The tip of my erection is nestled against her entrance. Instead of thrusting deep inside her heat, I ask, “You sure you want to do this? If you’re sore, we can hold off.”
In answer, Em spreads her legs wider to cradle my body with her own. As she tilts her pelvis toward me, I slide an inch inside her.
“Mmmm, that feels good,” she whispers.
You’re damn right it does.
Nothing compares to the feel of her wrapped around me.
But still, I need to take it slow.
After yesterday, I’ve got something to prove.
With my gaze pinned to hers, I carefully push forward. Sliding inside her sheath is much easier this morning but she’s still so tight that a sweat breaks out across my brow. If I think about how good Em feels choking the life out of my dick, I won’t last any longer than I did the first time.
And I’ll be damned if I allow that to happen.
Inch by inch, I push my way in until I’m seated completely. I give her a moment to adjust before gently rocking my hips. I can tell by the way her teeth sink into her lower lip that she’s not where I need her to be.
Fuck me, this is going to be more of a challenge than I anticipated.
Instead of thinking about how amazing it feels to be inside her, I blank my mind and concentrate on blue skies. When that doesn’t work, I think about those horrible ASPCA commercials. The ones with the dogs in cages who are staring up at the cameras with big sad eyes.
Thankfully that does the trick and I’m back under control again. For the moment, everything is locked down tight.
This is what discipline looks like, baby.
When Emerson lifts her hips to meet my thrusts, I know we’re headed in the right direction. It doesn’t take long for our bodies to find a rhythm and, because no amount of sad doggie eyes stops my balls from tightening, I hurtle toward the precipice.
I lean down and take her lips with my own. My tongue slips inside her mouth, mimicking the thrusts of my cock. She whimpers before her hips increase their tempo and her pussy spasms around my dick, squeezing me tighter than before.
And then I’m plunging over the edge with her.
Emerson moans as I continue spearing my tongue inside her mouth until both of our orgasms fade. I pull away and search her eyes, needing this to have been good for her.
You know what?
Screw good.
I need this to have been fan-fucking-tastic.
By the stunned expression on her face, I’m fairly confident I accomplished my goal with flying colors.
You bet your damn ass I did.
I press one last kiss against her swollen lips and grin down at her. I want to punch my fist in the air and beat my hands against my chest, but I refrain. Although, inside that’s exactly what I’m doing. I lift a brow and wait for her to gush about how freaking awesome I was.
When she doesn’t give me the expected praise, I prompt her with, “Well, what’d you think?” I flex my hips against her for emphasis.
My guess is that she’s so overtaken with awe and wonder that she can’t form words at the moment.
And who can blame her?
That was spectacular.
Em rouses herself enough to say with a shrug, “It was okay.”
My eyes widen.
Ummmm, excuse me? Is this girl being serious right now?
I’m pretty sure I heard angels singing in the background as I was pumping my dick inside her sweet pussy. And she’s got the nerve to tell me that it was just…okay?
Her lips twitch and my eyes narrow.
Why that little—
With my cock still buried deep inside her, I wrap my arms around Emerson and roll us over so she’s sprawled on top of me. Then I go into attack mode and tickle the hell out of her.
“Just okay?” I growl in disbelief.
“Yes,” she screams, laughter falling from her lips and filling the room. “It was just okay.”
“I don’t think so, sweetheart.”
She shrieks and begs me to stop.
“That’s not going to happen until you tell me the truth.” My fingers dance over her ribcage. There are times when seven years of friendship comes in handy. Like knowing where she’s most susceptible to being tickled.
When she doesn’t retract her opinion regarding my performance, I continue to torture her until tears leak from the corners of her eyes.
“All right!” she yells breathlessly. “It was amazing! Okay? There, I said it! Are you happy now?”
My fingers immediately cease their assault. Wrapping my arms around her again, I roll us so we’re lying on our sides with our faces pressed together. Her warm breath feathers across my lips.
“Fucking okay,” I grumble under my breath.
“Reed?” A smile curves her lips. “It was so much better than that. It was amazing.”
“Let me tell you something, there’s no way a small dick will ever make you feel like that!”
She presses closer until her lips are able to nibble at mine. “I think you might just be right.”
Damn right I am.
Chapter Thirty
Reed
My jaw locks as I watch Emerson converse with Brady Anderson, the leading scorer for the Chicago Blackhawks. And I’m not just talking about on the ice either. The guy likes to get around, if you know what I mean.
They’re standing on the other side of the swanky restaurant where the team party is being held. Brady has been all over Em since we walked through the door. Every once in a while, he’ll brush his fingers against her shoulder or arm.
Why the hell does he keep touching her like that?
Never mind. I know exactly why. And it’s not going to happen.
I had every intention of keeping Em by my side this evening but we ended up getting separated in the first ten minutes. The GM wanted me to meet a few key figures in the organization and before I could do anything about it, Brady slipped an arm around Emerson and was leading her over to the bar.
Brady Anderson has a shit reputation in the league. He’s constantly getting in trouble for brawling both on and off the ice. The only reason Chicago hasn’t cut him loose is because he’s an amazing center. And since Stanley Cups don’t win themselves, everyone is willing to put up with his bad boy behavior. Then there’s the constant parade of models and actresses on his arm. Every once in a while, some chick will pop up and accuse him of being her baby daddy.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t give two shits about this guy.
You want to fuck up your career?
Have at it, man. It’s no skin off my teeth.
But now he’s fucking with what’s mine. And that, I have a problem with. Every time I glance at Em to make sure she’s all right, there he is, attached to her side like a barnacle.
Earlier this afternoon, I gave Emerson the option of skipping the party and hanging out at the hotel because I suspected I’d have to network for a good portion of the evening. And she was cool with that. Since high school, Em has attended all of my games and cheered me on. She’s grown to love hockey almost as much as I do. So, it wasn’t a surprise when she wanted to come with and meet some of the players.
Hell, even I’m a little starry-eyed over a few of these guys.
The exception being Brady Anderson.
I’m about two minutes away from ripping his damn head off and chucking it in Lake Michigan. It takes every bit of willpower I possess not to storm over there and yank Emerson away from him. I want to keep her pinned to my side so everyone knows that she’s with me.
That she’s mine.
Even though she’s not technically mine.
I drag a hand over my face. This has turned into one hell of a clusterfuck.
Someone clears their throat next to me and I’m forced to rip my gaze away from Emerson and the jackass at her side.
Nikoli Stosiac grins before jerking his head in Em’s direction. “That your girl?”
My eyes slide to Emerso
n. Brady, unfortunately, hasn’t budged. A sly smile plays around the corners of his lips as he leans close and whispers in her ear.
I know exactly what a look like that means. It’s the I’m going to lure you into my bed grin.
From across the room I see the warm blush hit Emerson’s cheeks as she smiles and nods in response. My hand clenches the bottle of water I’ve been sipping on.
I clear my throat, unsure how to describe my relationship with Em. A couple of days ago, it would have been easy.
Now?
It’s a fucked-up mess.
Begrudgingly, I go with the truth. “She’s a friend.”
Relief sweeps over his face as he chuckles. “Good. Just wanted to make sure she wasn’t your girlfriend or worse, your sister. Wouldn’t want any bad blood between you and Anderson before you even get here.”
Too late for that, dude.
I want to punch that motherfucker in the face. A few times.
“So, what do—”
“I’ll be right back,” I snap, cutting him off.
He shrugs. “No problem.”
I block out the amusement threading its way through Nikoli’s voice as I stalk toward Emerson and Brady. I don’t make it more than seven steps when one of the team owners pats me on the shoulder and steers me over to a group of sponsors. For the next ten minutes, I’m peppered with questions about hockey, college, and my future plans.
This isn’t the first time I’ve found myself in this kind of situation. I should have the charm turned all the way up and be schmoozing my ass off. I need to make a good impression. Instead, I’m having a difficult time concentrating. My mind is filled with Em.
And Brady fucking Anderson.
I’m trying to convince myself that it’s not straight up jealousy pounding through my veins, but instead, concern. The last thing I want to see is Emerson get wrapped up in a skirt-chasing NHL player who will screw her over in the end.
Brady Anderson can have his pick of bunnies every night of the week. But Em isn’t like that. She’s as far from a groupie as you can get. And it’s not because she was a virgin up until yesterday. She’s smart and focused, not to mention freaking gorgeous. Em has this unassuming way about her. Her sexiness isn’t overt or a product of clothes and makeup. It’s just who she is.
And when she looks at me with all that trust simmering in those dark, almond-tipped eyes, I—
Fuck me.
I drag a hand over my face.
What the hell am I thinking?
This thing with Em is a short-term arrangement. We both agreed that, in light of our friendship, it would be for the best.
I need to remember that.
But still…
There’s no way I’m going to let this guy mess with her.
As soon as I break away from the group of sponsors, I’m immediately sucked into another conversation. This is seriously killing me. It’s another forty-five minutes before I’m able to extract myself. As soon as I’m in striking distance, I slip an arm around Em and haul her close, all the while glaring at Brady.
A cunning smile spreads across his face.
Yeah, the fucker knows exactly what he’s been doing.
“I was just keeping your girl company, Philips.” He lifts his shoulder in a careless shrug. “No reason to get bent out of shape.”
“Thanks,” I grunt, wanting to steer her away from him. “But I’ve got it from here.”
Cocking a brow, he surveys the crowded room. “You sure about that? Seems like there are a lot of people who want to talk with you.” He gives Em a little wink. “I’d be more than happy to take Emerson off your hands. In fact, I was just about to take her out to the balcony for some fresh air.” His eyes crinkle with humor as they slide back to the girl at my side. “Isn’t that right, doll?”
It takes a concerted effort on my part to loosen all of my rigidly held muscles. “Nah. We’re good here.”
His gaze takes a slow tour of Emerson’s body before his eyes lift to her face. “Yes, she certainly is.”
Motherfucker!
This guy is going to get the piss beat out of him if he’s not careful. I give zero fucks if he’s a potential teammate or not. The dude needs to stop staring at Em like he’s already seen her naked.
You know what?
There are plenty of other NHL teams I can sign with. I don’t need Chicago.
Emerson’s hand settles on my forearm before she gives it a squeeze, drawing my attention to her. Reluctantly I rip my gaze from his. Brady is a fucking snake in the grass who’s doing his damnedest to get in Emerson’s pants.
“I need some air,” she says. “Would you mind taking me out to the balcony?”
That’s all it takes for me to get sucked into the dark velvetiness of her eyes.
Tension leaks from my stiffened shoulders as I jerk my head into a nod. “Sure, let’s go.”
The way her lips lift into a smile is like a blow to the gut. I don’t understand the strange emotion careening through my body. Emerson has smiled at me thousands of times over the course of our friendship and it’s never affected me like this.
Maybe a bit of fresh air is exactly what I need to clear my head. I don’t bother to say goodbye to Brady as I keep my arm wrapped protectively around Em and direct her away from him.
“It was nice meeting you, Emerson,” Brady calls after us. “I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.”
I’m tempted to tell him to fuck off, but Em digs her fingers into my forearm. Even through the suit jacket, I feel the sharp bite of her nails. As soon as we push through the glass doors that lead to the observation deck, brisk night air hits us and cools my temper.
The moment we step outside, we’re immediately drawn to the railing. Emerson’s breath catches as she surveys the brightly lit city spread beneath us. It’s a stunning sight that stretches in all directions. But it’s Em I find myself studying. The look of awe on her face holds me entranced.
After a handful of moments, she glances at me. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Yeah, it really is,” I say softly. Although, it’s not the view I’m talking about.
Em looks gorgeous in a little black dress that skims her thighs and hugs her curves. Her inky waves have been pulled into a fancy updo. My fingers itch to tangle in the long locks and remove whatever pins are holding it in place. I want to see the thick mass tumble around her shoulders. All I can think about is dragging Em back to the hotel, stripping her naked, and sinking into her body.
I’m so fucking hard, I can’t think straight.
After another beat of silence, she asks, “Are you having a good time?”
“Yeah.” But not for the reasons she assumes.
Em glances over her shoulder at the glass doors and the ritzy restaurant beyond them. “Meeting some of these guys must be a dream come true.” She smiles. “Just think, by this time next year, some of them could be your teammates.”
She’s right. Next season, I could be on the Blackhawks team roster. It’s a surreal thought. I should be riding high on a wave of excitement and kissing as much ass as it takes to have these guys vying for me as a top draft pick. Instead, I’m out here with Em.
Unable to keep my hands to myself, I pull her into my arms and press my lips against her ear. “Do you know what I’m thinking about right now?” I slide my hands from the middle of her back to her ass before palming the firm globes.
She shakes her head as her body goes on high alert.
“Your pussy,” I growl, my nose trailing against the outer shell of her ear, “and just how much I want to be buried inside you.”
A thick shudder slides through her body as her breath hitches.
Intertwining our fingers, I bring her hand to the front of my suit pants so she can feel how much she affects me. “I’m so fucking hard for you,” I groan.
I glance at the party raging inside. We’re able to see everything but hear nothing. With my arms wrapped around her, I pull Em around the corner a
nd into the shadows where we have more privacy. Most people have opted to stay inside and enjoy the stringed quartet. A few stroll around, taking in the view, but none are paying us the slightest bit of attention. Buried in the shadows as we are, I’m not sure if anyone realizes we’re here.
I groan as her fingers squeeze my cock through the material. “Fuck, baby.” Her touch has me wanting to go off like a shot.
Emerson nips her lip between her teeth and takes a quick glance around. A mixture of lust and caution swirl in her eyes. Mine widen when her fingers flick open the button of my trousers. She drags down the zipper and slips her hand inside my boxer-briefs. I hiss out a breath when her warm fingers wrap around my hard length.
I should stop her, but what she’s doing feels too damn good. We’re tucked around a corner and there’s not a soul in sight.
When she drops to her knees, I growl, “Em, what are you doing?”
I hook my fingers under her arms, prepared to haul her to her feet, but she shakes her head and pulls out my erection. My gaze darts around to make sure we’re alone. There’s no way in hell I’d want anyone to see Em like this.
All thought empties from my head when her mouth wraps around the crown of my cock.
With her eyes locked on mine, I’m helpless to look away. Watching my dick disappear between her lips is such a turn-on. I might want this to go on forever, but I know it won’t.
I’ll be lucky if I can withstand two minutes of this sweet torture.
As she sucks me deeper into the warm haven of her mouth, her hand works my shaft. All I want to do is sink my fingers into her hair and hold her tight, but I’m reluctant to mess up her hairstyle. I don’t want anyone to suspect what we’ve been doing out here.
I don’t bother to distract myself from the heavy waves of bliss that roll through my body. Already my balls have tightened and I’m going to come in a matter of seconds. With gentle fingers, I attempt to pry her off, but she stays locked in place. If anything, her suction becomes more voracious.
Just Friends Page 20