by Vivian Arend
Then he was gone. Nothing but cool air at her back, and aching sexual tension thrumming through her. She wanted to look so badly, but hell if she’d blow it right now. “God damn you, Joel. What the fuck are you playing at?”
“Count…” His voice came from farther away than she expected.
She growled her frustration but stayed where she’d been abandoned. “One, two, three… When I reach twenty I’m out of here. Jackass.”
Her shouted count rose steadily, but by the time she hit fifteen he’d returned. Breathless, as if he’d been running.
“I’m back.”
Vicki huffed, her eyes still closed tight. “Good for you. I’m not in the mood anymore.”
He caught her chin in his hand and kissed her. Hard. Needy. Totally in control, unlike the earlier kisses where she got to explore and play. This was a rocking assault on her senses made all the more wicked as he wrapped his free arm around her and pinned her tight to his body.
Panting breaths escaped as they broke apart briefly before diving back in. He slid his hand down her throat, big fingers like a collar moving gently in contrast to the battering her lips were taking. He paused for a second before cupping her breast again, this time on the outside of her T-shirt, her bra bunched up over her chest awkwardly, but she didn’t give a damn because he was touching her.
Finger and thumb trapped her nipple, rolling the fabric of her shirt over the tip in endless loops as his tongue thrust into her mouth. She moaned as he pulled her onto his thigh, resting her core on his leg. Renewed contact meant all the little hormones that had been fading leapt to attention again and demanded a response.
She abandoned the railing and caught hold of his head, dragging their lips apart and forcing him to look at her.
“You are driving me mad, Joel Coleman.”
He grinned. “Ready for the lesson?”
The temptation to cause him bodily pain was huge. “I don’t like you right now.”
“You’re gonna love what I’ll do to you, though,” he promised. “Grab the railing and close your eyes once more.”
Vicki slapped her palms on the railing. “Bastard.”
“Close them? There you go.” He spun her and they were back in the position they’d been in before he’d left, his hands taking possession once more.
This time, though, he was under her jeans, fingertips skimming downward. He paused to trace the edge of her panties, and she shivered.
“You okay with me going farther?” he asked.
“You stop, you die,” she warned.
Joel laughed as he leaned in tight, his lips brushing her cheek. “I have no intention of stopping unless you tell me to.”
He’d reached her curls. The top of her mound. The sensation of someone else’s fingers slipping through her folds had her legs quivering. She adjusted her stance to give him more room.
His cheek rested on hers, their breathing nowhere near synchronized as she tried to suck in enough oxygen to fight the spinning in her brain. The tortuous touch to her breasts had resumed as well. Sensory overload, and yet not nearly enough.
Joel pressed a finger deeper into her core and hummed in approval. “You like this. You’re hot and wet.”
She didn’t think that needed a response.
“I’m going to make you come, Vicki. All over my fingers. Your tight pussy is just waiting for me to play with you.” That finger slid deeper still, and she softened around him.
“Feels so good.”
“Gonna feel even better.” He put the heel of his hand against her clit and rubbed.
An electric pulse raced up her spine. “Oh, yeah—that’s what I like.”
Joel touched his cheek to hers. “Lesson time. Your reward is I make you come.”
Lesson? “What do I have to do?”
“You have to trust me. You’re totally safe, and I’m going to make you come. Think about that, and open your eyes.”
She couldn’t help it. Every muscle tightened involuntarily. The only reason he’d mention trust him and her being safe was if…
“You didn’t.”
Increased pressure over her clit distracted her, as did him sliding his finger all the way out of her body.
Damn it, no. She might not want to deal with horses, but he couldn’t leave her hanging like this. “Joel…”
“Open your eyes, darling. You can do it.”
“Fuck.” She edged one eyelid up the smallest distance possible.
A horse stood at the far railing. Her heart pounded, but that was the moment Joel pressed two fingers into her core and she lost a bit of her mind.
“Sable’s in the other yard,” Joel whispered. “I opened the side door, and she can’t get any closer than that railing, so relax, take a couple deep breaths, and you tell me when you deserve your reward.”
Vicki fought the fear. Fought to calm her racing pulse that had leapt into high gear even though she knew the horse was nowhere near. Instead she focused on what was close. Joel, his big body wrapped around hers. His hands doing wonderfully wicked things.
The incredible sensation of him working his fingers in and out of her body.
She breathed out slowly, staring into his eyes. The blue became a place of refuge as he took her body higher. She wanted to freak out, but couldn’t muster the energy to give a fuck.
Sable was far away, and Joel was right there. Caressing and rubbing, spreading her wider, keeping her needy. “Make me come, Joel.”
He smiled. “You stare over there at the nice horse and let me do the rest.”
She never would have believed it. Standing on a railing, time-smoothed wood under her fingers. She breathed in the scent of dirt and grass, of animals and distant fireplace smoke. Joel’s hands were on her right out there in the open.
And across from them not even twenty meters away was a goddamn horse.
Sable ignored them, wandering her area of the yard, her wide belly swaying as she moved. It was obvious Vicki and Joel’s presence wasn’t on her mind.
All the sights and sounds faded, though, as Joel pressed harder on Vicki’s clit, piercing her body with his thick fingers, stroking her just right so the tension of her orgasm rose swiftly. Another squeeze to her breast, another nip with his teeth to her ear. Another thrust and she broke, her sex pulsing hard, clutching his fingers. Moisture rushed from her and allowed his final thrusts even deeper.
Vicki groaned, letting the aftershocks take her, hoping like hell Joel would continue to hold her because her legs were done. There was nothing left in them to support her, just this awesome total-body relaxation sweeping in.
Even looking across the yard at a horse had no impact. Stress? What was that?
Joel rocked his hard-on against her hip, breathing deep. “God, that was fun.”
She laughed. “That’s my line.”
He pulled his fingers from her body slowly, tiny circles soothing his departure. “We both had a blast. Good for us. And you did awesome with your lesson.”
Vicki glanced across the yard. “She’s over there, I’m over here. I suppose we can be pen pals.”
She turned and caught Joel by the neck, wrapped her legs around his body and clung on tight. “That was incredible. And I feel like a shit that you’re still…”
Joel raised a brow. “What? Now that I’ve had my fingers in your pussy you’re not going to use the big words anymore?”
“Screw that. I wasn’t sure if I’m supposed to offer to help you with your hard-on. I’d love to help you with your hard-on.”
He paused to put his hat back on then walked them toward the barn. “Next time. Now I’m afraid if we keep going there’s bound to be an interruption. We’ve about used all our good luck in terms of the family staying away. Let’s not push it.”
Vicki nodded.
He carried her all the way to where she’d parked her bike. “How long before I see you again?” he asked.
“Things are slowing down at the shop now that we’re done inventory. I�
��m still on the early shift, but any afternoon you want to get together, I’m game.”
Joel nodded. “I’ll call you. If nothing else, let’s make sure we hit Traders on Friday night, okay?”
Goody. More time in public, although it had to be done. “Sounds fine.”
He handed over her helmet, leaning back and stretching that long strong body of his. “You’re doing great, Vicki.”
He kissed her briefly before winking and turning back toward the barn, his whistle cheerful and loud in spite of the bulge still pressing the front of his jeans.
Chapter Thirteen
The walls needed a fresh coat of paint, but other than that Vicki’s apartment building appeared decent enough. Joel scrutinized the carpets as he waited for her to answer his knock. He startled as the door behind him creaked opened and an oversized middle-aged man wearing dirty jeans and a wife-beater peered out.
The stranger eyed Joel up and down once then grunted before shutting his door.
What the hell was that about?
Vicki didn’t keep him standing in the hallway long. The door swung open to reveal her petite form wrapped in a pretty purple dress, her hair loose over her shoulders instead of pulled back into a ponytail.
Joel whistled in appreciation. “Well now, don’t you look nice?”
“Is it too fancy? I don’t usually wear stuff like this, but I spotted it at the…” She paused then shrugged. “I was looking for boots to wear while dealing with the evil horses of hell. I struck out on footwear, but this dress was at the thrift shop, and I thought I may as well go for it.”
Joel closed the door behind him. “Vicki, don’t apologize for shopping at the thrift store. There’s no shame in it, and it makes a ton of sense.”
She leaned back on the wall. “I’m not ashamed. It’s not something I talk about. Ever. So it feels weird.”
Joel paused, glancing around at her tiny apartment. Like the last time he’d been here, he was shocked by how little she had, and yet impressed by how everything was still very obviously hers. The few personal items she had on display seemed extra special because they were so scarce.
“You don’t talk about clothes or you don’t talk about shopping, or what?”
Vicki sighed. “Are we going to Traders tonight?”
“Stop avoiding the conversation and answer the question.” Joel sat in the lone chair by the small table. “We’ll get to Traders when we get there.”
“Stubborn ass.”
“You bet. Now spill.”
Vicki stroked the sleeves of the pale purple dress, the sheer lace over the solid fabric very pretty and very modest. She was covered up a lot more than many of the women Joel had gone out with over the years. The neckline wasn’t too low either, but bar her wearing a puffy winter coat, nothing would hide her chest.
“I don’t talk about clothes or shopping. First because I rarely shop, and second, who am I gonna talk to? The guys at work?”
Joel opened his mouth to ask about her girlfriends, and closed it just as fast. Over the past couple weeks she’d never mentioned going out with the girls, ever.
She lifted a brow. “Yeah?”
He went for honest, although on a different tangent. “I don’t talk about clothes much either. Or shopping. What the hell. It’s a pretty dress and it looks good on you. That’s all we need to worry about.”
Her smile warmed, sunshine spreading across her face. “You’re a slick one, Joel Coleman.”
“Just enjoying the view.” He took a leisurely gaze down her body, lingering on her legs, sad that her knees barely showed. “Although the skirt is longer than it needs to be. I’m kinda pissed we started seeing each other so late in the season. I bet you do Daisy Duke shorts well.”
Vicki peeled herself off the wall and paced forward, skirt flaring around her hips nicely. “I don’t do Daisy Dukes at all. But for you? Sure.”
He opened his arms and she walked all the way against him, and Joel got reminded all over how much he’d been wanting her. Fooling around and kissing wasn’t going to be enough for much longer, not when she rubbed her torso over his as the kiss continued languidly.
He held her loosely, avoiding the temptation to run his hands up her thighs and under that flimsy skirt.
Pulling their mouths apart was tough, damn tough. “We’d better get going or we’re gonna end up—”
Joel stopped dead.
Vicki backed away, her eyes full of fire. Her words husky as she spoke. “Or we’re gonna end up what, Joel? You afraid to use the big words?”
He shook his head. “I’m not going to deny I want to take you to bed, darling. But not now. Not yet.”
They stared at each other for a minute before Vicki sighed heavily. “Damn you.”
He nodded. “Soon, okay?”
Vicki slipped on her shoes. “Don’t know what we’re waiting for, though. Like you want some signal the time is right?”
Hell. “Maybe.”
There was something, though. Something held him back from making the next move, and Joel knew enough to trust his gut.
She was locking her door when the neighbour poked his head out again. Joel couldn’t believe it as the man basically stripped Vicki with his gaze. Joel stepped between them and glared daggers.
The stranger’s door shut a hell of a lot quicker than it had opened.
They were down on the street headed for his truck when she hesitated. “You want to walk?” Vicki asked. “It’s only a couple blocks.”
“If it’s not too cold for you.” He checked her shoes, but they were more practical than fancy. He held out his arm, and she slipped her fingers over his elbow, cuddling close as they made their way down the sidewalk. “Who’s your nosy neighbour?”
Vicki made a disgruntled sound. “He’s a pain in the ass, that’s who he is. Moved in a couple months ago, and I swear every time I hit the landing he’s staring at me.”
“Have you complained to the manager?”
Vicki snorted. “Right, what am I supposed to complain about? That my neighbour opens his door? Joel, no one gives a shit.”
He fell silent for a bit. “I give a shit.”
She offered him a smile. “Yeah, you. Thanks, but it’s okay. I make sure I have my keys ready when I get home, and he’s never really bothered me.”
The more he thought about it, the less he liked it. “If you ever get worried, let me know, okay?”
She squeezed his arm then pointed across the street to a window decorated for Halloween, and talk turned to more general things.
A rush of heat and sound hit them as they walked into Traders. Joel took her coat, then her hand and led her toward where the family usually gathered.
Vicki stayed close to his side, her warmth like a gentle connection between them. “I am drinking tonight, just so you know.”
“You mean a drink, right?” He laughed at her sudden jab to his arm. “Well, if body weight has anything on it, half a glass of wine should make you wasted.”
“I can hold my liquor,” she insisted. Her gaze stopped on someone in the room, and she swore. “Hide me.”
He followed her line of vision to spot Eric Tell and a group of his cronies gathered around a table. Joel pressed his hand to her back and guided her forward. “Ignore him. Not worth the energy to spit.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that. A nice direct hit, right between the eyes would be fun.” Vicki made a face. “Tell me again this is a good idea.”
“This is a great idea. Come on.”
Thirty seconds later they had chairs in the Coleman section of the bar. Tonight the group was smaller, but just as loud as usual. Pool tables and drinks, conversation and teasing.
Jesse looked up from the pool table where he was taking a shot. His gaze leapt to Vicki, then returned to Joel. His wink didn’t bother Joel as much as he expected. It was more a hello, and less like his twin was actually looking Vicki over.
He turned to settle Vicki in her seat. “Vicki, you know my cousi
ns, Tamara and Lisa.”
Vicki nodded. “Hi.”
Tamara smiled back tentatively. “I heard you two were dating. Nice you finally made it out.”
Joel lifted his hands in protest. “Finally? Damn, you’re demanding.”
“Hey, the clan expects instant updates at all times,” Lisa teased, her expression still questioning as she peeked at Vicki, at Joel, and over both their shoulders at Jesse.
Ahhh, shit. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Vicki wiggled in her chair, and he draped his arm around her, trying to reassure her and protect her at the same time.
It was about as awkward as the evening Travis had showed up with one woman after forgetting he’d already invited another to meet him at the bar. Joel twisted to eyeball the pool game, hoping it would be over soon and the guys would join them. And yet he didn’t really want Jesse to come over and hang around Vicki either.
He’d fucked up. Big time. Or more to the point, he hadn’t realized how bad the situation was going to be. Setting them up as a couple meant being in public, but this was damn painful.
Vicki answered a couple questions, but pretty much sat silently as the girls attempted to keep a conversation flowing, and the rest of the people in the bar found reasons to wander past and gawk.
The girls turned to watch something at the other end of the bar, and Joel leaned down to whisper in Vicki’s ear. “You okay? Want to stay or want to go?”
She caught his shirtfront, turning until her lips brushed his earlobe. “Staying here is like a negative twenty. Top of the list is going back to my place and having sex. And somewhere in the middle is getting you drunk enough you agree to teach me how to give you a blow job.”
Joel’s body tightened—everywhere—her words slamming into him and taking this way off the comfortable chart and into dangerous territory. “Don’t push me, darling.”
“I’m not, I’m trying to tempt you.”
Temptation was there, that was true. Joel wavered, because for a tiny package, Vicki was dragging him to the very limits of his control. And right now, he couldn’t blame her. Getting away and getting naked was way more attractive than the current option.
