by Marie Harte
She knew what she had to do or go completely insane.
Smith opened the door the next day at seven in the morning. He’d finally fallen asleep at two a.m. after a brutal time of trying to calm himself down. Just because Erin had agreed to breakfast with him didn’t mean anything had changed. They were still dancing around each other, and he had no idea if she’d agree to sleep with him. But he found he didn’t mind waiting, and that had never happened before.
He’d never had to chase after a woman. Typically, once he’d made his interest known, it didn’t take all that long to get her in bed. Smith had looks and a decent body. He knew this. He also knew how to please a woman, and he’d never had a problem giving a woman an orgasm. Smith respected his bedpartners. He might not love them or want to be with them for more than one go in the sack, but he didn’t lie to get them there. His lovers had known the score.
Did Erin? Because he sure as hell didn’t know what he was doing with her. Frustrated with himself, Smith put on sweats and running shoes and went out for a four-mile run. He let the physical exertion work on his mental kinks, trying to iron out his thoughts and feelings while figuring out what it was about Erin that felt so different from all the others.
All the others? He snorted. Smith wasn’t as big a player as he might like to think. Women gave him physical pleasure. But they wanted too much or not enough from him when it came to relationships.
Neither Meg nor Angela had wanted him. Rejected by two moms.
His first real girlfriend had wanted to play around, and he’d lost his heart at only fifteen. But hell, they’d been young, and he couldn’t blame her for their breakup. Not that he would after seventeen long years.
In the time since, he’d dated only seriously once, fucked around, and generally had sexual fun with women while keeping his heart behind a Kevlar vest. His time and energy had gone to making a living working construction and odd jobs before joining the Marine Corps. The Marines had definitely helped mold the man he’d become. The odds were still out on whether that was a good or bad thing.
He stepped up his pace, dodging moms with strollers and a few couples jogging together. The crisp October morning promised more sun, and he ran hard to work off the pie and meltaways from the previous night.
He clenched his fists tighter, still able to feel Erin’s hand holding his, to remember her mouth, her taste, her sweet scent as she’d kissed him in the truck.
Fuck, but he loved being around her. She made him feel as if all things could be possible. Happiness just within reach. So damn weird to feel that way for a woman.
The Corps had given him that for a while, a sense that he had a greater purpose to fulfill and was doing something good for once. He didn’t get into trouble, was promoted early, and generally enjoyed being a Marine.
Yet something nagged at him the longer he’d been in, that sense he was missing something. Coming home obviously hadn’t been the answer, because Meg cared even less about him now than she had when raising him. Her truths didn’t crush him the way she’d probably thought they might. In a way, she’d started him on a new path, giving him brothers. At first to hate, and now to… what? He didn’t hate them, no matter what he’d told Cash. That slippage last night, calling Reid “bro” had eased something between him and Reid. He felt it.
But it was Erin who preyed on his mind. Erin with whom he wanted to share his spare time.
He ran back home, winded, his muscles tired, his mind wired but also eased by his self-admissions.
He didn’t mind having brothers, though he wouldn’t call any of them close.
He liked his life right now, especially without Meg in it.
He especially liked Erin, as more than a friend. Hell, he was crushing on her big time.
And they planned on breakfast soon. Smith forced himself not to knock on her door, letting her come to him. Working out his upper body on his weight bench, he did several reps with the bar and hand weights, then finished his routine with sit-ups and pushups. He’d just taken off his shirt, sweating like a beast, when she knocked.
At least, he hoped it was Erin.
Unfortunately, he opened the door to Tilly.
She gaped at his bare chest.
He couldn’t help himself. “Shouldn’t you be in church, praying the sin away?”
“The devil’s scared of me. He’s smart.” She poked him in the shoe with her cane. “A hell of a lot smarter than some.” She stared at his left pectoral and shoulder, where an Eagle, Globe and Anchor—the Marine Corps symbol—sat in a bed of snakes and smoke and the grim reaper decorated the outside of his upper arm. “I didn’t know you had a tattoo.”
He shrugged. “I don’t know your shoe size. We’re even.”
Her lips thinned, but he could see her trying not to laugh.
He bit back a grin as well. Fucking with each other was their special way of communicating.
“So, what’s the deal with the plumbers? They scheduled to come yet or what? You did call McSons, didn’t you? If I’m going to pay through the nose for a plumber, I want to be entertained.”
“Thought you said they were reasonable.”
“Spending money on a water heater isn’t reasonable. Spending money on fine beer and that 50 Shades of Grey movie? Now that’s reasonable.”
He grimaced at her taste in films. “Whatever you say. McSons are coming next Tuesday to inspect the pipes in 6B as well as the hot water heater. I’ll make sure you have appropriate leering time.”
“Well, Pat used to clog her toilets on purpose to get them out there. At least my problem is legit.”
Smith shook his head, his mind already on how to deal with the possibility Erin might not show. Breakfast was no big deal. And so what if he’d gone out and bought a ton of shit for them to eat? If she didn’t swing by, he could eat it himself for days.
Tilly remained standing there, staring at him.
He wiped the sweat from his face with the back of his forearm. “What now?”
“You all alone in there?” She sounded disappointed.
“Nope. Got a date.”
“Erin?” Tilly smirked, looking way too smug.
“Nah.” He lowered his voice. “I met this one through work. Name’s Naomi. Red hair, stacked. She’s sweet.” He winked at Tilly, who glared back at him. “What?”
Erin opened her door and closed it behind her. When she noticed Tilly talking to Smith, she paused. “Is this a bad time?”
“Apparently. He’s got some woman in there,” Tilly barked, turned, and muttered to herself as she made the long, slow journey back to her apartment at the end of the hall.
Erin looked upset and tried to hide it. But man, was she bad at masking her emotions. That she didn’t like the thought of him with someone else gratified him. That she’d intended to join him for breakfast made him giddy with joy.
I am such a moron.
Smith nodded her closer. Erin, still frowning, took a few steps in his direction. He said in a low voice, “She was being nosy, so I lied. Get your ass in here.” He tugged her off balance and into his apartment, then closed the door.
She stared, not at his gym equipment, that he needed to put away, but at his bare chest.
“Oh. Wow.” She swallowed audibly. “You’re all sweaty. And you have a tattoo.”
Was it just him, or did her voice sound breathy? Aroused?
Or turned off. He realized he didn’t smell so good.
“Damn. Sorry. I was going to go shower after working out when Tilly came by.” Smith looked Erin over, taking in the loose navy pants and sweatshirt—pullover. She looked dressed for comfort, not seduction. Simultaneously disappointed he wouldn’t be getting sex and thrilled she’d come by to be with him, he tried to shrug off any feelings of discomfort. She kept staring at his tattoo.
“That’s so cool. Did it hurt?”
He wanted to invite her to trace it with her finger. Then her tongue. He coughed and prayed he could get to the shower before he showed her
just how hungry he was. “Ah, I don’t remember. Hey, make yourself at home. In fact, would you mind making us some coffee while I shower? Then you can sit back and relax. I’ll make breakfast.”
“You can cook?”
“Passably. But when it comes to breakfast, I’m a master.” He turned away, glaring down at an erection he could no longer hide. “I won’t be long. I swear.”
He had himself in the bathroom and clean in minutes. Before he could turn the water temperature to cold, to relax his still aroused body, he heard the bathroom door open.
Then a knock. “Smith?”
He pulled the curtain back to peek around it and saw Erin standing there.
Naked.
He couldn’t speak.
“You told me it was up to me.”
“Up to you?” Had his voice ever sounded so deep? Fuck me. She’s naked. And goddamn gorgeous. He couldn’t look away.
“Yes.” Erin walked forward, pulled back the curtain, and stepped into the shower with him. “I’m saying when. Right now.”
Chapter Eleven
Since Smith couldn’t seem to form words, just staring at her and making her more than self-conscious, Erin brazened it out. She’d been going over this moment since last night, when she’d come to the realization that Smith meant more to her than just a friend.
Though Erin would have loved to be able to have a booty call and leave it at that, she didn’t feel comfortable having sex with a stranger. She knew Smith, not as much as she wanted to, but enough to know he protected those he cared about, wasn’t a user, and didn’t like playing emotional games.
And wow, did he like her. She tried not to focus on that monster between his legs, but a woman would have to be unconscious not to notice his size and excitement. She’d already had two orgasms from the man but had yet to see him naked. She could honestly say she’d never seen a better-looking man in all her life.
It wasn’t that he was handsome. He was, but she’d seen prettier and more refined men. It had to do with the way he’d been put together, all muscle and form, and the way he moved.
Well, maybe not right now, because he seemed frozen in the shower.
“Um, you’re blocking all the hot water.”
He continued to stare at her, looking her up and down, his gaze focusing on her breasts and below her belly, where she’d carefully groomed in preparation for today.
It had taken a lot of courage to make the first move. But he’d told her he’d wait for her, and good as his word, he continued to wait.
“So, um, are you interested? In me, I mean?” A stupid question, obviously, but the more he didn’t talk, the more nervous she became. Was it possible she’d misread the whole situation?
Then Smith let loose a barrage of swear words, burning her ears. He moved to the side so she could get some hot water, then he backed her against the cold tile, his hands on her shoulders.
“You… I just…” He looked into her eyes once more, and his strong hands settled on her shoulders. “I could come just looking at you.”
“Aw, you say the sweetest things.” She grinned.
He groaned and closed his eyes. When he opened them, they looked so dark, the green blending with his pupils. “I didn’t think we’d get to this today. Maybe not ever.”
“Really?” She stroked his chest, watching the water trickle down over so much dense muscle. His abs clenched and his cock bobbed. Up close, it was even more impressive. Smith really wanted her. The realization warmed inside and out.
“I mean, I’ve been wanting you from the first. But…” He swallowed. “I thought maybe after our day at the market that I did something wrong.”
“No. It was me, not you.” She traced his ribs, enamored with how he reacted to her touch.
“It’s all you.” He lifted her hand from his ribs and kissed her palm. “I want to fuck you so bad right now. But I’ll come in like two seconds.”
She met his gaze, saw his need, and knew it matched her own. “Me too.” She sighed. “I’m so ready for you. I don’t think it would take much more than you coming inside me.”
His eyes narrowed. “You okay with that? We haven’t talked about it.”
“It?”
He pushed some of her hair behind her ear. He didn’t smile; he seemed too intense for that. But something in his expression softened. “Condoms. Sex. I’m clean, and it’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone. What about you?”
She knew they should have talked about this before. “This is so embarrassing.”
“Why?” He kissed her left cheek. Then her right. But when he planted a soft kiss on her mouth, she sagged, only his hands and the wall keeping her steady. “Sex is natural. I want you. Do you want me?”
“Way more than I should,” she confessed.
A slow smile lit up his face. “No such thing.” He drew a hand down her shoulder, over her breast and down her belly. Then he slid that hand between her legs, rubbing his fingers between her folds. “Oh, baby, you’re wet. Tell me. You okay with no condom or should I get one?”
She groaned. “I’m protected from babies. I’ve been on birth control for years.” She felt her cheeks heat. “I haven’t been with anyone for a while either. That’s part of why I had issues with…” She didn’t want to bring Cody up just now. “Why I had issues, and why I’m single.” She’d never told Cody she was on the pill, liking that he wore condoms when they made love, as infrequent as it had been. And now she was doubly glad, wondering how long he’d been cheating on her with someone else.
She confessed, “It’s been months since I was with anyone. He always wore a condom. And then, well, it wasn’t that good.” She stared into his eyes, needing him to know. “Not ever like it was with you. And technically we didn’t even have sex.”
“We really need to make that right.” He leaned down to kiss her, and she moaned into his mouth.
He continued to slide his fingers through her sex, grazing her clit time and again. Making her insane. Pushing her past reason.
She yanked her mouth from him and reached for his cock. “Oh, God. In me. Right now.”
“Not yet,” he growled and pulled her hand away. “Keep your hands on my shoulders.”
“You’re too tall,” she complained, waiting for him to kiss her again. What had she been doing keeping them from experiencing this for so long?
“Not now,” he said as he moved to his knees. He drew her leg over his shoulder, spreading her wider.
“Smith, what are you—Smith!” she keened as he put his mouth over her. The added stimulation of his mouth and his clever fingers shot her into an intense orgasm.
He didn’t wait for it to end. He hurried to his feet and pulled her into his arms in one move. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he positioned himself at her entrance and pushed.
The whole of him, right up into her.
The intrusion shot her into an even bigger climax, and she might have screamed. She didn’t know. But she watched him in awe as she clenched him inside her, his shaft so big and thick, filling her right up.
He pounded into her with a ferocity that shattered as he thrust once more and stilled, coming so hard.
She kissed him again, thrilled when he kissed her back, his hunger unabated.
Smith pulled his mouth away and ground up into her, their connection complete. “Fuck me. Erin, oh, Erin, baby.” He kissed her again and again, still moving in and out of her in slow jerks.
“Didn’t you come?” she asked, feeling shy and silly for having to ask.
“Yeah. But I’m half-hard. And I want you again.” He withdrew and gently eased her back to her feet. “Let’s get clean first, okay?”
“Sure. That sounds great.” Whatever you want for more of what we just shared. My apartment. My life savings. My soul…
But getting clean to Smith meant spending an inordinate amount of time soaping up her breasts, her ass, and between her legs. The man touched her everywhere. And in between he planted kisses a
long her wet skin.
“You’re driving me insane,” she accused.
“Good. Because I’ve been one massive hardon since I met you.” He turned her around to face the wall. “Now let me get your back.”
He kissed his way down to her feet, the moved back up with soapy hands that had her shivering with need. And when he rubbed his erection against her back, she couldn’t help pushing against him.
He sucked in a breath and dropped the soap. Then his hands came around to hold her breasts and he rocked against her, sliding that massive hardon over the small of her back. “What’s your favorite position?” he murmured into her ear as he continued to push against her.
“I-I don’t know.”
“You like it from behind?” He nipped her earlobe, and she groaned his name. “It feels really deep that way. I could get so far into you.”
“Then do it and quit teasing,” she ordered, breathless and more than a little desperate.
He chuckled and pinched her nipples. “You like giving orders for someone so little.”
“Too little?” she couldn’t help asking.
“For everyone but me, yeah.” He knew just how to touch her breasts, because she was on fire to have him and unable to stop from begging.
“Please. I need you.”
“That’s right. You need me.” He sucked on her neck, and she cried out and grabbed one of his hand and thrust it between her legs. “Oh, right here? Is this where you need me?”
“You are so going to get payback for this.”
He chuckled. “I can’t wait.”
* * *
Smith might have been a little bit hasty with that comment. Minutes later, as he stood in his bedroom, waiting for Erin to finish drying him off, he realized the woman had a sadistic streak. He’d dried her quickly, ready for them to fuck in bed already.
But she took her sweet-ass time. Could she not see his dick ready to explode? A slick shine of precum glazed his tip, and she kept rubbing the towel over his balls, the friction from the towel between his legs its own kind of torture.
She knelt before him, next to the bed on the floor. In one move he could have her bent over on the bed while he fucked her from behind. He’d been dreaming about doing that forever.