Knocking Boots

by Willow Winters

  She wants to be more than friends.

  She wants a commitment, but she’s already talking about kids.

  I’m fucking crazy for wanting her. But I can’t help it. I’m not stopping until I’m deep inside of her making her scream my name. She’ll let it go then. It won’t matter if there’s a title on us or not. I’ll make her happy. I can do that.

  Grace

  Sitting in traffic, rubbing my temples, I let out an agitated sigh. Traffic is nearly at a standstill. I could get out of my car, go get a cup of coffee, and come back to find that traffic hasn’t moved at all.

  It’s been a long day. A long week, actually. I laugh a little to myself because it’s only Wednesday.

  My goodness. I really need to unwind.

  This past weekend… Charlie. My grip on the steering wheel tightens as I let out a strangled breath. What was I thinking? I’m playing with fire. He wants a good time and that’s all I’ll be to him. How much clearer could he make it for me? It’s as clear as day.

  But a good time is starting to look real attractive to me.

  The image of Mac’s Tavern comes to my mind, unbidden. Charlie, behind the bar. He’s wiping down the counter. He looks up at me, and smiles when he recognizes me. And then he starts taking off his shirt…

  A smile stretches slowly across my face and I actually giggle ridiculously. The fantasy is sweet and innocent. A lot sweeter than my day has been, at any rate. The fantasy is also unrealistic... just like my other thoughts regarding our relationship.

  I chew on my lip. I wasn’t planning on going to Mac’s today, but… seeing Charlie would be nice. I feel good when I’m with him. There’s no label or commitment though, and that makes me feel like a damn fool. After our date though, I couldn't care less about how it looks. I just want to be happy.

  While I’m stuck in traffic, I manage to change out of my office attire, a gray pencil skirt and a white silk blouse. I pull a pale blue dress, strappy and knee-length, out of the back seat.

  I try not to make eye contact with the people in nearby cars as I sneakily slip out of one outfit and into another. They’re getting a free show, but nothing more from me. It’s not like my bra shows any more than a bikini top anyway. My knee smacks against the steering wheel and I let out a sharp hiss. Ouch!

  I have to shimmy the dress down over my ass and nearly hit the gas pedal, but I got it done.

  I smile at myself in the rearview mirror and reach into my purse so I can put on some lipstick. A deep red, not my usual color, but it looks nice with the dress and brings out the blue in my eyes.

  Not that I’m dressing up, or anything… I tell myself and then grin like the Cheshire Cat. Is it so wrong to do this with Charlie? My ovaries might say ‘yes, yes it is,’ when I’m at the doctor’s but they don’t have any objections when Charlie’s kissing me. I know that much.

  The parking lot is nearly empty by the time I finally get to Mac’s. So empty that I think it may be closed, but it doesn’t stop me from taking a peek inside. When I open the doors, it’s vacant inside as well, the soft hum of the TV is the only sound. I turn around and check to see if there was a sign on the door. Maybe I missed that they’re not open somehow.

  But no. There’s no sign. Just a big empty bar.

  I walk across the floor, aiming for the back hallway that Charlie is always disappearing into. I chew the inside of my cheek nervously, knowing that I probably shouldn’t go back there. My heart’s beating faster at the prospect of being alone with him in his bar. It’s definitely marked “Employees Only” for a reason.

  But the bar is empty. There’s no one to see me do it, so it doesn’t really count. I remember how he kissed me the other night, and that’s all I need to get my feet moving.

  Navigating past the walk-in cooler and stockroom, I poke my head inside each to make sure they’re empty. I continue back the hall, getting more and more nervous.

  Finally, I spot him. Coming to an abrupt halt, I watch Charlie in a small office, leaning over a desk full of paperwork. For a second, I’m too shy to announce my presence, so I just stare. He’s nothing but trouble. But I knew that. Right from the beginning, I already knew it.

  Charlie’s wearing dark jeans that probably mold perfectly to his ass, and a dark t-shirt that fits snugly over his hard pecs and abs. He’s hard at work, a pen in his mouth. I lick my lips nervously, strangely jealous of the pen.

  The nerves start building when he doesn’t notice me, and I can’t take it. I clear my throat. “Ahem.”

  Charlie looks up, surprised. “Hey,” he says, dropping the pen. It lands in his hand but he’s quick to drop it.

  A gentle smile, joined with a warmth that flows through me, creeps up on my face. “Hey. The bar is empty.” I lean against the doorframe, not looking away from him. “I wasn’t sure if I should come back here or not.”

  I don’t miss how his eyes travel down my body before he answers. “Yeah. There’s some free festival that’s going on downtown.” He shrugs. “Everyone left a bit ago. I didn’t want to lock up though… just in case.”

  “Ah. Well, at least you’ve got one customer,” I say, feeling more and more naive. He’s busy. He’s working. And I came unannounced. But he didn’t tell me to leave.

  My breath hitches when Charlie stands up, tall and with his masculinity on full display. I try not to stare at him, at the way he moves toward me.

  “Well, if I’ve only got one, at least you’re a pretty customer,” he teases, flashing a grin.

  I can’t help but be dazzled by him. He’s so handsome, with his deep green eyes. This is how he got me. I know it is. I’m struck by the air around him, the ease of everything about him and the charming way he looks at me, but the rough cadence when he speaks. He's the perfect mix of what I want if I could pick everything out on a checklist. I could get lost in those twin pools, swim deep below the surface of them. I already am lost. I know this is bad, but I can’t help myself.

  I open my mouth, but nothing intelligible comes out. “I… uh…”

  Charlie comes nearer. This close to me, I can see the desire in his eyes. It almost melts me where I stand.

  “I was thinking…” he says, brushing a coppery lock of my hair back behind my ear. “About the other night, at the festival.”

  His chest is almost touching mine now. I can feel a tingle of anticipation begin there, hardening my peaks.

  “Oh?” I whisper breathily.

  His big hand caresses my shoulders, warm fingers kneading my muscles. My eyelids flutter closed as he touches me. It’s all I can do not to moan.

  “Mmmhm. I think you need to unwind,” he says. “You’re so tense all the time.”

  “And you have an idea of how I should unwind?” I say, opening my eyes. I already know what his idea is. I had the strength to walk away at the park… but like a moth to a flame, I came right back.

  A wicked grin lights up his features. It makes my toes want to curl.

  “I do. I think you just need to get laid.”

  I suck in a breath, looking up at him. His eyes are searching mine, looking for an answer.

  “Maybe I do,” I barely breathe knowing I’m the one caving between the two of us.

  The second the affirmation is out of my mouth; his lips are on mine. He spears my hair with one hand, and puts his other hand on my lower back pulling me to his chest, and taking what he wants from the kiss.

  I press myself to him, molding us shoulder to hip, feeling the faint beginning of pleasure running through my heated blood. I’ve wanted him for days. He gives me a little of what I want with firm sweeps of his tongue against mine.

  It’s not enough, though. It can never be enough with Charlie.

  “More,” I demand, my voice rough. I know what I’m doing and there isn’t a piece of me that doesn’t know what this is. I want him. Plain and simple. Regardless of what happens tomorrow.

  In a swift motion, Charlie picks me up, closing and locking his office door in a heartbeat, his hand
s wrapping around my thighs and making me squeal in surprise. He knocks over a cup of pencils in his haste to settle me on the desk. I hear papers drifting to the floor, but I’m too wrapped up in him to look.

  I’m breathless, nervous, but more than anything… I’m wanting. Skin on skin, more of his lips on mine, more of him, taking me.

  He fits himself between my legs, pulling down the straps of my dress. I'm busy trying to get his t-shirt off. He finally growls and steps back, ripping the t-shirt over his head.

  Running my hands all over his warm muscles, over his shoulders and down his back, I knew he’d feel like this. He pulls the top half of my dress down and nearly rips my white lace bra off; he’s so eager. I guess we’re both wanting.

  In only a minute, I’m naked from the waist up, completely bared to him. My breathing comes in ragged. This is so wrong, but I don’t care anymore.

  “Fuck,” he says, cupping my breasts with his hands. “You’re so damn beautiful, Grace.” There’s a sense of awe in his voice that I wish I could focus on, but his deft fingers have my head thrown back in an instant.

  When he tweaks my nipples, sharp shocks of pleasure and pain shoot straight to my clit and I gasp, thrusting myself deeper into his hands as my back arches.

  “Yes,” I moan. How long has it been? Too long. Far too long.

  I only look back at him when he bends down to take my nipple in his mouth. I grip his head and groan, unable to process the sensation of his tongue on my flesh any other way.

  Rucking up my skirt, he reveals the white lace thong I’m wearing. He kneels and kisses my knee as he pulls down my panties, casting them aside.

  I try to close my knees, but he tsks at me.

  “Open your legs for me,” he commands, glancing up at me.

  The hunger in his eyes is undeniable. I slowly part my thighs, holding his gaze. There’s something so erotic about it, something taboo. It sends goosebumps down every inch of my body.

  Charlie pulls my ass to the edge of the desk, and I tense a bit. Nerves pricking along my skin. Using a hand on my stomach, Charlie gently reclines me, whispering to ‘relax’. He trails kisses up the inside of my thighs raising heat everywhere on my body. Scorching me and forcing my hips to undulate. His splayed hand warns me to stay still.

  He teases me before his kisses reach my pussy, trailing down the seam. I shift in place as he uses two fingers to part my lips. I’ve never been like this with a man. So close and intimate. With my eyes open, I stare at the ceiling, barely seeing a thing and feeling every single thing. When he stops, I glance down at him, my lips parted and my chest rising with heavy breaths.

  He looks up at me, like a tiger looking at his prey. There’s a self-satisfied look on his face.

  “You’re so wet for me,” he says. “That’s so fucking sexy.”

  I blush and nearly cover my face but my hands close into fists instead. In the next heartbeat, Charlie kisses me right on my clit. It’s electrifying, the feel of his lips like hot lightning running through my whole body.

  He flicks his tongue over my clit a few more times, each flick making my body spark with need, then he swirls his tongue over it. Finally, he seals his mouth over my clit and I cry out, my hands flying to his shoulders.

  “Charlie! Fuck!”

  He moans, the vibrations forcing my toes to curl, and he does it again and again. I close my eyes. I grip his shoulders, his hair. It feels so goddamn good, I never want him to stop.

  But before the heavy wave of my release crashes, he stops.

  My gaze whips down to him, needing more and not knowing why he stopped. Charlie eases back from me, wiping his mouth. I open my eyes and look at him, wild-eyed. He chuckles as he stands up again.

  “Relax, sweetheart,” he says. “I’m not done with you yet.”

  I pull him to me, kissing him hungrily. As I take my kisses, he unbuttons his jeans, pushing them down part of the way. I gasp and pull back; he’s freed his cock, and it's massive. Long and thick, and resting against me.

  I look him in the eye, awestruck. He smirks.

  “You thought I couldn’t back up my teasing?” he says.

  I bite my lip and reach for his cock. I can’t close my fingers around his girth, that’s how big his dick is. I know two things right this second.

  I’m going to feel this tomorrow.

  I have to tell Ann. Don’t kiss and tell isn’t a rule when you’re with someone who’s… well got something worth telling.

  I caress him, feeling the warmth and steel of his cock beneath my fingers.

  Mostly, I’m wondering how the hell he’s going to fit. I hear crinkling, then realize he’s unwrapping a condom. He kisses me, distracting me while he puts it on.

  I lick my lips and almost remind him. The odds of me getting pregnant are slim to none. My throat starts to close with the emotions creeping up on me. All this bullshit that’s been making me so crazy is getting in the way of my happiness yet again.

  I won’t let it. I don’t have to tell him, and I’m not ruining this.

  He takes his cock in his fist, and the sight of him touching himself gets me hotter than ever. As he positions himself snug between my thighs, my heart beats faster. I part my legs wider as his cock pushes against my entrance. He stretches me slowly and my head moves from one side to the other with the stinging pain.

  I shiver, a chill running up and down my spine. Charlie brings his free hand up to cup my breast, the rough pad of his thumb brushing against my hardened peak, as he begins to push inside. I moan as he fills me, stretches me, possesses every single inch of my pussy.

  “Charlie,” his name is a strangled whisper from me. My eyes close, and my head falls back at the sweet sting of him pushing himself steadily into me.

  “Say my name again, sweetheart,” I hear Charlie say in a lowered voice.

  Before I can do as he told me, he slowly withdraws, leaving a deep need in the pit of my stomach then thrusts into me, hard. My unintelligible groan speaks for me as he does it again. I grip the edge of the desk as a cold sweat breaks out over my skin and my body begs him to move.

  “Goddamn,” he groans with pleasure. “You’re so fucking tight, Grace.”

  Fuck, it’s so good. His gaze on me should be uncomfortable, but it’s not. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever felt. His pace is steady, his thrusts deep. Each hard pump of his hips makes my body jolt, and I struggle not to fall over the edge. Over and over, my body feels hotter and hotter as I climb higher and higher.

  Still, I sense that he’s holding back, waiting for me to finish. I don’t want him to hold himself in check. I don’t want him to busy himself thinking of me. I want him unhinged, out of his mind with lust.

  I hook my legs around him and dig my heels into his ass, moaning into the crook of his neck as he hits the back of my walls, a sinful mix of pain and pleasure. With a rough groan of desire, he grips my hips and hammers into me, my screams of pleasure getting caught in the back of my throat. I can barely breathe, the intense wave of arousal climbing higher and higher. I don’t even realize I’m not breathing until I let go of the exhale. It feels like something white hot is blooming inside me, something terrifying, but I fucking want it.

  “Yes,” I urge him on. “Do it like that, Charlie.”

  He kisses me hard, demanding more from me.

  He lets loose, fucking me with crazed abandon. More papers fly off the desk, forgotten, but they’re in my periphery as my head thrashes. My body is on fire and then too cold and needing more of his touch.

  I rock my hips against his brutal thrusts, yearning for more.

  I can feel myself tighten around Charlie, and I think he can feel it, too. He pulls my knee up, increasing the pressure, making me hotter. Oh. My. God. I’m right on the edge, desperate to go over…

  Just as I think I can’t, it’s too much, Charlie makes a low sound, rumbling through his chest. Suddenly I’m in freefall. I swear I see stars, thousands of stars of every color. I cling to him as I find my rel
ease, burying my head against his neck. He rides me through my orgasm, ripping through me and only making the crash that much sweeter. My nails dig into his skin as his hot breath travels down my body.

  He thrusts one final time, uttering a curse as he comes. I hold him, and cling to him as his legs shake for a second. He stills, then runs a hand down my back. We’re both out of breath.

  My heart pounds as I raise my head to look at him.

  There really aren’t words that describe how amazing that was, so I try to put it in a kiss. It’s short; he breaks it to breathe, but his large hand cups the back of my head, and then he kisses me. Deep and sweet. It’s everything I want and need.

  After another moment, he withdraws gently.

  I wonder if sex is always like that for him. Wild, rough and demanding. Both people finding their pleasure together.

  I’ve never had that before, not ever.

  He kisses me again, cupping my cheek. Then he disposes of the condom and pulls his pants up. I pull up my dress, wiggling off the desk and slipping back into my thong.

  I just want to be happy. I want to have it all.

  Charlie smiles at me as he buttons up his jeans.

  I’ve never settled for anything in my life. But I could settle with Charlie.

  Even if it’s not the same for him. Even if it’s just a good time. I try to convince myself of that, but if it were true, then I wouldn’t feel this sick feeling now that it’s over.

  Charlie

  “I need the needle-nose,” Joseph’s voice snaps me back to the moment.

  I clear my throat, feeling like a fucking pervert for getting lost in the memory of Grace’s sweet curves while I’m only a foot away from my brother-in-law.

  The rusty toolbox sitting on top of the wooden workbench opens with a bit of protest, and I grab the pliers for him.

  “Yeah, here you go.” Stepping back, I let him finish up the job on the furnace. I got lucky that Cheryl married a mechanic. “Thanks for coming and doing this for me,” I thank him for at least the second time today as I grab the six-pack we brought down then take a seat at the bench. I crack a can open, and the snap and fizz fill the silence. “I know you don’t have much time-”