long hours on the job, the stress that followed many men home after a nerve-wracking night of emergency response. Still, she wouldn’t have pictured him in that situation. Seth struck her as someone entirely in control of his emotions, entirely aware of the nuances of emotion around him. She couldn’t imagine him losing track of something so thoroughly that it dissolved altogether. But she didn’t know details of his marriage. When he nudged her to continue walking, she decided on a return to more neutral ground.
“Is Alexandria where you want to be for a while? Or are you in a holding pattern until a position opens in a different station?”
“It was my first choice. I had earlier opportunities to transfer into Bethesda, Rockville and Woodbridge but I wanted this one.”