by Mia Ford
“Oh, I was just thinking about your painting. Did you finish it? Where is it?” Suzie asked.
Jeff grunted. He did not like talking about painting but he knew she was asking because she felt a connection to it. What the hell, anything would be awkward when he was constantly undressing her with his eyes. “Umm. It is still at Mom’s studio. I haven’t worked on it since that day. Been busy arranging this job and lacking inspiration.”
“You should do more painting. Your work is inspiring. Your mom’s is too. I have been eager to paint since I got back, I think I will set up a small area in my house…My house. I really should go back and check that everything is okay,” Suzie rambled.
“No, you stay here. Everything is fine. Go over there tomorrow when it is light out. I made sure everything was locked up and closed when we left. No worries,” Jeff said, assuring her.
“Thanks. I will have that beer now,” Suzie said and she leaned forward and set her mug down on the table.
Handing her the bottle, Jeff willed her to move to the couch beside him. She didn’t and he shifted in his seat. Then antsy and bored faking an interest in the football game, he walked into the kitchen for food. Finding nothing in the fridge he started looking at the take-out menus on the counter across from the fridge. Suzie walked up to him and opened the fridge. Bending over for more beer, she bumped into Jeff. She stood and turned. Jeff took a beer from her hand and then, since she stood there unmoving, he reached behind her and closed the fridge.
Opening his beer, he drank most of it and then set it on the counter. Touching the fabric of the sweater she was wearing, Jeff moved his hand up and touched her cheek. Hearing the soft sigh escape her lips he traced them with his finger and then tilted her head up to him. Eyes locked on hers, Jeff leaned down and kissed her lips. She kissed back hard, pushing him back into the counter. Meeting her tongue with his, he grabbed her hips and pulled her closer. Still kissing him, Suzie let her hands wander to the hem of his shirt where she found skin and slid her hands up his back to his shoulders. His hard body under her touch made her tremble. Once again, a current ran between them. Fumbling and tugging at his clothes, Suzie pushed harder into the bulge in his pants. With a grunt, Jeff picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him, kissing his neck. Walking with her in his arms, he moved into the living room, turned off the television and sat down on the couch with her in his lap. Kissing his neck, her hands moved under his shirt tugging at it and pulling it up and off. Suzie’s mouth shaped an O of pleasure as she felt his naked torso beneath her. She tossed his shirt to the side and pulled away for a minute just looking at him. His eyes were softer but frantic and anticipating. He was breathing heavy watching her.
Her hands and arms tingled with pleasure as she ran them up and down his body. Moving over him she kissed his neck, then their lips met and she ran her hands through his hair. Jeff, finding the edge of her sweater started to pull it up over her head. She gasped and tried to resist, and he shifted positions using his face and mouth on her neck and ear, he eased the bulky sweater over her head. Feeling the cold air hit her naked body, Suzie’s nipples became hard. Jeff stopped moving and whispered, “Oh yes.” Staring at her ample breasts, he brought his face and then his hands to them, lavishing them with kisses and caresses. Suzie arched her back as waves of pleasure intensified. Jeff held her down, pulling her hips into him as she writhed on top of him. Biting, licking and grabbing at him she felt for and undid his pants. Desperate passion took over and Jeff moved Suzie off his lap and onto the couch. Pushing her back into the cushions he climbed on top of her, pressing his body into her. Again, Suzie tugged at his pants and pulled them down. Towering above her he pulled them off and cast them aside. Suzie, seeing how hard and ready he was, seeing his full body in its gleaming perfection, sparked a desire she had never felt before. A high-pitched moan of urgency escaped her lips as she felt him spread her legs and push into her. Quickly they became entangled and rose to the waves of pleasure that overtook them. Rubbing him, touching and tasting him seemed to release the electric charge between them until finally they found orgasmic release and fell, exhausted back onto the couch where they sat close but not touching and wrapped in Jeff’s sleeping bag.
A few minutes passed and Suzie looked at Jeff sitting beside her in the dark. “Well that was a bad idea.”
“Nothing about what just happened was bad,” Jeff smirked at her and moved closer.
“Ok, but what about…” Suzie started.
“Don’t say it,” Jeff interrupted. And before she could speak he put a finger to her lips. She bit it and stuck out her tongue to tease him. Then she licked his finger before sliding onto his lap under the blanket. They moved together stretched out on the couch. Still naked they groped in the dark and gently touched each other, taking the time to explore each other’s bodies. Slowly the pleasure and intensity built up and they succumbed to the pleasure and desire they had for each other.
The ringing phone woke them from their half dream state. They had pleasured each other until they fell asleep, still touching and exploring. Suzie opened her eyes. Jeff’s hand was still on her breast as she tried to distinguish which phone was ringing. Jeff picked up the phone with his other hand.
“Yeah,” he mumbled.
“Why are you answering Suzie’s phone?” Jared asked.
“Uh, sorry bro, she left it out here and I just grabbed it when I heard it ring,” Jeff stuttered.
“Still sleeping then. That figures. Get your ass up and find Suzie for me, you are going to be late,” Jared said in his condescending tone.
Jeff counted to three silently and passed the phone to Suzie who was removing herself from on top of him. She sat up and distanced herself from Jeff, pulling the blanket with her. She took a breath.
“Hi babe,” she said, trying to sound cheerful.
“Hey sweetheart, I wanted to check on you after yesterday and say I love you before you start your day.”
“Oh, thanks. I am fine, still a bit shaky but will be fine. Hope your day goes well too.” Suzie mumbled an I love you when Jared said it again. Then he asked to talk with Jeff.
“Is she really okay?” Jared asked Jeff.
“Yeah, she is fine. She is amazing. I mean okay, yeah she is okay. No worries,” Jeff said in reply.
“Okay, thanks. You have to look after her for me. I am so glad you are there with her,” Jared said with concern.
“She can handle herself just fine,” Jeff said.
“Yeah, she acts tough but she has been through a lot, she needs strength and support. So I need you to give it to her since I am not there,” Jared said.
I will give it to her alright, Jeff thought. I will bend her over the table and give it to her right now. Clearing his throat he instead replied, “Sure. Chill out.”
Suzie was panicking. She was late for work, again. Everything she had to wear was at her house and she had to rely on Jeff to get her there. He got off the phone and still had not got up. Suzie paced, then slowed as her stomach clenched in hunger. She ignored it and focused on getting to work.
“Can you drive me home?” she asked him.
“You don’t want to go to work wearing that?” Jeff gestured to the black sweater she had put back on.
“I just need to get some clothes on and get to work. Can we go?” Suzie insisted.
Slowly getting up, Jeff pulled on his jeans and shirt and followed Suzie out the door. Halfway home both their phones started going off. First it was a message from her boss asking her to call ASAP. Then Laura called at the same time Jared called Jeff, who pulled over to sort the chaos.
“OMG Suzie where are you. Everyone thought you were dead,” Laura gasped.
“Whoa, what? I just left a message saying I was running late,” Suzie said. “How could I be dead?”
“Your place, it burned to the ground. We all thought you were in it. Where are you?” Laura explained.
“No I’m fine. Look I got to go I will talk to you when I come in,”
Suzie said then ended the call. Turning to Jeff who was still on the phone she said, “Drive. My place, now.”
Tossing the phone to her, Jeff drove. Jared was still on the phone and confirmed that there had been a fire. No one had been able to locate her so they called her work and chaos had ensued. Finally, Jared had been called and sorted everything out informing work she was safe and sound though would not be in to work that day. Jared then insisted she go back to his place and stay there until he arrived.
“It’s all taken care of babe. I will be home tonight, until then, take a day of rest.”
She did as she was told and allowed Jeff to take her back to Jared’s apartment. There was nothing left of her place, it had burned to the ground. Everything she had, which was not much, was gone. In shock, she fell silent. Jeff opened the door for her and guided her inside. She sat down on the couch shivering. Jeff went into the kitchen to make coffee. When he returned she was wrapped in his blanket. Locking eyes with her, he saw she was scared but there was fierceness there, a spark. Her hands shook when she took the cup from him and he helped her set it on the table. Then he turned and walked out of the room.
It was not just the shock of the fire that kept Suzie quiet, it was Jeff. She felt like the fire was punishment. Her house had burned while she was ravishing her boyfriend’s brother. It was quite fitting. Thinking about the previous night with Jeff, she started to warm up. Her mind was all over the place but it always came back to Jeff, preferably naked.
At that thought, Jeff walked back into the room carrying two plates. He set one down in front of her. It smelled delicious.
“There wasn’t much for groceries but you haven’t eaten since yesterday, probably why you are shaking so bad,” he said.
They ate in silence and Suzie felt much better afterwards. She got up and cleared their plates and cleaned up the kitchen. No one had ever cooked for her before. Jared always took her out or ordered in. The intimacy of Jeff preparing food for her caused her to pause. She was getting in over her head and she knew it. Jared would be home in eight hours and then what? She had told Jeff he could go to work and she would be fine, until Jared got back but he refused. Now, with coffee and food perking her up she was glad he would be staying home. This would probably be their last few hours together.
“Are you okay?” Jeff called.
No, she was far from okay. She was a mess. Though hearing his voice brought back the image of his skin on hers and she shivered. She might as well enjoy these last few hours since she had already crossed the line. Smiling to herself she walked into the living room.
Jeff was reclining on the couch and he looked up when she walked in. She sauntered in and sat down on the couch beside him, close but not touching. Teasing, she pretended to stretch then pulled her sweater off inch by inch. He laughed and grabbed her, pulling her onto him and wrapping them in a blanket. Eager to explore each other’s bodies they rocked with building intensity. Holding tight their pleasure mounting, Suzie cried out and Jeff covered her mouth with his as they matched rhythms and found release together. As their panting subsided they both fell quiet, still touching hands, chest to chest. Jeff lowered his gaze to hers, opening his mouth to speak.
“That is my inspiration. Oh. Wow. I want to paint you,” he spoke softly.
“Oh Jeff,” Suzie said sadly. “We can’t tell Jared.”
“Right, not about the painting and not about this. Just a little fun when no one is looking right?” Jeff winked at her.
“He loves me,” was all Suzie said.
Getting up from the couch, Jeff padded to the shower. Suzie watched him go, relishing seeing his hard body in all its glory.
“Better get back into girlfriend mode Suzie,” Jeff said when he caught her staring. Then he strutted in a circle before entering the bathroom and closing the door.
While Jeff showered, Suzie straightened up. She heard from Laura who was going to bring some clothes to Suzie since she had none of her own. The office had also done a collection for her and they had a few things. Jared was coming home for supper and as usual he would be bringing food home with him. Suzie felt physically and mentally prepared to deal with everyone when Jeff sauntered in.
“You might want to make his bed, look a little more slept in. It looks like you haven’t stepped foot in that room. Naughty,” Jeff teased.
Jeff was irresistible even now and Suzie squeezed her eyes tight to resist the urge to touch him or flirt with him. Instead, she walked past him and walked into Jared’s room. Strangely it was comforting. She moved the pillows around and crawled in. It smelled like Jared and felt like a warm hug. How could she be excited to have him back when she had betrayed him?
Hearing voices in the other room, she walked out to see Laura, flirting with Jeff. She was carrying some bags and followed Jeff into the living room. When she saw Suzie, she screamed and ran over her hugging her tight.
“You look awful. Take that sweater off right now. Something in these bags will fit you better than that old thing,” Laura said and she started rifling through the bags. Finally, after being forced to try on clothes and model them for a cheering audience (Laura and Jeff), Suzie found a few outfits that would be comfortable for at home and some dressier outfits. Laura was smaller than Suzie so the clothing was tight, giving her ample cleavage.
Jared arrived shortly before supper and he hugged Suzie in relief. “I am never leaving you alone again. You poor thing. Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I am fine,” Suzie replied.
“Thank you Jeff for being here. I don’t know what I would have done without you,” Jared continued. “You took care of what is most important to me.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Jeff said quickly. “Forget it.”
Jeff was quiet throughout supper and snapped at Jared when he was asked to relate the details from his perspective. Jared and Jeff exchanged words until Laura interrupted with a joke. Jeff muttered an apology and an excuse that he was tired and left the room. After supper Laura left, making Suzie promise they would go shopping on the weekend. Suzie eagerly agreed since she had nothing left, she also realized she needed to find somewhere to live. As she said goodbye to Laura, Suzie heard loud voices behind her. Jared and Jeff were arguing again and Jeff was aggressive. Not knowing what else to do, she ignored them and walked into the bedroom. Her head was spinning again as she remembered her promise to herself. The other lie became bigger than she had planned and she did not know what to do. Suzie showered and when she realized she could not stand both brothers in the same room, she went to bed.
Jared came in and crawled into bed with her. He had obviously had a few drinks. Wrapping his arms around her he whispered how much he loved having her and his brother in his life and then spoke of a party he planned on having on the weekend. “To celebrate you moving in with me,” he said. Stiffening, she thought again of the lie. Now that it was out of her system maybe she could move on. Could she?
The next morning as Jared was showering and getting ready for work, Jeff cornered her in the kitchen. Immediately their lips found each other and the sparks of electricity flew. Jeff pulled away even as Suzie wanted more. Then he looked at her with determination and said, “I have to tell him.”
“Are you ready? We have to go,” Jared said impatiently.
“I am not going,” Suzie replied, she was confused and overwhelmed and could not deal with work right now especially with Jared driving. “I am still feeling off.”
“Then I am staying home too,” Jared said, insisting on caring for her.
“No, please,” Suzie protested but to no avail. Jared called work and told them neither would be in that day. “There, now we can have the day together.”
Jeff left for work without saying a word. Jared and Suzie spent the day together, watching old movies and cuddling in bed, in between naps. It was not making Suzie feel better. She did not know what she wanted. Well, she had an idea about what she wanted but she had not accepted it yet. She wanted Jared that was for sure. He
was her rock and he took care of her. They worked together and talked and shared so much. Then there was Jeff. Dark, forceful Jeff who had the power to get her to do anything. Just thinking about him made Suzie emit a soft moan.
“You okay?” Jared asked, kissing the top of her head and then stretching.
“No,” Suzie said moving away from Jared. “I am not comfortable. I want to go home.”
“This is your home now,” Jared said.
“Thanks. There is just a lot going on right now. It might take me a while,” Suzie sighed.
“Take all the time you need,” Jared said and then started the next movie and held her tight.
Later in the afternoon the phone rang. It was work and Jared got up and talked quietly in the kitchen. Coming back into the room, his face was solemn.
“I have to go into work for a few hours, do you want to come?” he asked her hopefully.
"No I will be fine," she said.
"Okay I will try to be quick. Call if you need anything and I will bring home supper." Jared tucked a blanket around her and got ready to go.
"Thanks, I think I will have a nap. Hope it goes well," she said to him.
"Bye, love you.”
“Yeah, you too bye.”
Jared closed the door and she squeezed her eyes shut and held her breath. Then she settled back and tried to quiet her mind. Dozing on and off, Susie felt locked at a stalemate.
A while later her ears perked at the sound of the door opening. It was Jared home with supper she hoped. Nope it was Jeff. He looked at her and then looked away. Straight to the bathroom without a word, Jeff focused his full attention on everything except Suzie. She heard the shower run for a while. After it shut off, Jeff headed into the kitchen wrapped in a towel. Frozen in place Suzie listened to pots banging and water running in the kitchen. It was her turn to pretend to be watching TV.
Why was he not getting dressed? Suzie wondered and felt herself flush. She was feeling antsy. This was not her house and she felt caged in at times. She did not know what to do. Jared wanted her to live with him but they were not ready for that. Well, if he found out about her lie he would want nothing to do with her. He could never find out and she could never do it again. Feeling frustrated she went into Jared’s room. This man loved her and he was sweet. She just couldn’t see living with him, not yet. But she had nowhere else to go. Jeff wasn’t the answer no matter how much her body desired him. Even still with walls separating them she could feel his presence and was drawn to him. She walked into the kitchen. Jeff was cooking something that smelled amazing. Her stomach growled. He looked up at her, still in a towel, bare chested and cooking and he gave her a look of aggression and arousal.
