by Cathryn Fox
His body grew tight, but he didn’t want to lose it just yet. Ever determined to make this last, he slowed his thrusts and buried himself inside her, giving her every inch he had. He focused on the sensations, the way her hot pussy wrapped around him and hugged him tight. She rocked against him, urging him into action.
“More,” she begged.
Christ, she really was going to be the death of him. He pulled his cock out, then drove it back in again, giving her everything he had. “Is this what you want?” he asked.
“Yes,” she murmured, her voice rough and low as he fucked the hell out of her.
“You like having my cock in you? You like me teaching you all the nice ways we can fuck?”
She whimpered her response as he splayed one hand over her back for leverage. Grip tight, he rode her furiously. His heart pounded in his ears, blocking out everything but Danielle and the heat they were generating. He reveled in the tightness of her pussy, the intoxicating heat of her body. Fire rippled through him, raging through his blood until every nerve ending sizzled. He could practically smell the smoke in the air.
He pumped harder, deeper, wanting—needing—more. Jesus, she aroused so many things in him. A slow burn worked its way through his veins, and sweat broke out on his flesh and trickled down his forehead as he resumed his maddening pace. His desire mounted, but he fought it, not wanting this moment to end.
He reached around her waist, shoving a hand between her body and the pillow to find her clit. The second his finger found her swollen nub, she let go, and her muscles squeezed his dick hard. As he absorbed her tremors, her cries of ecstasy stroked his cock, teased his climax.
His brain stalled, the sweet scent of her arousal saturating the room as her creamy release lubricated his cock. “Jesus,” he growled, her wet heat stealing his last vestige of control.
Consumed with her, caught up in the pleasure, he tried desperately to hang on, to draw this night out longer, but her warm heat and the clenching of her sex propelled him over the edge until he felt like he was free falling without a net. A pleasure so intense it stole the air from his lungs exploded through him, and he threw his head back and came on a growl. He pulsed and throbbed high inside her pussy, until he was completely drained. When the spasms stopped, he fell over her back. Breathing against her damp skin, he reached up and found her fingers trembling. He pulled them from the headboard and threaded his through hers. They held each other tight until the tremors subsided.
He put his mouth close to her ear and kissed her lightly. She reacted, and as her body quivered all over, it set off another chain of events inside him. Dammit, how could he need her again so fast? He wasn’t sure, but the one thing he did know was that she did things to him no other woman ever had. It was crazy, intense, insane, and overwhelming all at the same time.
He was losing it. Losing it so fucking badly.
He rolled off her, and her hands brushed his as he removed his condom. He grabbed a tissue from her nightstand and wrapped it up to discard later, then slid back in beside her.
“Come here,” he said, pulling her to him. Heart thudding, he brushed a soft kiss over her forehead and pulled the blankets up to cover her. “How do you feel?”
She snuggled against him, her thick lashes tickling his chest. “So good.”
He brushed her hair back, letting it play through his fingers. “I wasn’t too rough, was I?”
A little laugh bubbled up inside her throat. “Since I don’t have anything to compare it to, I’ll say no.”
Once again it made him feel humble—and a little proud—that he was her first for everything and that he could make this special for her. “I’d hate myself if I ever hurt you.”
She ran a finger around his nipple, and he could feel sleep pulling at him. He shook his head, the depth of his desire for her beyond his comprehension. “We should probably sleep,” he said. “We have the house viewing tomorrow.”
She pushed away. “I’ll be right back.”
His gaze fell to her perfect ass as she disappeared into the hall. He stretched his knee out, ignoring the dull ache. A few minutes later, she came back with two cloths.
“What are you doing with those?” he asked.
She dropped a warm cloth over his cock to clean him. His hips jerked. “Jesus, that feels good.” The other cloth, which was filled with ice, went to his knee, and he winced. “That doesn’t,” he said.
She smiled at him. “I’m not going to be the girl who keeps you from getting back on the field. Not after everything you’ve been doing for me.”
“Right,” he said, her words reminding him this was just a temporary arrangement. This thing between them started out as an erotic distraction, sex without strings. He’d wanted to help her, to do right by her in the bedroom. But goddammit, he wasn’t supposed to feel anything more.
Jesus H. Christ. Talk about being the poster boy for fucked-up good intentions.
Chapter Four
“So last night, the sex was amazeballs and now you’re going to have a threesome!” Violet smacked her forehead, her eyes wide. “With his best friend Jamie of all people. That guy is hot.”
Uneasiness settled in her stomach at the thought. Even though following through with the threesome would educate her in the ways of pleasure, she still wasn’t sure it was something she wanted to do. “I didn’t know you knew him.”
“I don’t know him, know him. But I’ve been to Lucien’s a few times.”
Danielle glanced behind her on the sidewalk. There was a couple walking their dog, and they were closing in on them. “Shh. I don’t need the world to know, and I’m not positive it’s a sure thing yet.”
Violet blinked several times, her breathing coming in bursts. Danielle was beginning to think she might need to call on her CPR skills. “Jack actually said he could make that happen for you?”
The dog people passed. Danielle smiled, then turned to her friend, who was oblivious to everyone and everything except the information Danielle had just shared. “Close your mouth, Violet. You’re going to swallow a fly.”
Violet shut her mouth, then opened it again. “Seriously though. He’s going to set up a threesome?”
“Yeah, if I want it.” She glanced away, not wanting Violet to pick up on her nervousness.
“Why is it that you sound like you don’t?” When Danielle turned back to her, Violet snapped her fingers and bobbed her head. “Look, girlfriend, if I were you, I’d spend the rest of next week taking full advantage of Jack and all he has to offer.”
“I don’t know.” She gave a noncommittal shrug. “I’m not sure it’s something I want to do. Or if Jack’s even interested.”
“Yeah, right. Every guy wants to tag-team, unless…”
“Unless what?”
She crinkled her nose. “Unless he’s really into you. If that’s the case, they don’t usually like sharing. It’s an alpha thing.”
“I don’t know. I’ve read papers that counter what you’re saying.”
“Maybe, but I’m talking from personal experience. The guys I’ve been with have loved sharing. I just assumed it was because they weren’t interested in anything serious.”
“So you’ve had a threesome before?”
“Yeah, a few times. But we’re talking about you, not me. From what you say, neither of you are interested in anything more, so I totally think you should do it. Learn and experience all you can.”
They rounded the corner and saw a midsize car in the driveway, a motorcycle parked behind it, and two pickup trucks on the street in front of her dream house. Her heart fluttered when she caught sight of Jack walking toward an older gentleman she assumed was his father. Dressed in blue coveralls, his dad was on his knees, examining the foundation. When Jack reached him, he braced one hand on the wall as he bent and leaned forward.
Her entire body flushed at the mere sight of him, and she hoped Violet didn’t pick up on how much he affected her—especially after telling her everything was simply
for research. As if sensing her presence, Jack angled his head, and sexual energy arced between them. It practically knocked the wind out of her. She drew a quick breath but couldn’t seem to fill her lungs.
“Whoa,” Violet said, taking a step back.
Her gaze shot to Violet’s. Dammit, she could never keep anything from her friend. She schooled her features, trying for normal. “What?”
She held her hands up, palms out. “I can feel the heat from here. Are you sure there isn’t more going on between you two?”
“Positive,” she said, the lie spilling quickly. She stole a quick glance down to make sure her pants weren’t on fire. There was definitely more going on with her, but she knew better than to indulge in youthful fantasies. She wasn’t a keeper and could never be enough for a guy like Jack.
A movement at the front door caught her focus and they both turned to see the real estate agent speaking with a guy who had to be Jack’s older brother, Luke. His hair was shorter and lighter, and art decorated his thick arms. While they looked different, there were still enough similarities for Danielle to tell they were related. Had Jack brought him here to meet Violet?
A small squeal sounded in Violet’s throat. “Ohmigod, it’s Thor.”
“Thor?” Danielle said, laughing. “Actually, I think it’s Luke.”
“As in Jack’s brother Luke?”
“Yeah, I mentioned something about bringing him by today.”
“You do love me,” Violet said, and Danielle grabbed her friend’s arm to prevent her from jumping up and down in glee. She was making enough of a spectacle of herself as it was.
Danielle laughed. “Go easy on him.”
“Not a chance.” She gave a hard shake of her head, her long hair flaring around her shoulders. “Besides, he doesn’t strike me as the kind of man who’d want anything easy.”
“He co-owns a service bay with Sam, and he’s also an MMA fighter.”
“He’s got trouble written all over him.” She was pretty sure she just saw her friend visibly quiver. Violet looped her arm through Danielle’s, a new fire in her eyes. “Introduce me.”
“I don’t even know him,” she said as Violet dragged her along the weed-infested walkway to the front door. Before they reached the landing, Jack stepped in front of her. She struggled to keep her knees steady as his presence overwhelmed her. He radiated sex, need, and desire. His eyes dropped to hers, and they darkened. Was he remembering last night? Or maybe it was this morning he was recalling, and the hungry kiss he’d dropped on her mouth before slipping from her bed and making his way home. After a long, heated exchange, he angled his head and turned to her friend.
“You must be Violet,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Same,” Violet said. She held her hands out about eight to nine inches apart. “The list was quite long.”
Ohmigod, Danielle was going to kill her. Danielle glanced at Jack to see his reaction. He nodded, a smile playing on his lips. “Have you met my brother?”
He turned to call his brother over, and she pinched her friend. Violet yelped, but just grinned when Danielle gave her the death glare.
Thor, or rather Luke, descended the stairs, his long legs closing the distance quickly. After a round of introductions, Jack slid his hand in hers and gestured toward Johanna, the real estate agent Danielle had contacted. They stepped inside the house, and a bubble of excitement welled up in her stomach.
She spun around, taking in the airy rooms and the beautiful staged furniture, which gave it a warm feel. It was the perfect place for her Home Sweet Home pillow. Jack gave her hand a squeeze.
“I take it you like it?”
“It’s perfect,” she whispered.
They went from room to room, and finally made their way upstairs. They toured the bedroom while Violet and Luke lagged behind. Jack stayed close, every now and then his arm brushing hers. She was keenly aware of his every movement, his irresistible presence. She kept casting glances his way to find his jaw set, his eyes narrowed in concentration as they moved through the house. He was taking this showing very seriously.
Her Realtor led them through the upstairs and into one of the smaller bedrooms. She waved her hand toward the crib. “This is perfect for a nursery,” Johanna said with a small smile. “Are you two planning on starting a family soon?”
“Oh, no, we’re just friends,” Danielle said quickly, wanting to set the record straight. She waited for Jack to say something, but when he remained quiet, his body going stiffer, she added, “Actually, this might be a good room for my personal office.”
“Oh?” Johanna asked.
She went on to explain how she was interested in turning the bottom level into commercial space for her family counseling business. Jack brushed his hand along the small of her back and excused himself. His boots echoed in the long upstairs hallway as he wandered around. Coolness reverberated through her blood at his departure, and she hugged herself to ward off a shiver, wishing she hadn’t allowed herself to feel so much where he was concerned.
Pushing those thoughts to the back of her mind, Danielle finished her tour, more convinced than ever that the place was perfect for her. Maybe Jack was right. Maybe she should go visit her foster parents, talk to them about the trust fund. She took one more look in the master bedroom and glanced at the large backyard.
Johanna came up behind her. “Just so you’re aware, there is another couple interested in the house.”
Unease moved through Danielle. Perhaps she never should have come to the viewing today. Hadn’t the past taught her that getting her hopes up only led to heartache?
“Have they put an offer in yet?” Jack asked from the doorway.
“No, not yet, but they’re very serious about the place. They have another viewing scheduled next week, so if you’re interested, I suggest you act fast.”
Danielle’s stomach dropped. Her sex-therapist teaching job didn’t start for another week, and it would be a long time after that before she earned her first paycheck. She wanted to at least have that in her pocket before she talked to June and Frank about the trust fund.
Jack stepped up to her. He touched her chin. “There’s still time,” he said quietly, a steely determination in his eyes that she’d never seen before. He put his mouth near her ear, and pitched his voice low. “We’ll do whatever it takes to make this place yours.”
“Well, if we’re done here.” Johanna glanced at her watch. “I have another appointment across town.”
They followed her outside, and she locked up behind them. Violet was leaning against a truck parked on the street and Luke had one hand on the cab beside her. Jack had called it right with Luke. Those two were really hitting it off.
His father came from around the back of the house, carrying a toolbox and wiping his face with a rag, in much the same way Jack had wiped his when she’d approached him in the bay. Had that been only four days ago? Why did it feel like so much longer? Probably because they’d been spending almost every moment together, and had been involved in numerous intimacies.
“Jack,” his dad said.
“Hey, Dad.” Jack put his hand on the small of Danielle’s back to introduce her. “This is Danielle. Danielle, this is my dad, Joseph.”
Danielle lifted her chin to meet his eyes. Jack was tall, but his dad was taller still. Fine lines crinkled his dark eyes as he smiled, and sunlight danced in the salt-and-pepper hair, which had been tapered short around his ears. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Rider.”
He set his toolbox down. “Call me Joseph,” he said, shaking her hand as he pushed the cloth into the back pocket of his coveralls.
“Okay, Joseph. I’d like to thank you for taking the time to check out the house for me. I don’t know anything about foundations, what’s sound and what isn’t.”
“Not a problem.”
“If there is anything I can ever do to repay you…”
Joseph gave a hard shake of his head. “Doesn’t work like that. You’re
a friend of Jack’s and needed help. I don’t need anything in return.”
She smiled, understanding better where Jack got his generous nature. “At least let me bring dessert tomorrow. I make a killer cheesecake.”
He winked. “Well now, that I’d never say no to.”
“How is the place?” Jack asked, his fingers brushing Danielle’s and filling her with warmth.
“Sound.” Joseph turned and gave the house a final a once-over. “Good bones. You’ll still have to have a certified inspector in, but I give it the okay.”
“Thank you,” Danielle said, touched that he’d spend a precious Saturday helping her and thrilled that the house was sound.
“Yeah, thanks, Dad.” Jack put his hand on his dad’s shoulder, and the love and respect between the two men warmed Danielle’s heart. She felt tears prick her eyes and quickly blinked them back. But God, what she would have done to have a family like Jack’s. Then again, maybe she could have had that with June and Frank, if only she’d opened up to them.
“I have to run and pick up your mother.” Joseph rolled his eyes. “If we don’t get to Edna’s for her three o’clock early-bird special, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Jack laughed along with his father at the obviously private joke, then his dad took off, jumping into one of the trucks parked on the road. His engine roared as he eased into traffic and rounded the corner.
She watched until he disappeared. “What was that all about?”
“Edna is my grandmother, my mom’s mother,” Jack explained. “She lives in Monroe County, and they visit her every Saturday. She likes to have dinner midafternoon, the early-bird special as Dad calls it. Then she is tucked into bed around six.”
“Ah, I see. Your dad is nice. So is your brother.” Jack looked over her shoulder.
“Violet is nice, too.” He leaned into her. “But I don’t want to talk about them right now.”
His body pressed against hers, and she could feel his erection against her stomach. “No? What do you want to talk about?”