by Marie Tuhart
He jumped out, strode around the front of the truck and opened the passenger door. Claire stayed seated until he opened the door. She was learning—a point in her favor. He took her hand, led her into the house, removed their shoes, and led her down to the play bedroom.
“Tell me, what do you have under this dress?” His cock jumped. The dress was so form-fitting he doubted she had much on underneath it.
“Why don’t you find out?”
He raised his eyebrows.
“Ummmmm, Sir.”
“Cheeky.” He skimmed his hands over her hips, enjoying the feel of the silky fabric against his palms. He spun her around so he could get to the row of buttons in the back of the dress. “How did you get these all done up?” His fingers started undoing the buttons.
“Liz helped me.”
A shiver went through her as he undid each button to reveal a black slip. Once he had all the buttons undone, he pushed the fabric off her shoulders and down her arms until it pooled at her feet.
“Step out of it.”
She took a step forward. Josh leaned down and picked up the dress. He didn’t look at her as he walked over to the closet and hung it up. Then he shrugged out of his dinner jacket and his tie before hanging them. “No sense in everything getting wrinkled.” He turned to her, and his jaw dropped. “Damn it, woman.”
It wasn’t a slip she was wearing, but some sort of black nightgown. The lace barely concealed her breasts. It was also very short, barely reaching the tip of her thighs.
“Do you like, Sir?” She twirled, and he caught a glimpse of her bare ass.
He groaned. “You are tempting the beast.”
“Maybe that’s what I want to do, Sir.”
He let out a laugh. This was a different side of Claire. He liked this playful side of her. She didn’t roll over like some submissives in training did when faced with his Dom personality. No, while she was respectful, she voiced her opinions and took him on. Damn if that didn’t make his dick harden like steel.
“Brazen wench.” He reached down, whipped the skimpy nightgown over her head and tossed it aside. She was clad only in a black thong, and it barely covered her pussy. “It’s a good thing I didn’t know how little you were wearing under the dress at dinner.”
“I thought about telling you but decided at the last minute not to, Sir.”
“Why?” He ran his hands over her arms then her breasts, enjoying her slight intake of breath at his touch.
“Because it wasn’t fair to tease you that much, Sir.”
“But touching me was fair?” He’d have to keep his eye on her. She was going to make him work for answers; he could see it now.
“There was nothing stopping you from touching me, Sir.”
He opened his mouth and then shut it. She was right. He could have touched her anytime he wanted. Josh shook his head, took her by the waist, and tossed her onto the bed. Claire laughed as she landed, and he glared at her, but her laughter increased.
“You’re going to pay, lovely.”
****
Claire licked her lips. Josh’s cock was hard and already dripping pre-cum. She’d already sucked him off twice today, but her mouth watered, thinking about doing it again. To taste him again.
“Not tonight,” he said, making her realize she had spoken about sucking him again out loud. He folded his clothes and put them on the dresser.
“Now.” He crawled onto the bed, pushing her legs apart as he did so. “It’s my turn.”
Claire could barely breathe as Josh slid between her legs. She almost asked, “To do what,” when he lowered his head and licked her pussy through the thong. Her hips bucked up. Even through the fabric, her clit swelled.
“Let’s get rid of this.” His fingers toyed with the small fastenings at the sides of her thong before flipping them open, allowing the cloth to fall from her skin. “That was helpful.”
“Robin said the side fastenings would be useful.”
“Remind me to thank her next time we see her.”
We. The word stuck in Claire’s head. Did that mean he wanted to see more of her after she went back to Boston? She hoped so. She was so much enjoying her time with him.
The touch of his tongue swiping over her slit caused all thoughts of the future to fly out of her head. He licked and nipped until she squirmed on the bed.
Josh rose over her and took her lips in a hard kiss. She tasted her musky scent on his lips and somehow, she didn’t mind it. His cock was hard against her stomach. He raised his head, and his green eyes flashed with desire and need.
“We’re going to play condom roulette.”
“What is that, Sir?” Thank goodness, she had remembered the “Sir.”
“I’m going to grab a condom and put it on without looking at the wrapper. And then, I’m going to fuck you.”
Heat flooded her veins. “Yes, please, Sir.” She’d wanted his cock since earlier today during their playtime, but the most he would let her do was suck him off. She couldn’t wait to have his hardness inside her.
He shifted as he reached into the box, pulled out a condom, put it on. The wrapper was thrown to the floor. “I’m dying to be inside you.”
“I’m dying to have you inside me, Sir.”
A grin took over his lips as his cock brushed her entrance, and then eased inside her. A moan escaped her lips as his cock stretched her pussy as he filled her.
Her mouth fell open as he pulled back and thrust back in. Within three strokes, he was fully seated in her pussy. Her core tightened around him. She was so full.
“You’re so hard, Sir.”
“You made me this way.” He rotated his hips, brushing against her clit and she let out a groan at the contact.
He lifted his hips, sliding out of her, and her attention was caught by…something…oh, dear lord. “Oh, hell, Sir,” she muttered.
“What is it, my love?” He surged into her again.
“You had to pick the condom with the little nubs on it, didn’t you, Sir?” With each pulse of his cock, the nubs rubbed her inside walls, making her pussy tighten even more. Her toes curled, and she fought against the tendrils of pleasure worming their way through her bloodstream. She wasn’t going to last long.
“I did.” He ducked his head, and she felt his grin against her neck before he lowered his head and captured one nipple in his mouth.
Damn it. Her body bucked under his. She was definitely not going to last long with him nipping at her nipples and ratcheting up her need. Then, he bit down. Her climax took over.
Josh stilled his fucking but continued to play with her breasts until there was only a shudder or two going through her pussy. He started thrusting again. She shivered in response to his desire for her.
He was going to kill her with pleasure. He twisted his hip and hit that special spot inside her pussy, and she went off like a rocket. Again, he held still while his fingers played with her nipples instead of his mouth.
Again, he waited until the tremors almost stopped before he slid out and then back in.
“You’re going to kill me,” she whispered. Those damn nubs on the condom were teasing her.
“Not my intention.” He raised up a bit. “One more, sweetheart.”
His thrusts became hard and faster. Just as she though she couldn’t take anymore, he reached between their bodies and pinched her clit.
She screamed as she came, and his cock thrust within her as a gush of heat filled the condom. She could swear her pussy tightened in time with his pulses. Josh collapsed against her as they both tried to catch their breath.
Her arms tightened around him. There was so much more to this man, and she wanted to explore everything with him.
Josh raised his head from where it rested on her chest. She glanced at him. He took her lips in a soft kiss, and then, he pulled from her pussy. He rolled off the bed. “Be right back.” He disappeared.
The sound of running water reached her ears. He must be in the bathroom, disposing
of the condom. She lay on the bed not willing to move. She barely opened her eyes when he came back into the room.
A warm washcloth was placed between her legs as he gently cleaned her up. “You have a choice.”
“I do?” She could barely think, and he wanted her to make a decision?
“You can sleep here or join me in my bed.”
“Your bed.” She didn’t even have to think about it. She wanted to be cradled in his arms all night.
“Good choice.” He lifted her into his arms and carried her into the master bedroom.
The bedside lamp glowed softly as he tossed back the covers and placed her onto the cool sheets. Then, he climbed in beside her and turned off the light.
She snuggled up to him and closed her eyes. She could get used to being in his arms and in his bed.
Chapter Eight
Sunday morning, Claire woke in Josh’s arms. He was still asleep, which allowed her to study him. His features were relaxed, his hair mussed, and she wanted to lean down and kiss his perfect chest.
They’d spent Saturday at his house in the playroom. Who knew flogging could be so sensual and pleasurable? She’d convinced him late last night to bring her back to the Deerbourne Inn, then invited him to spend the night with her.
They’d made love and then drifted off to sleep. She really didn’t want to leave today, but she didn’t have a choice. Her new job started tomorrow. Her life was in Boston, but she was leaving a big chunk of her heart in Willow Springs.
Claire slipped out of his embrace and out of bed. She gathered up clean underwear and went into the bathroom. She closed the door with a quiet click and leaned against it.
Tears sprang to her eyes. With a sigh, she turned on the water and stepped inside the shower. She could cry in here where Josh couldn’t hear her or get upset. She was probably over thinking things. They could have a long-distance relationship, right? It wouldn’t be easy with her new job and all the traveling, but they could make it work.
But what if she lost him like she had lost her sister? No, she wouldn’t think like that. Letting out a sigh, Claire took a deep breath, the water washing away her tears.
Fifteen minutes later, she emerged from the bathroom to see Josh just waking up. “Good morning,” she said.
“Morning,” he mumbled, scrubbing his hand over his face.
He was not a morning person until he had his first cup of coffee. She slipped on a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. “I’ll run downstairs and get some caffeine. Be right back.” She grabbed the room key off the dresser and left before he could say a thing. Maybe she was being a coward, but she wasn’t ready to talk about leaving.
Thank goodness, there was no one around when she poured their coffees. She really wasn’t in the mood to chitchat. She climbed the stairs, and at her room, she balanced the coffee and opened the door.
Josh sat on the edge of the bed, the sheet covering his lap, his chest bare and looking delicious. She pushed the door closed, walked over to him, and handed him a cup. He took a sip and let out a sigh.
“Thank you, sweetheart.” He slipped his free arm around her waist and gathered her to him, nuzzling his face right below her breasts.
Claire tangled her free hand in his hair, her heart cracking. This man had become someone special to her in such a short time. She cuddled with him, and they sipped their coffee until their cups were empty. Letting him go was going to hurt, but she had a job.
“You took a shower without me,” he said when she put their cups on the dresser.
“If I didn’t, we wouldn’t be able to have breakfast together before I have to leave.” She finished packing her suitcase. Most of it was already done.
“Good point. I’ll hop in the shower, and then, we can go eat.” He gave her a hug from the back before he went into the bathroom.
Claire checked the drawers, telling herself she could get through breakfast without tears. Why was she tearing up so much? Yes, she wanted to stay with Josh, but tears? She shook her head. Buck up. She wasn’t losing Josh like she’d lost her sister. They could still communicate and see each other.
An hour later, they were seated at the Sunny Springs Cafe. Since church hadn’t let out yet, it wasn’t overwhelmed with people. They placed their order and sipped coffee as they waited.
“What time do you need to leave?” Josh asked quietly.
“Check out at the inn is eleven.” Sooner than she wished. “It will take me close to four hours to get back to Boston, and that’s provided I don’t hit any traffic.”
He nodded. He reached across the table and captured her hand. “This is probably the last thing you expected, but I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“I don’t want to go, either.” She wasn’t going to lie, and she almost smiled when he said he wanted her to stay.
His green eyes lit up. “Stay.”
“I can’t.” She blinked to stop the tears that threatened. “I have a job to get back to.” A job she’d always wanted, dreamed about. She didn’t know what else to say.
“I know.” He squeezed her hand and released it when the waitress brought their food.
Claire stared at her plate of pancakes with a side of bacon. She didn’t feel hungry, but she needed to eat.
Josh pushed his eggs, sausage, and hash browns around on his plate, taking a bite every so often.
“Would you consider coming back for the opening of the Twisted Knot?” he asked.
Her heart lightened; he was asking her to come back. “I won’t know my schedule until I get to work tomorrow, but I definitely want to see the club. If not at the opening, then as soon as possible.”
And I want to see you. Claire held the words back, unsure.
“Good.” He began to eat with more gusto.
When they were finished, Josh paid the bill, and they walked hand-in-hand back to the inn. Jared was behind the desk, busy with people checking out as they climbed the stairs to her room.
She pulled out the heavy brass key for the last time and opened the door. She turned to find Josh right on her heels.
Without a word, he pressed her against the door, and his lips covered hers. Claire fell into his kiss, enjoying the rough feel of his lips against hers, the way his tongue dueled with hers, and the hardening of his cock against the junction of her legs.
He broke the kiss and rested his forehead on hers. “Stay,” he whispered.
This time, she couldn’t stop the tears that filled her eyes. One tear slipped out, and he brushed it away with his thumb.
“I’m not being fair, am I?” he pushed away from her.
“I want to stay.” How did she explain? “I’ve been waiting my entire career for this job. I can’t let it go.”
“I know.” He put his arms around her waist and drew her to him. “I’m being selfish.”
“You’re not.” She rested her body against his, soaking up his strength and determination.
“I am, but you are too nice to say so.”
Claire let out a small laugh. She wanted to scream and yell at the fates for choosing to drop a great man like Josh into her life right now.
“Come on, let’s get our things and get you checked out.” He set her apart from him and picked up their bags.
She did a last-minute check to make sure she hadn’t left anything, and together, they walked downstairs. Jared checked her out quickly, and all too soon they were at their vehicles.
Josh put her suitcase and bag into the back of her SUV and shut the tailgate. He drew her into his arms and gave her a soft lingering kiss.
“Text me when you get home, so I know you’re safe,” he said.
“Yes, Sir.” The words slipped from her mouth, and his green eyes deepened. She fought against sinking against him and telling him she’d never leave him. She blew out a breath and opened the driver’s door. “We can keep in touch by text.”
“Yes, text, phone calls, and chats.” He stood next to her car as she climbed inside and started the engine. Josh ste
pped back and shut the door.
Claire rolled down the window. He leaned in and gave her one last kiss, then stepped to the front of her vehicle. She put the vehicle in reverse and backed out of the parking spot.
Lord, her heart cracked as she glanced in her mirror. Josh stood next to his truck, watching her. She closed her eyes. Stay, her heart whispered. Claire bit her lower lip. She wanted to stay, but she couldn’t flake out on her new job. That wouldn’t be fair to anyone, especially her.
Claire fought not to stop her SUV and run back to him. Gripping the steering wheel until her knuckles turned white, she drove out of the parking lot and onto the main street.
He remained by his truck and waved as she drove by. She watched him in her rearview mirror until she couldn’t see him anymore, blinking several times to clear her eyes. She would get back up here to see him no matter what.
They’d find a way to make this work. Claire didn’t want to give up a man who made her smile, laugh, and lit her up sexually. She couldn’t give up on him or herself.
Be bold. Her sister’s words echoed in her head. Yes, she’d been bold, but now, it was time to take that boldness into another area of her life. Between her and Josh, they could make a long-distance relationship work. They had to, or her heart would break into a thousand shards of broken dreams.
****
Josh swore as he looked at the mess inside his BDSM club, filled with empty boxes and unassembled equipment. The club was opening in three days, and it felt like he had a million and one things to do. Instead, all he could think of was Claire.
They’d talked, texted, and live chatted over the past month, but he wanted her in his home, in his bed, in his arms. God, he missed her. If anyone had told him that he could fall in love in a week, he would have laughed at them. Well, he didn’t actually fall completely in love in the week they were together, but it had started then. Over the last month, he’d fallen more and more in love with Claire.
She’d gotten into his heart from their first date over a year ago, only for her to dig in more during her visit. He was already trying to find a way they could be together. Right now, she was on the West Coast, dealing with one of the satellite offices. She’d texted him, saying she was going to try hard to get to Willow Springs by Saturday night. He’d hoped she could get there Friday night so they could have some private time, but he’d deal with it.
