A Friendly Engagement

by Christine Warner

  His hands ran an urgent path down her sides, cradling her hips as he adjusted himself over her and parted her legs with his knee.

  A delightful hum filled her sex as his fingers teased her clit, stroked her folds, and then plunged into her moistness.

  She bit back a cry, squirming beneath him in an attempt to free her hands from his grip. Her movement only made him tighten his hold, but he caressed her fingers. He nipped her sensitized, tingling breasts, and she bucked against him until he finally freed her wrists.

  “I want you, Devi Boss.”

  “I’m all yours.”

  He took her mouth again in a scorching kiss. That urgent feeling she’d felt moments ago returned in the powerful force of his tongue. The way his hands claimed her body.

  She gripped the muscles around his shoulder blades and then ran her fingers down his spine, digging her grip into the small of his back, and finally grasping one muscular butt cheek to steer him toward her sex.

  “I w-want you. So bad,” she said against his mouth.

  He groaned, pressing his tongue into hers, sharing their heat. Their moistness.

  She lifted her hips, greedily seeking his erection.

  Just when she didn’t think she could take any more, he plunged inside with one fluid stroke. Her insides contracted with eagerness, and he grunted into her mouth.

  His hips thrust against hers in blind passion. Taking all she could give. Giving all she could take.

  She couldn’t see or breathe as the rush of her pounding heartbeat filled her ears. He wanted this hard and fast, and she wanted the same.

  With a suddenness she’d never expected, he broke their connection, and she cried out. He pushed himself onto his knees and lifted her legs over his shoulders, burying his thick cock deep inside her in one urgent thrust.

  She gasped, fighting for air. Fighting to move her hips against the friction of his thrusts. She wanted to savor the feel of him inside her, filling her, taking her closer to the edge, and then holding back just enough to start fresh and take her on another ride.

  “Oh. O.” Her eyes rolled back in her head and she arched her body toward him.

  The move sent him deeper, and he growled out her name in an animalistic grunt. The sound turned her on. She used his shoulders as leverage and pushed her hips up higher to take his thrusts. His rough hands slid down her thighs and over her stomach to knead her breasts. His thumb rubbed the sensitive peaks of her nipples, and she panted.

  He moved faster, his groans matching his thrusts. Tingles and shivers rode over her body in waves, each one stronger than the last. Her breaths came in short gasps. And then he stiffened and took one final, deep plunge inside her. A smooth ribbon of silk slid around her toes, up along her legs, and encompassed her entire body as she broke apart beneath him. Spears of heat shot through the nerve endings of her clit as her body shook with pleasure.

  Omar moved his hands along her waist, then slid them up toward her face. He lowered her softly, kissing her mouth tenderly.

  “You’re amazing, Devi.”

  He wrapped her in his arms and flung the sheet over them. A light breeze filled the room through the open windows, and Devi relaxed against his shoulder.

  She stared at the ceiling long after they made love. Unable to fall asleep, but smiling over the fact that Omar’s breaths had been even for quite some time. He slept so peacefully.

  Devi peeked up at him. His eyelashes lay gently on his cheek, his perfect lips relaxed and, even in sleep, begging for her kisses.

  This all seemed like a dream, and she reached out and caressed his cheek. Nope, this is real. This really is happening.

  When she’d told him she might be in trouble, she had no idea what kind until now. Their second play-date only confirmed her fears. She definitely had no idea how to play with fire. She could see this becoming an addiction. But what if this week really was all she got? Would she be able to just go back to their old relationship? Or would she turn into one of those needy women Omar didn’t want?

  …

  Omar awoke with a start and stared down at the sleeping woman in his arms. Their earlier conversation ran through his head. So much to think about.

  He glanced at his cell on the bedside table. Three in the morning.

  What the hell was he doing? He found Devi attractive, she reciprocated, and they made good on their desire. Not once, but twice. But they worked together. They were friends.

  He slid his thumb down her cheek, then ran it over her smooth lips. He couldn’t not want to touch her. His dick hardened and elongated when she released a soft moan and snuggled against him. Her small hands slid down his chest and came to rest on his stomach.

  God, I could get used to this.

  And that scared the hell out of him. He didn’t want to get used to having a woman in his life. He didn’t want a relationship.

  But if he did…

  He raked his fingers through his hair. The other part of his conversation with Devi pushed to the forefront of his mind. The part about his parents. She had him thinking about things he hadn’t thought of in a long time.

  Growing up he had many good memories of family. Then he’d noticed a change in his parents. They hadn’t been able to please each other, and then they’d stopped trying. At seven, he hadn’t a clue what happened. But his father’s long work hours had turned into an all-consuming obsession. While he built his business he also managed to focus energy on grooming Omar to someday take his place. And his mother had occupied her free time with travel and her two youngest children.

  She’d taken Omar’s younger brothers but had left him behind. He’d been abandoned at a time when a boy needed his mother. Left him without his brothers when he needed them most. He still didn’t understand why. He didn’t even know if he wanted to hear her side of things.

  All he knew was that his parents had fucked up his perspective on so many levels. Family, work, women, life…the list could go on forever.

  His mother had been the first and only woman he’d allowed to break his heart. How warped was that? He’d never opened himself up enough to let another woman in for fear she wouldn’t be there when he needed her most. Life was easier if he relied only on himself.

  Of all the women in his life, Devi had been the only one to come close to penetrating his emotional suit of armor. And that was mainly because of their friendship. He trusted her.

  Work never had and never would hurt him. A relationship with a woman could.

  But Devi? She’d never hurt you.

  His dad had probably thought the same thing about his mother.

  He covered his eyes with his hand, massaging his temple with his fingertips. He didn’t want to care for Devi—not on that level—but he might already be too late. He needed to distance himself. Get back on track with his work. His desire to get that damn contract.

  He blinked through his fingers and stared at the tray ceiling. Devi’s body moved against his every time she breathed in. The soft sounds she made in her sleep filled his head.

  God. He was here to get the contract of a lifetime. An accomplishment for his father. A huge account for the firm. And instead he was in a constant state of arousal. For a woman he had no business getting involved with.

  What the hell was wrong with him? Where had his focus gone?

  Between your legs. And hers.

  He dragged in a breath and looked down at the woman snuggled up against him. How could he focus on Esterly Financial when he lay next to a long-haired, pillow-lipped vixen with incredible eyes and enticing murmurs?

  He’d fucked up. How the hell would he and Devi ever be able to return to the relationship they’d had? He’d ruined the best thing in his life. His solid, reliable friendship with a wonderful woman.

  For what? Sex.

  The best fucking sex you’ve ever experienced.

  His body came to life just thinking about her hands roaming over him, her mouth sucking the tip of his length, her soft moans.

  H
e’d think about his family, his future, and that contract later. Like Devi said, he needed to live in the moment and quit worrying so much. Neither of them expected anything more than what they already had. They were both adults.

  And hell, his cock lay stiff against his belly. He wanted her again.

  Damn if he wouldn’t have her. He found her mouth and kissed her softly, brushing his lips against hers until she purred.

  “Omar,” she said dreamily, stretching against him. Her soft breasts rubbed into the hairs dusting his chest, and her hand moved from his belly to touch the head of his length.

  “Make love to me,” he whispered against her mouth as he slid one hand over her breast and then lower until he cradled her hip with his palm.

  “You’re insatiable.”

  “I am. Can you cure me?” He walked his fingers across her rainbow tattoo and then slid his hand over her mound. She arched into his touch, spreading her legs so that he could dip one, then two fingers into her moist center.

  She moved her hips to match the thrust of his fingers, stretching her legs farther. “I can give it my best.”

  “That’s all I can ask for.”

  One more time. Then tomorrow I’ll focus on work, Bartow, and the contract. He hoped.

  Chapter Twelve

  Devi couldn’t concentrate. Omar filled her line of vision, her train of thought. Memories of last night prickled along her skin.

  They’d made love all night long. Every time either of them rolled over and woke the other, they became a tangled mass of hands, hair, and body parts that culminated into them coming together.

  Her throat was parched and raw from crying out, her leg muscles weak from exertion. And the tingle between her thighs would be something she’d have to live with for the rest of her life.

  She smiled to herself. Things could be worse.

  Omar’s laughter from across the beach broke through her daydreams. He worked with William and the rest of the guys to mark off a path for the adult three-legged race. She hadn’t participated in that type of race since grade school. The thought of partnering with Omar increased her anticipation.

  Devi bit back a chuckle as Jimmy Jones made his way toward her. He strolled over all puffed out and full of arrogant, teenage spunk. The Jones boys had targeted her and Omar. Joey and Jimmy had no plans to lose. They’d already been bragging how they’d make her and Omar eat sand.

  This was so on.

  “You getting nervous, Devi?” Jimmy nudged her in the shoulder playfully, trying to hide his smile by compressing his lips. He wasn’t successful. At thirteen he matched her five-seven frame eye to eye, but that didn’t stop her from squinting at him with a menacing glare.

  “You may rule at tetherball, but I could beat you in a three-legged race with one leg.” She flicked him on the chest, and he laughed.

  “That doesn’t even make sense.”

  “It doesn’t need to.”

  She grabbed him by the arm and steered him toward the group already assembling at the starting line across the beach. The wind whipped through her hair and tore several strands free of her ponytail. She kept tucking them behind her ear, but it became a lost cause.

  In the distance she recognized Brian Price moving across the sand from the gate that led from the house. She’d met him at a conference a few years back. His tall, muscular frame and thick mop of curly hair made him stand out in a crowd. He held the hand of an equally tall woman, who she assumed must be his wife. Together they made an impressive pair. Both blond and athletic, they were striking. Beside his wife a little boy skipped, stopping every few feet to pick up a stone or seashell. His laughter carried across the beach.

  Devi and Jimmy joined the group at the starting line at the same time as Brian and his family arrived on the scene. William made a round of introductions and then pulled Brian’s wife, Pam, along with him to help get the smaller kids settled from the race they’d just run.

  Devi couldn’t help but notice Omar had taken Pam’s hand in a familiar handshake and leaned in to say something in her ear. Then he’d acknowledged their little boy—who had to be no more than eight—but sidestepped a handshake with Brian in favor of helping the Singhs pass out orange juice to the kids.

  She’d like to find out what had happened to make Omar dislike the other man so much. Should she ask him? Or was it safer to avoid the subject? She’d never seen him ignore a person. Dislike dripped off him in sheets.

  Devi moved to a small bench and grabbed her running shoes from underneath the seat. She sat, kicked off her sandals, then pulled on a pair of socks and slid her feet inside the leather. After she had them laced, she sat back, resting her weight on her hands behind her. People-watching never got old. A smile hovered at her mouth as she surveyed the busy group. Everyone was excited, from the youngest to the oldest. Pam laughed with the kids as they shared their racing story, Omar sat off to the side sipping orange juice with Joey and his father, and William ran from person to person, making sure everyone had a partner. Her survey finished on Brian Price, and she pursed her lips. He stood off to the side with his hands in his pockets and a small frown hovering on his lips and between his brows.

  Ever since grade school she’d befriended the underdog. She wouldn’t stop now and got up to walk over to him.

  “Hey, Brian.” She held out her hand. “I don’t know if you remember me, but we met about a year or so ago at a business dinner where Omar spoke. I’m Devi Boss, with Esterly Financial.”

  His big hand engulfed her much smaller one. His genuine smile put her at ease. What was it about this man Omar disliked so much?

  “Of course I remember you, Devi. Nice to see you again. If I remember right, we had a quick conversation about local bands.” He tilted his head in question.

  She nodded. “That we did. I’m surprised you remember.”

  “I think our conversation stuck out in my mind because of your beautiful eyes and that you work for Esterly.”

  She took his compliment in stride. Her eyes always seemed to be the first thing people noticed and remembered about her. “And you worked at Esterly before, too. Correct?”

  He nodded. “Years ago now. And I hear congratulations are in order. You must be a very special woman to have captured Omar’s heart.”

  “Thank you.” The fib still made her uncomfortable, so she didn’t elaborate by sharing tales of wedding plans and honeymoon destinations. Instead, she gathered up all her loose hair as the wind worked it free again and tightened her ponytail. Hopefully everything would stay in place for the next ten minutes. “This is a great group of people. You need to get in there and mingle like your wife.” She hoped to put him at ease with her words.

  “I know several here already. I guess I’m just tired from our travels yesterday. The reunion was a good distance away, and then to have to get here so early in the morning. I’m not my usual social self yet.”

  “Understandable. If you’re a coffee drinker, there’s a pot always on at the house.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Maybe after the race.”

  They stood in silence as the conversations of the others flowed around them.

  Brian cleared his throat. “I’m actually surprised you’re talking to me.” His attention moved from her to Omar and back again.

  She tensed at his words. “Why wouldn’t I?”

  His brow shot up and something about his smile put her on edge. Or maybe lack of sleep had her off-kilter.

  “I’d have thought Omar would’ve warned you off. I can’t imagine he’d appreciate his fiancée chatting it up with me.”

  “Omar doesn’t own me, Brian. I talk with whoever I please.”

  She’d like to find out why they disliked each other. Omar hadn’t volunteered any information, but, then again, she hadn’t asked. Maybe she could find a way to mend the fence if Brian was willing to talk. Their time together this week would be a whole lot easier without the tension. She took a deep breath, preparing to dive in. She had nothing to lose
.

  “Do you mind if I get a little personal?” she asked, gauging his reaction from beneath her lashes.

  “I’m an open book.”

  “I don’t know what happened between you and Omar—”

  “Omar’s never clued you in? That surprises me.” He scrubbed his hands down his face, and then smiled.

  She shrugged. “Gossip isn’t Omar’s style. But maybe we could all sit down and talk it out. The week would go a lot smoother if everyone were civil.”

  “I don’t see that happening.” His smile disappeared.

  “Are you game to try?”

  He jammed his hands back into his front pockets. “If you want to try to work a miracle, be my guest. It’s not a secret as to why I left Esterly. Leland gave me the option to resign or he’d fire me. Of course I resigned.”

  She folded her arms. “There has to be more to it than that.”

  “My numbers were down. He said I wasn’t giving one hundred percent. And he was right. I’d lost a couple of clients, Omar ended up replacing the accounts with more lucrative ones, and I was accused of not being a team player.”

  His cold tone sent a shiver over Devi’s arms. She let his words sink in. Leland would’ve been all business, and he’d have definitely gone after an employee who dropped the ball. Especially if that same employee had lost clients and revenue. But she also knew Leland as a man who had prided himself on being fair and offered second chances. She might not have worked there when Leland had, but those who did had many wonderful stories about him.

  There had to be something else Brian wasn’t sharing.

  Brian shuffled his feet in the sand like a small boy. Then he met her eyes. “Sometimes I got the feeling the old man didn’t want anyone to make his kid look bad. I felt sabotaged.”

  Devi’s heart sank. Part of her felt sorry for the man, but his remarks made her uneasy. She didn’t like listening to negative comments about Esterly Financial. “I know Leland could be a task master when warranted, but I also know him to be fair.”