“Thank you,” she whispered. “I’ve decided something. Do you want to hear about it?”
He nuzzled her neck. He couldn’t help himself; he rubbed his cock against her ass making it damn well obvious what she did to him. His entire body was no longer thinking, it was just doing. “Mmm-hmm,” he murmured.
“Have sex with me, Logan.”
What? Have sex with me Logan? Was she serious? Right now? His cock got unbelievably harder.
Her soft voice came out in a rush. “Not right this second. But, well, I was thinking if you’re going to move away and I don’t trust any other man the way I trust you, and we do have this…this attraction between us, that it’s probably not a bad idea to…just, um, do it.”
Logan couldn’t help but chuckle.
“This isn’t funny!” she tried pulling away.
“Stay where you are,” he commanded. “I’m not laughing because it’s funny. I’m laughing because this situation we are in, is going to take some getting used to. That’s all.”
Chapter Nineteen
It was an interesting situation to be in, that was for sure. After they had somewhat cleared the air last night in bed, things today had been refreshingly different between them. It felt good to know they were both in the strange position of being such great friends, that they were both unsure of how to act toward each other with their newfound attraction. Last night, they had hardly slept. But had gotten most of their fears out in the open.
Yes, today had been a good day.
They’d laughed, flirted and held hands like it wasn’t so taboo for them to do. It had actually felt pretty natural walking around the Tsukiji Market hand-in-hand with him. He had kissed her twice today. Something she had really enjoyed. How was it ever possible she had been this close to someone who could kiss her so well? Someone who could create that sweet spot feeling in her tummy and she was just experiencing it only now? Life was crazy at best.
The first time he’d kissed her was a chaste, normal kiss that had her forgetting they had just only begun doing it. But his second kiss, oh boy, had her toes curling in her tennis shoes. Once they finished looking around the market and had just gotten used to the smell of dead fish, they’d walked to the Ginza District. Gabriella could never afford such luxurious items that made up the stores in this area, but it was amazing to see all of the brand name stores packed into such a small area. It was almost like Times Square with all of the big televisions and lighted signs.
She watched the world move past her eyes as the Bullet Train took them to Kyoto.
“I’m happy we will be coming back to Tokyo. Its lovely here.”
“It’s nice. But I think you are going to like Kyoto better.”
“Whys that?” she asked.
“All of the cherry blossom trees you were telling me about. I asked Hiroshi and he said that it is the best place to see them. There is an abundance of them he said.”
She clapped her hands. “Yippie! This is so exciting. The train does go crazy fast. It scares me when we pass another train and you can feel the whoosh from it.”
“I never pressed this too much before, but tell me, please, why are you so afraid to have sex? I’ve been thinking about it and can't comprehend how afraid you are to get pregnant based on the factual data of actually getting pregnant when you use proper protection. So, what gives, Gabriella? Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Wow. Way to change the subject.
Leave it to Logan to analyze this and look for data to back-up his findings. This would be a perfect opportunity to tell him about her accidental pregnancy their last semester of college. Did she still think he would judge her? Disagree with her original decision to have an abortion? In all reality she could leave out the part about wanting to get an abortion. All he would have to know is she got pregnant and had a miscarriage. If she were going to be honest, she would need to tell him the entire story from beginning to end. But something still held her back. Not something, she knew what it was.
It was this new love affair they were embarking on that had her wanting to explore each other without having her pregnancy issue between them. She was afraid he would judge her.
“No one…hurt you, did they?”
“What? Oh no, Logan, nothing like that. No. It's just…well, you know I don't want to be like Tammy. You know I don't want kids. Getting pregnant does worry me, even if the odds are minimal.” She didn’t want to admit this next part, but she pressed on. “Truthfully, I don't really know what I’m missing.”
Logan lifted her chin with his finger, willing her to look into his eyes. “What do you mean, you don't know what you are missing?”
“I don't know what I'm missing!” She looked around the train as if someone may have heard her. “I’ve only had sex a few times ever, okay? And it was nothing to be excited about.”
“I'm sorry you haven't had good experiences in the past. I’m really sorry about that. But, look at me, Cinderella,” he did the two-finger wiggle. “Two things. I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to prevent you from getting pregnant.”
She bit down on her lip. Her heart was beating extra fast in her chest while she waited for him to tell her the rest. “What’s the second thing?”
“The second thing, and this I can promise you one-hundred percent. You will be thoroughly excited and well-spent once I have my way with you.”
She squeezed her legs together, trying to quell the foreign feeling down there as she absorbed his words. Her breasts felt heavy. Was this what it felt like to be genuinely excited about sex? This full-blown, not afraid of anything feeling of confidence? Her cheeks were hot from all the new sensations. And the look he was giving here—sent her blood to volcanic temperatures.
“Don't go getting all shy on me now, Gabriella.” His husky voice tickled her earlobe.
She smiled. “It's hard not too. I don't go around talking about my sex life with anyone. Especially not you.”
“Things are changing between us. Let's enjoy it while I’m here. You know, before I move to the city. We just have to agree that this will be all it is. It can't continue into a relationship because it would never work with me living so far away. And that way, it will never have the chance to ruin our friendship.”
She nodded her head in agreement. “I know. I agree. This won't ruin our friendship—we can't let it. Knowing you will be moving to the East Coast sets the bar on that, don't you think? I’m sure someday we’ll look back at all this when we find a husband and a wife, and we’ll wonder what we were thinking.” She let out another laugh, even though the mention of Logan’s mythical wife didn't sit well in her tummy.
Chapter Twenty
“Brandi said everything is running smoothly at Lolita’s.”
“That's good to know.”
“Yeah, it is. Especially since this is the first time I’ve ever left it for this long. It worked perfectly that the children she works for are off for Spring Break and they all went on vacation. Brr, it's cold in here.”
“Yeah, it is. It's a cute hotel.”
“How did you ever find this Mume’s Boutique Hotel, anyway? Had we been walking in the dark, I'm not sure we would have found it on our own. It's in a tiny spot. And the fact that we have to ring the doorbell to be let in every time is quite interesting.”
“Not as interesting as having to leave this big key with them every time we leave the hotel. I get paranoid about things like that. I hope they have a safe. Is that standard for small hotels here?”
“I don't know. It's not standard for Americans—that's for sure. Could you imagine? But why is the hallway so cold? I hope our room isn't this cold!” Gabriella smoothed her palms over her arms.
“Let’s find out.”
Logan unlocked the door to their hotel room with the large skeleton key. Luckily a small light above the table was kept on.
“This is so cute.”
“Are you sure its okay to stay in the same bed again?”
/> “Yes. I wouldn’t have brought it up if I wasn’t certain.” Gabriella’s eyes flitted over the small room.
“Check out the shower.”
The bathroom was enclosed in its own room but instead of standard walls enclosing the separate room, the shower was enclosed in all glass. All glass windows so you could watch someone taking a bath or shower. Blinds were folded up on top and a small string hung down to adjust them as necessary. Her cheeks heated at the implication. Without moving her head, she gazed at Logan who seemed just as thoughtful regarding the implication of the shower walls.
She nervously cleared her throat. “Well, I’m glad they have blinds.”
“You mean, you don’t want to give me a show? Tsk, tsk. With a body like that, I’m extremely disappointed, Gabriella.”
He was teasing her. Okay, on some level he was teasing her, but his gaze told the other part—he really wouldn’t mind a show. In fact, he looked like he was envisioning that right now. She no longer felt chilly like she had when they first walked in the room. He stepped toward her, releasing both of their luggage from his hands and bent his neck and planted a kiss on her forehead.
“Don’t be so shy. You weren’t ever shy before, no need to start now.”
Easier said than done. He stood there looking so handsome, towering over her with the light shining on his hair, creating the illusion of highlights. He was sexy.
“I’m trying to impress you now, though.” She batted her eyelashes.
“You’ve impressed me already.”
“Really?”
“Oh yeah.” He traced her arms with his fingertips. “Let’s go downstairs and try the Sake. Unless, you’d prefer to walk around?”
“No, let’s do that and then we have all day tomorrow to explore. What time do we go to Hiroshi’s for dinner tomorrow?”
“At seven. He originally wanted six, but I have a surprise for you that is best at sunset.”
“Sounds ominous. Give me a hint!”
“No. No hints. You have studied too much about Japan that one hint will tell you everything. Let’s go get a drink.”
Pouting, she followed him back into the cold hallway and down the elevator. They found a table inside the small seating area and a waitress came for their order.
“We would like to try Sake.”
“Okay. I will bring two?”
“Please.”
The waitress walked off leaving the two of them admiring the dining area. Gabriella studied Logan. His long legs were splayed out in front of him with his hands folded behind his head. He wore a white t-shirt highlighting Blake’s new seasonal fall beer and blue jeans. He was at ease, hardly twitching or moving as his eyes took in the patio doors and the night sky.
A small smile tugged at his lips. “What are you thinking?” he asked.
“Just wondering how you are so at ease and I feel like I could jump out of my seat at any moment.”
“Why are you suddenly so nervous?” He lowered his voice and leaned closer to her putting his elbows on his knees. “You know we don’t have to do anything if you’re unsure. I don’t want you uncomfortable.”
“I want to, trust me. Its just, once this line is crossed, there is no going back.”
“I know. Moving across the country will help a little—you won’t be embarrassed having to see me all the time.”
“I’m not going to be embarrassed. We’re adults and friends. We can handle anything like that. It’s going to be tough to see you move though.”
“We’ll still talk…and I will still come back and see you. I still have family in Windsor, remember?”
“Yeah, I remember. It will be a tough transition at first. But at least I have Marilyn, Amber and Brandi to cheer me up,” Gabbie said.
The waitress set their drinks down and Logan picked his up. “Here.” He raised it up. “For the best of times between us.”
Gabriella smiled and raised her glass. “To the best of times between us.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Logan finished up in the bathroom so Gabriella could go next. He had deliberately left the blinds open for Gabriella to watch him take off his shirt and get ready for bed. She was trying not to watch him—he could tell by the way she kept tilting her head down, but the curve of her lips had given her away.
He knew full well she would draw the blinds so he couldn’t watch her change into her shorts and t-shirt. He wished she would leave them open. Fat chance.
“Were you out here watching me undress?”
She blushed immediately. “What? No, I was trying to figure out how to work this heater to warm up our room.”
“We don’t need a heater to keep us warm. I have something else in mind.” He chuckled as she quickly collected her pajamas from the end of the bed and stalked right past the blinds and into the bathroom.
Interesting.
With her back to him, their eyes met in the mirror. She slipped her hand underneath her shirt and unclasped her bra. She then proceeded to take her arms out of the bra straps, withdrawing the black garment from the bottom of her shirt.
He wasn’t sure if it was because he now knew she was braless, or that he’d watched her become braless, but it was hot.
Sexy as hell.
She shimmied out of her jeans and his eyes left hers as his gaze traveled down her backside, over her lacy black bikini bottoms. She pulled up her shorts and their eyes found each other’s again. Her blush had crept from her cheeks down to her neck and he couldn’t help but smile. She was a seductress in her own right. A shy, almost virginal, seductress.
Exactly what he wanted.
Fuck this. He’d waited long enough.
He barged into the bathroom, which was easy as she’d left the door open and he grabbed ahold of her arms. Unmistakable desire shined in her eyes and he gently pushed her body against the shower glass and placed his lips on hers. She tasted minty and smelled like strawberries and vanilla—her signature scent. The hard points of her breasts, thinly covered by her top, pressed into his chest and a groan rumbled from his throat.
His hands roamed from her arms to her hips and back up. He cupped her breasts and he loved how full and heavy they were. Not to mention how they fit into his hand perfectly. His thumb grazed over the points and he swallowed the moan that came from her mouth.
Go slow you idiot.
He’d been waiting so long to touch her like this that the act of doing it was stronger than he could have imagined. It didn’t help that she kept pushing her body into his. Her hands were in his hair, holding his head in place. It took the one ounce of strength he had to pull his mouth away from her drugging lips.
“I’m sorry. I’m going too fast—”
“No.” She placed a wet kiss on his mouth. “Don’t you dare stop now, Logan.”
“I just...” Was he actually at a loss for words?
“No,” she breathed into his mouth. “I’ve been waiting for this, for you, for your touch. Touch me. Don’t stop.” Her arms pulled him back into her, his mouth finding the heat in hers.
He trailed kisses down her neck to her thin t-shirt. His mouth left trails over one of her breasts. He smoothed over her nipple with his tongue before sucking it into his mouth.
She let out a moan. Her head banged against the glass. “That feels like Heaven.”
“This ain't nothing, yet.”
He trailed his fingertips along the flesh of her hips, dipping them into the waistband of her gym shorts. She clung to him with fierce desire as he pulled her shorts down her thighs passed her knees. She kicked them aside. He kissed his way to her other breast, biting and sucking the warm flesh around her nipple. He flicked the already hard nub with his tongue, making his already hard cock, harder.
This was it. In these few minutes, she had completely undone him, and she had yet to touch him below the chest.
“Keep going.” She breathed against his shoulder.
He cupped her between her legs through the fabric of her panties, feeling
the moist heat that was meant for him and only him. Again, she moaned. “This is what I’ve been missing?”
He chuckled. “Not even close. I have much more in store for you, Cinderella.”
His thumb found her sweet spot, hard and wanting. The more she moaned, the more he rubbed it and teased it with his fingers. He watched her spin out of control. Her head moving left and right in a wild frenzy. Her nails dug into his biceps and the mind-blowing sound of ecstasy that came out of her mouth as she clung to him while she orgasmed, left him wanting so much more.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Gabriella couldn’t be sure she’d ever had an orgasm. Try as she might, she couldn't recall ever feeling how she’d just felt. It was this potent desperation of cresting a peak she hadn't known she was on, hadn’t known she needed to reach, until she had succumbed to the pressure of his touch. It had been fireworks—and she’d heard that before—but never had she imagined an actual explosion of every nerve ending she possessed between her thighs to possibly fire off all at the exact same time, slowly dropping her over the crest, prolonging the feeling until she reached the bottom—sated and suddenly so sleepy.
“No way, Gabbie. Open your eyes,” Logan demanded.
She blinked as the light penetrated her pupils, remembering they were in fact still in the bathroom. Embarrassed, she brought her arm up to cover her bare breasts.
“No. Let me see them. They are as beautiful as I imagined. Follow me.” He pulled her arm and led her to the small room were their bed sat fully made, only the imprint of where he’d sat earlier watching her while she changed could be made out. She blushed at the reminder of his gaze on her as she’d shimmied out of her bra and pants.
Pistol Whipped (Love on Target Book 3) Page 9
