by Ella Jade
“Sweet dreams, goddess.”
Chapter Six
Kirsten
It had been a long week but once Miles picked me up from the office on Thursday and took me to dinner, all of my stress had been forgotten. As we walked along the river back to his place, he held my hand. Dinner, a bottle of wine, an evening stroll, and a moonlit sky. It was all so romantic. But I knew better. We weren’t a couple. It wasn’t supposed to be romantic. We were going back to his house to have sex. Not make love. That wasn’t his fault. This was all my doing. He was just obliging me. It was what I wanted. Isn’t it?
“Why so quiet?” he asked.
“I was just thinking.”
“About?” He stopped walking and brought me to him. Why was he more sincere than I had imagined? The more time I spent with him, the more I started to think I’d judged him harshly. He was turning out to be more than I had expected. He was a good guy.
“I’m looking forward to tonight.”
“That makes two of us.” He held me in his strong, capable arms. “I’ve been waiting all week to get you back into my bed.”
See? He doesn’t think we’re a couple either.
“Why didn’t we start there?”
“What?” He squinted at me. “You didn’t want to go to dinner with me?”
“Dinner was fantastic.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“There is no problem. You’ve taken me to two fabulous restaurants this week. You’re spoiling me. I never make time to see what’s going on in the city.”
“You deserve it.” When he stroked my cheek, those butterflies kicked into high gear. “Why wouldn’t I take you to dinner?”
“Our arrangement,” I reminded him. Maybe I was reminding myself so that I couldn’t get hurt later. That was what this was all about, wasn’t it? I didn’t want to get attached so I couldn’t be disappointed. “We don’t have to go on dates. I don’t expect you to wine and dine me. It isn’t necessary.”
“You’re wrong.” He held me tighter, gazing into my eyes, making me forget this crazy situation we’d created. “I’ll give you what you want.” He smirked before kissing me softly. “But you need to give me what I want too.”
“What would that be?”
“You.”
“You have me.” Didn’t he know I’d given him more of me than I’d ever given to anyone else? “I gave you what you wanted last weekend.”
“You did.” He kissed me again. “But I’m going to need more than sex.”
“You are?” Why was he changing the terms? Did I want him to?
“Role reversal, right?” He took my hand and continued our walk back to his house. “It’s absurd to me too but I’m going to need more than what we agreed on.”
“Why?”
“Because sex isn’t going to be enough when it comes to you.”
“That was the point of this whole set up. Neither of us don’t need more than that.” Did we? Why was this suddenly so confusing?
“Can you be honest with yourself for a few minutes?”
“What does that mean?” I let go of his hand. “I’m honest with myself.” Most of the time.
“Whoa.” He took my hand again. “Don’t get defensive. All I’m saying is, I’ve rethought this and I want to try dating for a change.”
“With me?” I picked him for this little experiment because I thought he was the man who could show me everything I missed out on when I had my head buried in a book. I didn’t expect him to have a sensitive side.
“You are the woman who is coming back to my bed tonight. Are you not?”
“Yes.” I wasn’t sure what he wanted me to agree to. “For sex.”
“I’ll give you everything you want in the bedroom but give me the dates.” He unlocked his front door and led me inside. “Can you do that?” he asked as he turned on the light.
“I... well, the point of our agreement was to not be traditional. To not label anything.”
“We don’t have to label it. We both work hard at our jobs. We don’t have much companionship. At least, I don’t now that Jameson is getting married.”
“You miss your brother?”
“Kind of.” He shrugged. “I’m suggesting that we get to know one another while we’re indulging in the bedroom. We don’t have to make a big deal of it. We don’t have to call it dating or whatever other word freaks you out when it comes to me. Can you do that?”
“For now.”
“You’re a tough one.” He swooped me up in his arms. “I like that.”
“Miles!” I giggled as he headed toward the stairs, my shoes hit the floor as we went.
“Let’s get you upstairs and naked.”
***
Miles
Collapsing on top of her, she rubbed my back as our breathing returned to normal. Sex with her was becoming like air. I needed it to survive. The longer I went without it, the harder it was to breathe. She’d been on my mind since she left on Sunday night. Waiting four days to be with her was torture. I needed to know why she wanted this type of arrangement. I didn’t know why but our agreement weighed heavily on my mind. As good as the sex was, it didn’t feel right to me. She was not the type of woman who did casual. Why was she pretending?
“Tell me why you’ve been single for so long.” Maybe pillow talk would be my best bet.
“A relationship wasn’t a priority.” She traced circles on my chest. “My work was more important.”
“You said you were serious once.” I rested my hand on top of hers. “What happened?”
“I was younger. It ended before I was ready and it left me jaded I suppose.”
“The fool dumped you?”
“He had good reason.”
“I don’t believe that. Who could leave you?”
“He was my mentor. I met him when I was in medical school. He was fifteen years older than me and going through a divorce. We were together for a few years but the divorce was never finalized, and at the last minute, he decided he needed to go back to his family. His kids were in high school and being separated from them took a toll on him. He wanted to save his family.”
“I’m sorry.”
“He made the right choice for his family.”
“He hurt you.” She was too kind to admit that, but maybe her ex was the reason she couldn’t move forward.
“I got over it.”
“Did you?” Was this why she wanted the no-strings attached arrangement? She chose me because she didn’t think I could hurt her. Of course. If she didn’t get close to me, how could I hurt her? This was a little more complicated than I would have liked.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s taken you a few years to be with someone and when you finally do, you don’t want a relationship.”
“I do want a relationship but I needed a place to start. You seemed safe. I knew you could provide the physical aspect without demanding the other stuff.”
“Because you’re still hung up on the other guy.” It wouldn’t be easy living in the shadow of a past love, but at least I’d know what I was dealing with.
“Ross and I have been over for a long time. I accepted his choice and moved on with my life. Maybe not in the romance department but I have a successful career. I’m happy.”
“You want to be happier.”
“Doesn’t everyone?”
“Do you think I could make you happy?”
“We’re having fun, right?” She propped herself on her elbow, dancing around my question. “I’m probably not what you expected or what you’re used to, but I’m having a good time.”
“You’re nothing like I expected and not at all what I’m used to.” I moved her on top of me. “That’s why I’m so taken with you.”
“I like when you’re taken with me.”
“You should get used to it.” I gripped her hips, my erection springing to life. “I intend to spend all of my free time with you.”
“Exclusively?”
“We’re doing that role reversal thing again.”
“Since we’re on the subject.” I rolled her onto her back, tracing my fingers along her breasts, circling her nipples.
“How about we concentrate on what we’re doing right now?” She slithered her hand between us, taking my length in her grasp. “I’m sure you have something new and exciting to show me.”
“You’re trying to distract me.”
“Are you complaining?” She moved her palm along my shaft.
“You keep doing that and I’ll agree to anything you want.”
“At least now I know how to persuade you.”
Chapter Seven
Kirsten
Sitting in the dressing room of the upscale bridal boutique, I admired CC in her wedding gown. I tried not to be envious of my friend. I was ecstatic for her but I couldn’t help but wonder if my day would ever come.
“You’re going to make a beautiful bride,” I said. “You already look incredible.”
As CC gazed into the mirror, Rayne straightened the bustle of the dress. “It’s perfect,” she said. “Kirsten is right. You make an amazing bride.”
“Thank you,” CC said as the dressmaker pinned her sleeves.
“This should be your last fitting.” The stylish woman pinched the bodice, making sure it was perfect. “I’ll let you wear it for a few minutes.” She smiled. “Most brides like to take selfies and twirl around.”
“Okay.” CC giggled. “Just give us a few minutes.”
“No problem.” The woman went back into the store, leaving the three of us in the spacious dressing room.
“The dress is fantastic.” I moved toward the center of the room to join the two of them. “I can’t believe you’re getting married.”
“To Jameson Clark of all people.” Rayne tried on a pair of shoes she hoped would go with her bridesmaid gown. “I never thought he would settle down.”
“There’s hope for Miles and Max.” CC stepped off the platform and spun around, admiring the back of her dress in the mirror. “How is it going?”
“Which one of us?” I asked.
“There’s nothing to talk about with me and Max.” Rayne did a test walk in the shoes. “So, let’s talk about you and Miles.”
“There’s nothing to talk about with us either.” I didn’t want to lie to my friends and make them think there was something between Miles and myself. “I like spending time with him.”
“What do you do when you spend time with him?” Rayne laughed. “If he’s anything like Max, I’m sure he’s awesome in bed.”
“Oh, God!” CC shook her head. “I don’t want to hear about you and Max.”
“Don’t act shocked.” Rayne pointed at her. “Jameson is part of that DNA pool. He’s a beast in bed too.”
CC covered her face with her hand. “You have no idea.”
“I knew it!” Rayne spun CC around the room, making the dress twirl with her. “How lucky that there are three of us and three of them?”
When they stopped spinning, they turned and faced me.
“Well?” Rayne asked.
“Well, what?” I responded.
“Is Miles good in bed too?” Rayne put her hand on her hip. “Spill!”
“I don’t kiss and tell but it sounds like he’s in line with his brothers.” I smirked. “He knows what he’s doing.”
“Sweet!” Rayne exclaimed. “I’m really happy for the two of you.”
“What about you?” I asked.
“Max and I aren’t like that,” she said. “He’s not looking for a relationship.”
“Neither was Jameson.” CC stepped back onto the platform. “We didn’t talk for almost a year after our initial hook up.”
“How come?” I stood behind her, undoing the tiny buttons on the back of her dress. I’d always been curious about how the two of them had gotten together. CC never really talked about it.
“It just wasn’t the right time. He was still struggling with his addiction, and my mother was very sick. Neither of us were ready for a commitment. We didn’t start out in the most conventional way.”
“No?” Now I was really curious.
“Let’s just say we were mostly physical,” she admitted. “It was both what we needed at the time.”
“Like me and Max,” Rayne said. “He’s really good at the sex stuff. He stinks at the emotional stuff. Life is one big party for him. I accepted that a long time ago.”
“That’s sort of depressing.” CC slipped off the dress just as the seamstress came into the room.
“Not so much.” Rayne boxed up the shoes she had tried on. “If I know what to expect I can’t be disappointed.”
Exactly. It sounded like what Miles and I were doing together wasn’t much different from Jameson and CC or Max and Rayne. I’d been agonizing over this arrangement the two of us had created but maybe it wasn’t so crazy. Maybe it was just what the two of us needed. It worked out for CC.
“Let me get dressed.” CC checked her phone. “Jameson is here to pick me up.”
“Can he take me home too?” Rayne asked.
“Of course,” CC responded as she texted Jameson back. “He said to take our time and that Miles is with him.”
“Here?” My stomach did that thing it did when I thought about him.
“Yeah.” CC continued to text. “He took the ride with Jameson. Maybe he wanted to see you.”
“Maybe.” I checked my hair and makeup in the mirror. Reaching into my bag, I took out my lip liner and gloss.
“You’ve got it so bad.” Rayne slung her bag over her shoulder. “Wanting to look good for your man. That’s so cute.”
“He’s not my man.” I shook off her comment. “But there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good when I see him.”
“Are you seeing anyone else?” She headed for the door.
“No.” Given my work schedule, I was lucky to have the time to see Miles.
“Is he seeing anyone else?” She pressed as CC spoke to the designer and the seamstress.
“I don’t think so.” He did use the word exclusive the other day, so I’d have to say he wasn’t seeing anyone else either.
“Then he’s your man, silly woman.” Rayne put her arm around me as we walked through the boutique. “You’re spending every weekend together and some nights during the week. You’re dating.”
“We don’t label it.” When I opened the boutique door, Miles was leaning against Jameson’s car checking his phone, looking rather stunning in his designer suit. “We’re just having fun.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” She waved to Jameson. “CC will be out in a minute.”
Miles looked in my direction, taking his sunglasses off as the sun set in the distance and giving me a glimpse of his baby blues. I’d fallen asleep to visions of those eyes a few times this week. He came toward me, smiling as he got closer.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“When Jameson said he was coming for CC.” He caught me in an embrace. “I thought I’d tag along and see if I could score a goodnight kiss from such an alluring woman.”
“Me?”
“You.” He tilted his head, focusing on my mouth. “Do you think that’s possible?”
“You’re in luck.” I draped my arms over his shoulders. “I have a kiss saved up for you.”
“Perfect.” He pressed his lips to mine slowly, taking his time to explore my mouth.
When we were together everything was right. I was happy and excited over the possibilities of what was to come. I didn’t know if I had any right to feel that way, but I didn’t want to fight it, especially when he treated me as if no other woman existed.
“Hey, Miles.” CC walked toward Jameson’s car.
Miles broke the kiss and grinned at me before addressing CC. “How’s it going?”
“Can’t complain.” She jumped into Jameson’s waiting arms. “Hi, baby.”
&n
bsp; “I missed you.” He kissed her. “How was the final fitting?”
“Fantastic! I can’t wait to wear that dress for you.”
“They’re so cute.” The way Jameson stared at CC was enough to make any woman melt.
“They are.” Miles took my hand and led me to my car. “I have to head back to the office, but I wanted a chance to see you.”
“I could drop you off.”
“I don’t want to make you go out of your way.” He leaned me against my car, keeping my hand in his. “Jameson has to go right by there.”
“You came to a parking lot to kiss me.” I rested my palm on his chest. “I can drive you back to work.”
“It would give us a few more minutes together.”
“It would.” I kissed his jaw, running my lips along his stubble. “Maybe a few more kisses too.”
“I’m up for that.” He opened the car door for me. “What are we waiting for?”
***
Miles
As I walked into the trendy, stone front building, I didn’t feel like I was in a doctor’s office at all. The colors splashed across the walls were bright and enticing for the kids. There was a fully stocked coffee bar for the adults, and flat screen TV’s with appropriate children shows throughout the inviting waiting room. The murals on the walls were fantastic. Kirsten had a hell of a practice in the most prestigious part of the city. No wonder everyone wanted their kids to come here. If I had kids this is where I’d want to be.
“Miles,” a familiar voice called to me from the front desk.
“Rayne?” I didn’t expect to see her here. “What are you doing here?”
“Kirsten’s receptionist went out on an early maternity leave and she was in a pinch. I just graduated from college and I don’t have a job yet, so I’m helping her out.”
“I can’t believe you’re done college. I remember when you started high school.”
“It went really fast.” She shoved her cell in the pocket of her SpongeBob scrubs. “Have you heard from Max?”
“Yesterday.”
“How is he?”
“He’s settling back in.” I leaned against the marble counter she sat behind. “Do you keep in touch with him?”