Risky Proposal

by Marie Tuhart

“You’re not.” He leaned over and captured her lips.

  This wasn’t the soft, easy kiss he’d given her earlier. This time, his mouth was hard against hers, his tongue tracing her lips until they parted and allowed him access. His tongue tangled with hers before they dueled. His tongue fought for domination over hers.

  She gave back as good as she got. Pushing her tongue into his mouth, she tasted the sweet Italian sausage they’d had on their pizza and the beer they’d drank. His fingers continued to play with her nipples until they were hard and throbbing.

  Their heavy breathing filled the room when he broke the kiss. His green eyes blazed with passion. She could barely keep her eyes open against the desire she saw in his gaze. Her gaze traveled to his chest. She raised her head and licked his nipple.

  “Fuck.” He stiffened.

  “Did I do something wrong?” Oh, crap.

  “Never, sweetheart.” He rested his forehead against hers. “No woman has ever licked my nipples before. I almost came in my pants.”

  Her eyes widened. He slid down her body and enveloped her right nipple in his mouth, nipping and licking.

  A moan left her lips, and her hand tangled in his hair as he switched from one nipple to the other. Her skin tingled with excitement under his touch. Her pussy pulsed, and it took all her concentration not to squirm on the bed.

  His finger fumbled with the button on her jeans.

  “Oh, yes.” She wiggled as he lowered the zipper on her jeans and slipped his hand between the denim fabric and her panties.

  Heat flooded everywhere as she burned with need. It had never been this hot before. Josh was just touching her. They hadn’t gotten to anything kinky yet, and she was ready to lose herself in pleasure.

  “You are so responsive,” he whispered as he shifted, straddling her legs as he kissed her stomach. “All fire and temptation.”

  She lifted her hips as his fingers brushed over her mound. She’d never needed a man’s touch as she needed Josh’s. “Get them off.”

  His movements stilled, and Claire stared at him.

  “Don’t forget who is in charge, sweetheart,” he said.

  Fuck. They had discussed this. In the bedroom, he was in charge. “Sorry.”

  “No worries, sweetheart.” He kissed her belly. “I’m just reminding you of the rules. And I want these jeans off, too.”

  He hooked his fingers into the waist and shimmied down her legs, taking her jeans and panties with him.

  He tossed them to the chair, then crawled back up between her legs, his jeans rough against her thighs. He rained kisses over her face as she squirmed beneath him. His hard cock was still in his pants and pressing against her. God, she wanted him.

  Her fingers ran up and down his spine, as he kissed his way down closer and closer to her pussy.

  He licked her slit.

  “Fuck.” The word slipped out of her mouth. Just that swipe of his tongue had tingles of pleasure flowing through her nerves and wetness coating her pussy. Little tremors of excitement caused her pussy to tighten.

  “Such language.” He shifted so his shoulders spread her legs farther apart.

  Cool air hit her pussy. She was wide open to him. A shiver of apprehension went through her, but then he bent his head and licked. A moan left her lips, and she raised her hips. His palms clamped on her hips.

  “No moving.”

  He had to be kidding. But apparently, he wasn’t, because between his hold on her hips and his shoulders between her legs, she couldn’t do much with the lower half of her body anyhow.

  He licked her slit again before his tongue circled her clit. An electric shot went through her veins. Her pussy muscles tightened, straining for something to grip.

  “I’m not going to survive.”

  He chuckled against her slit, sending a shiver of pleasure to her toes. Her stomach fluttered and her clit pulsed with need. It had been too long; she wasn’t going to last long if he continued to torment her clit. Her pussy muscles clenched.

  “Josh.”

  He didn’t stop. Her clit began to throb, and the flutters grew stronger. She opened her mouth to get more air; she couldn’t seem to get enough into her lungs. “Josh, I’m going to come if you don’t stop.”

  He must have heard her, because instead of stopping, he pushed one finger and then another into her pussy. Her muscles clamped down on his fingers as he doubled his efforts on her clit.

  Her fingers fisted in the comforter as the flutters built into outright tremors, his tongue and fingers taking her higher and higher until… She let out a cry as she orgasmed, her body shaking with her climax.

  When she could think again, Josh was grinning at her. “You taste sweet.”

  Heat wafted over her face.

  His grin widened. “You are amazing.” He released her hips and crawled up her body until he was over her.

  She lifted her hand, curved it behind his neck and tugged. Their lips met. She tasted her own slightly tangy juices as their tongues dueled with each other. He pulled his mouth away all too soon for her.

  “More.”

  “Remember who’s in charge.”

  She stuck her lower lip out in a pout, and he nipped it before rolling off her and standing.

  Claire didn’t want to move. Josh left the room, only to return a minute later with a washcloth and towel. He knelt on the settee and cleaned her up.

  She closed her eyes as he tended to her. She’d never had a man do that before. She wasn’t sure if she should be embarrassed or happy.

  “Claire, sweetheart.” She opened her eyes to see him watching her. “You are perfect.”

  She shook her head but didn’t say a word.

  He stood and moved to the side of the bed. “Time to get up. I need to get you back to the inn.”

  “What time is it?” She wanted to curl up and go to sleep right here. Being here, with Josh, felt so right, and she didn’t want to leave.

  She stiffened. That was new. She didn’t do sleepovers, and she needed to remember that this was a fling. Nothing else. No attachments. She glanced at Josh. Well, might already be a little too late for that last one. “Almost eleven.”

  “How?” She sat up and swung her legs off the side of the bed.

  “It was nearly five when we got here and ate. Then we toured the club and then came in here.” He reached over, picked up her clothes, and held them out to her. “Dress while I clean up, and I’ll take you back.”

  Claire dressed quickly, but her fingers were trembling. She’d only really known Josh a few days, but that hadn’t stopped him from giving her an orgasm like she’d never had before, without any satisfaction for himself.

  She rarely climaxed from oral sex, heck, from any sex really. People might laugh as it sounded like something out of a romance novel, but it was true. This was amazing. What was it about him?

  Josh walked into the room, pulling a clean T-shirt on over his head. Damn, she wished he didn’t have to cover up that magnificent chest. She padded over to him and laid her hands on his fabric-covered chest.

  “Thank you.” She kissed his cheek.

  “It’s me who should be thanking you.” He cupped her face. “You are responsive but also so sexy.”

  Her cheeks flamed.

  “And I love how you blush.”

  “I don’t know why I keep doing that.”

  “Wait until I make you blush all over.” He took her hand and led her to the front door.

  Blush all over? Now why did that intrigue her?

  The drive back was silent except this time, he kept her close to his side as he drove. Thank goodness for bench seats. Claire enjoyed being close to him, to feel his muscles flex as he steered the vehicle. He parked as close to the back of the inn as he could, then walked her to the door.

  Like the first time, he waited until she had unlocked the door before drawing her into his arms for another kiss.

  He broke the kiss. “I’d like to pick you up at ten tomorrow morning.”
/>   Her heart warmed at his words. They’d have more time for each other. “Sounds good.”

  “Dress for a hike tomorrow. We can take one of the trails and then go back out to my house.”

  Excitement wormed its way through her nerves. “Sounds good. I’ll pack a bag.” When he raised his eyebrows, she continued, “I’ll be all sweaty after our hike, I’ll want clean clothing.”

  “Or none at all,” he whispered. “Go, before I drag you back to my house.”

  When she turned, he gave her a swat on the ass Instead of being outraged, she wiggled her ass at him after she shut the wood-and-glass door.

  “You’re going to pay for that,” he said through the glass.

  “Promise?”

  “Witch. Go to bed.” He turned and left.

  Claire hugged herself. Maybe she should have had a vacation fling before now. But something told her it was Josh that was making this so special. With a smile on her face, she climbed the stairs to her room. Tomorrow was going to be another day with her very handsome man. And she could hardly wait.

  Chapter Six

  Josh opened the door to the inn to find Claire dressed in jeans, boots, and a windbreaker as she talked to Jared. A small bag sat at her feet. Josh grinned as he stood there, drinking her in. His heart sang.

  Sleep last night had been long in coming; all he could see was her creamy flesh in his mind. When he finally drifted off, he’d slept like a log and woke after a mere six hours, feeling refreshed and ready for the day. He’d already set up the bedroom he was using for a playroom for when they returned.

  He’d also made sure he had clean towels in the guest bathroom in case she wanted to take a shower after their hike. Not that he was planning on pushing her hard on their hike. It was a way to show her there was more to him than them just playing.

  He stiffened. When had she become more than a vacation fling in his mind? He couldn’t pinpoint the moment. She’d taken in the adult store and his club in stride, never looking offended. He loved how her curiosity overcame whatever fear she had. A grin spread over his face. Yes, he wanted more than a vacation fling, but for right now he’d take what he could get and deal with a long-distance relationship later.

  “Morning, Josh,” Jared said, jolting him out of his thoughts.

  “Hey, Jared,” Josh said with a nod. “Ready, Claire?”

  “Yes.” She picked up the bag.

  Josh moved to her side, took the bag from her, and kissed her. He didn’t care Jared was there. He took her lips in a passionate kiss, showing her his need for her.

  She was slightly panting when he released her from the kiss. Her blue eyes were languid, and he almost decided to forgo the hike and take her back to his place. No. He wanted more than just sex and play with her.

  “See you later,” Josh said to Jared, and he led a dazed Claire to the door.

  “Have fun on your hike, and keep her safe from bears, Josh,” Jared called.

  “Funny, Jared.”

  “What was that kiss about?” Claire asked after they were in his truck, driving toward the National Forest.

  “Just something to tide me over until later.”

  “No one said we had to go hiking.”

  “And when someone asks what you did on your vacation, I can’t quite see you saying ‘Oh, I had sex with a man for the entire week.’”

  She laughed. “True. Okay. We hike.”

  But he knew she’d be thinking about only one thing, and that was right where he wanted her mind and body.

  ****

  Several hours later, Josh parked in front of his home. He glanced over at Claire. They’d made a quick stop at the market so he could pick up a light lunch and dinner. Was she still mad at him because he refused to let her pay for her half of their meal?

  Sparkling blue eyes met his gaze. “I’m not mad,” she said.

  “You were.”

  “More annoyed, but then I remembered you had said how you like taking care of me. I’ve been trying to come up with a way to say what I’m thinking.”

  “That bad?”

  “No.” She reached over and placed her hand on his arm. “It’s just unusual for me. Thank you for buying the food.”

  “I hear a ‘but’ at the end of that.” He tried to see her side of the equation but was having a hard time. He was raised to pay for things and take care of a woman.

  She let out a breath. “I have money, and I budgeted for my meals while on vacation.”

  “Now you can save that money.”

  She sighed and released his arm. Before he could react, she opened the door, stepped out of the truck, and grabbed her bag.

  Josh got out, snagged the grocery bags and walked with her to the front door. He opened it, and they entered. After kicking off his shoes, he went into the kitchen and began unpacking the groceries.

  “Can I take a shower before lunch? I feel sticky after our hike.”

  “Sure.” He gestured for her to proceed down the hall. At the guest bathroom he flipped on the light. “I put in clean towels this morning. If you need anything, just holler.”

  “Thank you.” He turned to leave but her hand on his arm stopped him. “You are a wonderful man. Can we make a deal?” She set her bag on the counter.

  “What kind of deal?”

  “You let me pay for one dinner with you before I go home.”

  “This is that important to you?”

  “It is. Every time you pay, all I can hear is my ex telling me I’m a mooch.”

  Anger exploded inside him. “Stop. You’re not. He was an idiot and not worth another thought.” He drew her into his arms. “It gives me pleasure to provide for you. But…” He put his finger over her mouth when she opened it. “I’m starting to understand. One dinner—that’s all I’ll agree to.”

  “Thank you.” She went up on her toes and kissed his cheek. “My sister paid for my trip without my knowledge, and I don’t feel good with you paying for everything.”

  “Go shower, and I’ll make lunch.” He swatted her on her ass when she turned.

  “Don’t start something you can’t finish,” she said over her shoulder.

  “Oh, I’ll finish it. That’s a promise.”

  The bathroom door closed in his face, and he laughed. She was so good for him.

  ****

  Claire stood in the shower, washing away the sweat and grime from the hike. She really hoped Josh understood her need to pay her way. Her ex had really done a number on her. It had been almost two years ago, but it lingered in the back of her mind all the time.

  She stepped out of the shower and dried off. She opened her bag. “What shall I put on?” She opted for a pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt. She wasn’t sure what Josh had planned for this afternoon.

  Opening the door, she went down the hall to the kitchen. Josh stood at the counter, the makings for their lunch spread out before him. He’d tried to convince her to let him cook lunch. She finally had told him sandwiches and a salad were fine; she didn’t need a huge meal.

  That didn’t stop him from buying ribs, corn, and potatoes to bake for dinner. If she kept eating like this, she’d have to buy new clothes. “Looks good,” she said.

  He turned. “I figured it might be easier for you to make your sandwich than for me to constantly ask you what you liked or didn’t. The salad is pretty simple—romaine, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and croutons.”

  “Sounds good.” She went to his side and looked down. “Did you buy out half the deli?” How had she not noticed all this food? Maybe because she was too busy watching Josh. There was turkey, ham, roast beef, and salami.

  “No. I wasn’t sure what you liked. So I got a little bit of everything. On the cheese side, there’s American, cheddar, and Swiss.”

  “You’re crazy.” She bumped him with her hip.

  “About you,” he whispered. “I grabbed some hard rolls instead of regular bread.”

  “Perfect.” She grabbed one of the rolls and began making a sandwi
ch. He followed suit.

  They took their meal out onto the back porch. The sun was shining through the trees, the birds were chirping, and a sense of calm came over Claire. She needed more of this kind of peace. After she finished her meal, she turned to him. “What’s on the agenda for today?”

  “It’s going to be different than last night.” He polished off the rest of his food. “I have some rules for you.”

  “Rules?” She frowned at him. “What kind of rules?”

  He stood, walked over to her and pulled her out of her chair. “Today, we’re going to delve deeper into the lifestyle.” He ran his finger down her nose.

  “Okay.”

  “The room we were in last night is now our playroom. While we’re in that room, you will call me Sir.”

  “And outside of it?” She wasn’t one to blindly obey someone.

  “Nothing outside of it has changed. Your life is your life.”

  Claire thought about his words for a minute. “I can handle that since it’s only in the playroom or bedroom.”

  “I need you to communicate with me. I’m going to take us up a notch or more today. What are your safewords?”

  “Red and yellow.” They were simple words but held so much power behind them.

  “I want you to go into the bedroom, undress, and lie in the middle of the bed. You are not to touch anything else in the room but the bed, understood?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  His green eyes blazed at her words.

  “Go,” he ordered releasing her hands.

  Claire darted around him and into the house. She wasn’t afraid. Excitement ran up her spine. She’d finally find out what BDSM was all about. At least, some of it.

  In the bedroom, she quickly undressed, folded her clothes, and put them on the chair before climbing on the bed.

  The side table was covered with a towel. She wanted to peek under the towel but fought the urge. He had told her not to. She lay there, waiting, basking in the warmth of the room, until she heard footsteps. She turned her head when Josh walked in the door. He’d changed into a pair of shorts and nothing else. His muscular chest made her palms itch to touch him. The desire in his eyes caused her mouth to go dry.

  “You make a pretty picture, naked on my bed.” His voice was husky. He walked over to the chair, picked up her clothes, and then placed them on top of the dresser. “I might have plans for that chair later.”