by Jenny Siegal
“What are you doing here so early?” My body grows warm from his appraisal.
“It’s a gorgeous day outside and a few of us are going for a picnic instead of class. I thought you and Iris might be up for it.” His green eyes sparkle with excitement, and I don't take much persuading.
I tilt my head and smile at him. “Well, seeing as it’s you and you’ve asked nicely, how can I resist.”
Excitement dances in his eyes as he brushes past me into our room, leaving my arm buzzing at his touch.
“Come on then, get ready. We’re leaving in ten,” he bosses, as Iris emerges from the bathroom, already dressed with her phone in hand.
“Oh good, Dominic's here already. That was Bryan, about the picnic. You don’t mind if I ride with Bryan, do you?” As if there was any doubt in our minds. The two of them are inseparable.
“Of course, not. I’ll see you there.” I hide my knowing smile as she skips out of the room to meet Bryan.
Dominic makes himself comfortable on my bed while I go into the bathroom to get dressed. Five minutes later, I emerge from the bathroom. After a double take, he stops flicking through Iris’s gossip magazine and tosses it aside. Slowly he sits up, not taking his eyes off me, and I start to feel a little self-conscious in my cut-offs and red tank top as he continues to stare.
“Do you have a bikini on?” He blows out a breath as he props himself up on one elbow, eyes alight with excitement. I cast my eyes toward the ceiling, laughing at his one-track mind.
“Maybe. Why?” I throw out my hips, resting my hands on them.
“I can’t wait to see how hot you look in a bikini. This is going to be a fun afternoon.” He winks and reaches out for me.
Dancing out of his reach, I warn him, “You can look, but you can’t touch,” trying to keep my voice stern. The disappointment on his face makes me laugh.
Quickly, I grab a hoodie, music, sunscreen, and a book. Gathering it together, I throw it all into a bag and turn to him.
“Ready when you are.” I bounce on the balls of my feet, eager to get moving.
“Wait a minute.” He stops me and points at my leg. “Is that a tattoo on your leg?” I look down and curse myself for wearing these shorts; they are too short.
“Yeah, it’s a tattoo,” I say reluctantly, because I don’t normally show it off.
“You never told me about that the other night. How come I’ve never seen it before?” He is still staring at my leg before he drags his gaze up to meet mine.
“I don’t normally show it off. You don’t know everything about me,” I mumble. So true.
His eyes darken. “I know. You never give anything away, I hate it,” he grumbles. “Can I see it?” The softness of his voice makes my insides melt like butter. How can I refuse him when he sounds like that? Exhaling a shaky breath, I unfasten my shorts and shimmy them down my legs.
Dominic watches me in anticipation, drinking in the sight of my bare legs while I stand with my tattoo facing him.
“Wow, it’s beautiful,” he says in awe. His finger tracing the ivy tattoo winding down my thigh sears the ink further into me, marking me.
“Do you have any more?” He looks up at me with those green eyes that hold me, trapped in their gaze, and I nod slowly.
“Can I see?” He rushes out a breath and it blows me away that I can affect him like this. Without giving it any more thought, I pull my tank top over my head and his eyes flash with desire as I lower my arms.
Dominic reaches out; still in a trance, I move into his touch letting it skim over the delicate daisy chain that snakes around part of my waist and over my hip. Electricity surges through me where his fingers meet my sensitive skin.
“I didn’t think it was possible for you to get any hotter, but you have.” Desire is coursing through my veins at the sound of his husky voice and the air is thick with tension.
The air between us shifts, but I am powerless to move away. And in that instant, I don’t want to.
“I like your bikini,” he mutters, while he fingers the red material that barely covers my ample chest. It is a remnant from my wilder days. God knows how it sneaked into my suitcase, probably because I don't own another one.
Dominic’s hands move to my hips, scorching my skin and with a quick tug, he pulls me onto his lap. Willingly I fall into him letting his hands rove up my body, feeling their way over every curve. Cradled in his arms, I wrap mine around his neck, twisting my fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck and his eyelids droop. Our chests are heaving with the effort of trying to catch a breath. I watch as his lips move closer, lowering until I feel them brush over mine. His tongue sweeps against my lower lip, and the need that rushes up inside takes me by surprise. This is much deeper than just an attraction. With the other guys I've slept with, it was just sex—a way to forget about things,—if I could even remember—but I never felt this way about any of them. This all-consuming need, a feeling that I just have to have him or I'm going to explode.
When he touches me, I feel like I'm going to combust.
Stop thinking about it, Charlotte, and let it happen. Somewhere in my lust-induced haze, I know I should put a stop to this, but I am weak and I can't make myself say the words.
Instead I mumble, “Don't stop,” against his lips.
Butterflies explode in my stomach as his tongue continues to stroke mine, and I give over to the pleasure that washes through every cell of my body. I don’t think a kiss alone has ever turned me on this much, and I moan despite myself.
Calloused hands move up my body, exploring my exposed flesh until they reach my breasts. He pushes the flimsy bikini top to the side, freeing my breast as his hand runs over my hard nipples before rolling it between his fingers.
Dominic shifts me to lie on the bed, legs draped over his lap. His warm lips trail a path of slow, sensuous kisses down my neck, over the curve of my breasts while I bury my fingers deep into his thick hair. That amazing mouth of his closes on my nipple, drawing it deep into his mouth. I arch into him, wanting as much of his mouth on me as possible. It isn't until his finger slides through my wet swollen folds and brushes over my clit that I realize his hand had moved. So caught up in what his mouth is doing to me.
It has been far too long since I last had sex. My insides are coiled so tightly, and I am so close to coming. My hips jerk with another brush of my clit, and I nearly spring up from the bed.
Dominic slips two fingers inside me, groaning about how tight I am as his thumb works my clit into a frenzy. Once his mouth moves back up to kiss me, his tongue dances around mine as his fingers continue their assault on my pussy. The gathering force of my orgasm builds in the pit of my stomach, and I feel that telltale pull low down.
“Dominic, that feels amazing. Don’t stop, I’m going to come,” I pant, shamelessly riding his hand, too caught up in what he is doing to me and how good it feels.
“Don’t worry, baby, I won’t stop. I want to see you come for me,” he murmurs between kisses. The tugging sensation becomes too much, and his words are my downfall. The low rumble of his voice does it for me. As his finger presses down, sliding over my clit once more, I can’t take anymore. Violent trembles wrack my body as I come apart under his touch, tightening around his fingers while his kisses swallow up my moans.
Dominic continues to hold me tightly as I cling to him, kissing me slowly until both our breathing returns to normal. My skin is slick with sweat, and I feel slightly embarrassed that I let myself do that with him. So much for us just being friends.
“Wow,” he breathes out. “I’ve never had a friend I could do that with.” His eyes are shiny and bright, and he looks pleased with himself.
“Yeah, sorry about that. I guess I got a little carried away,” I mumble and bury my head against him, inhaling deeply as I try to catch my breath.
“You do realize that I want you even more now. To see you come again and hear you scream my name.” His eyes glint dangerously.
“I didn’t scream,” I
protest.
He laughs. “No, but the next time I make you come, you will.” His expression is deadly serious, and the look in his eyes makes my tummy somersault. Crap, what have I done? Because of my lack of self-control and my need for him, I have made this situation even worse. If he didn’t know already how he affects me and how much I want him then he certainly knows now.
Dominic gently replaces my bikini top, but he doesn't let me go. If anything, he holds me tighter. The look on his face is unreadable as his knuckle brushes down the side of my cheek and along my jawline.
“Guess we better get going.” But he still doesn't move me.
“I guess so.” I am reluctant to get up; I like being in his arms too much.
Dominic helps me up to standing, and I wobble slightly, my legs are like rubber as I pull on my tank top and wiggle back into my shorts. Once I'm dressed, Dominic stands and pulls me into his arms, kissing the top of my head. Still too weak to support myself, I wrap my arms around him and rest my head on his chest. How does he manage to smell so amazing?
“We’ll take your car,” he says, and I look up at him.
“Is that the only reason you asked me, so we can go in my car?”
“No, but your car is much cooler and faster.” He leans down and gives me a quick kiss before pulling me toward the door.
“Wait, who all is going? I’m not going to give you a ride there and then you abandon me for some skank.” I pull my sunglasses out of my bag and perch them on top of my head. The mere thought has my stomach in knots.
“You insult me. Do you think I would do that to you, especially after what just happened?” He holds his hands up in protest.
“Hmm, well why did you ask me then?”
“It’s some guys from the band and their girlfriends and Bryan, who obviously wanted to bring Iris. I thought you might like to hang out with us and then I’ll have someone to talk to when they all pair off,” he grumbles and dips his head.
“So, you’re using me for my conversation so you won’t feel like you’ve no friends.”
“I’d like to use you for your body, but you won’t let me,” he says under his breath, and I shoot him a look.
I dangle my keys in front of him, and he holds out his hand, but I snatch them in mine.
“For that last comment, Hudson, I’m driving.” I smile sweetly as his face falls.
• • •
Because of the unseasonably warm weather, it is still hot enough for a picnic. After following his directions, we find everyone at a clearing near the lake.
As we spread out blankets, Dominic introduces me to members of the band. Pete, the singer, and his girlfriend, Grace. Leo, the drummer, and his girlfriend, Maddie, and Zak, the bassist, and his girlfriend, Bonnie. All the girls are friendly and include Iris and me in the conversation. The guys toss a ball around while we lie in the sun; it is too hot to do anything other than lie about.
This is the first time I’ve met the other guys in the band or their girlfriends and I’m a little shy. Apart from Iris I’ve never had any girl friends. Girls back home were really bitchy and sneaky and two-faced, and I could never be bothered with it. It didn’t help that I always spoke to the guys instead, and they were jealous. A lot of them were wary that I wanted their boyfriends, but I was never that bad. I never knowingly slept with anyone who had a girlfriend.
“So, you and Dominic, eh?” Grace smiles warmly at me, getting straight to the point.
I give a small laugh. “We’re just friends.” I don’t miss the glance that passes between them all.
“Zak says he talks about you all the time, and you two look pretty close.” Maddie tries to tease more information out of me, but I’m not giving anything away.
I shrug. “We have fun together, but we’re just friends,” I assure them. If only they knew what had just happened in my bedroom.
“Okay, I’ve seen the way you look at each other, but if you’re only friends then it’s just a matter of time before you’re something else,” Grace says with a knowing look.
“I think you make a nice couple. He’s never introduced us to any girls,” Bonnie adds looking at the others who all nod in agreement.
“You must have some willpower to resist him.” Grace gives me a sly look, and I smile despite myself. Tell me about it.
“I don't know how much longer I can. Especially now that he wants to take me out on a date.”
“Wait.” Grace sits up straighter and leans toward me. “Dominic wants to take you out on a date?” Their stunned silence and the looks they throw each other make me nervous.
“Yeah, what's the big deal?” My brow scrunches as I look from one to the other.
“Dominic doesn't date. I've never known him to take a girl out on a date. Sleep with them, sure, but not date them.” Grace spells it out for me.
“You should definitely go,” Maddie encourages. All eyes are on me as I pull at blades of grass, trying to avoid their scrutiny.
“We're friends.” My excuse sounds weak and a bit pathetic. “He could have any girl he wants, why would he want to date me? I've told him that I won't sleep with him.” I hate how insecure that makes me sound.
“He's had any girl, and it's you he wants.” Grace points out truthfully that I must be one of the few girls he hasn't slept with.
“You're a challenge.” Iris speaks up for the first time, and I swing my head around to stare at her. Traitor. The other girls look at her, too, interested in what she has to say.
“What?” I ask her.
“All those other girls are too easy. Dominic obviously likes a challenge, and you challenge him. You don’t give in to him like the others do, and that makes him want you even more. Not to mention the obvious chemistry you both have,” she explains calmly. Is there any truth in what she is saying? I wonder as I stare at her dumbfounded.
“She's right. You should go for it; at least you'll have fun.” Grace's eyes twinkle. I'm sure I would but at what cost.
As if he knows we're talking about him, Dominic flashes me a sexy smile that leaves me gasping for breath. No matter how hard I try to fight it, I feel it's a lost cause. The truth is I'm falling for him and can't stop even if I wanted to. I want him with my heart and soul.
“Uh-huh,” Grace mumbles as I return his smile. With a roll of my eyes, I lie down on my stomach beside Iris and plug my headphones in.
The only music I have on my iPod is dance music, which isn’t very relaxing. In fact, it has me all worked up. Even my book isn't able to hold my attention, either. As much as I try to concentrate, my brain keeps wandering, so I flick to the back and read the last page. There, I’ve ruined it, no need to read it now that I know what happens in the end. Annoyed with myself, I throw it down in disgust and pull off my headphones.
“Why are you so restless?” Iris opens one eye to squint through the sun at me.
“I’m too hot,” I grumble.
“Go and get a drink or something. Cool off,” she mumbles and closes her eyes.
Someone has brought a cooler, and I walk over and pick up a can of Diet Coke. Dominic saunters over to where I stand, giving me ample opportunity to check him out without him realizing, thinking that my sunglasses will hide the way my eyes rake over his body. He looks exceptionally hot and sexy with his cargo shorts and white wife-beater that clings to his lean muscular body, showing off his strong arms and tattoo. Unexpected heat flushes my cheeks when I think back to earlier when he had his lips and hands on me.
That explains why I’m so hot and bothered.
“Babe, you’re staring.” He laughs at me because I am actually staring.
“Dream on, Hudson,” I lie, trying to sound indignant.
“You are totally checking me out, and you think I don’t notice because you have your sunglasses on, but I do. I can tell by the way your mouth is hanging open slightly.” He leans closer and I breathe in his masculine smell, a combination of body spray and his shampoo. Whatever it is has me all kinds of crazy.
<
br /> I laugh at him. “You really need to get over yourself,” but he’s caught me red handed.
His face grows serious. “Are you having a good time?”
“Yeah, everyone seems really friendly. Thanks for asking me.” I mean it. I enjoy spending time with him, and it is nice to meet his friends.
“Are you being quizzed by the girls?” he asks.
I fidget with the pull-tab of my can. “A bit, they don’t believe that we are just friends.”
“The guys don’t believe me, either. Surely they know that if you were my girlfriend I would be telling anyone and everyone.”
I nudge him playfully in the ribs. “You’re nuts.”
“The guys all think you’re hot.” He frowns, like he’s not happy about that.
“Don’t be ridiculous; they all have hot girlfriends.”
“Not as hot as you, especially in that bikini top. I can barely keep my eyes off you. I'm getting hard just thinking about earlier.” A small gasp escapes me at the look he gives me. He’s not the only one who is affected; I can’t even sit still when I think about it.
“Pete wants to set you up with his friend,” he grumbles, “I had to walk away before I knocked him out.”
I stare at him in surprise. “Why would you do that?”
His eyes darken and he leans closer to me, a possessive look clouding his face.
“I can’t stand the thought of you with someone else. You are mine, even if you don’t realize it yet.”
What he is saying should freak me out, but strangely, it doesn’t. Warmth spreads through my belly, and I feel wanted and safe. This is the first time I’ve ever felt like that.
“You sound like a stalker,” I joke, hoping to take the disgruntled look off his face. “I don’t want to be fixed up with anyone.”
“What does he look like?” I ask out of curiosity.
Dominic’s frown deepens. “Blond, brown eyes, bit of a surfer type. Why?”
“That’s too bad. I don’t go for blonds, they aren’t my type,” I throw out casually before wandering over to the base of a tree to finish my drink in the shade. Dominic follows, a sexy grin replacing his frown, his eyes alive with amusement. Our shoulders touch when he sits down beside me.