“I just washed it off with water!” Edna says, bouncing up and down with the gigantic ring held over her head. “It doesn’t have crumbs on it anymore! Put it on her finger, Bash!”
“Oh my God,” Penny mumbles against my chest, shoulders beginning to shake all over again.
I nod seriously as I scan the smiling crowd, deliberately avoiding Phillip’s gaze. “All right. I guess when the perfect moment presents itself, you just have to go for it.”
“No way.” Penny squirms free of my embrace, laughing as she points a firm finger at my chest. “Don’t you dare, Bash. Don’t you dare propose with the ring that almost choked me to death.”
“But it’s so romantic,” I tease, taking the ring from Edna. “It’s probably got trace amounts of your DNA lodged in the prongs from where it scraped against your throat on the way out.”
“Ew. No! That’s terrible!” Penny laughs harder before pulling in a deep breath and forcing her eyes wide. “I’m serious, Bash. Don’t! This is not the story I want to tell our grandchildren. It’s too embarrassing.”
“She’s right,” Francis says seriously. “It was scary and the sound she made when it came out was gross.”
“Penny couldn’t be gross if she tried,” I say, but I go ahead and tuck the ring into the front pocket of my pants. “But since it’s two against one…”
“Two against two.” Edna takes my hand, smiling up at me as she adds, “And I almost never vote against Francis.”
“Well, thank you.” My fingers curl around her little palm as I nod, touched by her support. “I appreciate that, Edna.”
“You can call me Eddie, all my friends do.”
“All right, Eddie. But I think I’d better listen to Penny. Since she’s the one I want to say yes.”
“I’ll say yes.” Penny threads her fingers through my free hand. The laughter has vanished from her expression and she’s gazing up at me like I’m the only thing she needs in the entire world. “Offer me any ring that hasn’t been down my throat and I’m yours, Snuggle Butt. For life.”
Eddie launches into peals of laughter. “Snuggle Butt!”
Penny’s lips curve, but the shine in her eyes doesn’t dim. She’s still looking at me like she can’t wait to be mine, and God help me, at this moment I think I would like that. I would like to know that these fingers are going to stay twined through mine and that my hands won’t just be the first to touch her since Phillip broke her heart but the last.
But before I can pull her back into my arms and whisper something crazy that I can’t take back, bells tinkle from the direction of the tables behind us and a deep baritone voice announces over the loudspeaker, “Ladies and gentlemen, if you’ll please take your seats, luncheon is served.”
And then Penny and I are being hustled toward the tables by Edna and Francis, who take the liberty of swapping our placards with the two children seated next to them. We end up eating at the children’s table, surrounded by kids moaning about yucky salmon, tweens making fart jokes, and two frail looking teenagers making uncomfortable eyes at each other, but I don’t mind. I’m grateful for the distraction. I clearly need a reminder about the difference between reality and fantasy.
The reality is that Penny is my employee, my friend, and a woman who has no interest in a relationship beyond that. That was the whole point of getting involved with me. She doesn’t want a bunch of emotional baggage; she just wants to be close to someone again.
Physically close.
This is about sex, plain and simple. And suddenly I’m feeling more like a real gigolo than I ever have before.
“You going to eat your roll?” Eddie asks, reaching over to bury her little finger in the golden ball on my bread plate.
“Nope,” I say. “It’s all yours, Ed. Enjoy.” I feel a hand on my thigh and turn to see Penny smiling up at me. She mouths, “Thank you,” and passes her roll from her plate to mine.
But I don’t want her roll. I’m not sure what I want, but it’s not that roll.
Unfortunately, it’s also probably not something Penny is willing to give, which means this has to stop. Penny and I can enjoy the rest of this weekend, fuck each other until we’ve built up some good memories for a few hundred solo flights, and then things will go back to normal. We’ll go back to the city, back to our separate lives, and I’ll eventually forget that, for a day or two, I was pretty sure I was falling in love with my best friend.
CHAPTER THIRTY
As the party winds to a close two hours later, we say our goodbyes to Edna and Francis, thank Anastasia for a lovely time, and wander toward the car.
As soon as we’re safely inside, Penny throws her arms around my neck and squeals, “We did it! Oh my God, it was so perfect, Bash, I can hardly believe it. Phillip bought it hook, line, and sinker. Did you see the way he pouted all the way through lunch?”
“I saw.” I hug her close, ignoring the sad, churning feeling in my gut. There’s no sense in telling Penny about my decision to end the sexual part of our relationship as soon as we leave Long Island, not when she’s happy and celebrating her well-earned victory.
This is what I’m here to deliver, a positive revenge experience for a woman whose old lover did her wrong. I should be celebrating right along with her not wallowing in my own current lover angst.
In an effort to be more festive, I suggest, “Want to head into town, grab a gallon of ice cream, and get crazy with some mint chocolate chip in honor of your success?”
“No.” She eases back into her seat but keeps her arms looped around my neck. The look in her eyes is pure, sexy trouble. “I would rather get crazy with you. I’ve never gotten naked with a hero before.”
“I’m not a hero,” I say, even as I twist the key in the ignition, ready to be back at the cottage, naked with Penny, ten minutes ago. If I’ve only got a few more days, I’m going to make the most of every minute I have alone with her. “There were two doctors there today. If I hadn’t gotten to you first, one of them would have done the honors.”
“Bash, you saved my life.” She twines her fingers through mine as I steer the car up the paved road leading away from the bay. “Maybe that’s not a big deal to you, but it is to me.”
“Of course it’s a big deal. I can’t imagine life without you.” I squeeze her hand. “Actually, that’s a lie. I can imagine it, and I don’t like it. You’re no longer allowed to die. I’m adding that to your contract.”
“Sounds good,” she says with a happy sigh. “We make a good team.”
“The best,” I agree, ignoring the pang in my chest as I add, “You were perfect today. Nailed it and then some. If I didn’t know better, I would think we really were going to be the next couple down the aisle.”
“I know.” Her feet tap happily on the floor as she giggles. “I’m never going to forget the look on Phillip’s face after I said that I loved you. He looked like someone had stolen his balloon and popped it right in front of him.”
And I’m never going to forget the way the lines blurred when you said those three little words.
“And I owe it all to you,” she continues. “Thank you for the best time I’ve had in ages.” Leaning in, she presses a kiss to my cheek before whispering against my skin, “Now get us home fast, Snuggle Butt. I can’t wait to be with you. I’ve been daydreaming about your cock all day.”
Focusing on her sexy words, and the hard-on they inspire, I reach over, sliding her dress high enough for me to get a hand wrapped around her bare thigh. “Your wish is my command, Googly Bear.”
Screw feelings. There will be time for feelings and regrets later, after I’ve had Penny against the wall and on the floor and bent over the back of the couch with her beautiful ass in the air.
I push the speed limit all the way back to the cottage and as soon as I cut the engine, Penny and I are out of the car, racing each other up the steps.
The moment the door closes behind us, we crash into each other, mouths meeting with an urgency worthy of two shipw
reck victims marooned on separate islands. My tongue sweeps between her lips and her fingers claw into my shoulders, and within seconds, I’ve got her panties off and her legs hitched around my waist as I press her back against the wall.
“Yes, now,” she says in a pained, breathless voice. Her hand dips between us, reaching for the close of my pants, brushing against where I’m hard enough to shatter glass. “I need you. Right now. Slow later.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.” I groan as my hand finds the heaven between her legs and my fingers slide through where she’s already weeping for me. “Fuck, Penny. You’re so wet.”
“I told you, I’ve been thinking about this all day.” She drives her fingers into my hair, nails scratching my scalp as she bucks against my hand. “About you and me and how perfect it is. How incredible it feels to have you inside me.” Her breath rushes out across my lips, smelling like the strawberries and champagne she had for dessert, making me ache for another taste of her. “Please, Bash, I—”
Her words become a moan as I cover her mouth with mine and slide my tongue back between her lips. She’s so sweet, the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted and it has nothing to do with what she had for dessert. It’s all her, all Penny, and with every kiss, I’m getting more addicted to her taste, her touch, and the way she fits against me with such fucking perfection.
But I’ve only got a few more days to get my fix and I don’t intend to rush a single minute of it.
I’m going to fuck her against this wall, but first, I’m going to have her with my mouth, until the evidence of how much she wants me is dripping down my chin and I can’t think about anything but how good it is to know I’m about to be buried balls deep in her tight little pussy.
“Arms up,” I order as I set her back on her feet and reach for the bottom of her dress. “I need to see what’s mine.” She obeys, proving she is mine, at least for tonight, and with a few swift movements I’ve disposed of her dress and the white strapless bra cradling her breasts.
“That’s better. These should never be covered up when we’re together.” My teeth dig into my bottom lip as I cup her breasts in my hands, teasing my thumbs across her already erect nipples, cock jerking as her breath shudders out. “Now spread your legs and lean back.”
“But Bash, I—”
“Not today, buttercup.” I move one thumb to cover her lips even as I intensify the pressure on the nipple still trapped between my fingers. “Today, I’m in control and you’re going to do what I tell you to do. And in exchange, I’m going to make you come until you can’t remember your own name. Can you get on board with that?”
Her eyes hooded with desire, Penny nods as her tongue slips out to lave the pad of my thumb, making my jaw clench. I slip my thumb between her lips and she sucks me deep, her tongue working against my skin, mimicking the way it rolled against my cock yesterday in the shower. My dick swells with approval.
She’s so insanely sexy, so ripe and ready for pleasure, and I can’t wait to give her everything she’s silently asking for.
“All right then, sweetheart.” I pull my thumb from between her lips. “Then lean back and spread those pretty legs.”
I step away, working the buttons on my shirt as she braces her hands on the wall and shifts her weight, sending her breasts tilting up toward me. Wearing nothing but those red heels and a fuck-me expression, she’s stunning.
And this is exactly what I needed, to take back control, to remember I’m not at the mercy of anyone or anything unless I allow myself to be.
I’ve spent the past two years with my heart stashed in a bulletproof case beneath my bed. I’m a Sex Without Feelings professional. I have a terminal degree in Casual Fucking, and from now on I’m going to make sure things stay casual.
Casual, but still hot as hell.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
“Wider.” I strip off my shirt, nodding my approval as Penny spreads her legs wide enough for me to see a hint of glistening pink between them. “Perfect. You’re fucking beautiful.”
My gaze sweeps up and down, from her kiss-swollen lips to her cherry-colored toes, as I do my best to commit this moment to memory. I want to remember the way she looks right now, with every inch of her on display just for me.
“Now I want you to make me a promise,” I move closer, bracing my palms on the wall on either side of her face.
“Anything,” she whispers, the word sending a jolt of electricity straight to my cock, confirming that it was in the best interest of my self-control to leave my pants on.
I reach down, taking her hands in mine and bringing them to her breasts. “I want you to touch yourself. Play with these beautiful tits while you rock against my face, but don’t let yourself come until I give you permission.”
“All right.” She cups her breasts, the sight of her fingers lightly squeezing her nipples enough to make my dick strain the close of my fly.
“Good girl.” I run my hands down the curve of her waist to squeeze her hips as I lean in for one last kiss. I fuck her mouth with my tongue, owning every inch of her sweet heat, silently promising that I’m going to do the same to her pussy.
I wait until her breath is coming fast and a soft whimper vibrates against my lips before I abandon her mouth for her throat, biting and laving at the elegant column of her neck. I kiss a path between her breasts, pausing to flick my tongue across her nipples, where her fingers are still obediently rolling and plucking, before moving lower. I circle the hollow of her navel with my tongue, nip the soft curve of her belly beneath, and then pause with my mouth hovering above the thatch of dark curls between her legs.
I open my mouth, warming her with my breath as I inhale the scent of her arousal. Today she has a light, sweetly pungent scent that reminds me of a sake factory I visited in Japan. Like fermenting fruit and sour apples and cool, clear water drying on wooden spoons. For a moment, I think that I would like a coffee table book filled with nothing but descriptions of the way Penny’s pussy smelled on any given day but push the thought aside before it can escape my lips. This isn’t the time for teasing or jokes. Teasing and jokes lead to laughing and feeling things, and right now, I just want to fuck.
Turning my head, I trace the seam of her thigh with my nose, my eyes closed as I memorize her scent. She smells like something new, yet ancient, something so mysterious I’m not sure I’ll ever understand it, yet so simple I feel like I’ve known it my entire life.
Like I’ve known her my entire life. Or maybe I’ve just been waiting to know her.
So much for fucking without feelings.
My lids open with a sigh, bringing me face to face with a pair of poorly tattooed manatee eyes. Mr. Whiskers. Fucking Mr. Whiskers.
It’s a terrible tattoo, but there’s no reason for her to be ashamed, or to hide her beautiful body and prettier heart because of something like this. This is only skin deep and Penny is so much more than skin.
On impulse I press a kiss to Mr. Whisker’s forehead, then to each of his poorly rendered tusks, moving back and forth until I’ve kissed every inch of ink from top to bottom. I’ve just finished running my tongue along the curdled rose-petal of the manatee’s creepy-looking tail when Penny whispers my name.
I lift my gaze, meeting her shining eyes, my breath catching.
She’s looking at me the way she looked at me this afternoon, but now there isn’t anyone else here to observe. There are no exes to make jealous, no mothers to manipulate, no one to fool or deceive. It’s just her and me and those soft eyes that promise things no one else ever has.
Things like enough and safe and home. And maybe a little piece of forever.
“You’re so beautiful.” I lay my hand on her thigh, covering the tattoo, feeling the steady, urgent pulse of her blood beneath my fingers. “Don’t ever doubt how beautiful you are. Every part, inside and out.”
Her throat works as she swallows. “You make it seem so easy.”
“It is easy. It’s the truth.”
“It fee
ls like the truth,” she whispers, brushing my hair from my forehead with gentle fingers. “When I’m with you.”
“Then you should stay with me.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. But fuck it. I don’t want to stop them. I don’t want to stop this. I want more than a long weekend or a few months of casual sex and if I have my way, by the time Penny and I head home on Saturday, she’ll want the same thing.
And there’s no time like the present to start making my case.
Holding her gaze, I slide my hand between her thighs, urging her legs farther apart as I cup her ass. “You should also put your hands back on your breasts,” I remind her. “I want to watch you touch yourself while I devour every inch of this beautiful pussy.”
“Yes, sir,” she says, making me hum low in my throat.
“I like that.” I press a kiss to her damp curls as her fingers find her nipples. “I like it a lot.”
“And I like tha—oh my God.”
My tongue finds her clit, sending a shudder working through her as I lick and kiss and suck and tease. I make shameless love to her pussy, confessing all my secrets into the warm, wet, sweetness of her body. And it’s about so much more than getting her off—though I do. Twice.
It’s about breaking down walls and letting hearts out of boxes and throwing open curtains and letting the sun shine into all our dark, sad corners. And it’s mind-blowing, bone-melting. It’s been so long that I’d almost forgotten what it’s like to fuck with feelings, forgotten the way they turn something good into something that can save the world.
Or maybe just a man.
By the time I stand, tearing at the close of my pants, I’m thinking of nothing but how much I need to be even closer to her, so close I forget that there was ever a time when she wasn’t mine. I’m so far gone, so desperate to be inside her, that all thoughts of moving this to the bedroom have vanished.
The second my cock is free, I hitch Penny up around my waist and drive inside her, groaning as I push into where she’s molten hot and still pulsing from the second time I made her come on my mouth. And she’s paradise, perfection, everything I’ve ever wanted and everything I’ve been too stupid to want.
1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Nine Page 83
