Chocolate Kisses

by Francis Ray

  She rocked her hips upward, taking him deeper, thrusting into him, stirring lust like fire consumed wood in a hearth. Yet the tenderness of her touch completed the ultimate feeling of rightness.

  Nicole kissed him back as she ran the soles of her feet down the backs of his legs, then found his butt and pushed with the heel of her foot, lifting her hips to welcome him. A second wave of pleasure exploded, her body trembling beneath him. She moaned her release into his mouth, her body convulsing around him, each spasm a warm, wet glove that sucked him deeper.

  “Grr . . .” he grumbled, trying to hold back the rush of orgasm but unable to succeed. “Damn, Nic. I’m cumming.” His back arched, every muscle in his body going rigid as his climax ripped through him. He spiraled away from the bed, his whole existence revolving around the pleasure of Nicole. When the shaking subsided, he lowered his body to hover just above her, resting his face in the curve of her throat, his semihard cock buried deep inside of her.

  Between light kisses and nibbles on her earlobe, he asked, “Are you all right, Nic?”

  He could hear the smile in her voice, feel it in her touch as she smoothed her palm down his spine. “I’m good.”

  Marcus rolled to the side, gathering Nicole into his embrace. Reaching behind him, he grabbed the edge of the comforter and tossed it over them, encasing them in warmth and silk rose petals. Against his chest Nicole’s breathing slowed.

  The light dwindled as the candles burned themselves out. Marcus shot a quick look at the clock. Three thirty. He smiled and tightened his hold on the woman sleeping in his arms. He was in her bed. He was spending the night.

  Chapter Eight

  NICOLE CAME AWAKE SLOWLY, securely enveloped in the warm cocoon of Marcus’s embrace. With their naked limbs twisted and entwined, she was reluctant to move for fear of disturbing him. He slept peacefully behind her, his chest pressed against her back and the long, thick shaft of his morning erection tucked against the cheeks of her butt. Inhaling deeply the faded scent of vanilla candles, crushed rose blossoms, and the pungent odor of sex, she warmed with the joy of waking with a man in her bed, along with a pang of heartache.

  All this would come to an end within two weeks. Two weeks in which to enjoy the tender loving and passionate embrace of the man she now knew, without a doubt, she loved. Not the kind of love she’d felt for him as a friend, but the deep-down, head-over-heels love a woman felt about a man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

  Nicole exhaled and squeezed her lids together. She’d made an arrangement with Marcus, one that involved the body but definitely not the heart. And certainly not a lifetime. She’d promised no regrets, and that was exactly what she’d deliver on the day Marcus packed up and drove out of her life to begin his job in Atlanta.

  Easing open her lids, Nicole took in her bedroom, bright sunshine streaming in through the narrow slats of her window coverings. The streaks of light shimmered as if dusted with glitter. Glancing at the clock, she realized they’d miss the Sunday service, but she had a few hours before she was expected at her mama’s for brunch.

  Without warning, Marcus rolled her onto her back and came up on one elbow on his side. His midnight gaze was assessing as he studied her face. Nicole almost felt like blushing. This was the first morning they’d shared together this way. The first time they’d made love in either of their beds.

  Did he wonder, as she did, what it meant? Was it just another place to have sex, or did he sense, too, that something had changed? Something was different?

  The poignant moment passed, and he smiled a charmingly boyish grin and bent forward to nuzzle into the hollow of her neck. Between light kisses, he said, “I’m starving.” He softly nipped her collarbone.

  “My mama’s serving brunch at eleven o’clock. Do you want to come?” she asked, not caring what Natalie would think when she arrived with Marcus, after their talk the night before. Her mama wouldn’t mind. She adored Marcus and had even warned Nicole several times that good-looking men and women couldn’t simply be friends. Nicole had argued back then, but now realized dear old Mama was right.

  “So do you want to come?” she asked again when Marcus hadn’t answered.

  “There’ll be enough food?”

  “Have you ever known my mama to not cook enough food?”

  Marcus chuckled. “Nope, I guess not.” He rolled away and in a smooth motion stood from the bed. “I’m going to grab a shower.” He rubbed his palm over his stomach. “I’d ask you to join me, but we’d never make it to your mama’s, and I’m starving.” He winked as he turned away and headed toward the bathroom.

  Nicole lay still, watching his perfect physique retreat.

  When he reached the bathroom door, he paused. Leaning one elbow onto the frame, he glanced over his shoulder at her. “By the way, when we’re done at your parents’, you’re all mine,” he stated matter-of-factly.

  “Oh, yeah? What’ve you got in mind?”

  “Shopping.” He slanted his head toward the wad of comforter on the floor. “You need new bedding. I think we’ve ruined yours.” He entered the bathroom, not closing the door.

  Chapter Nine

  MARCUS LISTENED to the tweeting of birds in the vicinity, heard the rustling of leaves as a warm summer breeze scurried across the backyard of Nicole’s parents’ home. Tucked beneath a pair of curving old apple trees, the hammock swayed lazily, lulling him in the drifting place between consciousness and sleep.

  As he cracked his lids slightly, it took him a moment to orient himself. The June sun had crested the sky and lingered middescent in the west. The overhanging apple branches were void of their springtime blossoms and covered in the tiny buds of what would be apples come fall. Stretched out on his back, he had his legs crossed at the ankles, one arm bent and tucked beneath his head, the other protectively wrapped around Nicole, who lay cuddled up all warm and cozy next to him.

  Was it any wonder we fell asleep? he mused, thinking of the lovemaking the night before. With his stomach stuffed from Mrs. Davis’s cooking and his body sated, he and Nicole had strolled the backyard looking at her mama’s flower garden, before lounging on the hammock. Marcus had kicked back and pulled Nicole with him. That was last thing he remembered before he’d fallen asleep.

  The murmuring of nearby voices registered in his foggy brain. His lids drifted closed so no one would know he was awake. He was far too comfortable to move, let alone disturb Nicole. She needed her rest for what he’d planned for them later. Holding back a grin, he focused on Nicole’s soft body, half on the hammock, half draped across him. She smelled sweet, like roses, and fresh, like soap. He could imagine how her skin would taste later, but it was more than just sex between them; it had to be.

  Drowsily, he half listened to the conversation of Nicole’s family, only to realize they were talking about him.

  “Mama, not so loud. You’re going to wake them up.” It was Natalie who’d spoken.

  Marcus damn near groaned. She’d been giving him the I know what you’ve been up to look since he’d arrived with Nicole. And she was right.

  “Oh, hush now. You’re the one who’s going to bother them,” responded Mrs. Davis. “Nat, what do you think is going on with those two?”

  “Are you asking me if I think they’re involved?”

  “Yes, I guess I am. Do you know something I don’t?”

  “I don’t know anything for sure, and Nic denied it when I asked her,” Natalie replied.

  Mr. Davis’s deep voice cut in. “Girl, I don’t believe that for a second. Do you see the way that boy looks at her? Nat, do you want some iced tea?”

  Marcus gave himself a mental scolding. He’d better check himself. He heard the rattling of another chair and clink of ice in glasses. “Thanks, Daddy,” Natalie said. “So you think they’re in love?”

  “I don’t know about Nic, but I know what that young man is feeling. I used to be one, remember, honey? He loves her all right. Now it’s just a matter of making sure he does the
right thing,” he said protectively.

  “He’s leaving in a less than two weeks, as I understand it,” Natalie said.

  “He’s such a nice boy.” There was a pause and the movement of the ice-filled glasses. Mrs. Davis sighed, then added. “He won’t go if he loves her.”

  Marcus wanted to leap from the hammock and pound on his chest like a respectable caveman. He wanted to shout, Hell, no, I’m not going. He wanted the entire world to know it was love, all right!

  More than that, he wanted Mr. and Mrs. Davis to know he’d marry Nicole if she’d have him. That they’d have a bunch of mini Nicoles to call them grandparents. There’d be nothing more he’d like to do than to admit his love for their daughter. To admit he’d actually fallen six long years ago when they’d met in college. Despite the growing need to shout from atop every roof and at the top of his lungs, he didn’t. He kept his mouth shut and pretended to be asleep.

  Nicole hadn’t asked him to stay. As far as he knew, she was happy with the arrangement. She had a house, a job, friends.

  Keeping still, Marcus tasted the bitterness of regret. Not over what they’d started, but because he was afraid to confess what he felt for her. And why? he asked himself. Because he’d give up the physical part of their relationship if it meant not losing her as a friend. He couldn’t risk the loss of their friendship any more than he could risk the sting of her rejection. Regret because he was a coward.

  Nicole stirred at his side.

  Arching her back against him, she removed the single leg she’d tossed over his thighs as they’d slept. But her soft palm on his chest remained in place, and drew small circles as she spoke.

  “Mama, why’d you let me sleep so long? I was supposed to help with the dishes.” Nicole sat up halfway, leaning her weight into Marcus, keeping the shifting hammock from tipping.

  “Don’t worry about the dishes. Nat helped, and you needed the rest. You had a nice nap?” her mother asked.

  “Yeah, Nic, were you warm enough?” Natalie teased, her words clearly hinting at the fact that she lay cuddled up with Marcus.

  Nicole nodded, but went tense beside him, sucking a sharp breath between her teeth. Playing off the gasp of air, she glanced at her watch. She sat up fully, swung her feet to the ground, and halted the slow swing of the hammock. Marcus grumbled at the chill caused by the absence of her body heat. She turned toward him, her dark, liquid-filled eyes fixed on his.

  He felt her nervous gaze down to his gut, the silent plea to get out of there—quickly—and he wondered if she’d heard every word he had. With a wink to reassure her, Marcus rolled from the hammock to his feet. Extending his hand, he pulled her up beside him.

  “Mama, Daddy, thanks for brunch—and the use of the hammock—but I’ve got to go. I have a dinner appointment with a client,” Nicole said in a sleepy voice.

  Again, her eyes fixed on his, the look imploring him to play along. He placed his hand on the small of her back.

  “Marcus needs to drop me off at home so I can shower and dress.”

  “On a Sunday night, Nic?” her mother questioned.

  Nicole shrugged and gave her mom a quick hug. “You know, Mama, some women are beaten on weekends, too.” Retrieving her purse, she asked Marcus, “Are you ready?”

  “Yeah.” He smiled at her, though he couldn’t help wonder what shifted her mood. “Mr. Davis.” He shook her father’s hand and kissed her mother on the cheek. “Thanks for the meal. As usual, it was terrific.”

  “It was nice to see you again, Marcus.” Her mother spoke to him, although her dark gaze remained fixed on Nicole’s face.

  “That’s right, boy, don’t be a stranger,” her father added, also giving Nicole a pointed stare.

  “I won’t. Thank you again. Nat, good luck in school if I don’t see you again before you head back.”

  Marcus didn’t object when Nicole grabbed his hand and dragged him out the front door. As he thumbed his key chain and unlocked her truck, he could tell she was on edge. She bit her bottom lip as she slipped silently into the passenger seat with a quick wave good-bye. He started the engine and put it into drive. Within a few minutes her parents’ house slid from sight, but sitting tensely beside him, Nicole didn’t relax a bit.

  Chapter Ten

  WERE HER FEELINGS FOR MARCUS so transparent? Nicole withheld the threatening whimper, but settled for burying her face in her hands.

  “You okay, Nic?” Marcus asked.

  The concern in his voice tore at her heart. She blinked hard to rid herself of the hot stinging in the back of her eyes. Tears were ridiculous, she knew. This was all her own doing.

  Pasting a grin on her lips, she turned toward Marcus. The forced smile instantly became genuine the moment her gaze settled on his beautiful face. “I’m fine. Just a little embarrassed. My dad caught me sleeping in your arms. Did you notice that look he was giving me?”

  Marcus made a gruff noise at the back of his throat, sounding a lot like a groan. “Nah, he’s just acting like your father. We were on the hammock, not in bed.”

  Nicole didn’t miss the slight way he rolled his eyes when he glanced back at the road. He’d noticed her father’s look all right, she was sure. She didn’t mention the conversation she’d overheard, and she thanked God that Marcus had been asleep.

  Nicole exhaled a relieved sigh. “You’re right. I’m grown. I don’t need my daddy’s approval for an afternoon nap.”

  “Nope, you’re one hundred percent woman. Over eighteen, right?” Marcus paused before he went on. “But your parents care about you and want what’s best. That’s all.”

  “I know.” After a quiet moment, Nicole leaned forward and turned up the stereo. Gazing out the window, she stared at the broken white lines speeding by in what seemed like perfect beat to the fast-paced music.

  As they made their way down Highway 50 from the foothills of the Sierras and back toward the valley floor, a sign they passed caught her attention.

  Nicole leaned forward and lowered the music. “Hey, didn’t you promise me shopping? Something about a ruined comforter?”

  “I sure did. You want to go home first?” Marcus asked, sliding her an amused smile.

  “Just find me a place where I can get a good iced latte and I’ll be ready to shop.”

  Marcus laughed out loud. “Leave it to shopping to cheer you up.”

  “It’s the thought of the iced latte,” Nicole said, punching him on the arm softly.

  Marcus cocked an eyebrow at her and gave her a menacing look. “Watch it, young lady, or instead of shopping I’ll be liable to spank you.” The dimple deepened on his cheek. His lips twitched into a charming smile.

  “Oh, yeah? Maybe I’d like that. You want to give it a try?” she taunted. Though she meant it as a joke, her nipples puckered beneath her cotton blouse. She could imagine Marcus’s fingers there instead, his other hand giving her a solid whack to the butt.

  Marcus flashed his teeth, his dimple carving into his cheek. “You want me to pull over?”

  Biting back the moan his suggestion elicited, Nicole responded, “No, I want to go shopping. I need a new comforter.” Her gaze dropped to his lap and the growing bulge that got bigger as she examined it. Under her breath she added, “One we can ruin later.”

  Marcus burst into laughter. The sound of his mirth warmed Nicole’s heart and brought about her own giggles.

  “You’re funny. That’s why I lo . . . like . . . you.” Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Nicole rolled her eyes at her own near slip. To hide the creeping red staining her cheeks and slithering down her neck, she turned her attention out the window.

  A few quiet moments passed before Marcus took her hand in his and give her a little squeeze. “I like you, too, Nicole Davis.” He stroked his thumb across her palm, sending a scattering of gooseflesh across her skin.

  Marcus drove to the closest coffee shop. Twenty minutes later Nicole sipped a frozen vanilla latte as they rode the escalator to the second floor of the department store. S
till holding hands, they began their search for linens, weaving their way through the household goods, toaster ovens and waffle irons.

  Nicole chitchatted between sips about an annoying deliveryman who’d been hitting on her secretary.

  He caught most of what she said, something about needing to call the security guard to see this guy out, but the details seemed like mumbo jumbo. Nodding his head as she spoke, Marcus let his mind wander to the memory of Nicole’s face when they’d gone to look at the home she’d been interested in and the conversation they’d had previously. She’d been straightforward: They were just for fun, and when he moved it would be another guy she’d marry.

  Oh, and the luminous look in her milk-chocolate-colored eyes when she’d seen the master closet, all wistful and dreamy. Had it been how many shoes she’d be able to fit into that closet, or could it possibly have been visions of her future as a wife that’d caused the shimmer in her eyes?

  Letting a rush of air escape through his teeth, Marcus shut his eyes to the sharp pain aching in his chest and leaving a cold, empty space in his gut. He didn’t want to imagine Nicole with another man.

  With his new job in mind and the opportunity it presented, he couldn’t see any way around leaving town.

  Sliding her a glance, he saw her lips pucker around the straw, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked. Damn sexy lips of hers, and the little slurping sounds she made jolted him from contemplation right into a full-blown erection.

  Marcus thought about the supply of condoms he’d picked up from the drugstore. Now that brown bag full of a good two dozen condoms was stuffed beneath his seat until he had a chance to sneak them into the cookie jar to be mixed with the chocolate Kisses.

  He’d done the math. If they used two a day for the next two weeks, they’d need more than what remained of Nicole’s original supply. So what if he cheated? He wasn’t ready to give up their sexual relationship just yet.

  The condoms would be replenished tonight. He meant to take full advantage of every chance he got to bury his cock deep in Nicole before he had to leave for Atlanta. He grinned from ear to ear.