AlwaysYou

by Karen Stivali

  The high-pitched sound that left her throat echoed through his ears as she convulsed beneath him, locking her legs around him as she lifted her hips off the bed. He felt his resolve crumbling and he allowed the sensations to overtake him. The shaking in his legs concentrated into an intense vibration as his balls drew up tight against his body, his rigid cock pumping in and out of her as she continued to shudder. For one intense moment his entire body went stiff, then everything tumbled away. The orgasm shot out of him, drawing from deep within him and coursing through him in a lightning-bright burst. His eyes slammed shut, images of Shari flashing before him as the intense waves of pleasure overtook him.

  When he started to relax, he shifted to the side, collapsing on the bed, one arm still around her.

  Shari was breathing hard, one hand resting on her forehead.

  Jon found his voice. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, running a hand through his hair. “I’m more than okay. And just so you know, you’re not only bigger, you’re also better. Way better.”

  A smile spread across his face. “Way?”

  “Let’s just say I’ve never done that before.”

  Jon propped himself on his elbow and turned toward her. “Done what, exactly?”

  She looked down, still fiddling with his hair. “Had an orgasm during sex.”

  His mouth fell open and he felt a rush of pride. “Just with Phil?”

  “No, never.” She bit her lip. “And that thing you did on the beach.”

  He smiled, trailing his hand up her thigh. “Yeah?”

  “It’s been years.”

  “Wait. You mean Phil never…”

  She shook her head.

  “What a moron.”

  Chapter Four

  Shari ran her fingers through Jon’s silky hair as she watched him sleep. He looked content and peaceful, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. She wished she felt the same. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts and worries. What have I done?

  Sex with Jon was amazing, beyond anything she’d ever imagined, but he was still her best friend. And two days earlier she’d been about to marry someone else. Plus, as great a friend as Jon was, his track record as a boyfriend was atrocious. He was known to become infatuated with a woman for a week or two and then totally lose interest. He’d done that with every girl he’d dated since Shari met him. What happens when he gets tired of me?

  She crept out of bed and went into the bathroom to splash some water on her face. The flush was still in her cheeks, her eyes were bright. She looked like a new woman. Amazing what a good fuck can do. But she knew it was more than that. The past forty-eight hours had stirred up feelings Shari didn’t know she had for Jon. He wasn’t just her buddy, she was drawn to him. Now more than ever.

  She tiptoed back into the room. Jon was still out cold, his arm slung over the spot where she had been. Her throat felt dry so she peeked into the fridge to see if they had any water. She was surprised to find a tray of chocolate-dipped strawberries and several bottles of Coke along with some water bottles. When did he have that delivered? Did he know we’d wind up in bed tonight or was this just what he wanted for dessert? She grabbed a water and plucked a strawberry from the plate then sauntered out to the deck.

  It was a beautiful night. The moon was shining even brighter than it had on the beach, illuminating the resort. There was a gentle breeze and some of the earlier humidity seemed to have left the air. She sank into the lounge chair and nibbled the strawberry. The chocolate melted on her tongue, reminding her of Jon. His sweetness lingered all over her. Maybe this can work.

  There was a light flashing atop her cell phone so she flipped it over. Two missed messages. One from her sister. I’ll call her tomorrow. The other from Phil. I don’t even want to talk to him.

  Shari tried to imagine what it would have been like to have been at the resort with Phil. They certainly wouldn’t have spent the day shopping or made love on the beach. It would probably have been a day of golf or deep-sea fishing, neither of which Shari enjoyed, but she’d have done them to make Phil happy. The thought of how much of the past three years she’d devoted to pleasing Phil suddenly made her exhausted. She finished her water and slipped into bed beside Jon, hoping he wouldn’t awaken thinking he’d made a horrible mistake. As soon as she lay down he slid his arm around her, hugging her close. His body wrapped around her and she felt safe.

  * * * * *

  The sunlight was strong and glaring. She’d forgotten to close the curtains when she came in from the deck. She squinted against the glare and turned to find the bed empty. Panic galloped through her chest. Oh God. He’s not here. He can’t even look at me. Before she could freak out completely, the hotel door swung open and Jon strode into the room carrying a cardboard box.

  “Morning,” he said, an irresistible smile on his face. His hair was tousled in every direction. He walked straight to the bed and bent down to give Shari a kiss.

  She held up a hand to stop him and a worried look crossed his face. “I haven’t brushed my teeth yet.”

  A smile spread across his features as he leaned closer. “I don’t care.” His lips tasted sweet, like sun tea. “I wasn’t sure how late you’d sleep so I went down to grab some food in case you slept through breakfast. I got you a bagel and a latté. And we should have some strawberries in the fridge.”

  “I saw those last night. Actually I had one, they’re really good.”

  “You sleep-eating?” He chuckled as he started unpacking the food onto the table on the deck.

  Shari wandered out and stood beside him. “No, just couldn’t sleep.”

  Concern passed over Jon’s face again and he turned to take her in his arms. He smoothed her hair back behind her ears, his eyes searching hers. “You okay?”

  She nodded. It was hard not to feel okay with his strong arms wrapped around her.

  “Good.” He kissed her again then disappeared into the room, returning moments later with the plate of berries. “So, what should we do today?”

  * * * * *

  Waking up with Shari in his arms had been the perfect start to Jon’s day. He loved that she slept curled up tight against him. He lay still for over half an hour just watching her sleep, inhaling the delicious scent of her hair, remembering their night together. It amazed him how well they’d fit together. There was no awkwardness, no first-time blunders. It was as if they’d been lovers forever.

  The only thing he wasn’t sure about was how she’d feel in the light of day. Will she be happy? Or will she regret taking our friendship to the next level? The thought made his stomach tense. He wanted to hold her and make love to her but decided a slow start with breakfast might be a better approach. Anything to keep her from feeling pressured.

  As soon as she accepted his kiss he relaxed. Now they were going to spend a day snorkeling. There’s no way that could be stressful. And he’d get to look at her in a bathing suit for hours.

  Shari stood in front of him, her brow furrowed. She looked adorable with her snorkel goggles already in place. “What are you grinning about?”

  “That’s a good look for you.”

  She scowled and swatted his arm. “You ready?”

  “Always.” He grabbed his gear and followed her to the edge of the boat.

  They swam in the crystal clear water all afternoon, watching the colorful fish scatter, holding hands as they explored. They dined at a small local restaurant on the way back to the hotel. The table was candlelit and set off to the side and Jon managed to spend most of the meal stealing kisses and watching the flickering candlelight dance off Shari’s shimmering skin. He couldn’t wait to get her back to the hotel room.

  The walk back to the hotel seemed insanely long. Shari’s hand was at his waist, gently rubbing his hip, and all he could think of was getting her upstairs to bed. The minute they entered the room he pulled her against him, his lips finding her, his hands sinking into her hair. She melted against him. He couldn’t remember ever wanting a wo
man so much.

  Her skin was silky smooth from all the lotion she’d used, and even warmer than usual from her day in the sun. She was literally glowing. Her hands were everywhere at once, in his hair, stroking his back, undoing his pants. She seemed to want him every bit as badly as he wanted her, which pleased him immensely.

  He struggled a second condom out of the box, causing the last one to flip out onto the nightstand.

  Shari smiled. “We’re going to need to remember to buy more of those.”

  Jon felt as if his whole body was expanding. “Good thinking.” He rolled the condom on and knelt between her legs.

  He ran his hands slowly up and down her thighs, loving the way she shuddered at his touch. She reached for him but he stopped her. “Just relax.”

  He sat back and lifted her leg, massaging from her calf all the way down to her toes. As he stroked the sole of her foot he could hear her sigh. He kissed her instep and moved on to the other leg. Her body seemed to sink into the bed as she let herself enjoy his touch. Her eyes were closed, her face relaxed, trusting.

  He inched his fingers up the length of her thighs, bringing his thumbs together to graze against the center of her heat. Her body jolted and she let out a low moan, her hips rising toward him. He moved one hand to her waist to steady her then went to work with his other fingers. She was so wet, so enticing, he didn’t know how long he’d be able to wait before getting inside her.

  His cock twitched against his thigh, demanding to be a participant. Jon wrapped his hand around himself and moved closer, using the tip of his erection to stroke her as his fingers had. She gasped the minute he touched her, raising her hips, but he held her still. “Not yet.” He rubbed himself against her, drawing out the strokes, slowly torturing both of them. His gaze darted between her face and his cock, both sights turning him on more than he could stand. He wanted to make her come then he wanted to make love to her.

  Shari tried to keep her eyes open to watch as Jon massaged her with his cock but they kept fluttering shut. Waves of pleasure shot through her with his every move. Oh God. She felt herself coming before she even wanted to. The throbbing between her legs wouldn’t stop, she needed him inside her. “Please.” Her voice sounded deeper than she’d ever heard it. She didn’t care, she just wanted Jon.

  The gentle night breeze caused the briny sea air to mingle with Jon’s earthy, all-male scent, making Shari crave him even more. She ran her hand down the ropy muscles of his forearm then drew his fingers up to her lips, sucking one into her mouth. She twirled her tongue against his skin, feeling wickedly sexy when she elicited an immediate groan.

  He lowered himself on top of her, his lips grazing hers. She gazed up to find him watching her. The unbridled lust in his eyes made her feel attractive, wanted in a way she never had before, heightening her need. She kissed him back, shaking with desire as he slipped back and forth against her wetness, still teasing her. She rocked her hips against him, impatient, trying to get him into position. He smiled, the heat in his eyes intensifying as he kissed her again. His tongue worked its way into her mouth as his cock found its way inside her. She pulled her muscles tight around him, drawing a grunt from deep within his chest.

  They moved together, slowly at first, tantalizing dips in and out, unlike anything she’d ever experienced. The pressure built, crushing heat swelling from her stomach to the tops of her thighs. She was so close. Jon seemed to sense it and changed his rhythm, pulling her hips tighter, swiveling against her with each thrust. Within moments she was on the brink, her whole body filled to capacity. He expanded inside her beyond what seemed possible. The first wave of pleasure crashed upon her and she convulsed around him, her muscles contracting so hard it knocked the breath out of her as she gasped his name. He shuddered, bracing himself as he gave a final thrust and pulsated inside her.

  They lay together panting. Jon eased off her, turning to the side to remove the condom. He rolled it in a tissue and chucked it into the trash can, then sprawled alongside her. Shari stroked his hair, still breathing too hard to attempt speaking. He leaned closer and kissed her, his thumb caressing her cheek. She pressed against his hand, eyes closed, trying to remember the last time anyone had touched her in such a tender, loving manner. She turned her face and kissed his palm. He smiled and pulled her against his chest. Her fingers played with the silky patch of hair on his belly. “No wonder all your girlfriends were always so upset when you dumped them.”

  Jon let out a snort. “What?”

  “You’re like really good at this. I’m guessing they were devastated.”

  “Well, there’s more to a relationship than sex.”

  Shari’s heart pounded unevenly. “Like what?” She held her breath waiting to see what he’d say.

  Jon took a deep breath, his hand tracing up and down Shari’s back. “Well, there’s taste in movies.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Okay, what else?”

  “Vegans. I just don’t understand them. Can’t date them.”

  She giggled. “Anything else?”

  Jon moved his hand to her neck, massaging the base of her skull. “The bottom line is I just wasn’t in love with any of those women.”

  “None of them?”

  She felt him shake his head. “Not one.” His fingers rubbed against her cheek, so gentle and warm.

  She lifted her head and gazed at him. He looked unbearably sexy, his cheekbones shadowed by the dim light of the room, his hair nearly covering his eyes. He cupped her face, drawing her toward him and he kissed her, long and slow, his tongue stirring feelings deep within her.

  Shari shifted, swinging her leg over him to straddle him as they continued to kiss. He grew hard beneath her, his cock rubbing back and forth against her stomach. Her hand reached over to the nightstand in search of the final condom. She sat up, kneeling above him, his towering erection tall and proud right in front of her. So warm. So smooth. Her fingers stroked until he moaned, then she slipped the condom over him.

  As she shifted into position above him, he stopped her, hands resting on her hips. “I thought you hated being on top.” His brow was furrowed, his eyes questioning.

  “When did I say that?”

  “Every time you had sex with Danny Pfeffer.”

  Shari’s mouth dropped open. “I can’t believe you remember that. That was seven years ago.”

  Jon shrugged. “I remember everything.”

  “Well, let’s just say I’ve decided to reconsider.” She rubbed him against her opening, eliciting another moan.

  “What was it you didn’t used to like?” His voice was gravelly, breathless, as he strained to be let in.

  She felt suddenly foolish. “I don’t know. I guess I always felt like I was doing all the work. Like maybe he didn’t even want to be there.”

  “That’s not possible.” Jon’s voice was barely a whisper as he twitched against her. “And you are certainly not going to have to do all the work.” He raised his hips, taking both of them up off the bed as he plunged into her.

  She sank down onto him, awed again by the sensation of him filling her. He rocked beneath her, sending shivers of pleasure through her. He closed his hands around her hips as he scooted them both toward the head of the bed. Her head tipped back and he kissed the base of her throat. Her nipples rasped against his chest, tingling with each pass. He sucked one into his mouth and she felt the shimmering flames shoot straight between her legs.

  His strong arms held her, keeping her steady as she raised and lowered herself, her insides fluttering against his hardness. He licked his way back up to her mouth, his tongue spiraling with hers as the tension built again. He slipped his hand between them, thrumming his thumb against her clit with each beat of their movement.

  His breath was so hot against her skin she felt as though she were on fire. There was no oxygen left in her lungs, only heat. A high-pitched moan escaped her lips as the shivering passion overtook her. He held her tight, thrusting upward until she stopped shaking.
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  She gazed down at Jon, marveling at the things he was making her feel. He rocked his hips, continuing the gentle rhythm, clearly not about to give in to any imminent release. She traced her fingertips through the silken trail of hair that ran from his belly to his chest. His firm abs rippled beneath her touch. She reached back with her other hand, lightly stroking his balls. His skin puckered in response and a low groan escaped him. Her stomach fluttered with pride at the reaction she was generating.

  Shari dipped her head to his chest, flicking her tongue over each of his nipples. Jon arched his neck and she licked her way up its length before settling in to work on his tempting mouth. Her hair cascaded down around him and he brushed it over her shoulder, teasing his fingers along the sensitive skin of her throat. She nipped at his lower lip, grinding harder against his pelvic bone as she felt the tension building once again.

  Jon pumped more forcefully, gripping her hips with renewed fervor. She could feel him swell inside her, becoming impossibly thick. The friction between them was too much to bear and her clit began to pulsate, sending bursts of heat throughout her. She bucked against him as the orgasm tore through her, then kissed him with increased intensity, drawing his tongue into her mouth and sucking hard. He tensed, his fingers clutching her ass, crushing her down against him as he throbbed his release inside her.

  “I’ve reconsidered.” She ran her face along his sandpapery cheek, kissing his ear. “I like it on top, with you.”

  Chapter Five

  Jon couldn’t remember ever having slept so soundly. He awoke with Shari curled beside him. He blinked trying to see the clock then nudged her awake with his nose. “If we can make ourselves presentable in the next ten minutes we can still catch breakfast.”

  She stretched alongside him, hooking her leg over his hip. Breakfast no longer seemed like a priority as he swelled against her thigh. She kissed his chest. “Hmmm, food or sex. Tough call.”