Love Offline

by Olivia Spring

  Thankfully the universe was listening because, before I could catch my breath, I felt Josh’s mouth on me.

  Thank the Lord. He’s not afraid to go down. And I didn’t even have to ask.

  ‘Spread your legs wide, please, Em,’ he said, licking his lips. ‘I really want to taste every inch of you.’ I wasted no time doing exactly that.

  Josh separated my lips, then rotated his tongue slowly, drawing figures of eight over my clit. Every stroke was like a lightning bolt striking my body.

  ‘Mmm,’ he moaned. ‘I’ve wanted to do this for so long.’

  Next came the gentle flicks up and down, left to right, each one more powerful than the last. With every touch, my breathing became heavier and I grew wetter. I knew the signs. I was on my way. It was happening much quicker than usual. I was always guaranteed to climax if a guy went down on me, but knowing it was Josh that was between my thighs, the man I felt such a strong connection with, meant I wouldn’t be able to hold on for much longer.

  I watched his head moving up and down as he began to suck and release. It was like he’d switched on every nerve ending in my body. I could tell he was enjoying it as much as I was. He wasn’t just sampling my cuisine like he’d offered to earlier, he was devouring it.

  I grabbed his head and gently pushed it further and further into me.

  ‘Oh…I like that,’ I gasped. ‘Keep going.’

  As he swirled his tongue round and round in circles faster and faster, that was it. I was catapulted past the point of no return. My knees started to tremble, then my body began to shake as the throbbing sensation grew stronger and stronger. I raised my hips off the rug and closer into him.

  ‘I’m coming…I’m…oooooooohhhh! Josh!’

  I collapsed back on the rug.

  That was amazing.

  Thank you, universe.

  Josh licked his lips, then moved up to rest his head on my chest.

  ‘Did you enjoy?’ he said.

  ‘Very much,’ I said, my breathing still heavy. ‘Thank you. That was wonderful.’

  ‘Glad to be of service,’ he said. ‘I enjoyed it too.’

  ‘Did you now? So you’re a man who likes to go down?’

  ‘Love it. On the right woman,’ he said.

  ‘Glad to hear it,’ I said.

  It took several minutes to regain my composure. I was still on such a high, but as much as I wanted to lie here feeling cosy with him, there was no way I was done yet. After dreaming about us being together for so long, I wanted to continue.

  I lifted him off my chest, slid downwards, unbuckled his belt then peeled off his jeans and boxer shorts.

  Sweet Jesus.

  As suspected, he was a very big man. But somehow I wasn’t as apprehensive as I thought I would be. In fact, I couldn’t wait to feel him. To taste him.

  I held him in my hands and licked him from base to tip. Josh groaned with pleasure.

  I took Josh in my mouth. My head moved up and down and my tongue circled him. As I increased the speed of my rotations, I felt his body rise beneath me.

  ‘Fuck…’ said Josh. ‘That feels…incredible…oh…shit…Em?’

  ‘Mmmm?’

  ‘I-I’m in real danger of coming, literally any second if you continue…’

  ‘Mmmm…’ I repeated, loving the fact that he was getting so turned on.

  ‘And I’m really enjoying it, but I wondered if you feel ready now? Because, if you are, I’d really like to be inside you.’

  Ready? I’d been ready since the first day we’d kissed. My stomach flipped at the thought that I was seconds away from feeling him. All of him.

  I slid Josh out slowly, like I was removing a giant lollipop from my mouth.

  ‘I’m definitely ready, Josh.’

  That was all he needed to hear. Whilst I lay on my back, Josh reached into his jeans, pulled out a condom, rolled it on, then climbed on top.

  As he entered me, I groaned.

  Whoa.

  ‘Are you okay, Em?’

  ‘Yes, I-I’m fine,’ I gasped. I just needed a moment to get over the initial shock of entry. But when I did, it felt great.

  More than great. Phenomenal.

  He lay on top of me, slowly rocking back and forth, and put his hands behind my back as he unfastened my bra, then tossed it on the rug.

  Next he took my nipples in his mouth and sucked them slowly. Oh so slowly. Everything he did felt so deep, so sensual. The connection between us was undeniable. Although it had taken a few seconds to get used to his size, now everything felt so right. It was like our bodies were made for each other. Everything was in tune. Perfectly in sync. The rhythm. The timing. I didn’t have to ask him to move this way or that way. Go harder or slower. He just knew exactly what to do and where to touch without me even saying a word.

  What I was experiencing wasn’t wild, crazy, soulless, fast screwing. It was long and slow. Intense. He was taking his time. Savouring every second.

  This wasn’t just sex. This was making love.

  Josh slid my nipples out of his mouth and sat up, his hips still rotating and gently thrusting, whilst I mirrored his actions underneath him. He’d stop for a microsecond, then start, then stop and start again. It was driving me crazy. In the greatest way.

  My hands wandered across his silky-smooth chest and then down to his firm butt cheeks. I grabbed hold of them tightly in appreciation.

  ‘Em,’ he moaned. ‘I might come pretty soon, but I promise to make up for it next time. One sec,’ he said, pulling out quickly. ‘Bend over, please. There. Over the arm of the sofa. I want to see your amazing bum.’

  I leant over the soft velvet fabric, lifting my bottom in the air. Josh entered me from behind and his gentle thrusts suddenly became more urgent, pulling me into him with every stroke.

  He plunged deeper and deeper and the rhythm grew faster. He removed his right hand from my waist and started rubbing my clit.

  Oh my God.

  Shockwaves shot straight through me. As he carried on stroking and thrusting, maintaining the perfect intensity and pace, my brain started swirling. I dug my nails into the sofa beneath me. I felt like an earthquake had erupted through my whole body. I was powerless to stop it.

  Then I felt his body tense. Whilst my limbs wanted to flop onto the cushions and enjoy the warm, fuzzy feeling floating through my bloodstream, I used every bit of energy I had left to continue, pushing back onto him as he grinded into me. Josh’s breathing quickly became heavier, until he let out a loud groan and finally collapsed on my back.

  ‘Wow…’ he panted. ‘Wow! That was incredible.’

  ‘It certainly was,’ I said, trying to catch my breath. That had definitely exceeded my expectations.

  ‘Did you come?’ he said as he stroked my hair.

  ‘I did indeed.’

  ‘Then my work is done. Well, until round two anyway…’

  ‘Looking forward to it already, Mr Carter.’

  After a few minutes of holding me, Josh pulled out slowly, kissed me on the lips and went to the bathroom.

  I peeled myself off the sofa and lay back down on the rug. My favourite soft and fluffy rug. Looking at it had always brought me pleasure, but tonight it had given me pleasure in a whole new way.

  When Josh returned, he lay down beside me and wrapped his arms around my waist, I closed my eyes. This was a moment I wanted to savour for as long as possible. I was floating. Floating on my magical rug with this magical man. Soaring high into the clouds. Seeing stars. The brightest, most beautiful stars and knowing that I never, ever wanted to come back down to earth.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Best. Night. Ever.

  Even though I was lying here on Josh’s chest with his arms wrapped around me, I still couldn’t quite believe it was true.

  I closed my eyes again and enjoyed the flashbacks of last night.

  After round one, we’d worked up an appetite, so I’d put on the spaghetti whilst Josh followed me around the kitchen
kissing my neck and shoulders, nibbling on my ears, then stroking my breasts. It was all very distracting, but very enjoyable.

  We’d eaten, enjoyed a few glasses of wine and chatted more about my art and how he was convinced I should consider getting back into it again when he did his silent stare thing, patted his leg and asked me to come and sit on him. Then round two took place on the dining chair and across the table. Once again, Josh didn’t disappoint.

  I remember us having more wine then, and everything past that point is a bit hazy. Neither of us could have managed another session after the epic length of round two. All that exercise combined with the alcohol finished us off.

  I reckon I’d slept for a few hours, but now I was feeling a bit more human, my mind was racing, excitedly pressing rewind on my memories. I’d been dying to go to the loo for ages, but I didn’t want to move. I wished I could stop time so that I could just lie here in his arms, forever.

  The moment I moved, I would be returning to reality. I’d have to start thinking about what would happen next. Worrying if this would be the first and last time we’d sleep together. Whether things would be different between us. Everything can change after sex. I hoped that for us it would change for the better. Bring us closer. It certainly felt like it had last night.

  I wouldn’t overthink it. Well, I’d make a big effort to try not to anyway. I breathed in Josh’s scent, and just as I felt myself floating back to sleep, a loud beeping noise boomed around the room.

  Josh bolted up.

  ‘Shit! What’s the time?’ he said, squinting at his watch. ‘Shit! I’ve got to go.’

  He jumped off the bed, cancelled the alarm on his phone, raced across the hall to the living room, then returned to the bedroom, pulling his T-shirt over his head and stepping into his jeans.

  ‘Do you really have to go so soon?’ I said, sitting upright. ‘It’s only five o’clock. I thought you didn’t start at Cuppa until seven.’

  ‘I don’t, but I’ve got some stuff to do first and I have to get home and shower and then get there by six forty-five.’

  ‘Not even time for another round?’

  ‘I’d love to, but I really can’t.’

  ‘Okay, what about later today, then?’

  ‘Sorry, I can’t see you at all today.’

  ‘Tomorrow, then?’ I suggested.

  ‘Not tomorrow either. Look, I’m really sorry, but I have to go. Shit, shit shit! Should’ve left sooner. Thanks for an amazing evening, though,’ he said, leaning forward and quickly kissing me on the head. ‘I’ll call you.’

  And with that, he was gone.

  I sat up in the bed trying to process what had just happened. One minute I was dreaming about Josh, the next his alarm had gone off and he couldn’t wait to get away from me.

  Thanks for an amazing evening?

  I’ll call you?

  Both classic lines used by guys hot-footing it out the door after a drunken one-night stand. And they’d just fallen out of Josh’s mouth.

  What the hell?

  Was I wrong about him being different? And was I right to think that all men wanted was sex and once they’d got it, they immediately lost interest?

  But it hadn’t seemed that way last night. There was a closeness. A bond that I’d never felt before. I couldn’t have imagined it all, surely?

  I glanced at my phone. Only 5.09. What could he possibly have to do at five in the morning? I didn’t get it. And once again, he couldn’t see me at all today or tomorrow. What was it with Fridays and Saturdays?

  I was going to drive myself crazy if I lay here and tried to figure it out. Somehow, I was going to have to get some sleep. After taking so many afternoons off to spend with Josh, I had a mountain of work to catch up on today, so I needed a clear head. Fat chance. Unless I could figure out what the hell had happened this morning, something told me I was going to find it very difficult to concentrate.

  ‘So, how was it? Can you walk?’ said Chloe. ‘No, Woody! Don’t touch that!’ she shouted.

  ‘Woody? Who’s Woody? And what is he touching?’ I said.

  ‘Sorry. I completely forgot that I had a day off and said I’d take a bunch of kids to Legoland today, so we’re just at the train station and Woody’s decided it would be fun to pick some disgusting dirty pink chewing gum off the floor. He’s only three, bless him.’

  ‘Shall I just call you later?’ I said.

  ‘If I’m not back too late, then definitely, but we’re going to Candy’s, one of the other mum’s, for dinner afterwards. It totally slipped my mind. But just tell me quickly, was it as wonderful as you thought it would be?’

  I paused. A few hours ago I was on cloud nine after the best night of my life. But Josh’s abrupt departure had kind of tainted the experience. Too long a story to tell Chloe now as she had her hands full. Keep it simple.

  ‘If you’re asking about the sex, then yes,’ I replied.

  ‘Brilliant! No, no, no. Leave it. Woody! I said don’t touch that!’

  ‘Look, you’d better go. Maybe we’ll catch up later?’

  ‘Yes, thanks, Em, and glad you had a good workout!’ she said, ending the call.

  I buried my head in my knees. I felt like shit, and I couldn’t even rely on caffeine to make me feel better. There was no way I could go to Cuppa this morning after what had happened earlier. That would be way too awkward.

  Josh had clearly got what he wanted and then couldn’t get out the door fast enough. I’d feel too embarrassed seeing him again in front of all those people. What if he had told his colleagues?

  See? This was exactly what I was trying to avoid when Chloe had first suggested I talked to him. I didn’t want to have to feel uncomfortable about getting my breakfast there if things didn’t work out. And now look.

  Like I’d said to Kat before, when I wasn’t dating and was just chatting online, my mind was calmer. But as soon as I started taking things further, it went crazy.

  Kat.

  Kat!

  Pretty sure she’d messaged me last night, but I was otherwise engaged. I launched WhatsApp.

  * * *

  Kat

  Is tonight the big night? Let me know how it goes and if you want a catch-up tomorrow? I have childcare all weekend!! Xxx

  * * *

  Yes! Perfect timing.

  * * *

  Me

  Sorry, for the late reply. I was with Josh…A catch-up today would be brilliant. Head’s all over the place and I’ve got severe overthinking-itis.

  * * *

  Seconds after I clicked send, Kat came online.

  * * *

  Kat

  Whoop!

  Oh dear! Yep, I get struck with overthinking-itis on a daily basis. I can meet around 7 if that’s okay? My sister’s collecting the kids at 6 and then returning them at 1 on Sunday!

  Me

  Wow! What you going to do with all that time? Sleep?

  Kat

  Well…Let’s just say I’m planning to be in bed, but hopefully not sleeping!

  Me

  Whoop! Is this the same secret guy you went to lunch with last week?

  Kat

  Yep. And three times this week…Lunch dates are the new dinner dates. Easier to fit in during the working day without having to worry about childcare. Will fill you in later.

  Me

  Can’t wait! Shall I come to your area or do you want to come over here?

  Kat

  Happy to come to yours. Any suggestions?

  Me

  There’s a pub across the street that’s nice. You can’t miss it.

  Kat

  Perfect! See you there at 7 p.m.!

  The day flew by. I knew I’d fallen behind on my work but hadn’t realised how much until I started checking through my emails. It was a disaster.

  All those times that I’d stopped working at two to meet Josh, the plan was to see him until seven, then come home and work until ten to catch up on everything I’d missed in the afternoon. Bu
t of course that hadn’t happened.

  Usually I’d come home, lie down on the bed and think about Josh. Get up, make dinner and think about Josh again. Tell myself I shouldn’t be thinking about Josh, which would make me think about him even more.

  The good thing about having so much to catch up on today was that I barely had time to think about what had happened this morning. It was only now that I was heading inside the pub to meet Kat that everything came flooding back again.

  ‘Hey!’ said Kat, walking towards the door and throwing her arms around me.

  ‘Hey! And there I was thinking I was early,’ I said.

  ‘Well, my sister came at five-thirty, so I thought rather than wait around at home, I’d just come straight here. I knew you had a lot of work to do, so I didn’t want to bother you about meeting earlier. I’ve just been relaxing here with a nice vodka and orange, which went down like a dream!’

  ‘Good for you! Can I get you another?’

  ‘Ooh, I wouldn’t say no!’ said Kat. ‘I’ve got us a table over there in the corner.’

  ‘Cool. I’ll be over in a sec,’ I said.

  As I placed the drinks on the table, Kat was just finishing a call and grinning like a Cheshire cat.

  ‘I can’t wait either. See you tomorrow…No, you hang up. No, you! No, you!’

  Clearly talking to her lover man. I’d never actually heard anyone do that no, you hang up thing in real life. Thought it was just in films. It was cheesy, but kind of cute at the same time.

  ‘So, young lady,’ I said when she eventually hung up. ‘Tell me about this mystery man. What’s his name and where did you meet?’ Kat just sat there grinning. ‘Well, come on! Spill!’

  ‘It’s Rob.’

  ‘Rob?’ I frowned. ‘Rob who?’ Kat grinned some more. ‘What Rob, as in our WhatsApp Rob?’

  ‘Yup!’

  ‘You sneaky little pair! Wow! I did not see that one coming!’ I said. ‘Then again…now that I think about it, some of the recent messages I’ve seen in the group chat between you two have been quite flirtatious. Hmmm. You sly little thing. Anyway, I’m so happy for you! Rob’s a great guy.’