Just a Little Kiss

by Renita Pizzitola

  I laughed then gasped as he pushed my panties to the side and slid his finger over me. I leaned my body into his, and his other hand went back to my stomach, bracing me. “Mason?”

  “Yeah.” He whispered before running his tongue along my neck and nipping at my earlobe.

  “Remember how I said sex shouldn’t happen again?”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “Well, I said shouldn’t…because I freaked out. But I didn’t say wouldn’t. And I think we both know it will. It’s only a matter of when.”

  “And that day doesn’t have to be today. Now quit thinking so much.” He glided his hand over me, and my head lolled back.

  He made thinking impossible—which was his intention I’m sure—but I pulled it together enough to say, “But I want it to be.”

  He slipped his hand from my shorts and turned me around, pressing my back into the counter. “Brain. Body. Regret. Remember? This time, I have enough control for both of us.” He brought his mouth back to mine.

  I gently pushed him back. “My only regret is that stupid text I sent you. I’ve never been good at just sex, and that was my mistake…trying to make this just sex. It won’t ever be that, for me at least, and as long as I remember that, I can handle it.”

  “It’s not to me either, but I still think you’re caught up in the moment again.”

  “I am. I’m caught up in this moment.” I gestured wide with my hands. “The moment we are in. Not what happened a minute ago, or what will happen in the next few minutes. But this, all of it. I’m caught up in you.”

  He wrapped his arm around my neck and pulled me against his chest. His lips brushed the top of my head and he sighed. “Felicity, I’m so fucking lost in you I don’t think I’ll ever find my way out.” With his hands on my ass, he lifted me off the ground, wrapped my legs around his waist and carried me to the bedroom.

  He slid me down his body, setting my feet on the ground. His hands went to my shirt, tugging it over my head, then dropped to my shorts. The button unsnapped with a slight tug, and they fell to the ground.

  I mimicked what he’d done, removing his clothes in the same order. After his shorts dropped, he unfastened my bra then hooked his fingers in my panties, sliding them down my thighs. His gaze devoured my body and when he finally looked into my eyes, I saw nothing but desire that I’m sure was mirrored in my own.

  He urged me back, laying me on the bed, and settled next to me. With my hand in his, he trailed kisses over my wrist and made his way in toward my chest. His lips brushed over my collarbone then dipped down my body. His touch was gentle and sweet, filled with tenderness.

  My fingers glided over the back of his neck and wove into his hair. I twirled a strand then traced a line down his jaw.

  His gaze flicked up, and we made eye contact. It was probably only a matter of seconds but it seemed timeless, like a ton of unspoken words passed in the silent exchange.

  He shifted, bringing us to eye level. With his finger, he outlined my lips then dragged it down my chin. “You know the day after the carnival, when I was sitting in Eddie’s staring at that menu, listening to all these guys talk about shit that made no sense to me, all I could think was ‘What in the hell did I get myself into.’ Then I look up and there you are. The girl I’d spent half the night wondering about. The girl with the sexy waves of hair tumbling over her shoulders. Eyes like I’d never seen. And I knew I was done. I’d gone from Get me out of here to Please tell me she’s single. In fact, as soon as you walked away that’s what I asked Colby.”

  I smiled at him. “So that’s why you two were staring at me.”

  “How could I not stare at you?” He smirked. “I decided to eat every meal there until I found a way to talk to you. No way could I leave this town without at least trying to get to know you. But then came that night. I was seasick as all hell and ready to pack my shit and head home. And I probably would’ve had you not appeared, offering me help and a little bit of hope that this wouldn’t be so bad.” He gently kissed my lips. “But even then, never would I have imagined how much you would change everything. I’d take hours in hot-ass sun, fish guts, seasickness, whatever crap this job throws at me, if it means I’d get to spend this time with you.”

  I cupped his face and smiled. “I’m glad you didn’t pack up and leave. But I’m even more glad you’re here with me now.”

  “Me too.”

  Then I pulled his mouth to mine and kissed him. He shifted his body, aligning it with mine, as I opened the drawer beside the bed and pulled out a condom.

  “We’ll get to that in a second. Something I need to do first.” His mouth drifted down my body and settled between my thighs.

  As soon as he made contact, my body bucked and his arms slid around my legs again, locking me into place. Which seemed to be part of the appeal to him. But there were no complaints from me. It was the sexiest form of slow torture I could imagine.

  His tongue moved over me, first with a few light flicks, then creating small circles. I moaned his name but his movements remained unhurried. I reached down, threading my fingers into his hair and shifted, hoping to force him into the right spot, but Mason wasn’t having it. Instead, he moved around the area as if knowing exactly what I wanted, but refusing to give in.

  Frustrated, I released his hair and grabbed the blanket. My thighs started to tremble, and I held my breath then gasped. My breathing picked up, and I pressed my toes into the bed.

  “Oh, my—” I tensed and tilted my hips toward him and just as the buildup was about to find its breaking point, Mason pulled back.

  He sat back on his knees and grabbed the condom.

  I stared at him in complete disbelief as he put it on. He was seriously choosing this moment to stop?

  “Sorry.” He shrugged then smirked. “But this one’s mine.”

  He yanked a pillow and shoved it under my ass, grabbed my hips and thrust forward.

  My head fell back as he slid into me, and I changed my mind. It had been the perfect moment to stop.

  He pulled my body forward again as he drove into me, and I gasped for air. Everything about this felt so good. Too good. I couldn’t remember how to do anything but live in this very moment. I wanted to drag it out forever. The feel of him. The sounds of breathing. The fire burning me from the inside out.

  “Felicity.”

  I opened my eyes and found Mason watching me. His dark eyes even darker with desire. His bottom lip swollen and red from where he’d pressed his teeth into it. The muscles of his arms and chest, tightly bunched like he also wanted to drag this moment on forever, but it took all his control to do so.

  His voice was gruff and deep, and incredibly sexy. “Say it’s mine.”

  Was it ever. “It’s yours.”

  He leaned forward, slipped his hand behind my neck and brushed his lips over mine. “And what about you?” He pulled back and stared into my eyes.

  I ran my fingers along his cheek and nodded. “I’m yours too.”

  He smirked, sat back and slid his finger down my stomach and between my legs, immediately seeking out the spot I’d been trying to get him to all night, proving that, as suspected, he’d known all along. I would have glared at him and that stupid little smirk if it hadn’t been so freaking sexy on him; if my brain wasn’t already turning to mush.

  I fought the urge to close my eyes and instead kept them focused on Mason. He licked his lips and thrust harder and faster. My body trembled, but I didn’t look away. My brain may have been functioning on the basic level of need, but I still knew what I was doing to him. If he wanted to drive me crazy, I could do the same to him. And something about watching him did just that.

  I slowly let my gaze travel down then focused on where our bodies connected. Not sure how much longer I could bear the torture, I held my breath and watched as he slid in and out of me. But I didn’t have to wait because Mason shifted forward, grabbed the back of my head and slammed his mouth into mine.

  “I love fucking you
,” he mumbled against my mouth. “I could do this all night.”

  “Then do it,” I whispered back.

  His head fell into the crook of my neck and he groaned, like hearing me say those words undid him.

  So I moved my lips to his ear and slowly exhaled. “Fuck me, Mason. All. Night. Long.”

  His skin prickled beneath where my hand rested on his back, then he grabbed my leg, wrapped it around his hips and did just that.

  We were both so worked up it didn’t take long before we were clawing at each other as if we’d never get close enough, gasping, moaning and spiraling headfirst into that wonderful place where every nerve was alive, so attuned, that the brain only registered senses. There were no thoughts. No words. Just touch. Connecting two people in perfect, sensual bliss.

  —

  Eventually, Mason and I had passed out, and though my body should be exhausted, I found myself awake as usual in the middle of the night. But poor Mason wouldn’t get much sleep as it was, so I lay perfectly still, watching the clock. And seconds before the alarm was about to buzz, I reached over him and turned it off.

  He shifted under me and rubbed his eyes. He glanced at his phone and groaned.

  “Sorry, but I hate the sound of that alarm.”

  “You and me both.”

  I started to slide back, but he wrapped his arm around my waist and stopped me.

  “So it’s technically morning for me, but the sun isn’t up yet, which means it’s still night for you. And I believe you had a certain request…”

  With my chin against his chest, I grinned at him. “Aren’t you worried about being late?”

  “I always have time for you.” He kissed my nose.

  I outlined his jawline with my fingertip, loving how Mason always managed to sandwich the sexy between the sweet. He could say the words that sent my heart fluttering around my chest then yank my clothes off and say the words that had me trembling from head to toe.

  “Why are you so perfect?” I asked, tracing his bottom lip.

  He laughed. “I’m far from perfect.”

  “You’re perfect for me.”

  “Then that’s good enough for me.” His hand drifted down my bare skin. “Now do me a favor and lie on your side.”

  He reached into the drawer. There was a rustling as he opened a condom, then he spooned up behind me. He nuzzled into my neck, mapping the curves with his lips, while his hand skimmed up my stomach to my chest.

  Even after our long night together, I couldn’t get enough. Mason was too irresistible, and the way he expertly navigated my body was addicting, always leaving me craving more.

  His fingers grazed over my nipple as his tongue created a path from my ear to my shoulder then back down.

  “Hey, Felicity,” he said, as he slid his leg between my thighs.

  “Hmm?” I wiggled my hips, helping align our bodies.

  He brushed his lips along my shoulder and whispered, “Open your eyes.”

  And when I did, I saw it. He’d situated us perfectly in line with the full-length mirror hanging off my closet door.

  The room was still dark, but my vision had adjusted enough to make out the shadowy lines of our bodies. I watched as his hands moved between my legs, and his fingers slid over me. I raised my leg, allowing him easier access, and became slightly mesmerized by his hand as it glided along my body, triggering heat to pool low in my belly. I watched the way his fingers barely moved yet ignited a million tiny nerves. It was fascinating and completely erotic. My breath shuddered and my eyes finally flicked up, seeking his, but instead of watching his hands as I’d been doing, he’d been tracking my gaze.

  His mouth tugged into a grin, then he licked his bottom lip and pulled my leg over his hip, opening me to him.

  My gaze lowered again as he pushed his way inside. And I sucked in a giant breath then slowly released it as he settled inside me.

  “Now that,” he whispered, “is perfect.”

  Chapter 25

  Felicity

  My phone chimed beside the bed, and I yanked the blanket off my head. After Mason left for work, I’d crashed, exhausted from our long night.

  I stretched, rubbed sleep from my eyes then grabbed my phone. My screen was filled with messages I’d missed from Mason. I smiled as I read the first one.

  Mason: Last night was great. This morning even better.

  Mason: I probably should stop thinking about it though. It feels like middle school all over again. Maybe Colby has a binder I can walk around with.

  I laughed then read on.

  Mason: Your ex keeps staring at me. Or maybe he’s staring at the perma-tent I’m pitching.

  Mason: I really need to stop thinking about you, but it’s hard…

  Mason: See what I did there?

  Mason: Colby’s threatening to throw my phone overboard.

  Mason: Check your email.

  Mason: Have you checked it yet?

  Mason: CHECK YOUR EMAIL!

  What in the world could he have sent me that was so important? With a little smile, I opened the app on my phone but didn’t see Mason’s name. The only thing besides junk in my inbox was something from Elise Hayes…which was also Mason’s last name. Was this his aunt Elise?

  I opened the email and read the message.

  Hi Felicity,

  Mason passed along your contact information so I hope you don’t mind the email.

  As I mentioned when you visited, I have a big project coming up along with a few smaller ones that will keep me very busy over the next few months. So busy, in fact, I will be in need of an assistant. Mason has mentioned that you’d like to get more serious about a career in photography, so naturally the first person I thought of was you.

  Now the downside is I would need someone who could work out of my studio, and I know you live a few hours away. Of course, this position will pay—you won’t get rich but it will definitely cover some bills, and I had a few thoughts on other ways to help with the transition. I don’t know if this is something you’d be interested in discussing further, but if it is, I’d love to chat more about this opportunity.

  Hope to hear from you soon!

  Elise

  Oh my God. His aunt wanted to offer me a job? This was like a dream come true, but—and it was a big one—I lived in the wrong town. Did she expect me to move? Is that what she meant by transition? Could I? Getting out of this town had been the plan…My chest tightened as fear and excitement waged a war inside me. This could be it. The thing to finally get me out of this place.

  If I turned down this job without some serious consideration, I’d regret it. But how did I up and move somewhere for a few months? I had some money saved, but not enough to really get me on my feet. I gnawed my lip as questions bombarded my mind. I didn’t have time to answer one before another would slam into my head. The opportunity and possibilities were as thrilling as they were scary.

  My phone chimed in my hands and I jumped then glanced at the screen.

  Mason: Please tell me you’ve checked your email. The suspense is killing me…

  Me: Just did.

  Mason: And?

  Me: It’s amazing. Awesome. I’m speechless…

  Mason: So you’ll consider it, then?

  Me: I’d love to, but I don’t know. The job is three hours away…that’s a long commute.

  Mason: Just talk to Aunt Elise, see what she has to say.

  Me: Okay.

  Mason: Colby is threatening my phone again…and my life. Talk to you later.

  I opened my email and sent a quick reply to Elise, letting her know I’d love to discuss the position more, then I added my phone number. While waiting to hear back from her, I made myself breakfast in an attempt to keep my mind off things. But right as I settled at the table with a bowl of cereal, my phone rang.

  I shot back up, clutching my phone. With a deep breath, I answered the call. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Felicity. It’s Elise.” She sounded winded, and I heard a lo
ud bang. “Sorry. I’m loading some equipment, but saw your message.”

  “Oh, you can call back if you’re busy.”

  “I’m finished.” She exhaled. “Okay. So as you read, I’m wanting to hire an assistant to work with me at shoots, setting up, disassembling, that sort of stuff. And you would assist me with my portfolio, client packages and editing—”

  “That all sounds amazing.” I paced the short length of my living area.

  She chuckled. “Well, let’s hope you still feel that way in a month.”

  “But…I’m not sure about the logistics. Like the whole relocating part.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that. And if you do make the move, this position wouldn’t be temporary. I can’t expect you to move without a guarantee of something with more longevity, right? So if you accept the position, it will be a permanent one. Or at least until you move on to bigger and better things.”

  “Wow. That’s…Thank you.”

  “You have talent, Felicity. And it wasn’t so long ago that I was in the same position as you. I’d love to help someone else out. Someone like you.”

  “I…just…I’m not sure what to say.”

  “Say you’ll think about it. You have time to make a decision. I’m looking for someone who can start the first week of September at the latest, but that gives you a few weeks.”

  “Of course. I’ll definitely think about it.”

  “Oh, and Felicity, I have a friend who works in the art department at the local community college. I don’t know if you’d be interested, but she said it’s not too late to apply for fall enrollment.”

  “Oh. Um, yeah. I guess I could look into that, as well.”

  “Great.” Her tone was enthusiastic as she went on. “She said you could use your hours with me as credit, like an internship. And it’s probably too late to apply for financial aid for fall but you could start the application for the spring semester. But if it’s something you are really interested in, I’d love to help out in any way I could.”

  My head was spinning with this information. She’d put in so much thought already…into my future. Why hadn’t I done this?