I Cherish Your Heart

by C. M. King

  “Let me know if you need a hand, I’m happy to oblige.” Elijah couldn’t have smiled wider as Joel instantly stiffened at his words.

  Elijah was just teasing him, but I also knew he would pounce on him in a minute. Which always made Joel slightly hesitant and judging by the look in Elijah’s eyes, I wasn’t surprised.

  “Now Izzy, get over here and tell me how much you love me for giving you the best home ever.”

  I rolled my eyes at his lack of modesty, but he had done an amazing job. Joel kissed me quickly heading off to the kitchen to make the drinks.

  “So do you love it, or really love it?”

  He certainly loved praise, and this time I would give him his wish. “I loved it, what you did was beyond amazing. You’re such a great friend.”

  He grinned in approval of my words. “Well I had to give my favourite girl the best home possible.”

  “And you did,” I said without hesitation. “You gave me the best gift ever.” My eyes started to fill up, and I smiled watching his follow suit.

  “Iz, I thought I’d lost you, so I wanted to make this place special, for you and Joel to finally have the home of your dreams, to give you your HEA, you more than deserve it, sweetie.” His arms enveloped me into a hug. We were perfectly matched when it came to being overly emotional.

  Joel subtly coughed entering with the tray full of coffees. “Did I miss something? Oh you’re not watching The Notebook again.” He looked over to see the television was blank, then turned to us his face even blanker.

  “Joel, I’m just having a moment with my girl.”

  Joel raised his eyebrows in reference to the pet name. I shook my head, this was a sweet moment that shouldn’t be ruined by a moment of jealousy. He let out an annoyed sigh and distributed the mugs. I patted the seat beside me, and he sat down. I immediately grabbed his hand, stroking it tentatively, feeling him relax with every caress.

  Elijah slowly wiped his tears before composing himself. “Sorry about that, you know me, I can kind of get a little emotional.”

  Joel choked on his coffee, stifling a laugh.

  That was an understatement.

  I rubbed small circles along his back. “Did it go down the wrong way?” I asked in pretence, already knowing my answer.

  “You could say that,” Joel mumbled, quickly recovering.

  We all knew Elijah was an overly emotional drama queen who definitely wore his heart on his sleeve.

  Elijah oblivious to our looks grabbed a biscuit from the plate, quickly depositing in his mouth as his eyes scanned the room. “Well now I’ve finished with your interior vision, I need to create my own. Do you fancy coming shopping tomorrow?”

  My eyes widened in alarm, what a day spent with him eye rolling, dismissing every single thing I suggested. “Errr.”

  “Sorry Elijah, I have something planned for tomorrow.” Joel quickly cut in, saving the day.

  Hallelujah.

  “Sorry, Elijah.” I pouted. “But we all know you have a creative vision, I don’t want to get in the way. I think it’s best you go on your own and then you won’t have anyone stifling your flow.”

  Joel let out a snort. I quickly elbowed him while Elijah looked on in serious contemplation. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  Modest as always.

  “Hey Iz, we get the keys next week. Can you believe it I’m moving in with a boy, in my first flat? He grabbed me and hugged me hard as we squealed together.

  Joel somewhere along the line left the room. I think it was in case he was asked to join in, but I knew how much this meant to Elijah. So for that reason alone I was happy to reciprocate.

  “So once we get it decorated, we’re holding a huge housewarming party. I’ll need my girl there on the night.” He grinned and grabbed my hand, squeezing it tight.

  “Of course, it will be the party of the year.”

  His eyes widened in delight. “Well that’s a certainty.”

  Like I said modest.

  “You’ll have to help me organise.”

  Oh god. Where the hell was Joel? I needed a new back up plan, pronto!

  I pulled on a pretend smile, desperately trying to hide the grimace that was itching to break out. “Yeah, okay, I can lend a hand I guess.” He failed to notice the lack of enthusiasm in my voice.

  His face spread out into a grin. “I know what I want the theme to be.”

  My eyes widened, waiting as he did his usual dramatic pause. “Yes, go on . . .”

  “Everyone should come as a musical character.”

  My face instantly lit up. I was expecting something far racier, which involved less to little clothing. This I could enjoy. Not that Joel wouldn’t enjoy the first option. I just didn’t relish the thought of holding him back, the moment he noticed eyes pointing in my direction. “Oh that’s a good one, which one are you going to be?”

  “Sweetie, I can’t divulge that, you’ll see at the party, but just so you know I’m making your outfit.”

  “Ooh what is it?” I asked with intrigue, but by the wicked glint in his eye, I could tell it was beyond useless asking. “As if I’m telling you that, but I need to get your measurements as it’s got to be an exact fit, it will be very snug.” He winked as I blushed.

  “Please tell me I’m not going to look like a prostitute.”

  “Oh sweetie, have a little faith, you are going to look so sexy without barely showing any skin.”

  Now I really needed to know.

  I silently pleaded with my eyes, hoping it would have some effect in swaying his decision.

  He grinned in response. It was useless to try to play the master of all persuasion. “My lips are sealed sweetie, but let’s just say, you will totally rock this look.”

  I pursed my lips in annoyance; I hated surprises and he knew that.

  He shot me a look of unease, probably sensing I would try to drag the information out of him. “I suppose I’d better go, I’m meeting Sam soon, give the sex god a kiss from me,” he teased, instantly changing the conversation, swallowing me in a hug. “Good to see you smiling, Iz.”

  “Well you know Joel makes me smile a lot.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “I bet he does, I’m sure he’ll be making you smile once I leave.”

  My eyes lifted towards the stairs and a flurry of inappropriate thoughts crossed my mind. He was no doubt waiting ready to pounce, and I would only be too willing to be his victim.

  “Quite possibly.” I grinned.

  I hoped so.

  “Well you’d best not keep him waiting, oh and get Joel to take those measurements. I’m sure he’ll more than enjoy himself doing so.”

  He probably would. I quickly kissed Elijah, seeing him out the door, eager to get back to Joel. Moments later I was propped against the bedroom doorframe, admiring the view of Joel doing his usual sit ups. I was practically drooling watching him in just his shorts working out in front of me.

  “Are you just going to stand there perving at me?” he asked, without even looking.

  God, my stalking skills sucked, I wonder what gave me away?

  “I can hear you breathing, Iz, you’re panting at the sight of me,” he said smugly.

  It was true, I couldn’t help myself, watching his back and biceps flex with each movement he made.

  “Come over and make yourself useful, sit on my legs.”

  He didn’t have to ask me twice.

  I manoeuvred myself so I was straddling his thighs, pinning him down, while I got an amazing upfront view. My breath hitched each time his lips came tantalisingly close to mine. He grinned in delight. He could tell he was undoing me, the desire on my face plain to see. I wanted him now. I curled my fists in frustration to stop myself from touching him. I was almost on the brink of combustion, then Joel grabbed me and slammed his lips against mine. I automatically welcomed the intrusion, feeling his tongue invade my mouth. My fingers entwined in his hair as my chest pressed up against Joel’s slick skin, and I smiled, feeling his arms c
urled tight around me.

  “Was I turning you on with my little display, baby?” He grinned and I blushed, there was no denying it. He had this overwhelming power over me.

  “You know I like to watch you in action, makes me so hot watching you work that sexy body of yours.”

  I could literally watch him all day.

  “Why don’t we both do a workout together?” he cheekily suggested.

  I bit my lip in excitement. “What kind of workout?”

  Like I really needed to ask.

  “One that involves us both getting very hot and sweaty.”

  “Whatever do you have in mind?” I inquired innocently.

  He flipped me over onto my back and pinned me against the floor, holding my hands above my head as his lips gently teased mine. “Well, I think I’d rather show than tell you.” Joel’s eyes were now blazing with lust, sending a rush of heat through my body, and I shivered at his reply.

  No other words were needed.

  Chapter 16 – Ice Ice Baby

  “Left a bit, no right, no left! Watch my walls, Joel. I mean it! If you scrape anything along those walls, I’ll be raging. It took me so long to have the right shades mixed together, it’s not something I could pick off the shelf,” Elijah barked, flouncing around the room, watching everyone like a hawk.

  Joel’s eyes flashed to mine. I could see the intensity there as he held back his anger, struggling to carry the huge, leather brown sofa into Elijah and Sam’s new home.

  It was probably one of the hottest days of the year so far. Joel had been working non-stop, shifting and carrying furniture, looking like he was about to snap. Elijah was oblivious, lost in his own little world of perfection, as he barked orders in a less than friendly manner.

  I grimaced returning to my ordered job, unpacking the plates and mugs. I quickly loaded up the cupboards and after an hour, everything was finished. Every box stood empty, with every cupboard full. All the utensils were in the perfect order, so I felt safe I’d done a good enough job to pass Elijah’s strict inspection.

  Walking outside in search of the cool breeze to escape the stifling confines of the flat, I found Joel sat perched on the wall. His T-shirt lay crumpled beside him, and he was panting softly, enjoying his first break of the last three hours. A smile touched my lips, my eyes greedily feasting over the hot, slick skin. I seriously couldn’t get enough of him. Watching in wonder when the breeze lifted his hair slightly, his lips slightly parted as his eyes remained shut. I gasped when he lifted the bottle, tipping the entire contents over his head, watching in delight the cool trickles that fell down his hard, muscular body.

  “Holy shit, Iz, that is one amazing view,” Elijah whispered, making me jump slightly. He stood panting softly beside me in the doorway, both of us staring in wonder at the breathtaking vision before me.

  I couldn’t help but silently agree nodding my head, unable to find the words to reply.

  God, he was perfect.

  “Elijah, what are you doing . . .” Sam’s voice trailed off the moment his eyes rested on Joel, his chest now glistening against the sun’s rays.

  “To think the fun we could have if he’d just admit his true feelings.” Elijah grunted when I elbowed him hard in the stomach.

  “Back off, there’s only one person he’s interested in and their name doesn’t begin with E.”

  Elijah grabbed me teasingly, pulling me in so his mouth was resting against my ear. “You lucky bitch,” he scoffed. I turned to find his eyes still intently taking in every inch of Joel. “You know he’s still top of our fantasy threesome.” He grinned at my look of annoyance.

  “Elijah,” I warned. Not wishing to discuss the matter again. We’d already been over this several times before.

  “You can’t control the amazing images that go on inside here.” He tapped his head grinning even harder, and I knew this was another image he’d be storing up for future use.

  My eyes widened in horror when Elijah and Sam chuckled together, both as bad as each other. Before Sam dragged him back inside sensing I was a woman on the edge.

  I turned to face Joel, noticing he hadn’t moved, he was almost statue like enjoying the mid-day sun. I walked over no longer able to keep my hands off him a moment longer.

  His breath hitched when my fingers slowly trailed up the slick skin eventually resting in his hair. He gasped, feeling them weave their way into the soft, silk strands. I lightly scratched his scalp, hearing his groans of pleasure, only imagining every part of him was aching right now.

  “What do you say when we get back home I give you a good rub down, relieve you of all these aches and pains?” I asked teasingly.

  Joel’s smile immediately widened. “I’d say I’m more than ready to leave now.”

  I chuckled against his lips. I didn’t think he’d need much persuasion, plus I was looking forward to distressing all the knots that had formed throughout his gruelling session. “We should slip away quietly before we’re asked to help out again.”

  I’d barely got the words out when Joel instantly grabbed me, lifting me clear off the ground. He quickly snatched up his T-shirt, hastily making a quick exit before Elijah had chance to notice our disappearance.

  * * *

  “How is that, baby?” I purred in Joel’s ear as my fingers kneaded and worked his tense muscular shoulders. His hot oiled skin felt good against my fingers, undoing all the stress of the last few hours. Joel had only helped move Elijah out of an obligation to me. So I more than had to make up for the fact he had been tortured on his day off.

  “Perfect.” He let out a soft moan that made me smile. “Yeah, just there, Iz, just right there.” I concentrated on the area, feeling his body slowly de-stress with my every touch.

  I moved lower covering his whole back, enjoying every groan that left those perfect lips. My eyes lifted to look at the drink sat beside us. I quickly climbed off from straddling him, taking a welcoming sip. Despite the fact both of us were stripped down to our underwear, the heat was becoming unbearable. I dipped my fingers into the drink, lifting out an ice cube between my fingers. I smiled walking towards Joel, about to unleash a new wave of delicious torture.

  He gasped when the ice left a cool glistening trail down the length of his back. I could tell he was enjoying it by the smile that crossed his face. “Izzy,” he breathed.

  I continued gliding it along his skin, but what I didn’t expect was less than two seconds later to be flat on my back with Joel peering down with a devilish glint in his eye.

  “I think it’s my turn now.” His reply sent chills through me, before the ice had practically touched my skin. “But first I think you’re wearing too many clothes.” He instantly pulled me up, and his fingers deftly undone my bra, tossing it onto the ground, with my knickers following moments later.

  I lay stripped bare as Joel’s eyes rang along every inch of me. My breath hitched when he moved near.

  “I’m going to enjoy this,” he teased and by the look on his face, I knew he definitely would.

  I closed my eyes enjoying the sensation of the ice as it teased and tortured my body. My breath hitched when it started to trail even farther down my body, gasping when it ran over the sensitive part of me where I needed it the most.

  “Do you like that, baby?” he asked, his tone filled with amusement.

  No reply was needed.

  I bit my lip, scrunching my eyes, feeling him slowly undo me with every movement. When the ice slipped inside I gasped in surprise. “Joel.”

  He carried on relentlessly, and my eyes widened before closing again, feeling myself buck against the ice, my body more than enjoying the sweet torture. Joel’s thumb grazed against my clit, rubbing sweet delicious circles, only heightening my pleasure until I eventually exploded, shouting out his name.

  Several moments later I popped open an eye, fighting to bring back the breath to my body while Joel sat back kneeling between my legs, crunching on the ice.

  My eyes were transfixed,
watching as he devoured every piece as his eyes blazed telling me he was more than ready for more. As quick as a flash he had me pinned down, holding my arms above my head. His cool tongue entered my mouth, and I groaned in delight, feeling him slowly tease my entrance. I needed him right now. “Joel . . .” I whined, barely able to get the words out.

  “You want me, baby?”

  Like he had to ask.

  My eyes pleaded with him and within moments my request was answered, he was now buried deep inside me. “Oh fuck, Iz.”

  The sensation was breathtaking. I lost myself with each thrust. My nails bit into his back as he went faster. Clinging on for dear life as he took me ever nearer that moment of euphoria. He was panting hard, and I knew he was close. His hand gave me the extra friction I needed, and my eyes rolled back, shouting his name before he quickly followed suit.

  “Are you okay, baby?” he asked between pants.

  I was more than okay, I was freaking amazing. I giggled unable to hold it back a moment longer.

  “What?” Joel asked, his eyes watching me closely.

  “I don’t think I’ll be able to have another drink again without blushing.”

  His nose gently teased mine, his eyes alight with humour.

  “Well we’d better stock up on ice, ’cause I intend to have many repeat performances.”

  Chapter 17 – Cat Fight

  Where are you?

  A smile tugged on my lips reading Joel’s text, he was going to flip out when he saw my outfit. I stood gazing in the mirror, my mind totally blown away by Elijah’s efforts. My fingers smoothed down the mock fur, admiring the cat like reflection staring back. I was a black and white feline from the musical Cats. Elijah knew I had a major addiction having seen it five times before. I squealed the moment he revealed it, and he grinned getting the reaction he had expected. He twirled me around as I thanked him over and over. We both laughed so hard we had fallen into a heap, laughing until it physically hurt. Elijah helped me into the costume once all the food and drink was laid out. Everything looked perfect, but then again this was Elijah so I’d expect nothing less.