by T L Osborn
James xx
Smiling to myself, I pick them up and take a sniff; they smell amazing. Lifting up my phone, I take a snapshot and send it to him.
Me: Thank you for the flowers. I’ll see you tomorrow.
James: You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to it.
He’s made me feel like a giddy school girl with a crush and as I spin around, I find myself adding the story of a flower delivery into the book.
Chapter Ten
James
As per Riley’s request, I tug on my best pair of dark jeans, a black shirt and my black with purple accent tie. Straightening it up in the mirror, I stand looking at myself. I look good. Except for my hair, the curls at the sides are wavy and annoying. They’re the one thing I dislike about myself. Grabbing some gel, I smooth down the sides and put a bit on the top to make it look great.
There, that’s better. Now I look photo worthy.
I still can’t believe I’m doing this, and that she wants me on the cover.
Taking a photo on my cell phone, I send it through to Riley, and I’m surprised to get a response almost immediately.
Riley: Looking good, handsome, but I want that shirt unbuttoned.
I smile at my phone.
She just wants the chance to perv at my abs.
I begin to loosen the tie when I’m interrupted by a knock on the door. Glancing at my watch, she’s here early. Shooting myself a grin in the mirror, I think, she obviously couldn’t wait. Smiling, I head to the front door and open it. Only it’s not Riley standing there, it’s my mother. I immediately feel the smile drain from my face, not because I don’t want to see my mum, but because I was expecting to see Riley.
“Hi, Mum. What are you doing here?”
“I was in town at a luncheon and thought I’d pop by and see you. I haven’t seen you in a while.”
Waving my hand down my body. “As you can see…perfectly fine.”
“Are you in a hurry?”
“Actually yes, I have a date arriving soon.”
Date? I shouldn’t have described it like that. We’re not dating, or are we?
“You have a date?” my mother asks. Her eyes bulge with some kind of hope that I’ve called one of the many women she’s suggested over the years. Opening my mouth to answer, the elevator doors ding opposite my front door, indicating that Riley has arrived. The doors open and sure enough, Riley is standing there with adequate bags to sink a ship.
That’s a lot of camera gear.
She’s huffing and puffing, indicating the equipment is heavy. Her beautiful face is flushed pink. I can’t wait to see that flush caused by me. Her dress is simple, deep purple and appears only to be tied at the waist. Excellent, that makes for easy access later when I can see what she’s wearing beneath it.
“This stuff is heavy,” she huffs as she approaches me.
“This is your date? She looks more like she’s moving in,” my mother says.
Gritting my teeth, I turn to her with a smile. “Mum, may I introduce Riley. Riley, this is my mother, Suzanne, and she’s just leaving.”
“James Nathaniel Billington, I did not raise you to be so rude.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs Billington. Shall I get started inside?” Riley asks.
“Please do, I’ll be in shortly.” She passes by and I inhale a seductive, sweet perfume.
Fuck! I’m the one who’s going to be unhinged tonight. She’s a temptress and doesn’t even know it.
“This one must be serious. You haven’t let a woman in your home in a long time,” my mother says.
“Right now I don’t know what we are and until I do, I’d rather not discuss it.” I know I shouldn’t be so harsh on my mother. However, after she stole company money, then tried to blame it on Aria, I don’t trust her around Riley. I love her, but I don’t trust her. I press the lift button to take her down.
“I wish you boys would look at the women I think are far more suitable for you.”
“Mum, with all due respect, Simon and I are men and we do not need our mother meddling in our love lives. You mean well, I know.”
“Will I see you Sunday for dinner?”
“Yes, Mum, I’ll be there,” I reply as the lift doors close on her.
Riley has set up a background and is taking some practice shots.
“I’m sorry about that, she just showed up at my door.”
“No worries, my parents do that too. It drives my sister and me crazy,” she says as I slide my arms around her waist and pull her against me. “You’re supposed to be on the other side of the camera.”
“Oh, I knew I was doing something wrong.” I chuckle, raining kisses down her neck.
“Get over there, mister. Loosen the tie, unbutton your shirt and then I want your thumbs hooked into the belt loops of your jeans.” I do as instructed, standing in the middle of the background. She takes a few shots, asking me to do a few different things, like move my eyes more to the left or right.
“Now, undo your tie and leave it hanging loose.” Again doing as instructed, she snaps some more shots. “Now remove the shirt.”
I quirk an eyebrow and smirk. “If I’m removing my shirt, then I request you remove the dress.”
“Uh-uh, mister, you’re the model and muse. I’m the photographer.”
“Have you ever been the model?” I ask, removing my shirt and tossing it aside.
She shakes her head. “No.”
“Why not? You and I could make a great team.”
“Ha! I’m not that good looking.”
“Oh, I beg to differ. Set up that camera so it’s on a timer and we’ll get started.”
“I’m not used to being on that side of the camera.” She places the camera on a tripod anyway and sets it up.
I stalk over to her as she turns her back to me to get the camera straight. “Which button is the timer?” I ask, wrapping one arm around her.
“This one,” she says and then I push it.
“Whoops! Looks like I pushed the button and you need to be in these photos.” I drag her backwards and twirl her around. I slide one hand into her hair and the other around her back, then lean down like I’m about to kiss her. The camera clicks. “Does it automatically keep clicking or do we have to start again?” I ask.
“Automatically.”
I grin. “Excellent. Remove the dress, baby and we’ll take some sexy photos.”
Riley
I can’t believe he roped me into being in the photos with him, even going so far as to remove my dress without much protest from me. Probably because our lips were sealed together when he did it.
I’m searching the camera for the photos because I’m not quite finished taking shots of him. Flicking through the images, I pause on one of us. His hand is fisted in my hair, his other hand gripping my thigh up around his hip. Our lips are almost touching. My heart leaps into my throat, leaving me speechless. I look so different, not like myself at all.
“See, I told you we make a great team.” James wraps his arms around me.
“Well, I’m not quite finished with you yet,” I reply, spinning in his arms.
He smirks. “What did you have in mind?”
“I thought we could take some photos on the couch, you lying beneath me, me sitting on top of you. You know, other sexy images.”
“Set up the camera, baby, then come sit on me.” He heads over to the couch and takes a seat. After setting the camera at the right angle, I walk over to him and sit on his lap. Gently, he slides his hands up my thighs. I moan, enjoying the feel of them making my body ache for him. I already know what he can do with his hands and I want more.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Yeah, just the feel of your hands is turning me on,” I reply.
“Well, I think I have a solution to that issue.” He pulls me by my neck, down towards him and crushes his mouth to mine in a passionate kiss. I hear the click of the camera and I don’t care; my inhibitions long gone as a newly awakened
sexual need takes control of me. Something about making out with him and it being caught on camera, is causing my already high blood pressure to spike out of control. My clit throbs, as I move my hips against him and I feel his cock rock-hard inside his pants and all for me.
I pull back. “You know anybody looking in right now would think we’re making a porno.” I laugh. He slides his fingers into the straps of my bra, pulling them off my shoulders.
“Then it’s a good thing I live on the top floor, because the only person I want to see you like this is me.” He tugs my breast from the cup, toying with my hardened nipple before sucking it into his mouth. I groan loudly as the rush of pleasure makes my clit throb and pussy soak. I need some relief from the aching between my legs. He removes my bra, dropping it on the floor, then returning his eager mouth to my breasts, giving them all the attention. He’s gifted with his mouth. I slide my hand between my legs to give myself some relief, but it only makes the feeling worse.
Suddenly, James removes his tie from around his neck, then pulls my wrists around behind my back as he drags his mouth down my neck. He then flips us, so I’m lying on the couch, my hands giving my hips some height. I’m completely helpless, staring into his lust filled eyes.
“What should I do with you?” He kisses down my body, hooking his fingers into my panties. James slides them down my legs, exposing my wet folds. He licks his lips before licking me. My body’s on fire with his mouth as he licks me up and down. Slowly, teasingly, torturing me with his tongue. He stretches me open with one finger, then two, driving me completely wild.
“Please, more…” I beg.
He grins before removing his fingers from inside me and returning with his talented tongue. I groan and I grind against him, finding a rhythm. I feel him dragging his fingers to my forbidden hole, not caring when he gently toys with it. His finger breaches it as he quickens his pace, licking me.
“Fuck!” I cry out, desperate to find my release. Gripping the cushions on the couch, my orgasm rushes over me like a wave of water. My stomach muscles tighten, legs shake, my head tipping back as I come loudly. He doesn’t stop his movements until my orgasm has passed. He then kisses his way up my body, then lifts me so he can remove his tie.
“How was that?” he asks.
“Oh, my fucking God! That was amazing.”
He grins. “You’re welcome.”
“Your turn.” I kneel down in front of him, slide my hands up his jeans, ready to give him the best blowjob he’s ever had when I hear my phone ringing and it’s Courtney’s ringtone. “Hold that thought.”
Grabbing my phone, I answer, “Hey what’s up?”
“Poppy’s sick.”
James
Foiled again in my attempt to finally seduce and sleep with Riley and by the cutest little creature on this earth.
We’re sitting in Riley’s room, she’s cradling Poppy in her arms while she tries to find a veterinarian office that’s open. Poppy whimpers as she looks at me with her gorgeous brown eyes. My heart melts for the poor thing. Riley’s shaking and I slide my arm around her in silent comfort. She listens for a bit, then hangs up her phone.
“What did they say?” I ask.
“I can take her in tonight; they’re open until eight.”
“Let’s go. Get everything she’s going to need and I’ll drive you.”
“You’re coming with me?” she asks.
I nod. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Courtney comes into Riley’s room without knocking and I don’t like it. I feel my body tense, heartbeat quicken and I clench my teeth. Tiffany used to do that to Ashley and I whenever she’d come over; just walked into our bedroom like she owned the place. Until I caught them having sex, I thought it was a friend thing, but now I know better. I glare at Courtney as they hug.
“Call me and let me know what happens.”
“I will,” Riley says.
“Sweetheart, have you got everything Poppy needs?” I ask. She nods and I pick up the crate, carrying her out to the car. I can’t let my jealousy cloud my mind right now. Poppy needs me to take her to the vet to be looked after.
We drive down the road in silence with Riley wiping the tears away from her eyes silently.
I reach over and squeeze her hand. “She’s going to be okay, baby,” I say.
A small whimper from the back seat makes me turn around to glance at Poppy who’s lying on her bed, a sad, sorry look on her face. “It’s okay, sweet girl, we’re almost at the vet.”
Pulling into a parking space, we waste no time getting her inside. The vet is welcoming and allows us to be in the room while they run some blood tests. “She’ll need to stay overnight, we suspect it’s an infection, and if it is, we can start getting antibiotics into her straight away.”
Riley nods slowly and I slide my arm around her waist. “She’s in the best place, baby.”
“I know. I just haven’t had a night away from her like this.”
“Come back to my place and we can lay in bed talking as long as you want,” I say.
A reluctant Riley leaves Poppy behind and as we get into the car, she bursts into tears, cradling her face in her hands.
I pull her close. “Hey, come on… The vet will ring if there’s anything wrong,” I try to reassure her.
“James, what if–”
“Don’t you overthink this. She’s in the best place, getting the best care.”
“I can’t help it, though.”
“I know it’s hard, sweetheart, but you have to be strong for her.”
“Can we go back to your place?” she asks.
“Sure,” I say.
A small smile forms on her lips as I lean in to kiss her forehead.
It’s not much, but I still call it a win.
Chapter Eleven
Riley
I awaken after a restless night, feeling more hungover than tired. Bad dreams of things not ending well with Poppy kept me waking, tossing and turning all night. As I roll over, a pair of arms engulf me, pulling me close and James kisses my forehead, down my nose, then finally my mouth.
“How’d you sleep?” I ask, snuggling against his chest.
“Not great, but then again you were having some pretty bad dreams.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you awake.”
He shrugs. “It’s okay. You seemed to calm whenever I held you close, so I tried to hold you as much as I could. However, you’re a wriggle bum and bed hog.”
“I agree, I’m a bed hog, but you snore.”
“I do not.” He chuckles. “Tell me something?”
“Sure.”
“How did you come to getting Poppy? How did you decide she was the dog?”
“Actually, she chose me. I’d originally gone to the breeder to pick out her brother, but he wasn’t at all interested in me. She came over and played with me and followed me around, so, I changed my mind and chose her instead.”
“Ah, and how long have you had her?”
“She’s almost a year old, but I got her when she was two months old; almost ten months. She’s the sweetest, most loyal animal in the world and I love her to bits.”
“I was expecting something feistier than her, but turns out she’s a big softie.”
“You used all your charm and won her over.”
“What about you? Has my charm worked on you too?” he asks, lightly kissing me.
“Well, if we hadn’t been interrupted last night, we would definitely have had sex.” I smile up at him.
Grinning, he leans down, pressing his lips to mine, kissing me while his hands wander my body.
My phone begins to ring on the nightstand and I pull away from him.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be. Hopefully, it’s the vet.”
Rolling over, I notice an unknown number flashing.
“Hello, Riley speaking.”
“Riley, this is Tracey Evans, the vet you saw last night. I’m just calling to say that Poppy is fine and it was
as we suspected: a colon infection. You can come and collect her when we open at ten. I won’t be here, but another vet will be. She’ll need antibiotics for the next few days, and monitoring for the next twenty-four hours. If she doesn’t improve, you’re to bring her back straight away.”
“Excellent. Oh, that makes me so happy.”
“She’s a gorgeous wee dog who knows I’m talking to you because her tail is wagging wildly. We’ll give her another dose of antibiotics before you come get her, then she’s free to go home.”
“Thank you so much.” I hang up my phone and turn around to James smiling, feeling giddy like a school girl.
“She’s going to be okay. They said it was a colon infection and she needs antibiotics and monitoring for the next twenty-four hours.”
He smiles. “See, what did I tell you?”
“Yeah, I should’ve listened to you. I’m going to have a shower, you’re making the coffee.”
He quirks an eyebrow at me. “You don’t want me to join you?”
I shake my head. “You join me in the shower and we’ll never leave.”
He shrugs. “True, but what a way to spend the morning.”
I disappear, ignoring him, though making sure to remove his shirt, then drop it where he can see me on my way to my destination.
He growls loudly, “Damn it, woman, stop tempting me.”
Seems we’ve fallen into some kind of relationship even without having sex and I’m not going to push it. I was so sure we would’ve had sex last night if we hadn’t been interrupted. For now, I’m going to enjoy whatever this arrangement is between us because damn, his tongue is like magic.
James
Riley has been unable to sit still since she found out we could pick up Poppy and I must say I’m excited to see her too. Watching her last night, being so sick, was horrible.
Mental note: Buy some dog things for my place so Poppy can come stay too.
