Circle of Friends Complete Collection

by Susan Mallery

  Okay, so she would boldly climb into his bed...while he was in the bathroom, of course. She didn’t want him to know she was there until it was too late.

  That problem solved, she turned to the next pressing issue—what to wear. She didn’t have any sexy lingerie. While she had a couple of cute sets of summer pj’s, she wasn’t sure they set the right tone. Which left her with one short, pale pink nightgown. It was sleeveless and covered in tiny white flowers and came to the middle of her thigh.

  She undressed, then pulled on the nightie. Next she brushed her hair, then her teeth, then changed into a pair of high-cut bikini panties instead of her regular bikini panties. After that, she ran out of things to do, so she left her bedroom and walked down the hall to the master suite.

  She could hear the shower running in the bathroom so she stepped into the quiet, darkened room and headed directly for the bed.

  Dev had already pulled off the heavy bedspread. The TV in the armoire was tuned to a twenty-four-hour news channel. She found the remote and turned off the TV, then faced the bed.

  It was huge and high and her stomach flipped over as she stood there staring at the vast expanse of mattress. Could she really do this?

  Her courage nearly failed her, but she forced herself to move steadily forward until she could put her hands on the smooth sheets. It was now or never, she thought, wishing she had more experience or was more convinced that Dev really wanted to make love with her.

  Maybe he’d turned down all her offers because he didn’t find her sexy enough. Maybe the pregnancy thing, or the fact that she’d slept with his brother, freaked him out more than he wanted to admit. Maybe that incredible kiss in the car had been about guilt or pity or...

  She’d been so caught up in her worrying, that she hadn’t heard the water turn off or heard Dev get out of the shower and dry off. But he must have because she heard him say her name and when she turned he was standing in the doorway to the bathroom and wearing nothing but a pair of silky-looking boxer shorts.

  His dark eyes gave nothing away and she had no idea what he was thinking. She felt exposed and stupid and near tears as she confessed all.

  “I read a book at the bookstore on how to seduce a man. It said to just get into your bed, naked. I couldn’t do the naked part. It’s really not me, and we don’t know each other that well. So I had to find a nightgown, but I don’t have sexy lingerie and until I got here I hadn’t thought about the fact that you’re probably not doing anything with me because you don’t think of me that way. I’m not like those other women, and I’m pregnant and...”

  She’d run out of words, which could be a first, but she didn’t think that mattered right now. Fear and embarrassment and a sense of vulnerability welled up inside of her until she could only turn and run for the door.

  Except she didn’t get that far. Somehow Dev got from the bathroom doorway to her side before she could move and then she was in his arms and he was kissing her all over her face.

  “It wasn’t that I didn’t want you,” he breathed as he pressed his mouth to her cheeks, her eyelids, her nose and her chin.

  “Then what was it?”

  “Hell if I know.”

  He claimed her lips with a deep, passionate kiss that chased all rational thought from her mind. The fears faded, the questions were no more. She gave herself up to the pressure and the minty taste of his tongue as it circled hers and plunged in deeper.

  As she angled her head to let him claim her, she placed her hands on his shoulders. His skin was warm and smooth. Muscles rippled as she slid her fingers down his back, then up again.

  He cupped her face, as if he felt the need to hold her in place. Had she been willing to break the kiss, she would have told him that she wasn’t going anywhere. Instead she tried to show him with her body by leaning against him and by her kiss. She thrust into his mouth and explored him until she felt herself wanting more.

  Need grew inside. At least she was pretty sure it was need. Her breasts ached and the feel of the cotton gown on her bare breasts was both erotic and uncomfortable. There was a heaviness between her legs. Her thighs trembled and her skin seemed too tight for her body.

  Without warning, Dev stepped away. Before she could protest, he caught her in his arms and carried her the few feet to the bed. There he lowered her onto the cool sheets, then settled next to her, leaning over her as he once again rained kisses on her face.

  She touched him. His shoulders, his arms, then the breadth of his chest. His skin was smooth to her touch, but not soft like her own. He was all hard planes and unyielding strength. He felt different than Jimmy had. Jimmy had been skinny and...well...different.

  She closed her mind to anyone but Dev, then arched her head back on the pillow when he kissed his way along her jaw and down her neck. She wouldn’t have thought that part of her body was especially sensitive, but when his damp kisses trailed to her collarbone, she felt goose bumps on her arms.

  He knelt on the bed, then crossed over her, pulling her with him as he went so somehow she landed on top of him, their bodies pressed together. She looked down at him and saw the bright fire in his eyes. Her muscles clenched instinctively and when she moved, she felt the hardness of his arousal against her body.

  The physical proof of his need gave her courage and excited her. She leaned in for his kiss as he claimed her in another dance of lips and tongues. He moved his hands down her back to her hips, where he silently urged her to straddle him. She parted her legs and shifted so that her center pressed against his erection.

  The contact was shocking, yet delicious. Her insides ached, but not from pain. She wasn’t sure of the cause or how to fix it. Instinctively, she rubbed herself against him, then stopped as tiny bolts of lightning shot through her body.

  “Do that again,” Dev breathed.

  She raised herself and moved her hips back and forth, moving her center the entire, thick length of him. Pleasure poured through her and the need to do more nearly overwhelmed her. But before she could get started, he brought his hands to her breasts and cupped her curves.

  They were covered by nothing more than a thin layer of soft cotton. She could feel his fingers, his thumbs, his palms. His gentle touch made her breath catch. Then he brushed his fingers against her nipples and she gasped.

  It was as if a road of nerves connected her breasts with that place between her legs. As he continued to touch her nipples, circling them, lightly rubbing them, moving back and forth, she felt a distinct tugging deep inside. Muscles tensed and the need to rub herself against him harder and faster nearly overwhelmed her.

  Dev reached for the hem of her nightgown and before she could figure out what he was doing, he swept it over her head. She instinctively reached to cover herself, but he got there first. He shifted her onto her back on the bed, bent over her and took her right nipple in his mouth.

  A moan of pure pleasure started low in her belly and worked its way up. The combination of heat and dampness and the magical way he flicked and swirled and sucked nearly drove her to madness. It took every ounce of control to keep from grabbing his head and holding him in place. He must never stop. If he did—she would die.

  Fortunately he continued to caress her breast with his mouth and tongue. At the same time, he put his hand on her stomach and slowly moved it toward her panties. When he encountered the barrier, he slipped under the fabric, moving until he slipped between her legs.

  Jimmy had touched her there, she thought, remembering the few seconds of rough rubbing before he’d entered her. Dev was different. He went slowly, easing down between swollen flesh, making her anticipate his next move.

  Without thinking, she parted her legs. He continued exploring her, touching everywhere, pressing lightly. It was nice, she thought. Very different from—

  A bolt of pleasure jerked the breath from her body. She had n
ever felt anything like it before and wasn’t sure what—

  It happened again. Dev slipped his fingers inside of her, then brought them back to that one tiny place. He circled it over and over again, moving closer but not touching until she felt she wanted to scream. He had to do that again. She had to know what it felt like if he kept stroking her.

  But instead of continuing, he raised himself on his elbow and smiled at her. “Take off your panties.”

  Five minutes ago, she might have been embarrassed. Now she didn’t care. If a lack of panties meant he’d do that again, she was all for it.

  She pushed off the scrap of fabric, then kicked it away. He stretched out next to her and began to kiss her mouth. As their tongues danced, she felt his fingers return between her legs.

  He went right for that one spot and rubbed it. His fingers moved in an ever-increasing rhythm until she found herself lost in a haze of desire and need. Everything he did felt so good and she never wanted it to stop, yet she felt herself straining for something more. Something that was just out of reach.

  She began to pulse her hips, as if urging him on. She opened her legs wider, then held onto the sheets. He moved faster and faster until her entire body throbbed with need.

  When she didn’t think she could stand it much longer, there was a single moment of stillness, then an unbelievable wave of pleasure swept through her. It was as if every part of her trembled with delight. She couldn’t control herself or her reaction. She wanted to scream. She wanted to be more naked, more exposed, more everything. Her muscles contracted over and over again.

  And still Dev touched her. He moved slower and lighter until the trembling eased and amazing contentment flowed into her.

  He stopped moving, but kept his hand between her legs. She opened her eyes and found him staring down at her.

  “Wow,” she managed, her voice husky and low. “Was that what I think it was?”

  He smiled. “Uh-huh.”

  “You could feel it, too?”

  “I could tell by your breathing and the way your muscles contracted. If I’d been inside of you, I would have felt even more.”

  Inside of her? “How would that have felt for me?”

  “I don’t have a clue.”

  She grinned. “Right. Because you’re the guy.” Her smile faded. “I had no idea it could be like that. If it feels half as good for you when you, well, you know, why on earth would you have resisted for so long?”

  “I was trying to do the right thing.”

  She touched his cheek. “Silly man.”

  “I’ve been called worse.”

  He bent down and kissed her. She’d thought he might protest taking things further and was pleased when he moved close and she felt his arousal against her thigh.

  As she kissed him and rubbed her hands up and down his back, he tugged off his boxers, then knelt between her thighs. She felt him pressing against her. Instinctively she braced herself for the painful stretching, but it never came. She felt a slight pressure as he filled her, which actually felt kind of nice.

  He filled her completely, moving slowly in and out of her. His weight felt comfortable, safe and a little sexy. She was aware of being female and the power contained in that. This was her husband, she thought as a little tingle shot through her. They were making love.

  He began to move faster. Her body clenched around him and she felt the beginning of the same pressure she remembered from before. Was it possible she could climax again? Like this?

  But before she could decide, he stiffened and groaned. She felt him go still.

  Five minutes later, they were under the covers. Neither of them had pulled on clothes, which meant they were naked. She’d never slept naked before. Not that she felt sleepy.

  “I have some questions,” she said as she snuggled close, feeling at one with the universe.

  “Ask anything.”

  “Are you sure? Some of them are personal.”

  He looked at her and smiled. “More personal than what we just did?” he asked, his voice teasing.

  “They’re on the same subject.”

  “I guessed as much. What do you want to know?”

  “How come it didn’t hurt?” she asked. “Last time it was so painful. This time I felt pressure and stretching, but it wasn’t close to the same.”

  Dev stroked her hair. “You weren’t a virgin, which helped. Plus, you were aroused. When you get turned on, your body changes. You get swollen and wet.”

  She’d thought things felt different “down there” but hadn’t had much frame of reference. Knowing the mechanics and having them happen were not the same.

  “It didn’t last much longer,” she said. “But I felt some tingling when you were inside. Could I, um, you know, that way?”

  Dev groaned. “Next time it’ll last longer. It’s been a while for me, okay? Plus, I’ve been fantasizing about this for weeks.”

  She turned toward him, which meant her bare breasts brushed against his arm. The contact was so unexpected, she nearly lost her train of thought. “What are you talking about?”

  “I didn’t last long enough. Guys don’t like to hear that.”

  How stupid. As if he could control those feelings. “Whatever. Could I?”

  “Maybe. With practice.”

  Practice? That sounded yummy.

  His words replayed in her mind. “You’ve been fantasizing about me? Really? Like what?”

  “Like everything.” His dark gaze brightened with fire. “I’ve been thinking about touching you, tasting you. Being together everywhere. The kitchen counter, this bed, the pool.”

  The pool? People did that? She felt both shocked and excited by his words. Who would ever have thought that calm, responsible, mature Devlin Hunter was so sexy?

  “I’m not sure I could get naked in the pool during the day,” she said, ignoring the blush on her cheeks. “But I’m willing to try it at night.”

  He claimed her with a kiss that made her wish he would touch her again. Instead he pulled back.

  “You’re one surprise after the other,” he told her.

  “But in a good way.”

  He rubbed his thumb across her mouth. “In the best way. We’ll do it all, I promise. But not tonight. I don’t want you sore tomorrow.”

  He drew her close again. She put her head on his shoulder and rested her hand on his chest. Sleep was impossible, but she liked being close to him. She liked knowing what they’d done and that he’d wanted her for a long time.

  “I wanted you, too,” she whispered.

  “I’m glad.”

  * * *

  CRISSY NUDGED RACHEL.

  “Is it just me or is that one glowing?”

  Rachel narrowed her gaze as she looked at Noelle. “She is. Worse, she can’t seem to stop smiling. Think she won the lotto?”

  Noelle tried for a serious expression, but she was just too happy. This morning, at her calculus class, several people had commented on her extraordinary mood. She hadn’t told them the cause, but she was happy to share the news with her friends.

  “It’s Dev,” she said, then sighed. “We’re together.”

  Rachel nodded knowingly. “That’s code-speak for getting some.”

  “I haven’t had some in a while,” Crissy said. “I could use some.”

  Noelle grinned. “I would highly recommend it.”

  “Better than the first time?” Rachel asked.

  “Totally different. Dev was fabulous. Patient and sexy and the things he can do.”

  Crissy fanned herself with her hand. “Is it me, or is it getting hot in here?”

  “It’s not you,” Rachel said, sounding grumpy.

  Noelle ignored their teasing. “I’m so happy. I can’t believe this ha
s happened to me. I married Dev because it seemed the only way to deal with the baby and now...it’s just amazing. I feel so connected to him. Is that natural.”

  Rachel nodded. “Women bond after sex.”

  “I feel it,” Noelle said dreamily. “I can’t stop thinking about him or wanting to be with him. I thought our marriage would be nothing but a duty. Now it’s so much more.”

  Rachel and Crissy looked at each other. “Be careful, honey,” Crissy told her. “You’re new to all this. Dev, making love... Don’t go getting your heart all soft and open until you know what his intentions are.”

  Noelle laughed. “He married me.”

  “For two years,” Rachel reminded her.

  Noelle dismissed them with a wave. “You don’t understand. We shared something special. The more I’ve gotten to know him, the more I’ve liked him. Now...” She sighed again. “I don’t know how I got so lucky. And you know the best part? We’re already married.”

  * * *

  DEV WALKED INTO the kitchen, still not sure what he was going to say to Noelle. While last night had been great, it had also been a mistake. He didn’t want to hurt her, and in his gut, he knew that being lovers was the shortest path to that happening.

  He’d spent the entire day and all of his dinner meeting wrestling with guilt. How could he have done that? How could he have given in? He wasn’t supposed to be enjoying himself. Noelle was nothing but a responsibility. He was helping her because of Jimmy and the baby.

  Noelle greeted him with a kiss that heated his blood. In that moment, with her body pressed against his, it was all he could do not to push her onto the counter and have his way with her again.

  Instead, he forced himself to step back as he tried to figure out how to tell her they weren’t going to do that again.

  “Come see, come see,” she said as she took his hand and dragged him toward the hallway. “I know I should have asked, and I would have, but you were having that dinner meeting. I got home from my knitting class about an hour ago and I just couldn’t help myself. Are you mad?”