by Holly Jaymes
“I guess she looks different.” I gave him a sly look. “But on the inside, she’s the same.”
He blushed. “I’m a man. We seem to need to be baited by shiny, flashy—”
“Sexy?”
He nodded. “Sexy.”
Knowing this was something Angela wanted, I was happy for her.
“It’s not weird is it?” he asked.
I shook my head and patted his hand. “Not at all. If you’re happy, I’m happy. But there’s more to her than good looks. You need to appreciate all of her. If you hurt my friend, I’ll hurt you. I know how to use a sledgehammer now.”
He winced. “Duly noted.”
It was nice to catch up with Dean, but the guilt about not telling Gabe lingered. I’d have to come clean about it. I also needed to admit, just to myself, that a part of me had wanted to see Dean and be attracted to him. Not that I’d do anything about it, especially since Angela was interested in him and he was clearly interested in her. But having the resurgence of feelings for Dean would prove that my interest in Gabe was just residual emotions from our time together before he left. The fact that I had zero interest in Dean beyond friendship suggested my feelings for Gabe might be more than just good memories come back to life. That was the total opposite of what was supposed to happen on this little outing.
Perhaps Dean was right. I was playing with fire to sleep with Gabe. You want your cake and to eat it too, he’d said. It was a point well taken. My only problem was that I liked cake.
After my drink with Dean, I returned home to find Gabe working with the floor installers to put in my new kitchen floor.
He turned his head, looking up at me with that cocky grin of his. “What do you think?”
I couldn’t tell him what I thought because chances were, I’d scare him out of the house. If he knew I was falling for him despite my reservations and conviction to not care for him, he’d probably freak out. On the one hand, that could be good. It would solve my problem. But it would make our working relationship hard, and I didn’t want to experience the rejection. So I acted like the friend with benefits that I needed to be. “I like you on your hands and knees.”
One of the workmen snorted in response.
Gabe winked, his signal that he had a retort but it wasn’t appropriate for TV or the workplace.
Later that night, he met with his staff in his office while I sat on his back porch enjoying the summer night air. I heard the front screen door open and shut, suggesting Steve and Megan had left. A few minutes later, Gabe came on the back porch and handed me a glass of wine.
“Everything alright?” I took the wine, enjoying the crisp coolness of it, while pushing away the guilt over the white wine I’d had earlier with Dean.
“So far. It helps that you and I put in a lot of time over there.” He sat next to me and took my hand. It was something he’d started doing more of lately that both made me happy and nervous. What did it mean? Was he feeling like I was? Were his feelings veering beyond sexual pleasure and friendship? Or was I reading more into it than there was? Did friends with benefits hold hands? I was making myself crazy trying to figure it out.
“We’re making great progress and I think you’ll be happy when we’re done.”
“I’m pretty happy already.” I squeezed his hand.
“The last week or so, you won’t be allowed in the house. That way we can give you the big reveal. Do you have somewhere you can stay?”
My heart dropped. He was sending me away? “I can’t stay here?”
“I’d like that.” As if he wanted me to know he meant what he said, he brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. “But next door is too close. You might see something or be tempted to spy.”
“Maybe I can stay with Angela. I’ll figure something out.”
“You’re still friends with her?” he asked, sipping his own wine.
“Yes.” I thought about telling him how she and I watched his old YouTube videos and plotted TPing his house. He probably wouldn’t find it as amusing as we had, so I kept that little tidbit to myself.
“Are you friends with many of the old gang?”
I shook my head. “Not really. Many left and others that haven’t left have families that keep them busy. Everyone has gone their own way, although Dean is back.”
Gabe looked at me, his brow quirked up. “Your ex, Dean?”
I nodded. “He’s a high-powered lawyer now in DC.”
Gabe gulped his wine. “Good for him.” His tone wasn’t complimentary. Before I could say anything more, like confess I’d had a drink with him today, Gabe stood. “I’m hungry. How about pesto for dinner?”
“Do you ever eat anything besides pasta?” I rose and followed him to the kitchen. Thank goodness home renovation was physical work or I’d have gained ten pounds from all the carbs Gabe fed me.
He stopped short, pulling me into his arms. “Sometimes I eat you.”
My pussy flared to life. “Do you worry your staff is going to get wind of your…eating habits?”
He laughed. “I’m sure Megan has an idea, and if anyone else does, they’re not letting on.”
I wondered if I should tell him about Megan’s wager with some of the team.
“I’d have heard from my bosses if someone else knew. I suspect it’s not good business to sleep with the homeowners on my show.”
“So, you’ve never done this before?” I didn’t really want to know the answer, unless of course, it was “no”.
He cocked his head to the side, as if he thought the question was strange. But why would it be weird unless the homeowner was married or something? If she was single and attractive, why wouldn’t he take the opportunity to enjoy her? He’d enjoyed other women when the opportunity arose.
Because the idea depressed me, I started to take the question back, but before I could he said, “No. And not just because that would be a problem. I haven’t worked with a woman I’ve wanted until you. I can’t seem to stop wanting you.”
There was an earnestness in his eyes that had my heart rolling in my chest. I told it to stop because it was silly to think he was feeling more than amorous towards me.
“It’s nice to be wanted,” I said.
He nodded. “It is.” He waited for a beat, as if he expected me to say something. Did he want me to tell him that I wanted him too? Finally, he said, “If you don’t want pasta, I have fish.”
“Pasta is fine.” And with that, the moment was gone. Through the rest of the night, I replayed that exchange, wondering if I’d missed something, but not trusting myself not to read more into the situation than was there. I was going to go crazy constantly trying to analyze what was going on with us. During our relationship before, I’d have just said something, so why couldn’t I be that bold now? Why couldn’t I tell him my feelings and fears?
Because this time it was supposed to be sex only. Having feelings was breaking the rules.
Book 1: Chapter 12 Gabe—Falling
Gabe
There was nothing like the mention of an ex-boyfriend’s name to get me hot under the collar. Worse, it was proof that I wanted more than just Samantha’s body and friendship. How many times had I imagined spending time with her in her house once it was finished? Making more updates and enhancements once the show was done filming? Jesus, I even had a moment considering helping her fill the bedrooms with kids.
The truth was, I was feeling just as connected to her as I had when we got together four years ago. All damn day I thought about her and when I’d be able to be alone with her. The worst part about it was that I wanted to tell her what I was feeling, and that scared the shit out of me. Especially now that she had brought up Dean, the man she’d reconnected with when I’d moved down to Florida. Was she reconnecting with him again? The idea of it made my blood boil.
Four years ago, I couldn’t do anything about it when I called Samantha and her mother said she was out on a date with Dean. I was four states away and unable to make my appeal in per
son. But right now, she was in my home and while I couldn’t tell her how I felt, I could damn well show her.
I considered bringing up our past so she could remember all the good times we’d had, but between the past and present was Dean, and I didn’t want that to come up. So instead, I decided I’d focus on the present.
“I’ve got a surprise.” After dinner, I grabbed a blanket and started toward the back door.
“Really? Is it for my house?”
I swallowed the annoyance that all she saw in me was what I could do for her house. “No. It’s for you.”
She smiled brightly and I held on to it like a lifeline. Jesus, I had it bad. If my brothers got wind of this, I’d never hear the end of it.
I led her to the back yard and down to the cool, thick grass. I lay the blanket down and then sat, patting the blanket to invite her to join me.
I lay back. “Check out the stars.”
She lay beside me, her head gently against mine. “They’re bright tonight.”
I rolled to my side, resting my head on my hand as I looked down on her. “I’ve always thought I’d put a large window on my bedroom ceiling so I could look up at the stars in bed.”
“That sounds romantic. Why don’t you?”
“For one, I’m not settled yet. Plus it’s expensive not only to put in, but to keep up, and it can boost energy costs, although there are ways to help keep that down.”
Her hand caressed my cheek. “Do you think you’ll ever settle down?”
“Sure. Why wouldn’t I?”
“No reason.”
“What about you?” I bit my tongue about Dean, even though I was dying to ask why she hadn’t settled with him.
Her eyes drifted off. “Just haven’t had the time or focus I guess.”
“You have the house for it.”
She laughed. “It is much more than I need, but I love it.”
I swallowed the words that would have suggested I could help her make the house a home. My heart was being reckless. So instead of using words, I kissed her, full and slow on the mouth. She sighed, and her lips parted, letting me in. I dipped my tongue into her warm mouth, drinking in her sweetness. When her fingers threaded through my hair, I slid my hand under her shirt, taking in the warm softness of her skin. A few moments later, we were both naked under the stars.
I sucked on her nipple and blew on it, watching as it puckered and distended. “You have fabulous tits.”
She laughed. “Men and their fascination with boobs.”
I gave her a serious look. “You’re not fascinated by any of my parts?”
“Maybe one.” She cupped my dick, making me hiss as pleasure spiked through my body. She moved to take me in, but I wanted to take my time, go slow, draw the night out. So I pulled my hips back.
“I want to touch and taste every inch of you, Sam.” She arched as I trailed my lips over her neck, my tongue over her collar bone. True to my word, I tasted her body from her fine tits to her sexy legs and her sweet pussy. She moaned and gasped as I pushed her up and up. If the neighbors were out, no doubt they knew what was happening, but I didn’t give a fuck. All that mattered was letting this woman know through my touch that she was important to me.
“Gabe!” Her pussy contracted around my tongue and her sweet juices filled my mouth. I gave her a moment to recover, using the time to sheath my dick in a condom.
I maneuvered between her thighs. “Samantha.”
She opened her eyes. Only then, with our gazes holding, did I slide into her, slow but deep. I groaned as her pussy squeezed and massaged my dick as it filled her inch by inch.
“You feel so fucking good, Sam.” She hadn’t been my first or my only, but Jesus, no one ever felt like her. That had to mean something, right?
“Gabe.”
“Yes, baby.” I took her hands in mine and pressed them over her head. This was the most connected I’d felt with her since our time together four years ago.
“I…ah…”
“What?” My heart stilled in my chest as I waited for the words she might give me. Words I couldn’t give her but hoped she’d understand through my touch.
“I need you.”
Not quite what I wanted to hear, but I’d take it. I withdrew and slid in, slow and deliberate. “Like this.”
“Yes.” Her head arched back and her hips tilted, taking me deeper.
I gritted my teeth to hold back the urge to pound away in her.
She wrapped her legs around my hips, holding me inside her. “So good… You feel so good…”
I kissed her again. “I want to make you feel good, Sam.” Then I sucked on her nipple as I withdrew and thrust again.
“Yes,” she moaned. “More, please Gabe… More.”
Focusing on her face, I gave her more. With each stroke, I moved a little faster, a little deeper, watching the sweet torture she was experiencing play out on her beautiful face.
Soon she was panting and writhing under me. “Gabe… Now… Oh God… Now… I’m coming.”
Her entire body stiffened, her pussy gripped my cock so tight, stars burst behind my eyes. I growled to hold back my own release, and instead plunged in and out of her, pushing her pleasure to the limits as she cried out my name.
“Fuck yeah, Sam… Come on my cock.” It felt so fucking fantastic that I couldn’t hold back. Electricity blasted from my dick outward, taking over my body as I pummeled in and out of her until my arms went weak.
I collapsed on her, heaving in deep breaths as my heart raced. Somehow, I found the strength to roll off but pull her close. I wanted to hold her and never let go. A mixture of emotion swirled inside me. I’d fallen for her again. I wanted to tell her. To celebrate it. But it wasn’t what we’d agreed to. It wasn’t what she wanted. And I’d be a fucking fool to let her crush my heart again.
I was powerless, paralyzed to do or say anything. That was until I heard the telltale buzzing of mosquitoes.
“Shit.”
“What?” Sam stiffened under me.
“We’re going to get eaten alive out here.” I hopped off and reached out a hand to help her up. “Let’s take this party inside.”
“Good idea.” She stood and I gathered our clothes in the blanket and then headed to the back door. I watched her fine ass as she walked up the back deck stairs to the door.
She turned the knob. “Uh oh. The door won’t open.”
“What?” I reached out and sure enough, the door was locked. “Fuck.” I dropped the blanket to find my clothes.
“I don’t think so.” She pushed my pants out of my hands. “I think you need to do this buck naked.”
I frowned. Or I tried. The gleam in her eyes was too sweet not to be ensnared by them.
“I’m having a déjà vu,” she said.
I snorted. “You had on a t-shirt and panties when you locked yourself out. At least allow me that.”
“Panties?” She held up her sexy silky pink underwear.
“I’ll wear the briefs.” I reached down for my underwear.
“That’s no fun.” She pouted.
“Let me ask you something. You are a woman. The naked female form is filled with sexy curves and graceful lines. Now, look at me.” I twisted my middle making my cock waggle side to side. “Not as beautiful is it?”
She laughed, that gorgeous free laugh that made my heart sing. “No. I guess not. But this,” she turned me around and squeezed my ass. “This is sexy as hell.” She turned me around again. “And this,” she dropped to her knees and licked my dick. Immediately, it shot to full staff. “This makes me hot.”
I groaned. “Fuck, Sam, you’re going to kill me.”
She stood and took the blanket, wrapping it around her. “Okay, put on your t-shirt and briefs.”
I arched a brow.
“I want you and I don’t want to get bit by bugs. The sooner we’re inside, the sooner I can make you come.”
“I love it when you say that to me.”
“I don’
t want to get bit by bugs?”
“‘Make you come’.”
I kissed her hard and then threw on enough clothes to avoid completely embarrassing myself. I made my way to the front yard with Samantha behind me. I told her she could wait in the back, but she wanted to join in on the adventure.
Fortunately, I’d left the front door unlocked, and a few minutes later, we were naked and I had her against the front door.
“You’ve saved me again,” she said as I dropped to my knees and licked her pussy lips.
“I’m here to serve.”
I made her come again, and just as I was going to take her against the door she stopped me. “Something wrong?” Then I realized I didn’t have a condom on. “Shit. Sorry. I’ll get a rubber.”
I took her hand and led her upstairs. We could have door sex later. Before I could get to my bedside drawer, she pushed me onto my back and straddled me.
Both her hands wrapped around my cock and gently stroked.
“Fuck that’s good.”
She smiled. “Gabe, I’m on the pill.”
My brain short-circuited.
“Unless you want the added protection—”
I’d never had sex without a condom. Ever. Not even with her. The idea of it nearly made my head explode. I levered up and kissed her hard. “I may come just at the idea of fucking you bare.”
She smiled seductively. “Oh, but you’re not. I’m going to fuck you bare.”
Book 1: Chapter 13 Samantha—The Tides Shift
Samantha
Gabe growled, a deep feral sound that shot white-hot need coursing to every neuron of my body. “Yes, baby… Now though, because I’m on the verge of blasting cum all over you.”
I pushed him back and then positioned myself over his hard, hot, throbbing cock. I sank over him, slowly until he filled me. Endorphins flooded my brain, making me delirious. I was groaning and writhing as I rocked and slid over his hard dick.
