“I love you too.” The words slip from my lips so quickly I don’t have a chance to overthink them.
“I don’t mean ‘love you like a friend,’ Lily,” he continues. “I really love you. I am in love with you,” he stresses.
“That’s what I mean too,” I admit it for the first time. To him and to myself. “I love you, Jace, and…I want you.” I look up at him from under my eyelashes and he blinks like he can’t quite understand what I’m saying. I grab his hand and lean into him, finally letting my mind wonder what it would be like. I need to find out. I need to kiss him.
Chapter 5 - Lily
Jace moves closer to me and his hands tremble slightly as he touches the side of my face. Our lips hover over each other and I look into his eyes, knowing this is the last time I’m going to stare into them as just his friend. After this kiss, after this night, we’ll be more. For better or worse, we’ll always be more.
His fingers thread through my hair and he pulls me into him. My eyes widen with a tinge of surprise and then flutter closed as he kisses me softly. Passionately. Slowly. Our mouths part slightly and our tongues collide in a dance of longing and urgent need.
I know Jace hasn’t had much experience with women. I know every single girl he’s ever dated and I also know just how much sex he’s had. Suddenly, a fire burns bright inside me as I decide I’m going to show him how good sex can be. I’m going to have him begging me for more and moaning my name.
I scoot across the sofa and turn around, kissing him the entire time, until I have him straddled between my legs. Instinctively, I grind down against him and my eyelids snap back open wide as his huge, hard cock is pressed up against me.
Wow. I did not know Jace was packing.
His fingers slide up under the edge of my shirt and easily lift it free from my body as I paw and tug at his. Soon the heat of his flesh is pressed against mine as I sit in my bra on top of him, grinding against him hard.
Jace fumbles with the clasp of my bra for a moment, but then it pops open and my breasts fall slightly as it’s tossed to the ground. I push myself up on Jace, pressing my tits in his face, and he pulls my nipple into his mouth, swirling his warm tongue over it as I mewl with pleasure.
My hands quiver as I try to unbutton his jeans. I manage to get them open and I carefully reach my hand inside the denim, sighing with satisfaction as my fingers grip around his thick, rigid cock.
Damn.
“Holy shit,” I breathe the words and Jace smiles, releasing my nipple from his mouth.
“Surprised?” He looks up at me and I nod.
“Yeah, just a bit.” I giggle. “It’s bigger than I was expecting,” I admit.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you’re ready.” Jace’s voice is deep and full of need. He grabs my hands and tugs me up to my feet, so my pussy is in front of his face, and I flatten my hands against the wall behind the couch as he quickly tugs my pants down over my ass and down my legs. For a second I’m vulnerable to be naked like this in front of him. But the moment immediately passes as he wraps his hands around my hips and pulls me toward his mouth.
His tongue presses in past my shaved lips and he licks my entire pussy from my wet center to my aching clit. I can’t stop the moans that escape my mouth as I hold myself steady against his face and he flickers his tongue over my sensitive nub.
“Oh fuck!” I cry out as I twist my hips forward and push them toward his mouth. Jace releases his tight grip on my hip and eases a couple of his fingers inside my pussy as he relentlessly sucks and teases my clit. My walls bear down against him as hot light seems to flash through me, bringing a tidal wave of unimaginable bliss. I throw my head back and cry out to the ceiling as Jace licks my flooding juices up like a man dying of thirst.
My clit gets very sensitive, and his mouth is too intense against it. I pull back and my thighs quake as I stand in front of him on the sofa. Jace looks up at me from between my thighs and a smile slides over his face proudly. “I told you I’d make sure you were ready,” he murmurs.
I step out of the weak fabric brace around my legs where my jeans pooled down around my ankles and then step back off the couch. Every muscle inside my entire body contracted tight and then the orgasm washed over it.
“Take off your pants,” I demand, my voice still hoarse from screaming my pleasure.
Jace undoes his jeans and lifts his ass from the seat as he yanks them down. “I know you’re on the pill, but should I grab a condom?”
I shake my head.
“I want to feel you. All of you.” I slide back over his legs, straddling him, and glide my soaking pussy over the tip of his cock.
Jace grunts and squeezes his eyes shut as I tease him a bit. I rub myself over him, slicking his shaft with my nectar as I grind on him. I like watching him struggle to keep his composure. I like dragging it out and watching his face as I tease him with the heat between my legs. Suddenly Jace fists his cock and places his other hand at my back, pulling me onto him. He doesn’t ease me into it, or try to slowly make love. Instead, he thrusts his thick dick inside me hard as I gasp at how far he stretches me out.
“Holy fuck,” I repeat myself. He’s got me so full, it’s almost overwhelming. I swallow hard and grab his broad, toned shoulders, bracing myself as he pulls back again and thrusts inside me even deeper. “Uhh!” I cry out. But it isn’t painful, it’s just intense. I push my hips down to meet his and realize that maybe Jace can teach me a thing or two about getting fucked.
His hands snake up my back and he grabs my shoulders tight, pulling me down flush against his hips as he fills me completely. His balls slap up against my ass cheeks as he fucks me powerfully from under me. I thought I was going to be in charge, that I was going to rock his world, but as Jace holds me steady on his lap and buries his cock inside me, I realize I might not know everything about my best friend.
Pleasure is building back up inside as I’m held motionless in Jace’s grip. He leans forward and takes my nipple back into his mouth, sucking on it hard as he teases the tip with his tongue. Lightning shoots through me as intense ecstasy fills me again. I growl my pleasure like a feral animal as Jace fucks me harder and deeper than I’ve ever experienced. Like he’s making me his. Like I will never be satisfied with another cock as long as I live.
I grip his cock tight in my pussy and cry out, filling the room with my animalistic sounds and Jace thrusts into me again, but it’s jagged and urgent. He buries his cock inside and releases my nipple as his own orgasm steals his voice and he drops his forehead onto my chest. His cock pulses inside me, filling me with his seed in spurt after spurt.
I stay in his lap, collapsed against him, and we both pant as we struggle to get ourselves back under control. Finally, I sit back up and he smiles at me and kisses me tenderly on the tip of my nose.
“That was amazing.” His voice is still deep and rich, like velvet.
“I don’t know why we waited so long to do that,” I admit.
“So…no regrets?” His eyes search my face for answers.
“My only regret is that we didn’t do this sooner,” I admit. I move off of him and we both collapse back onto the sofa together. Jace holds me tight against him in his arms. “I love you,” I whisper.
“I’ve always loved you, and I always will.” He pulls me into him and I nuzzle into his chest, letting my body relax against him and sleep wash over me.
THE END
5
What Lies Beneath
Chapter 1 - Gabriella
I twist the key in the lock and jump up, reaching overhead for the barred barrier that slides down over the front of my shop. I always struggle to reach it, but I know the first day I forget to lock it down, it will be the last day I own this shop. I hop up, unsuccessfully clutching at the empty air as the bars taunt me, just out of reach. I know it’s not ideal to have a hair salon in such a bad neighborhood, but the people who come here are great, and besides, this is the slice of my dream I can afford…for now. Who
knows? Maybe in five or ten years I’ll own a luxurious studio uptown, but for now, I work for myself, I have great clientele, and I make my own hours. And that’s enough for me.
“Excuse me.”
I jump and whirl around with my hands still held high, like I’m ready to karate chop whatever man is sneaking up on me. As I turn to face him, he holds up his hands and steps back apologetically, eyes cast down to the ground.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he mumbles to his tattered shoes. He slides his thumbs under the straps on a backpack he wears over his dirty coat and tilts his head as he meets my eyes. I’m struck by the intense sea of blue I find myself swimming in as I look at him.
“Yes?” The tension eases in my forehead as my muscles relax and I stand tall.
He hangs his head sadly. “I can see I’m too late, and I don’t blame you if you say no, but would it be possible to get a quick haircut and shave? I wouldn’t ask normally. I mean, I’ve heard that you do these cuts for free for the homeless and I’ve never come here, but tomorrow I have a job interview.” He raises his head proudly.
“Wow, congratulations.” I smile easily, listening to his deep voice. It’s soothing like a warm blanket on a cool autumn evening.
“Thank you.” He clears his throat. “But the thing is, there’s no chance they’ll give me a second look if I don’t get cleaned up. I’m sorry I’m late, but is there any way you can help me out?” His voice cracks in desperation as his blue eyes plead with me silently. My gaze travels over him, and I soak in his features. He’s right. The way his out-of-control hair curls around his ears and has grown down into his fluffy beard, he appears, well, homeless.
I nod slowly, digging my keys out of my purse. “Of course. I can get you ready for your interview in no time.” I reopen my shop and push the door open. “I’m Gabriella.” I smile and hold out my hand.
“Luke.” He watches my hand curiously for a second, like I might have one of those old-fashioned buzzers attached to my palm that my big brother always used to try trick me with as a child. He grasps my hand in his and smiles for the first time. Despite his unkempt hair and beard, I can still see how handsome he is as happiness and relief flood over his face. “Thank you, Gabriella. Thank you so much.”
“Don’t mention it.” I step inside and flick the lights back on as he follows me. I close the door and lock it, so we don’t get any other people popping in. I don’t mind helping Luke out since he has an interview to get ready for, but I don’t want to be here too long after dark. “Okay, first thing’s first, I need you to put this on.” I hand him a black cape that he secures like a giant bib around his neck. “Now, let’s get your hair washed.”
Chapter 2 - Luke
“So, what can I do for you?” She stands behind me and watches me in the mirror. Her dark hair flows over her shoulders and the electric blue streaks dyed throughout frame her ample breasts. The same ones that were pressed into my arm only moments ago as her fingers sensually massaged my scalp and shampooed my hair.
Back when I was still in the military, when I was younger and full of piss and vinegar, I would have had a few naughty suggestions for what this sexy beauty could “do for me.” Now, after a year on the streets and then another year in the transition house that I share with other homeless veterans, I’m just grateful to have someone like her look at me. The way her fingers graze over my neck as she runs the comb delicately through my hair, instead of recoiling away from me like I’m some kind of vermin. The way she talks directly to me, looking into my eyes, rather than pretending I don’t exist. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt the simple pleasure of being seen as a real person rather than a problem. My heart expands in my chest as I swallow the lump in my throat. I didn’t realize until right now just how much I’ve missed such simple things. Things like being treated like a human being.
“You’re the expert.” I clear my throat and push my swelling emotions back down inside. “Anything you do will be better than this.” I vaguely wave my hand over my face and sink back into her the barber chair.
“Oh, I don’t know about that. I don’t think it’s all that bad.” Her eyes sparkle as she smiles. The lights over her mirror twinkle in her dark eyes like the first stars after a sunset. “I think I know what will look good on you, though, if you just want me to do that?” She raises an eyebrow and it takes me a second to realize she asked me a question. Gabriella is so breathtaking, it’s hard not to stare. I love how her freckles kiss the bridge of her nose and how her pink lips resemble a perfectly plump heart. I don’t mean to stare. I definitely don’t want to make her uncomfortable. It’s just so rare that I get a chance to talk to a beautiful woman. Or anyone for that matter.
“That sounds perfect,” I agree. “Whatever you think will help me get the job.”
“Okay, great! I have only one question then.” She looks straight at me in the oversized mirror.
“What’s that?”
“Beard or no beard?” Her fingernails graze the long, fuzzy hair on my face that I’ve gotten so used to. It feels like a lifetime ago that I used to shave every morning before putting on my uniform and boots for the army. I miss having a meaningful job. Of being respected. The pride putting on that uniform brought me has been slowly stripped away over the years. Until it completely evaporated.
“Shave it off,” I say it too loud. But the idea of spending another day being judged as a dirty vagrant under this hair is too much. “Short hair and no beard, please.” I nod slowly and stare at myself in the mirror, ready to find the man under there that I lost along the way.
Chapter 3 - Gabriella
“So, what is the job you have an interview for?” I try to make conversation since, so far, Luke has been wordlessly staring at himself in the mirror as I’ve been cutting away and reshaping his hair. I can’t tell if he likes what I’m doing or hates it, but the silence is louder than any noise he could possibly make and it’s driving me crazy.
“It’s not much.” He shrugs as I place my scissors on the table and pick up the electric razor. “It’s just a security job, but it has benefits after six months and the company does a lot of hiring from within, so who knows what it could lead to.” He still doesn’t stop glaring at himself in the mirror. I’m not sure if he’s changed his mind on the beard thing or what’s going on.
“That sounds like a great opportunity,” I agree. “I’m sure you’ll get it.” I smile a little uneasily as he frowns at his reflection. “Did you—uh, should I still take the beard off? You don’t look happy.” I pause uncertainly.
“What? Oh, no. I mean, yes! Please cut it off.” The clouds in his eyes suddenly clear. “I was just…it’s just been a while,” he explains.
“Since you’ve gotten a haircut?” I nod. Clearly it’s been over six months since he’s even had a trim of any sort.
“No, not that. It’s just been a while since I’ve seen this guy.” He juts out his jaw at his reflection. “I do like it, and I want you to keep going. Thank you for introducing me back to him.” He points at himself. “It’s just been a while.”
“Hey, that’s what I’m here for.” I smile, but it’s weak. My lips twitch slightly as I realize that something as small as a haircut can be so meaningful. “Ready?” I flick the electric razor on and it fills the air around us with a buzz like a hive full of bees.
“Ready.” Luke tilts his head up and sets his jaw.
I swipe the razor over his skin and mark a path through the brambly hairs covering his face. It reminds me of that old poem we studied in school as children. The one about how you can take the well-beaten path or the unknown one. In Luke’s case, this trail of sheared hairs is like a path through the brush, the harder one to take, but the one that will lead to a better future.
Soon, the long beard hairs are no longer attached to his face, but instead slide down the front of his cape and onto the salon floor. When I’m cutting hair, the only thing I see is the hair. Not the person, or much else, but the jo
b I’m trying to do. So, when I take a step back and look at him, clean-shaven, I almost gasp. He’s not just handsome, he’s…sexy. Wow, I can’t believe how different he appears with a fresh haircut and his shaggy beard removed. Now I can see his thick lips, his chiseled jawline, and his blue eyes are bigger and even more intense.
“I think you look great!” I smile and put the razor down along with the comb. “Here, do you want to check the back?” I pick up the hand mirror and start to twirl him around in the chair, but he puts his foot to the floor and stops me abruptly.
“No, I trust you. If you don’t mind, I need to use the washroom?” Luke stands up and plucks the black cape from his neck, shaking the hairs free from it.
“Uh, sure.” I point to the back hall. “It’s the first door on the left.”
“Thanks.” His voice is thick. He picks up his bookbag and disappears down the hall.
I shrug and grab my broom. I’m not sure what’s going on with him, but I need to get this all cleaned up again so I can lock up. I sweep all the long and twisty hairs from the linoleum and throw them out. After I disinfect my scissors and comb, I hear Luke come out of the bathroom and watch him walk toward me.
Wow. He looks amazing.
He shaved his jaw completely clean with a razor, removing the little layer of scruff that the electric one left behind. His face is a little red with irritation after not shaving for so long, but he still looks…just wow. My breathing grows shallow and my heartbeat quickens as he closes the distance between us. I don’t know why, but in my mind I let a fantasy whirl around me. One where he walks up to me, wraps his strong arms around me, and pulls me into him. Our bodies are pressed together tight and he kisses me hard with his soft lips.
Night Time Rendez-Vous: 3 sizzling novellas that will keep you up all night Page 21