“Are you going to get to the good stuff any time soon?” he asked.
Maggie glanced up at him and winked. “Still charting unknown territory.”
“You’ve been with men before.”
“Yeah, but none of them ever let me explore like this. It’s fun with you.” She traced around his belly button with her tongue and paused to grin at him again. The flare of desire in his eyes sent an arrow of heat through her. Like a wave, it rushed over her skin, pulling her nipples tight and tingling its way to her pussy.
She loved him so much.
The words trembled on her lips. Aware that friends who were lovers didn’t cross into this forbidden territory, she bit the words back and concentrated on giving him pleasure. If she couldn’t say the words, at least she could show him and say them in her heart.
“Making love is fun with you too,” Connor said in a husky voice. “Different. Exciting.”
“I excite you?”
“Yeah.” A hiss escaped him when she wriggled her ass against his erection and did a sexy little shimmy.
“You know knowledge is power, right?”
“Yeah?”
“That’s right.” And she lifted up and moved farther down his body. Without taking her gaze off him, she used a finger pad to remove a pearl of pre-come from the head of his cock. Raising her finger to her mouth, she licked it away.
His dark groan sent a thrill through her.
“I could torture you with the things I’m learning about you.”
“Newsflash, babe. You’re torturing me now.”
“Oh, no,” Maggie said. “I haven’t even started with you yet.” She lowered her head and took the head of his cock into her mouth, smiling faintly at his sharp intake of breath. This time she tasted the spicy tang of arousal and was fiercely glad she could do this to him. Taking a little more of him into her mouth, she licked and sucked and used her hands to massage the rest of his shaft. His hips jerked when she pumped his cock. He grew harder inside her mouth, his balls drawing up tightly when she continued to tease him. Her cheeks hollowed as she sucked harder, each wet rasp of her tongue making him shake, his muscles bunch and tense.
She’d done this before, but had never ached to give a man pleasure or play the seductress. Teasing was a double-edged sword, she discovered, because desire, liquid and molten, pulsed through her body to settle at the juncture of her thighs.
“If you keep that up, I’m going to come,” he said in a gruff voice and, lucky for him, he didn’t mention danger, her teeth, or the possibility of accidents.
“Precisely my idea,” she said after pulling away. She reclaimed his cock and licked him with the same attention she gave to a cone of her favorite hokey-pokey ice cream.
“But wouldn’t it be better if I came inside you? Or you could turn around so I could give you pleasure at the same time?”
His suggestion snared her attention. She lifted her head again. “Really?”
“Turn around and back up so I can reach.”
“But you’ll see my butt.”
“I like your ass. Besides, I’ve seen it before. Turn around. Now.”
Somehow, Maggie found herself straddling his body and facing his groin and jutting cock. How did he do that? The minute he spoke in that tone, she seemed to obey automatically.
The wet rasp of his tongue ran the length of her slit, and she froze at the jolt of pleasure. Okay. Maybe this was a good idea. The muscles of her stomach quivered when he repeated the move.
Maggie turned her attention to his cock, but froze when quick flicks of his tongue distracted her.
“Jesus, Maggie. Watch the teeth.”
“Oops, sorry. It’s hard to concentrate when you do that.” Inside her confidence took a beating. She should know better! Maggie waited for him to mention her confession but he didn’t bring up the subject. Relaxing, she sucked him hard and laved the underside in silent apology.
“Do it again and I’ll spank you. If I want a piercing, I’ll have a professional do it.”
Maggie bit back a relieved grin. “Okay.” She ran her tongue down the prominent vein on the underside of his shaft before taking him into her mouth again.
He used his fingers and mouth, each flick and lick of his tongue like a strong intoxicant. Intense bursts of heat swirled through her, and she found it hard to focus under his delicious assault. Her thighs clamped together around his head, and all she could think of was the pleasure.
“Right, that does it,” Connor said. “I don’t feel safe with those teeth of yours.”
“Did I bite you?”
“I bet I have teeth marks,” he muttered, but his eyes glowed with humor.
Her heart started to beat faster. Did that mean he was going to spank her again? She hadn’t meant to bite him. She really hadn’t. But it wasn’t a bad result. It sort of made her want to misbehave whenever she was with him.
Grabbing her hips, he lifted and repositioned her so she faced him again. “Ride me,” he said gruffly.
“But don’t you want me to kiss it better?”
He snorted a laugh. “Minx. Consider yourself on a warning. One spanking sometime this week for endangering my manhood after I specifically told you to take care.”
“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir,” she said, even though her grin said the exact opposite. Maggie lifted up and guided him to her entrance, sinking down slowly until he filled her completely. “Does that feel better?”
“Much. I love the feel of your tight pussy squeezing my cock.”
“How does it feel?” she asked, falling into an easy rhythm. “Describe it for me.”
“Imagine sliding a sword into a scabbard. You feel snug like that but the heat is incredible. I want to go as deep as I can. The drag of the tip of my cock against your inner tissues starts to feel real good. My balls tighten and draw up and I start to feel like I’m going to explode.”
“Do you feel like that now?” she moved a fraction faster, tightening her inner muscles in the way she’d already noticed drove him crazy.
“Yes,” he gritted out.
“Then come,” she said. “Don’t hold back.”
“But what about you?”
“I’m feeling really good, but this isn’t a competition you know. We don’t both have to come at the same time or in the same session.”
“You’re a treasure, Maggie Drummond.”
Maggie’s heart twisted, and she closed her eyes, pretending she wanted to enjoy this and concentrate when inside her heart was breaking. This was as close to heaven as she’d ever come. She loved him, and he thought she was a treasure.
Connor let out a hoarse shout, and she felt the splash of seed deep inside her. She ground down hard, and a shard of pleasure pierced her. Rhythmic pulses shot through her pussy, and she squeezed her eyes shut tight, throwing her head back as climax transported her.
Maggie Drummond was a treasure.
Maybe they could write that on her epitaph.
Maggie picked up the phone at her place with a smile at Connor.
“Back to normal,” he said, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“Are you there?” a harsh feminine voice demanded.
“Susan? What’s wrong?”
“I’ve been trying to get you since Saturday night. Where have you been?”
“I went to visit my father,” Maggie lied. “Problem?”
“Julia’s in hospital. Christina and I went around to her place and found her collapsed on the floor.”
“Is she okay?”
“She’s asking for Connor. Do you know where he is? I haven’t been able to reach him, either.”
“He picked me up…uh…from the airport. He’s here. I’ll get him.”
“Julia’s in hospital,” she murmured, handing him the phone.
“Susan, it’s Connor. What’s wrong with Julia?” He froze, a scowl furrowing his brow. “A baby. Shit. Okay. Maggie and I will come now.” He hung up.
“Did I hear right? A baby?”
> “Yeah, Susan said Julia is asking for me and got really upset.”
Maggie’s mind made the leap. “Is it yours?” she whispered, trying to keep her hurt balled up inside.
Connor took her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. The playfulness of the weekend faded, leaving a stranger. “Julia is like a sister to me. It’s true we’ve spent a lot of time together in the past, but I have never, ever slept with her. Never.”
The hurt seeped away under his intent gaze. Truth shone on his face and in his voice.
“Okay,” Maggie said. “I’m sorry for doubting you.”
“You know what happens to doubters?” Connor asked.
“They get spanked?”
No,” he said. “They get sent to bed with no supper.”
“I’ll lose my beautiful curvy shape.”
Connor grabbed her hand and gave her a swift kiss. “That would be a disaster. We’d better go. It must be fairly serious if they’re keeping Julia in hospital. I’ll drive.”
They walked into the hospital room together to find Susan and Christina already present.
“We’ve been trying to ring you all day,” Christina said.
“Susan said. I’ve been away for the weekend and turned off my phone.”
“Connor?”
“I’m here, babe.” Connor moved closer to the bed and took her hand. Maggie had never seen Julia without her make-up. Her face was pale, and huge purple circles beneath her eyes made her seem very fragile.
Maggie watched them, working to maintain a passive face. She couldn’t let the surge of jealousy choking her inside free, couldn’t let the others see it.
“I lost the baby, Connor. I really wanted this baby.” She started to cry, and Connor dragged her into his arms, holding her and whispering soothing words to her.
Maggie swallowed, figuring Julia would like some time alone. “We’ll be in the canteen grabbing a coffee,” she said softly.
Susan and Christina followed her from the room.
“What do you think that’s about?” Susan asked.
“I don’t know,” Maggie said.
“How could Julia go behind our backs and sleep with Connor?” Christina muttered. “She promised.”
Cripes. “I don’t think this is the time to hash it out now,” Maggie said. “We don’t know what happened. I didn’t even know Julia was pregnant.”
Susan scowled. “I wonder if Connor knew.”
“About our agreement?” Maggie knew he didn’t know a thing about the promises they’d made regarding him.
“That and the baby,” Christina said.
“Discussing it now won’t help,” Maggie said. “It’s more important for Julia to recover. I’ve never seen her look so fragile. I’ve noticed she’s been quieter than normal. She still smiles, but she’s not the same party gal.”
“You don’t think we should worry that Julia has broken her promise? What sort of friend does that make her?” Susan asked, a tart note in her voice.
“Susan!” Maggie stared at her two friends in shock. How would they react if they learned about her and Connor? “Don’t you think she needs our support and understanding right now? Isn’t friendship about forgiving?”
“Friendship is also about trust,” Christina said. “Something you don’t know much about if you’re seeing a married man.”
Maggie jerked, feeling as if the blow were physical rather than verbal. “That’s enough. I know you’re both upset and worried about Julia, but you’re out of line. I don’t think I’ll bother with coffee,” she said, proud of herself for keeping her voice even. “Tell Connor I’ll see him tomorrow at work.”
Maggie stalked away without looking back, her shoulders and neck tense, her hands curled into fists at her side. According to Connor, he and Julia had never slept together. Julia didn’t deserve their bitter words.
She did.
It was true Susan and Christina could be a little judgmental at times. She knew and accepted their flaws because they had so many other good qualities. Susan volunteered at a women’s shelter and worked tirelessly in raising funds for them. The women there loved her, while Christina was enthusiastic and optimistic. She was resourceful, and Maggie knew she’d done free makeovers for some of the women at the shelter. Everyone had a few character faults. She wasn’t exactly Ms. Perfect. Once they realized how meanly they’d behaved, Maggie was sure they’d apologize. Besides, she wasn’t entirely blameless. Maybe she should do what her conscience bid her, both to protect her heart and maintain her friendships.
Walk away from Connor.
Easier said than done. Maggie sighed when she stepped outside into the growing darkness. She heaved another sigh and crossed the road to wait at the bus shelters.
Why was love so bloody difficult?
Chapter Sixteen
“Don’t you think you were a bit rough on Maggie?” Susan asked. “Bottom line, we’re friends. We should support each other.”
“But she’s seeing a married man,” Christina said. “People will get hurt, especially if he has children. Surely Maggie knows that?”
“Yeah, but are we sure Maggie and Connor aren’t together? They’ve both been disappearing a lot during the last month.”
“Greg did tell us to try Connor. Maybe we should ask Greg if he knows what’s going on.”
Susan shook her head. “I’m not asking Greg. I never liked the man when Maggie was going out with him. You ask him.”
Christina laughed and wrinkled her nose. “Ah-ah! Not me. We’re a pair of yellow-livered cowards.”
“Speak for yourself.” Susan tossed her head and sprang toward a vacant table, sliding into the seat seconds before two men.
“Coffee or tea or a cold drink?” Christina asked.
“I feel like a ginger beer.”
“Is there just the two of you?” the man asked. “Would you mind if we shared?” He was tall, dark and had a dimple when he smiled.
Never one to let a chance pass by, Susan returned his smile. “Sure. Grab a seat.”
His blond friend returned and grinned at Susan. “Thanks for sharing with us. It’s busy in here.” He slipped his arm around his friend’s waist as he spoke, and the dimpled cutie leaned into him. Gay. Susan almost groaned out loud. It was true. All the good men were married or gay. Even if she made it through the initial rounds of the Farmer Wants a Wife competition, there was no guarantee the men would meet her expectations. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?” she asked the men.
“Sure.” The man with the dimple ripped open a pack of sugar and stirred it into his coffee, knocking the teaspoon against the edge of the thick white china cup before he put it aside.
“Where do I find a man?”
“You’re asking us?” Blondie’s blue eyes narrowed as if he thought Susan was playing a game at his expense.
Christina arrived in time to hear Susan’s question. “We’re asking everyone,” she said. “Good men are hard to find. You both look happy. Where did you meet?”
“We went to school together,” Blondie said.
“We’re doomed,” Christina said in a dramatic voice. “No hope for us at all.”
“That guy’s checking you out,” Dimples said.
Connor. Susan frowned, wondering if Maggie was right and they were overreacting.
“That’s our friend, Connor,” Christina said, waving. “We’re here to visit one of our other friends.”
Connor strode over to them, ignoring the women who stared after him. Dressed in jeans faded in interesting places and a tight shirt, with dark hair and dazzling blue eyes, the man was a major hottie. It hadn’t gone to his head. Susan had always liked that about Connor.
“Where’s Maggie?” he asked, glancing around the crowded canteen.
“She went home. Said she’d see us all at work tomorrow.”
“I thought she’d want a ride home,” Connor said, frowning. “Julia was upset, and the nurse gave her something to help her sleep. I might go home to
o.” He lifted a hand and turned for the door. “See you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Connor,” Susan said.
“See you tomorrow,” Christina said.
“What’s wrong with him?” Dimples asked. “He looks straight.”
“He’s a friend. We have two other female friends and we all made a pact not to hook up with Connor,” Christina answered.
“Not that Connor has ever shown interest in any of us. He goes for tall blondes.” Susan grinned. “Female tall blondes.”
“Why did you make an agreement like that?” Dimples asked.
Christina fiddled with her bracelets. “Because he offers a male opinion and is always truthful. We didn’t want to spoil that. Besides, we love Connor. The last thing we want is jealousy between us.”
Dimples and Blondie finished their drinks and left to visit Blondie’s brother before visiting hours finished.
“We might as well go home,” Susan said. “There’s no point visiting Julia again if she’s asleep.”
Susan fell into step beside Christina as they walked down the corridor to the elevators. “I keep thinking about what you said about jealousy and Connor. Were we acting like jealous bitches before with Maggie?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. What pisses me off more than anything is secrecy. None of us are talking to each other anymore. It’s felt weird lately, like there are undercurrents.”
“I want to know one way or the other,” Susan said.
“And how are we going to do that if everyone keeps denying it?”
“I think we should follow either Maggie or Connor and see where they go, who they meet. That will tell us what we need to know.”
“And Julia and the baby?” Christina unlocked the car doors and climbed behind the wheel. “Don’t you think that would be a bit underhanded?”
“Let’s eliminate one thing at a time and go from there.”
“Okay,” Christina said, merging with the traffic. “We might be making a big mistake, but at least we’ll learn why everyone is behaving so strangely.”
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