by Karli James
“I’m up for the challenge.” She looks down at the front of my jeans.
“Seems so.” I toss my head back and laugh.
“Fuck you. You do this shit to me. Blue. Balls. So blue. And I can’t even do anything about it right now because I am seriously behind on my writing. So, sit your pretty ass down here on the couch, snuggle up, do your thang, and I’ll walk over to my computer to pound this out.”
“That’s what she said.”
“You’re mine forever now, k?” She laughs. Except I’m basically serious.
“K.”
Gah!
A couple hours later I look up from my computer screen to see Kara stretched out on my couch, smiling at her e-reader. At one of my books. She’s so pretty. I don’t know how to boost her confidence, other than to remind her a million times that I think she’s gorge, and that I want to enjoy every single inch of her.
I want her to embrace her body the way I do; to love its curves, and dips. Also, right now she’s biting her bottom lip, and twirling a piece of hair that has escaped that hot mess on her head, and she’s never been more lovely to me.
I’m realizing that what I’m feeling for her is something I’ve never felt about another person before, as I’m watching as she nestles further into the couch pillow. She pulls a blanket over her, and before I know it I can see her eyelids start to blink steadily; heavy and sleepy they fall closed as her hand limply falls to the side—e-reader forgotten. This sweet girl just fell asleep on my couch, and I am stunned that I’m lucky enough to take in the view as I write.
She. Is. Everything.
Chapter 16
Kara
I woke up to the delicious smells of Chinese food. Disoriented, my heavy lids lifted as I looked around my surroundings trying to gather my wits; where am I? Oh right, Jude’s. Oh my gosh, I fell asleep. On his couch. Did I ugly sleep? Was my mouth gaping open? Did I drool? Oh, dear Lord, please do not let me have drooled.
I immediately turn around to inspect the pillow; flipping it over and around wildly, ready to chuck that thing across the room before I allow him to see a Kara sized spit stain. Suddenly there’s laughter behind me, and I whirl around to find Jude standing behind the couch, his arms crossed in front is chest, smirking that smirk he owns like a boss.
“Hey Presh, whatchya doin?”
“Umm, nothing. Just admiring this amazing pillow, you have. Great napping pillow. Love it so much.”
“Admiring my pillow huh?”
“Yeah. I mean, look at it. It’s the most amazing…blue, square pillow I’ve ever seen. Where’d ya get it? Don’t hold out on me now. I mean how long was I asleep? I slept a long time, didn’t I? I’m so sorry. It’s the pillow’s fault. Also, no bigs, but what did I look like? I mean, did you…you didn’t like watch me sleep the whole time, I realize, but like did you look at me at all…was my…mouth doing anything? Besides breathing? You know what? It doesn’t matter. Where did you get these pillows, again? Did you say?” Jude is full out laughing his ass off at me at this point, and I cannot shut up about the damn pillow and my mouth. Ugh. Why am I like this? Why does he like me?
“Woman, you slept a few hours. Obviously, you needed it. Your mouth was perfect, as usual. You did not drool, so you can relax if that’s what you’re worried about. Are you hungry? I bought Chinese food and I have a whole spread in the kitchen. Thought we could pile up some plates and watch some Netflix.” He’s smiling at me, and his eyes are soft and sweet, and kind. He’s a really good man for not making me feel like the moron I actually am.
“Umm, yes. That sounds nice. I love Chinese. Do you mind if I use your bathroom first? I just want to freshen up.”
“Of course, go on and then we’ll get ourselves set.”
“Great. I’ll be right back.” I hop up off the couch and straighten my twisted shirt around, as I run to the bathroom to gather myself and clean up. When I look at myself in the mirror, I’m immediately struck by the hot mess that is my hair. Shoot. That carefully constructed messy knot, is now in fact a real messy knot and hanging off one side of my head like half of a Princess Leia hairstyle.
I’m super excited he got to see me like this; in all my natural glory upon waking up. I’m so glam. No but seriously, life, you can go fuck yourself.
I pull my pony holder out, thread my fingers through the mass of twists and tangles, give it a fluff and decide to just leave it down. The knot created some waves that once finger-combed fell cheekily around my face. I might have looked a little sexed up, but hey, dress for the position you want, not what you’re in, am I right ladies? Ahem.
I exit the bathroom and walk back down the hall toward the kitchen. I can hear Jude humming under his breath as he sets out plates, a couple of waters, a couple of beers, utensils, napkins. He’s so damn cute, I can’t stand it.
On impulse I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around his waist in a hug. Leaning my cheek against his back, I close my eyes and inhale his delicious clean guy smell. Jude stills, and places his hand on top of both of mine.
“Hey, Presh.”
“Hey. Missed you.” I don’t know where that came from, or why. My heart starts beating wildly at the idiocy of such a statement. Jude turns around to look at me with a soft smile on his ridiculously handsome face.
“Missed you too. However, it was comforting to have you here today—even in nap form. I liked being able to look over at you whenever I wanted. Girl, you got me drunk from day drinkin’ in the sight of you all day.” Holy. Shit. Who says stuff like this? And means it? Jude does. Suddenly I need him; not just want—that’s a pretty thing to feel; to want someone. But needing? That’s more, that’s different, that’s…special.
I rise on tip toe, wrap my arms around his neck, and lick his bottom lip. I hear him suck in a breath, watch his eyes flare with heat, and then his hands are in my hair and his mouth his gloriously lowering onto mine.
Our lips collide, and my eyes slide closed. I’m in the dark except for this glittering supernova that just exploded behind my eyelids with the feel and taste of him. This kiss is different; it’s more; it’s beautiful.
He’s sliding his tongue along mine, slanting his lips again and again and his fingers curl behind my neck, dragging me closer as if he’s pulling me directly into him; underneath his skin. I’m threading my fingers through his hair, arching my back to get closer; I want to feel all of him. I need all of him. Pulling back, gasping for air, I look at him directly in the eye.
“I want you.” His nostrils flare, his hands tighten their grip.
“Fuck. Yes.” Then his mouth is back on mine, his hands are reaching under my ass and scooping me up without hesitation. Before I can even process what’s happening, he’s plopping me down on the kitchen counter, all the while feeding on my lips like I’m his last meal. His mouth moves from my lips to my jaw, to my throat; his tongue taking a long lick that leaves me fighting to catch my breath; and oh, shit he’s found a spot that makes me ache until it’s almost painful. Yes. Please. Gimme.
“Your shirt, Jude. Take your fucking shirt off. I want to feel you.” He growls low in his throat, pulls back and lifts his shirt up over his head. And hold up…what the fuuuuck? Where did this guy come from? Jude is surprisingly ripped. He’s not bulky, but there’s gorgeously defined muscle and lickable abs, and I’m a little pissed to be honest. Just who does he think he is, anyway?
“What the fuck is this Jude?” I gesture to his taught stomach.
“What? You don’t like?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Where did these come from?” I’m gliding my hand down his abs; my jaw slack and my eyes wide with wonder at this hidden treasure.
“Are you shitting me with this right now, Kara? You want to know my work out routine? Right fucking now? Because I was kind of hoping we could be talking less, Rambling Rose. Much less.”
“Another nick name? Right fucking now?”
“Kara…you’re…Shut. Up.”
“No, you shut up. Okay, fin
e, I was just surprised is all. Go back—oh yes, right there, oh shit.” His lips have moved to my collar bone and he’s working my shirt over my head, and oh man please don’t let me look completely unattractive at this angle.
He makes quick work of losing my shirt, and tossing it on the floor. He stops to get his fill, and I’m thanking earlier me for choosing a semi sexy bra.
“What the fuck is this, Kara?” He gestures to my breasts. He’s smirking, and I’m laughing, and it feels good because he might be mocking me, but his eyes are eating me up like I’m an all you can eat buffet of goodness.
“What? You don’t like?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Where did these come from?” His fingers are tracing the lines of my bra, right above the swell of my breasts and I’m on fire. His gaze is intense as he leans forward and runs his tongue along the outline of each cup, all the while reaching behind my back to undo the clasp. The straps start to fall off my shoulders, and he slowly peels it away from my body, revealing myself to him completely.
“Fuck. Me. Hi girls. You’re the most gorgeous things I’ve ever seen in my life. Kara, seriously I haven’t even written about better tits. Damn girl. You fine.” I’m equal parts laughing and blushing, and oh yes, there’s his mouth again. Bending down, circling each nipple; sucking and pulling with just enough force to have my toes curling. Enough to cause that pin prick of pleasure-pain. So sensitive, so good, so yes.
I’m moaning and squirming under his tongue, and all I want is more. More Jude. I run my hands through his hair as I pull him closer to my chest. I watch as his head moves down further to my belly, his tongue circling my belly button and then tracing a line across the top of my yoga pants. Jude pushes me farther back on the counter and spreads my legs wider, settles himself right between them, and lowers his head to the inside of my thigh. He nips through the fabric and my hips raise off the counter. He pauses to look up at me; heat and tenderness a beautiful mashed up mess in his eyes.
“Relax, Presh. Let me give this to you.” I watch as he yanks my pants and panties down my legs, and settles his face right at my center. “You’re perfect.” He leans forward and with one long swipe he sweeps his tongue across my most sensitive flesh, making love to me with his mouth—something no one has ever done for me before. I make a sound I don’t even recognize and grab the back of his head, pulling him closer to me.
“Let go, Kara.” Jude’s tongue is doing glorious things to me, and I’m basically losing all coherent thoughts. Any fears, or insecurities I might have had, are gone. I can’t think, I can only feel.
I’m rocking my hips against his mouth, which only makes him groan and work more furiously, until I think I’m going to come apart at the seams, never to be put back together in the same order, ever again.
“Jude, Jude, stop or I’m gonna co-.”
“Don’t hold back from me. You’re amazing. Let. Go.” And so, I do, right against his mouth, and I’m not sure if I should be embarrassed or amazed at the explosiveness of it all; no one has ever been that giving to me; that wonderfully tender and sweet with his need to please me.
Jude is kissing his way back up my belly, and neck, and finally my lips. I pull back and we just look at each other for a minute; both with silly smiles on our face.
“You’re pretty good at that, Jude. Who knew?”
“Umm, I did. Obviously.”
“I don’t want to think about how come you’re so great at it.”
“Aww, Presh, don’t be jeal. Or actually, ya know, as long as you don’t go crazy you can be jeal. I like it. It’s hot. Because you like me and stuff.”
He’s insane. I’ve never had conversations, let alone joking conversations in the middle of sexy time.
“You’re unbelievable.” He rocked his hips forward, grinding against me, and quirked his brow.
“Unbelievably hard you mean? You’re right. You’re the best appetizer I’ve ever had.”
“Do you think you’ll ever shut up long enough to get to the main course?” He chuckles as he nuzzles my neck; sucks on the sensitive skin right there.
“I’m sorry baby, are you still hungry?” He’s joking, but my body trembles at the word “baby”, and the lust in his eyes.
“Starved.” He straightens up long enough to push his jeans and boxer briefs downs and I’m rather shocked at how big he is.
“You okay over there?” He’s caught me staring and I close my mouth with a snap.
“Yep, just…you’re full of surprises.”
“Meh, I mean, I’m not one to go around bragging about my dick or anything…. but I mean he’s good right? Solid. Upstanding citizen of my pants. I mean I’m not sure if he would win any blue ribbons, but he’s more than happy to see you.”
“Is this how you write sex scenes in your books? Wait, no it isn’t. I’ve read your books. They’re nothing like this.”
“This is real life Kara, and I’m a talker. I mean maybe not the best dirty talker, but who says you can’t laugh and get it on at the same time? I like to be different. Wait, why…is this disappointing you? Do you want me to tell you how pretty your pussy is? I mean it is, and I can do that if you want…but our vibe just feels, not that. I clearly have to never hang out with you again because you have me rambling.” I’m laughing as I reach for him.
“Jude. Honey. You don’t have to tell me I have a pretty pussy, but I appreciate it just the same. You showed me how you felt about me just fine. And I was wondering if you could like, shut the hell up now and keep showing me how much you and he—” I glance down with an arched brow, “really, really, like me. You never know, maybe he could win a blue ribbon after all.”
“I mean if it’s for the ribbon, then…obvs I’m game. Hold on, shit, I need a condom. Don’t go anywhere. Actually, are you still comfortable up there? That whole going down on you spur of the moment on the counter was hot, but is that digging into your ass now? It’s gotta be. Up you go, Kar.” And before I could speak, he had me swooped up into his arms bridal style, (PS – I swooned a little), as he carried me back into the bedroom and gently laid me down on some of the softest sheets I’ve ever felt in my life.
“Dude, what is the thread count on these sheets?” Jude laughs and looks at me over his shoulder, as he rifles through his dresser drawer.
“Right? Are they not the best? My sister got them for me. Thanks for the awesome sex sheets, Neens. Remind me to send her an extra thank you note.”
“On it. She might get one from me too. I live here now. Sorry if it’s too soon, but it’s the sheets. You get it, right?” He’s smirking at me as he walks back to me, condom in hand.
“You’re the only woman I can talk to, and laugh with, all in the middle of sex and still stay hard. I find that incredibly sexy. So yeah, I guess you can stay.” Jude settles himself down on top of me; our heated skin touching and tingling, and oh man he smells divine, and I’m in love with this moment. I love our sexy time banter. I love his face, and his smirk, and the way his lips are constantly finding that spot at my throat that just does that thing to my insides.
He’s moving his hips in circles against me, revving us both up to that boiling point again, and I’m grinning like a fool at this perfectly happy moment.
“Ready, Presh?”
“More than.”
“Be prepared…to never be the same…” He sinks inside of me in one long stroke, and the laughter dies as we stare at each other and realize; oops, the joke’s on us. Neither of us will be the same ever again, because damn this feels unbelievable. And so different from anything I’ve ever felt before.
He settles into my body as if he’s always belonged there; our movements are in perfect rhythm. Hips rocking, my legs wrapping, our hands traveling, and lips kissing—all together like the most wonderfully put together symphony.
Jude’s looking directly into my eyes, when I realize that I could love this man. Easily. He’s looking at me like I’m the most amazing thing he’s ever seen, and I’m pretty sure I’m mir
roring that expression. His arm snakes up my back so his hand can gently curl around the back of my neck, as he lowers his head to gently kiss my lips. It’s all so wonderfully sweet. Perfect.
Jude groans and picks up the pace, driving into me, but never looking away. Sweat is slicking up our skin, and I’m painfully aware that my eyeballs might also be sweating. I mean just a little moisture, pooling up and trickling down my temples. Just a little emotion folks. Nothing to see here.
“Fuck Kara, you feel so—come with me, come with me, please…” He reaches down between our bodies to stroke and tease, and the combination is my undoing. My orgasm spirals and swirls in an eruption of colorful tingles, and I’m screaming his name again and again, and my mind. Is. blown. And also, maybe my vagina. Like is it still there? Maybe Jude can double check for me. Holy. Shit.
“Fuuuuck…” Jude’s orgasm follows mine, and the sounds he groans into the side of my neck are the sexiest things I’ve ever heard.
“Kar…”
“Jude…”
“You’re so beautiful. This was beautiful, and perfect. Don’t ever forget that. To me, you are perfect.” More tears escape and I’m feeling vulnerable as he pulls back to disengage from my body. He wipes my tears away, kisses both my cheeks and offers me up a sweet smile.
“Hey Jude….”
“Yeah, Presh?”
“That was definitely a blue ribbon worthy performance.”
“Psshh girl, don’t be cray. You know that was gold.” Then he smirks as he heads toward the bathroom.
“Give me just a minute to clean up, and then we’ll dive into the Chinese food.”
“Sounds perfect.” I’m feeling both sated and delicious and full of hope. I’m not sure if I even deserve this man, but damn if I don’t want to keep him anyway.
Chapter 17
Jude
I didn’t think that there could be a prettier sight than watching Kara shovel in food like it was her last meal, and as much as she’s trying to prove me right about that as she forks in Lo Mein, I can’t help but grin like a school girl when I think of her O face.