A Friendly Flirtation (Friends First #3)

by Christine Warner

  “Definitely.” Jared grabbed a bottle of oil from her box and placed one tiny drop on each breast. “But two can play at that game.”

  She arched toward him as he lowered his head, his breath fanning her face. “Does it please you when I touch you here?” With one finger he rubbed the tiny bit of oil around her nipple as it stiffened into a hard peak. His eyes grew dark, and she made a small moan that came from deep within her throat.

  “Or do you prefer me to use my tongue?”

  She cried out his name as his tongue flicked along her sensitized nipple.

  “Have you been conducting your own research?” She could barely breathe enough to get the words out.

  “When it comes to pleasing you, I just do what comes naturally.”

  “Good tactic.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and dragged his lips to hers.

  A desperate, frantic wave enveloped her. The desire pouring through her, too strong and overwhelming to quench.

  His hands ran the length of her body as he lay beside her. She gripped the waistband of his boxers and worked them down his legs until they reached his knees, then used one foot to tug them the rest of the way off.

  “You drive me crazy, woman.”

  “Anything to please you.”

  He laughed as he kissed her neck. “Anything to please you.”

  “Is this turning into a competition?” She giggled.

  “Let’s call it a draw.” His fingers lingered when they touched the edge of her breast. She arched into him as he lowered his mouth to her nipple.

  Her brain became a fuzzy ball of gray matter. All she could concentrate on were the sensations of his mouth, hands, and body pressed against her. When he broke their connection she gave a soft moan and whimper.

  “After this lesson, I say we take our training session into the bathroom so we can break in that Jacuzzi tub.” He punctuated the last three words with tiny kisses around her ear.

  “I’m all about more lessons.”

  He circled her waist in his strong grip and urged her body to his, claiming her mouth. His actions were sure and confident and kicked her desire up another notch. The moment his tongue parted her lips, she sank against him, luxuriating in the skin-on-skin connection.

  She took her time exploring his flesh, reveling in the little sounds of pleasure that came from deep within his throat when she found the spots that turned him on. The lobe of his ear. When her tongue circled his belly button. That sensitive patch of skin on the inside of his upper thigh. The way his cock twitched when she ran her tongue lightly over the tip.

  After he sheathed himself in protection, she rolled him until he lay beneath her and straddled his middle. She caressed her center against his length, dropping her head back as his palms kneaded her breasts. He bucked up, and she rubbed against him with more urgency, sliding over him before lowering her mouth to catch his in a needy, greedy kiss.

  “You’re killing me, Al.”

  “Don’t die on me yet.”

  He choked out a laugh, followed by a guttural groan as she lifted off him and then slid her wet center over his engorged cock.

  They both froze. His eyes widened, and then darkened. She squirmed, getting accustomed to his length inside her. The pleasure wasn’t something she’d ever be able to put into words. Her world became focused, right, perfect.

  She wanted tonight to last forever. She lifted slowly, rising up and then pushing down to meet his thrust.

  Their breaths filled the room. Slow and soft, and then becoming quick pants as their bodies moved faster.

  Jared cradled her hips with his strong hands. They locked eyes, and the passion and softness in his filled her to her very being. Warmth seeped through her body, tiny shards that grew in intensity until slight tremors overtook every inch of her flesh. Her toes tingled and curled, her heart gained rhythm, and her lungs burned in an effort to take in oxygen. As if he knew her struggle, he lifted himself and pulled her down to meet him halfway, claiming her mouth with his and sharing his breath.

  ...

  What a day. They’d all woken at the crack of dawn, enjoyed a pre-wedding breakfast, and then listened to Gianna bark out orders to the caterer and the wedding planner. Her preparations paid off. The wedding had gone off without a hitch and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

  Jared watched as Omar swung Devi around in a loose circle and then grabbed her in his arms, twirling her the last couple of feet toward them. Her unconventional wedding dress—layers of muted yellows that stopped mid-calf—floated around her legs, and she’d kicked off her shoes long ago in favor of going barefoot. The muted fairy lights sparkled overhead, and the band played a classic love song from the sixties.

  Devi’s laughter filled the air, and both her and Omar’s faces were animated—with eyes only for each other. Their wedding day had been full of smiles and laughter, and although the reception had started to wind down, Jared hated to see the evening end.

  Jealousy, mingled with happiness, gripped his chest. He was happy for his brother, but at the same time he wished he had someone special in his life.

  I kind of do…

  His gaze skimmed over Allison as she stood next to Holly. He’d never seen her look more beautiful than she did tonight.

  Well, except for last night as she’d lain beneath him. His body tingled at the memory. Not that they’d shared endless hours of lovemaking, but for some reason the tenderness last night took his breath away.

  Devi grabbed his arm and laughed, pulling him out of his thoughts.

  “Time for a group dance.” She gathered the family together, and they swayed in a tight circle, arms around shoulders and waists. “Thank you for being with O and me on our big day. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.” Her eyes brightened with tears as she met each of their gazes. “And, Holly, I know you’ve been a ball of emotion, but you really look absofricking adorable in that dress.”

  Holly laughed. “You lie so well. I look like a—”

  “A beautiful woman about to have a baby.” Roth dragged her very willing body against his and kissed her soundly on the mouth.

  “You lie even better than Devi.” Holly laughed, her face bright. “And if you don’t all stop telling me how damn cute I am, I’m going to cry.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “And you.” Devi turned toward Allison and broke the circle as she pulled her arms out to her side to inspect her dress one more time. “I can’t get over that cute little dress. I think I love penguins now, too.” She glanced over at Holly. “That won’t make you cry, will it, sis-in-law?”

  “I can handle that.” Holly winked.

  Allison smiled. “Thanks, Devi, but your dress is the winner. You have the best style.”

  Jared had never seen Allison’s face so bright, her smile so big. His family had gathered her into their arms the moment they’d arrived and hadn’t let go.

  “This old thing?” Devi laughed, pulling at the layers of yellow silk that floated down from her waist and spun around.

  “Don’t get her started,” Omar teased.

  “Get me started. Get me started.” Devi’s laughter flitted across the room and drew several guests’ attention.

  “I loved that you had everyone hum the wedding march instead of the traditional piano,” Allison said.

  “That was my favorite part, too.” Holly nudged Allison on the shoulder playfully.

  “I’m glad. Gianna wasn’t too sure about it, but besides a yellow dress, I wanted something different and fun,” Devi said.

  Omar draped his arm over his bride’s shoulders. “And she wanted to have something in common with Brangelina.”

  “Shh, don’t share my secret.” Devi silenced him with her finger, which he instantly tugged between his teeth in a gentle bite. She laughed. “No shark bites on our wedding day.”

  “Shark bites are for all year long, woman.” He swooped her into his arms for a kiss.

  “Get a room.” Holly laughed, pressing h
er hand to her side. “This little girl is kicking like crazy this weekend.”

  “Like you said, he’s going to be a handful.” Roth winked.

  “She.” Holly lifted her chin.

  Jared leaned back, enjoying the banter, but his eyes never left Allison for long.

  He loved seeing her with his family this weekend. The way she dared to stretch her comfort zone and wear the clingy little navy blue dress. How she’d come out of her shell and talked nonstop—mostly with Holly.

  The tight circle broke apart. Roth stood behind Holly with his arms wrapped around her middle, Omar tossed his arm casually over Devi’s shoulders, and Jared tugged Allison to his side. Her body heat comforted him, but at the same time made him wish they were alone so he could take her in his arms and kiss her like he had last night.

  She had it all: beauty, brains—and confidence that increased her sexiness tenfold. At least in his eyes.

  “Come get a drink with me.” Holly tugged Allison out of his arms, and they strolled off to the side to fill a cup with orange punch.

  His eyes followed her, refusing to let go. Although he loved her new look, her changes, another part of him had a fascination with the woman who wore glasses, snort-laughed, and wore sneakers.

  Roth moved beside him and bumped him with his shoulder. “She’s great. But I don’t need to tell you that. The way you feel about her is written all over your face.”

  “What do you mean?” Jared’s heart pounded to a stop.

  Roth gave him a shit-eating grin. “You’ll figure it out.”

  “What—”

  Holly stopped in front of them, thrusting a cup of punch in Roth’s hand. “You might need this.”

  His brow furrowed. “And why’s that?”

  “Because you’re going to need to stay hydrated in order to dance with me.” She lifted on tiptoe and pecked his cheek. “While you can still get your arms around my waist.”

  He downed the drink and then kissed her full on the lips.

  “Tell me I’m still sexy.”

  “You know you are, babe.”

  Allison came up beside them, her face glowing with a soft blush as she watched Roth and Holly. She smiled at Jared.

  “Dance with me.” He didn’t give her time to answer, instead pulling her into his arms and circling the dance floor.

  The music, combined with Allison’s body pressed against his, took his breath away, along with his concentration as he tripped over his own two feet. She laughed, and the swell of her curves brushing against him, the smell of cherry blossoms, and her quick intakes of breath filled him with desire.

  Her laughter died when he pulled her closer, and their steps slowed. She fit to him so perfectly. He closed his eyes and let the music consume him, wishing this night would never end.

  At the same time he could hear the countdown of the clock that would signal the end of their time together. How much longer would she need his help?

  From the looks of things, not long.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Today was amazing.” Allison spun in a circle down the hotel hallway and stopped at their door, leaning against the jamb.

  “One of the best weddings I’ve ever been to.” Jared brushed his finger down her cheek before he slid the key card into the lock.

  Anticipation had coiled deep in her belly the entire day. After last night all she could think about was another night of passion, but something in the air between them had changed during the reception. Tonight would be even more fantastic. She could feel it, and her entire body had been on alert. With every touch, look, or word the spring had wound tighter. She refused to think about tomorrow or that their time together might be drawing to a close. Out of necessity more so than lack of desire.

  She wouldn’t think about that. Not tonight.

  They’d spend the night together. Again. They’d make love. Again. She’d sleep in his arms. Again.

  She could get used to this. Things between them could be so much more than their little fling.

  Then reality poked through her happiness. Again. Maybe things could have been more than a fling, if he and Nick hadn’t been such good friends. If she hadn’t already decided that continuing the way they were would only lead to heartache.

  Her heartache.

  She didn’t want to end things, but if she were smart she would. She wanted something Jared couldn’t give. He was with her now, but that didn’t mean he would be in a month. Or even in a week.

  Maybe as soon as tomorrow.

  She pushed her oppressive thoughts aside. No way would she ruin their beautiful day—and the amazing night about to happen—by thinking about a future that was a one-sided wish.

  Jared pushed open the door and ushered her inside with his hand on her back.

  “I had a bottle of champagne brought up earlier. Would you like a glass?”

  “Sounds good. But not a full glass; I’ve had enough already.” She didn’t want her head fogged over. Their nights together were limited, and she wanted to remember every single moment.

  She slid out of her heels and sighed.

  “Feet sore?” He popped the cork, jumping back slightly as some liquid escaped.

  “I’m not used to heels quite yet. And truthfully, I still prefer my sneakers.” She grinned as he handed her a drink. “Actually, I prefer my slippers.”

  “One reason I’m glad I’m not a woman. I could never walk in those heels.”

  She took a sip, relishing the cool liquid as it slid down her throat. “Some women make it look easy, that’s for sure.”

  “You make it look easy. From the way you danced with half the male population tonight, and mingled with the rest, I’d have to say you have your confidence under control.” He smiled around the rim of his flute, downing most of the glass in one swallow.

  “I felt like Cinderella.” And she had. Although she’d danced until her feet ached, her happiest moments had been when she’d twirled around the floor in Jared’s arms.

  She was in over her head, but she couldn’t let go. She didn’t want to. If only this thing between them could turn into the type of relationship she wanted.

  A permanent one.

  “I admit I didn’t like all the attention you were getting.”

  His words sent a dash of hope into her chest, and she held her breath. Could he have realized he wanted something more? She pressed the heel of her hand to her chest, forcing the mouthful of liquid she’d just taken down her throat. “You didn’t?”

  “I’m just being protective. I know. I’ve always felt like I’m second in command next to Nick when it comes to you.”

  Her heart crashed into her gut as hope faded. Well, that lasted all of five seconds.

  His words were not what she’d wanted to hear. She had enough men in her life who wanted to protect her, and that was all fine and dandy, but she wanted more than someone to look out for her. She wanted a lover, a partner of equal footing—someone who was as obsessed with her as she would be with him.

  Her other half.

  Obviously Jared didn’t feel that way. At least not with her. And she should never have let that little seed of hope take root and allow herself to think that maybe over time he’d want more, too.

  “My family loves you.”

  “They’re great. Devi and Omar are perfect for each other, and so are Holly and Roth. And when you put your hand on Holly’s belly to feel her baby kick, I have to admit my heart turned to mush.” That’d been the moment she’d known she was already halfway in love with him. Maybe three quarters. Hell, who am I trying to kid. I’m in all the way.

  “You liked that, eh?” He set his glass on the table.

  “I did. Seeing you like that… Your eyes… I can’t even explain it. Full of wonder. I don’t know if that’s the right word. But when you and Roth put your hands on Holly’s belly and looked at each other, I could see your bond. It was…”

  “It was what?” He moved toward her, his brow drawn in question.


  “You’ll laugh.” She laughed herself, waving away her words.

  “I’d never laugh at you. And you’d never laugh at me. I thought we already had that established.”

  He grazed his knuckles down her cheek, and she shivered. Right now she might just reveal any secret he wanted to know.

  “It was”—she swallowed her nerves—“sexy.”

  He circled her waist with his arms and nudged her closer without being forceful. “I love how the simplest things in life give you the most pleasure. Hershey’s Kisses—”

  “Your kisses.”

  He touched his lips to hers so softly that her skin tightened with anticipation. “Penguins,” he whispered against her lips, his breath teasing her sensitive flesh.

  She chuckled. “I love penguins. But maybe not as much as your kisses.”

  Her emotions swayed back and forth on a tightrope. God, she wanted him so much. He drove her crazy, but the sensible voice inside her head told her not to get carried away. Enjoy the moment, but when they got back home, she needed to end this thing between them. This thing that was destroying his friendship with Nick, this thing that would take her on a road to heartbreak.

  She’d gotten what she wanted. He’d fulfilled all she’d asked of him—and then some—asking for nothing in return. It wasn’t fair to keep monopolizing his time. And it wasn’t fair to her, either. Her heart would require a lot of damage control.

  ...

  “I think we’re done talking, Al. I want to make love to you.”

  A tiny tremble engulfed her body as she pressed in to him. He wanted her so much. He loved how she could be so sexy and bold one minute, and shy and blushing the next. The contradictions were a huge turn-on.

  “And I want you to make love to me.”

  That was all he needed to hear. He claimed her mouth, sweeping his tongue inside to seek her warmth.

  He led her to the bed, peeling off her clothes along the way, until she stood before him in nothing but her panties. The cutest fucking little pink lacey things he’d ever seen.

  “God, you’re fucking hot.” He ran his finger from her lips and traced a path between her breasts, bending to kiss one pert nipple and then the other. He stepped back, drinking her in as she made quick work of removing his jacket, unbuttoning his shirt, and sliding his trousers down his legs. He fought his way out of his shirt as she kneeled to pull off his socks.