When my body finally stops quivering, I open my eyes and see Ryan staring hungrily at me. The realization of what just happened crashes down on me as I quickly sit up and adjust my underwear and shorts. What the hell did I just do? Kelsey will kill me if she finds out, not to mention it was completely reckless to do something like that in the middle of the living room! What if Allie had come downstairs? I fold my arms across my chest and scoot away from Ryan by a few inches.
“I’m sorry, Ryan, we shouldn’t have done that.”
He cocks an eyebrow at me. “Oh, really? Because I’m pretty sure you enjoyed it.”
“That doesn’t make it right. It can’t happen again.”
He chuckles and shrugs with an amused grin on his face. “Whatever you say, Samantha.”
“I’m being serious!”
He nods and stands up, but leans down so his lips are next to my ear. “Sweetheart, you can tell yourself whatever you have to if it’ll make you feel better about what just happened, but you and I both know that won’t be the last time I make you come. But next time, you’ll be coming on my tongue.”
My eyes widen with his words, and I open my mouth to argue, but he walks away before I can get a sound to come out.
Chapter 4
I WALK INTO WORK the next morning and see Kelsey sitting behind her desk, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. Dark bags puff beneath her eyes, and she’s not wearing her usual makeup. Concerned, I dash over to her and put a hand on her shoulder.
“Kelsey, hon, what’s wrong?”
She sniffles and clenches the tissue in her hand. “Alex and I got into a huge fight last night.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”
Her bottom lip trembles for a second as she tries to regain a little composure. “Do you remember that listing I showed you a few days ago for that house over in Cole Valley?”
I nod. “The cute little townhome with the red door?”
“Yes. Well, last night Alex and I were having dinner when I mentioned that I wanted to go look at it next weekend. They’re having an open house and I thought it could be fun.”
“Okay, and he got mad over that?”
“He said he didn’t see why we should bother. He said he’s happy with where we are now and he doesn’t want anything to change.”
“And you do.”
“Of course I do! We’ve been together for three years. I’m twenty-seven and I’m ready to start a family with him, but every time I bring it up, he just dismisses me. Well, I finally called him out on it last night and said if he wasn’t planning on marrying me or starting a family with me, then what the hell were we doing?” She pauses as tears begin to fall again. “H-he said he didn’t know and that maybe we should take a break…” Her shoulders shake, and I pull her into my arms, letting her sob on my new Marchesa blouse.
“I’m sorry, Kelsey. Men are complete idiots.”
I didn’t say it, but I wanted to add that this is why I don’t date. All the men I’ve ever let into my life have only disappointed me in the end. I got to know my dad for about two hot seconds before he bailed on me and my mom right after I was born. Whenever my mom remarried and it inevitably didn’t work out, she never let me see that she was hurting from it, but I knew. Once you let someone in, you can no longer shield your heart from them. After my marriage to Joel ended, I vowed to myself I’d never let anyone in again. If they didn’t get in, then I wouldn’t get hurt.
“I just wish Alex would want the same things I do.”
“Well, you know what? It’s his loss if he walks away from someone like you, and he’ll realize what a mistake it was soon.”
“What if he doesn’t?”
“He will. But in the meantime, don’t let him wreak havoc on your emotions. I know it’s hard, but believe me when I say that wallowing over him will only make things worse.” I pause and glance down at my watch. It’s only eight-thirty, but I hate seeing my friend hurting. “Why don’t you go ahead and pack up and take a personal day today. Take the company car and go grab a massage or a new outfit. Something for a little pick-me-up, and bill it to the company credit card.”
“Are you sure? What about the conference call with Arthur later today?”
“Positive. And I can handle Arthur. He may be a grumpy old man, but I think after he sees our sales numbers from last quarter, he’ll be less hesitant about our expansion. Now go. I don’t want to see your gorgeous face again until tomorrow.”
She chuckles and grabs her purse from her desk drawer. “Thanks, Sam. You’re a good boss, but you’re an amazing friend.”
After she leaves, I settle into my office and begin my morning of answering emails, scanning reports, and checking in with the manufacturing center. Even though about a hundred people in total work for me, only a handful work in this office. I’d love to eventually have my own building where my office and the manufacturing plant could be in the same spot, but real estate in this town is ridiculously expensive. I’ve considered looking at neighboring cities that are more affordable, but I don’t want to worry about a commute and risk losing time with Allie. If Macy’s brings my products into their stores, there’s a big chance I can have my cake and eat it, too. The thought makes me smile.
***
By the time three o’clock rolls around, my energy is completely drained and I need my next cup of coffee more than I need my next breath. It’s my own fault that I fall into these energy slumps since all I’ve eaten today is an apple and a stick of gum, but I just haven’t had time to grab anything for lunch yet. I only have twenty minutes until my conference call with Arthur, so I figure I’ll get through that and then pick something up from the deli down the block. My brain thinks I’m a genius. My stomach, not so much. It growls in protest at my lack of attention, so I dig through my purse for another stick of gum, then my phone vibrates.
Ryan: Hi, Samantha. I hope I’m not disturbing anything important, but Allie’s asking if she can go to Brittany’s house to play for the afternoon. Her mom said she’d bring her home after dinner. I told her I’d check with you.
Me: Sure, that’s fine. Make sure she calls me when she gets to Brittany’s, please.
A few seconds later, little dots are moving across the screen.
Ryan: Of course. How’s your day going, beautiful?
My stomach flips. After last night, I’m still unsure of how to react when I’m around him. It scares me knowing how much my body responds to everything about him. Even when I was married to Joel, my body never felt that alive. So, of course, I did the mature thing by avoiding him all morning. Not feeling ready to talk to him yet, I put my phone down and turn my attention back to work. A few minutes later my phone buzzes again.
Ryan: Allie just left with Brittany. She knows to call you when they get to her house.
Me: Thank you.
Ryan: You’re welcome. You never did answer how your day is going.
I sigh, knowing I can’t keep avoiding him. He’s living in my house and taking care of my daughter for the rest of the week. I need to try to pretend like last night never happened and hope that things can go back to normal.
Me: Work’s okay. I have a conference call in twenty that I’m not looking forward to.
Ryan: Because it’s going to be boring?
Me: No, because the guy who’s calling is a pompous ass. Wouldn’t be as bad if I had time to eat lunch today.
I wait for a minute for my phone to buzz, but after three minutes tick by, I realize that I’ve been sitting at my desk, staring at my phone like some lovesick teenager. God, what is Ryan doing to me? I quickly flip the phone over and shove it away from me. Twenty minutes later, my conference call begins, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to pretend I have menstrual cramps and hang up on the guy so I can go and get something to eat.
“…you can’t expect me to invest another five million dollars when you have no—”
Our conference call is interrupted by a knock at my door. I
swivel in my chair and see through the blinds that Ryan’s standing outside my office. He holds up a large paper bag from my favorite Chinese restaurant. My mouth salivates, although I’m not certain it’s from the food. I press the mute button and stand to greet him.
“I hope you don’t mind,” he says, stepping into my office looking absolutely edible in a pair of low-slung jeans and a gray Henley. “I had some free time to kill since Allie is at her friend’s, so I figured I’d bring you lunch since you haven’t eaten.”
I’m stunned into silence. No man has ever gone out of his way to do something so thoughtful. One day when I was slammed at work, I told Joel I hadn’t eaten lunch, and instead of being supportive, he told me how stupid I was for not finding time and then reminded me not to buy anything from the vending machines downstairs because they had too many carbs and would make me fat. Jackass.
“You remembered that Mr. Chow’s was my favorite Chinese place in the city?”
“Of course. I remember everything you tell me.”
I try not to let his words affect me, but I can feel them sliding their way through my veins and slowly infiltrating my heart. Arthur asks a question, and it takes me a minute to think through the fog that’s currently clouding my ability to focus. “I’ll be sure to have Kelsey send you the latest numbers. She’s out today, but should be back in tomorrow.” I pause when I feel heat at my back and Ryan’s lips pressed against the crook of my neck. Turning, I see him watching me with a wicked grin. “What are you doing?” I whisper as I press the mute button on the phone again.
“You’re not the only one who hasn’t eaten, and I’m starved.” He reaches out with his hand and brushes a strand of my hair away from my face. “God, you’re so beautiful. I can’t remember ever wanting a woman as much as I want you.”
“Ryan—”
“Samantha, if you really don’t want me, just say so and I’ll leave here with the promise to keep things strictly professional. But if there’s even the slightest chance you’ll let me have you, I’m never going to stop trying.”
“I just—” I pause when his arms wrap around me and I feel the thickness of his erection pressing into my belly. Could I really do this? The ache below tells me yes, but my mind isn’t so sure.
“Stop overthinking it so much. We’re both consenting adults, and maybe this is just me being cocky, but it feels like you want me as much as I want you.”
If only he knew.
“You know I want you, but there are other factors I have to consider.”
“I’m not asking you for forever. I’m just asking for you to give me right now. Give me your time for the next week, and if afterwards you’re done with me, I promise I’ll accept that. What do you say?”
“Five days?”
“Five days.”
I sigh, not sure if I’m making a gigantic mistake by agreeing to this. I’ve never had a fling before, but deep down, a large part of me wants to. I’ve had plenty of sexual partners, but none of them were mind-blowing, and if Ryan can fuck like he can finger, I know I’m in for one hell of a ride the next five days.
“Okay,” I concede. “Five days.”
A low growl emits from his throat as he yanks me forward and presses his lips to mine, effectively sealing our deal. His tongue savors me in slow licks that make my legs quiver with anticipation as I remember his words to me last night. Next time you’ll be coming on my tongue. When his hands fist into my hair, tilting my head to deepen our kiss, I moan into his mouth. This kiss is even better than I imagined: assured, skilled, with just enough aggression to drive me wild.
Somewhere in the background, I vaguely become aware of a voice calling my name, but it can’t be Ryan’s because his mouth is still on mine. “Ms. Ford. Hello? Ms. Ford?” Arthur. Shit. I pull away, and my chest heaves as I lunge for the mute button.
“Yes, yes, I’m here. Sorry.” My words come out breathy and short. “Could you repeat the question?”
He sighs, disapproval dripping from his voice. “I said, when will you know if you landed the Macy’s contract?”
“Oh. I’m hoping to have an answer by the end of the week.”
I’m still bent over my desk, talking into the speaker, when Ryan’s hands grab hold of my hips and I become achingly aware of just how much he wants me. My heart hammers against my ribcage as he leans over me and whispers in my ear. “Get on the desk and face me.” It’s a command, not a request.
I slowly turn in his arms before he hoists me onto my desk and settles in between my legs. My clit throbs for attention as he tenderly drags his fingers along the inside of my thighs. He lets out a harsh hiss when his fingers find the edge of my panties, and in one swift movement, he pushes my skirt up and jerks my panties to the side, baring me completely to him.
“Fuck, Samantha. I can’t wait to taste you.”
I open my mouth, about to protest, knowing we shouldn’t be doing this here, but I swallow my words as heat floods my body when his hand pushes between my legs. An ache builds furiously deep within me as I wage an internal ethics battle. Arthur is still jabbering away about all the reasons he’s reconsidering investing with my company, and I know I should be paying closer attention to his concerns, but as soon as Ryan slips a finger inside me, I lose all ability to give one damn about my conference call.
“How does that make you feel, Ms. Ford?” Arthur asks.
Ryan smirks at me as he flicks his thumb over my clit, and I bite down on my lip, suppressing a moan. “Yes, Ms. Ford, how does that make you feel?”
“I-I would s-say you’re on the r-right track.” My answer applies to both of them, but my hand fumbles around until I manage to find the mute button. “Oh, God, Ryan, don’t stop.”
He slows his rhythm as he hooks his index finger, and I practically scream from the ecstasy of it all. “Believe me, Samantha, I have no intention of stopping soon. I’m going to make you come so many times in the next five days, you’re never going to be able to have an orgasm without thinking of me again.” Before I can respond, he buries his face between my legs. I gasp at the feel of his tongue sweeping across my pussy.
God, that feels amazing.
I lean back on my elbows and arch my back as his tongue rims my slit, working me from top to bottom. I’ve never been so turned on in my life. Arthur asks another a question, and my hands push against Ryan’s head. “Ryan, I—” But just as I hit the unmute button, he wraps his hands around my ankles and he yanks me until I’m flat on my back, my legs hooked over his shoulders, spearing me with this tongue. “Oh, shit!”
“Ms. Ford? Is everything okay?” Arthur sounds more annoyed than concerned.
“Y-yes, I—” My voice disappears as Ryan seals his lips over my clit and sucks hard. My gaze locks onto his, and fuck, if watching him devour my pussy isn’t the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen. His eyes flare with desire, and I’m riveted, unable to look away. “A-Arthur, I’m afraid I’m going to have to call you back. I spilled coffee all over me.” Without waiting for his response, I hastily end our call just as Ryan slips two fingers inside me while his tongue licks and sucks me tirelessly.
I can feel my orgasm building at a furious pace as I writhe against his mouth, desperate for more. I can’t remember ever feeling like this with a man, but if eating pussy were an Olympic sport, Ryan would be a gold medalist ten times over. My breaths begin to come in short, wispy gasps, and I give up on trying to support myself, instead lying flat on the desk and closing my eyes as I take in every single touch. He doesn’t slow down or stop, and suddenly I can feel myself on the brink of my orgasm.
“Oh, God, Ryan, I’m close. Fuck, I’m gonna come.” I bite down on my lip to keep from screaming as I raise my hips, pressing my pussy harder against his mouth until my orgasm detonates throughout my body. He keeps his fingers inside me as my entire body shakes until I’m spent. When I finally come down from my orgasm, I feel him remove his fingers and gently push my panties back into place.
He stands and holds hi
s hand out to help me to a sitting position before he bends over and kisses me again, the heady taste of myself still fresh on his tongue. “I really fucking love watching you come,” he says, nipping at my bottom lip with his teeth. “Hottest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Just wait until you see me kneeling in front of you with your dick in my mouth.”
His eyes flare, and I smirk. The words are brazen and foreign to me, but somehow with Ryan they feel right.
“Samantha, as much I want that, I don’t want you to feel obligated. I’d be perfectly happy just making you come for the next five days.”
I laugh and press my hand to his cheek, letting my thumb run along his jawline dotted with stubble. “As much as I would enjoy that, I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy watching you come undone in my mouth just as much as you enjoyed me.”
The moment the words are out of my mouth, I realize just how true they are. I can’t remember the last time I felt so sexually free and open. In fact, I don’t know that I’ve ever felt so free. I don’t know what it is about Ryan, but something about him brings out a part of me that’s lain dormant for years, and now that it’s awakened, I don’t know that I ever want to let it go.
Chapter 5
“PRINCESS LOLLY IS my favorite.”
It’s right after dessert, and Allie, Ryan and I are sitting around the dining room table on our second round of Candy Land—one of Allie’s favorites. With Allie over at a friend’s house for dinner, it was just me and Ryan. He cooked another gourmet meal for us, and everything felt so easy with him. Conversation flowed seamlessly as we talked about our favorite memories and our childhoods, and I began to wonder how I was going be able to go back to my “normal” life once he was gone. The idea of him leaving has a seed of disappointment burrowing in my chest, but I remind myself that what we’re doing isn’t meant to be a love for the ages. It’s a fling, and flings inevitably come to an end.
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