by Jae
Tomorrow. Friday. The day the edits were due. “So I don’t get to peek?”
Jo squeezed her shoulders from behind, and Ginny jumped.
“Absolutely not.” She gently rubbed the tension from Ginny’s shoulders and leaned in. “I don’t normally touch my clients,” she spoke quietly.
“Or sleep with them?” Ginny made a red mark on the page before her, acting as if the conversation were like any other.
“It’s not normally part of my job duties, no.” She chuckled. “I just wanted to.”
Ginny looked over her shoulder and brushed her cheek in a light caress against Jo’s hand. “I’m not complaining that you did.”
“So, you don’t see me as being too forward?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say that…” She chuckled.
Jo let go of her shoulders. “Well, I guess I just won’t know unless you tell me I’ve gone too far.”
Ginny made another red mark in the manuscript. “I guess you’ll just have to try a little harder to see what I may deem unacceptable.”
Jo walked to the edge of the patio. “That can be arranged.” She sauntered toward the oak tree.
Ginny took another deep breath. “Back to these edits,” she tried to convince herself.
Stanley set a sample piece of granite on the table and used the pad of his middle finger to rub its surface back and forth. “Nice choice in materials. It’s gonna look good with the cabinets.”
Ginny nodded. “I’m looking forward to seeing it all put together.”
“We’re makin’ good progress. The template’s ready. We just need to get it to the cutter. Shouldn’t take long to get it back.”
“How long roughly?”
He shrugged. “I’ll check with the cutter guy and let you know.” He twirled a cigarette between his fingertips before tucking it back behind his ear. “Now about that broken vase…where can I get one like it?”
“I’m thinking of choosing something less vulnerable. How about you knock the renovation costs down one hundred dollars, I’ll pick out what I want, and we’ll just call it even?”
“One hundred dollars? For a vase?”
“It’s an urn.”
Stanley rubbed the bald spot on top of his head. “Okay, I’ll see what I can do about saving on materials to offset the cost.”
Ginny’s breath caught. “What?”
“Look, lady. I’m not made of money here.”
“Are you kidding me?” This was the first time she had raised her voice. “You break something dear to me—that wasn’t even close to where you guys were working, mind you—and you want to cut back on my materials to offset the cost?”
“What’s going on?” Jo entered the kitchen. She had a drill in her hand and a tool belt hugging her hips.
Ginny pressed the palm of her hand into her forehead.
Stanley spoke up first. “I was just askin’ about replacing the urn thing, and she’s sayin’ it’ll cost me a hundred dollars. No way am I paying a hundred bucks for a fancy vase.”
“Seriously?” Ginny pointed her finger toward the door. “You can get the hell out of my house!”
“We have a contract,” Stanley said.
“Screw your contract,” she shouted. “You are the most unprofessional, nitwitted idiot—”
“Hold a sec.” Jo strode up to Stanley with the drill clenched in her hand and the thumb of her free hand tucked in her tool belt. It resembled a scene from an old western. “First of all, Stanley, one hundred dollars for an urn is quite a deal.”
Ginny nodded.
“Secondly, I have been keeping track of your shoddy work, trying to make sure you guys do your job right for Miss Wolf here. And in doing so, I am a tad behind on my own project.”
“We never asked for your help,” he said.
“More importantly, I have a city inspector on speed dial.” She pointed the drill toward the kitchen. “I wonder if they’ll have the same concerns as I have about what’s up to code in here, not to mention quality assurance.”
“You’re bluffing.”
She lifted her cell phone from her pocket and pointed it at him. “Tell me, before I place this call, how genuine is that pink piece of paper hanging on the door out there? You know, the one with the word ‘permit’ bolded across the top?”
“The…the permit?”
Ginny looked at Stanley and then back to Jo. “Is the permit fake?”
Jo squinted at Stanley, her teeth clenched, knuckles white with tension. “I think it best you guys quit while you’re ahead. I’ll personally see to it Miss Wolf has everything she needs to complete her renovations. I suggest you pack your things and leave.”
Stanley grabbed his paperwork on the shelf. “We will get paid for the materials and labor completed.”
“No more and no less.”
The guys followed him out of the house.
“How did you know the permit was fake?” Ginny asked.
“I didn’t. It was a hunch.”
“Some hunch.” She looked at the half-completed kitchen. “I think I need to sit down.”
“I think you need to step out for a bit.”
“To the patio?”
“Farther, actually. I was thinking more along the lines of a coffee shop with Wi-Fi.”
“I think you’re right. Will you join me?”
“Do you mind driving? I’ve got the van all pulled apart to access my tools,” Jo said.
“Meet me out front in ten minutes.”
“Perfect. I’ll go wash up.”
As Jo stepped out the front door, she couldn’t resist a giggle. “What’s this?”
“This is my Vespa.” Ginny sat on the mint-green machine, wearing a matching helmet. She raised a second helmet up in the air. “Here, put this on.”
Jo took the helmet and placed it on her head. “Don’t mind if I do.” She buckled it before swinging her long leg up and around the seat to straddle it. She raised her feet up and onto the pegs.
“Hold on,” Ginny said as she pressed the starter button. The engine could barely be heard over a flock of geese flying overhead.
Jo slid her hands around Ginny’s stomach and leaned in. “This is a wonderful surprise. I had no idea you were a biker babe.”
“Stick around and you’ll see I have even more surprises up my sleeve.” She rolled the throttle as they left the driveway and headed toward the main road.
“Oh, I plan to stick around. I’m quite looking forward to it.”
“So, you’re going to help me fix the mess I have at home?”
“If you’ll have me.”
“I would love to have you.” Ginny peered over her cup of iced coffee to observe Jo’s reaction.
“The feeling is mutual.” She gave Ginny that same look she had been giving her since that morning; the one that made Ginny feel it would be more than okay to lean in and kiss her, unlike the rejection she had received the night before. “First, you need to focus on those edits.”
Ginny sighed. “True.”
“When we get back to your place, I’ll begin working on the kitchen so you can have your room to yourself. Also, I’ll get a proper permit. Looks like I’ll be spending quite a few more nights with you.”
Ginny smiled.
“Do you think you’ll have the manuscript completed in time?”
“I feel I can get it done. At least I hope.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help, I will.”
“You’re already a tremendous help, Jo. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“It’s been my pleasure, really.”
“Well, one way or another, I certainly plan to make it up to you.”
“I may have
some suggestions in mind.”
Ginny narrowed her eyes. “Anything.”
“Really now, are you sure about that?”
“I keep my word.” She winked at Jo. “Allow me to prove it.”
“Are you asleep?” Jo hovered over the bed, looking at a sleepy Ginny.
“I must have fallen asleep.” She lifted the manuscript off her chest and examined the pages. “I did get quite a bit completed. What time is it?”
“Midnight.”
“Midnight? You’ve been in the kitchen working this entire time?”
Jo sat on the edge of the bed. “I did install a new battery in my van.” She held up her dirty hands. “I promise not to touch anything I shouldn’t.”
“You work on cars, too?”
“Only the basics. I much prefer to work with wood. My hands are accustomed to calluses, but not all this greasy car muck.” She looked at her hands.
“I can’t blame you.” Ginny sat up and rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes. “Go shower, and I’ll make us some tea. I’ll be sure to fluff the pillow on your side of the bed.”
Jo raised an eyebrow. “Really now? That would be splendid.” She went to reach for Ginny but quickly withdrew her soiled hands. “I better go shower first.”
“I think that’s a good idea.”
The steaming cup of tea sat on the bedside table when Jo entered the room. Once again she wore nothing but panties and a T-shirt.
“I hope you’ll enjoy your herbal tea. I added honey.”
“Smells terrific.” She sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over to take a sip. “It’s fantastic.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Jo set the cup back down on the bedside table and crawled under the covers. “How are those edits coming?”
“By some miracle, I’m just about back on schedule. I’ve already begun entering them into the computer. If I work all day tomorrow, I should have them e-mailed to the author before sunset. That’s the plan, anyway.”
“So my strategy to let you work most of the day without interruption was a success?”
“I guess it was.”
“Are you planning on working all night?” Jo rolled onto her side.
Ginny shifted her gaze sideways, looking down at Jo. “I’ve been contemplating whether I should stop. Why?”
Jo rolled back over so she could face the ceiling. “No reason.”
Ginny resumed entering edits into the electronic copy of the manuscript.
Jo sat up just enough to reach for her tea and then pressed it to her lips. “It’s so smooth.” The mug fell from her hand and onto the bed. “Darn, I spilled it.” She gave Ginny a wicked smile.
Ginny hit the save button before setting her laptop on a nearby stand. She grabbed a towel from the master bathroom and ran to Jo’s side of the bed. “Are you okay? Did it burn you?” She pressed the towel against a wet spot on Jo’s shirt.
“Not at all. It’s just a little splatter.” Jo stood and lifted the shirt over her head. “I better hang this to dry.”
When she saw a full frontal of Jo’s naked chest, Ginny whirled around. “Ah, let me get a dry shirt for you.”
Jo grabbed her shoulder. “That won’t be necessary.”
She turned to face Jo, the top of her head barely reaching the point of Jo’s chin. “It won’t?” She allowed Jo to take her hand and rest it on her bare chest. The skin was warm from the liquid, but also a tad sticky. The smell of spearmint tea with a touch of honey mixed well with the soapy scent of her skin.
“If you don’t mind, I thought we could both use a little time off from work tonight.” Jo lowered her onto the bed and climbed on top of her. “You know what they say about all work and no play. Maybe we should indulge in a little playtime?”
Ginny opened her eyes wide. “We can do that.” She tucked her hands behind Jo’s neck, and the strands of her reddish-brown hair stretched between her fingers. She pulled Jo down toward her lips.
Their kiss quickly escalated from tentatively curious to intensely passionate. Ginny cupped Jo’s breast in her free hand until Jo sat up for air. Her eyes were now like a dark storm of swirling blues, her hair dangling down from her shoulders, draping itself along Ginny’s shirt.
Jo’s body arched like a stretching cat as she bent to reach Ginny’s navel.
Ginny gasped. “My you’re flexible.”
She tugged at the bottom of Ginny’s shirt with her teeth. Biting the edge of the fabric, she raised it up slowly, first past her belly button, then past her breasts.
Ginny yanked her shirt up and over her head. Stray strands of hair tickled her exposed skin until Jo’s body pressed into hers, the sticky sweetness from the honey bonding against her skin. She moaned.
Their kissing advanced in another feverish round of exhilaration. They seized each other’s lips until the mini bouts of dominance shifted from one to the other. They were both breathing heavy.
Ginny clutched a handful of Jo’s tousled hair. She pulled Jo’s head back, exposing more of the delicate skin on her neck before leaning in to lick and suck. She reached into Jo’s panties in an attempt to slide her fingers against her clit before realizing their bodies were pressed too firmly together for her to gain access. She shoved Jo onto her side as the stickiness between their bodies gently peeled apart. The unique sensation made her shiver. This time she easily reached Jo’s clit. She massaged the sensitive skin with the pads of her fingers until she sank a finger inside and hurried her hand in and out, thrusting harder and quicker at Jo’s encouraging moans.
Jo rolled onto her back and then spread her long legs across the bed. She reached up to caress Ginny’s hair with her fingers. Her hot breath tickled Ginny’s ear as she whispered inaudibly.
Ginny shifted so her mouth hovered over Jo’s. As she quickened her pace, Jo’s hips crashed into her hand. Her body was strong. Unrelenting.
Ginny leaned in to give Jo a firm kiss on the lips before making her way down her body with her tongue, the taste of the spilled tea still potent on Jo’s sweet skin.
“I didn’t peg you for being the take-charge type,” Jo said.
When Ginny sucked hard on her nipple, Jo arched her back, stretching her arms up and over her head until she grasped on to the headboard.
Ginny dropped her head down the length of Jo’s body, tracing her tongue along the defined crevices of her abs. When she reached her navel, she used the stiff tip of her tongue to draw a circle around its shallow recess before gently dipping in once and then back out.
Jo’s chest heaved. She pulled at the edge of the headboard with the tips of her fingers.
Ginny shifted so that her mouth joined her hand at the center of Jo’s body. She used as much of her mouth as she could against Jo’s labia, taking careful aim at her clit when she flicked the swollen flesh with the tip of her tongue. When Jo’s hips would rise off the bed, Ginny grasped them and pulled her back down to where her mouth could easily reach.
Jo pressed her feet into Ginny’s sides, her toes curled, gently pinching her skin. “Oh,” she whispered.
Ginny slid her hands along the length of Jo’s body, as far as she could reach. Jo’s definition and responsiveness were so damn sexy.
Jo’s body swayed beneath Ginny’s tongue as she continued to hang on to the headboard. Her breathing grew heavier.
When her feet, still clenching Ginny’s sides, rocked her body faster and with more vigor against Ginny’s thickened tongue, Ginny knew Jo’s climax was coming. She held on tighter, refusing to lose her position.
Jo dug her feet harder into Ginny’s sides and then stopped rocking.
When Ginny looked up, Jo’s chest was heaving in delight. Proud of herself, Ginny gently drew her lips across the warm, soaked skin until Jo constricted against them.<
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“Fucking incredible.” Jo recovered quickly and pulled Ginny up her body. After urging Ginny onto her back, she kissed her. “Now it’s my turn.” Jo’s hand rose up and down with rhythmic caresses, her fingers pressed against her clit.
Ginny held her breath, focusing on what Jo was doing to her. “Yes,” she whispered, allowing the single word to finally escape.
“Yes, please make noise,” Jo said under muffled speech. “Tell me what you want me to do to you.”
Ginny moaned and gripped the sheets that wrinkled beneath her twisting body. “I want you to make me orgasm.”
“How do you want me to make you orgasm?”
“Fingers,” she said faintly. “And tongue.”
Jo crawled down between her legs and used her thumb and index finger to gently part the folds of skin covering her clit. “There she is,” she said and pressed the tip of her tongue into the flesh.
“Yes,” she urged Jo on. “Go inside.”
Jo gently sucked the skin surrounding Ginny’s clit as she slid a finger inside her.
Ginny bent her legs to expose more of her center to Jo. She grasped her knees and used her arms to gently press her thighs down and deeper into the sheets. “Faster.”
Jo quickened her pace, now licking the length of the labia.
Ginny’s hand shot up to her mouth, and she bit her knuckle. She started to sway against Jo’s tongue, feeling the gentle pressure of Jo’s long finger sliding in and out of her. Her swaying became more intense, and the pressure of her orgasm started to explode. “Yes,” she cried out. “Yes.”
Jo knew exactly how to touch her. Her orgasm came quickly and with such intensity. She grabbed on to the back of Jo’s head to hold her still as she relished the aftershocks. “Well, that happened much quicker than I had anticipated,” she said after she caught her breath.
