Half Way to Love

by Lockwood, Tressie

  “Yeah, you can keep that part to yourself,” Kim told her. “Just pull back a little. It can’t hurt anything. I see you losing your heart, and I don’t want to see you hurt. Don’t get me wrong. I want you to find love, and I can only go on what you tell me about Alex, but that little bit tells me this is just sex to him. He’s getting a little wild, got a black lover, living up the difference, and all that, but…”

  “But it’s fulfilling a fantasy.”

  Kim hugged her. “For both of you. You’ve never been with a white man either.”

  “I know you don’t have a problem with it.” Shannon put her hand on her hip and faced her sister.

  Kim pursed her lips. “You know better than that.”

  Shannon heard her cell buzzing in her purse. She hurried over to where she’d left it and discovered it was Alex texting. Her heartbeat kicked up several notches, and it was all she could do not to let on how excited she was to hear from him. He’d called himself a workaholic, but she hadn’t seen evidence of it yet. Alex had come to pick her up every night no later than seven, and they’d even had a few midday quickies. A man consumed by his work didn’t do that.

  She turned to her sister. “I hear what you’re saying, and I agree with you. Alex probably isn’t going to fall for me. I accept that, but I’m not ready to give him up. A little while longer, and I’ll walk away—hopefully still in possession of my heart.” She walked over and kissed Kim’s cheek. “Don’t worry. I’m a big girl.”

  Shannon rushed out of her sister’s shop and headed down the street while texting Alex. On instinct more than paying attention, she stopped at the corner to wait for the light to change. A grin spread over her face at his words.

  “Been thinking of you naked all afternoon. Pick you up tonight?”

  “Yes,” she texted back. “I’ve been thinking about you too.”

  She worried over whether her response sounded more like love than lust. Alex’s mind was clearly on the physical and nothing more.

  “Then I will satisfy your craving tonight.”

  “If I let you,” she teased.

  “Oh, you’ll let me. I’ll have you eating out of my hand in no time.”

  She smirked. “You mean I’ll have you eating out of mine.”

  “You hand is not what I want to eat, Shannon.”

  She tripped over the curb and almost lost focus crossing the street. When she was safe on the other side, she stopped walking to write him back.

  “Stop! No talking like that. You’ll have me climaxing on the street for the whole world to see.”

  “Haha. Okay, I will pick you up at six forty-five if that’s fine.”

  “Yes. I’ll be waiting.”

  *****

  Shannon checked her overnight bag again and shifted everything around. She frowned at the book she’d popped inside for no reason and was about to remove it when the doorbell rang. Forgetting every thought except seeing Alex, she ran to the door and flung it open. A second after she did, she remembered that she should have played it cooler than looking like a lovesick idiot.

  Alex scooped her up into his arms and kissed her lips, moved to the tip of her nose, each eye and then back to her lips. He ran a hand up her belly until he got to her breast and squeezed with a groan. “Tell me you’re ready. We have the entire night to play.”

  “Okay, just let me get my bag.”

  He was faster and scooped it up. Shannon shook her head. “Your sex drive is out of control.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows, not an ounce of shame in him. “You like me just as I am.”

  I love you just as you are.

  Her eyes widened, and she gasped putting a hand over her mouth.

  “What’s wrong? Forget something?”

  “No, it’s nothing to worry about.”

  Boy, was that a lie. She’d come to the full realization that she was in love with him, but what lasting relationship developed out of two people jumping into bed the first night? She didn’t know of one, and what made it worse was how they met. She must be insane.

  They headed over to his place, a ranch style house on a quiet street in the suburbs. What she wouldn’t give for this, at least part time. Shannon wasn’t totally against city life. She loved how it popped, and there was always something to do. A short ride on the train would put her in the thick things, but every now and then, she liked to get away from the noise to regroup. That’s when she’d head to Kim’s. The woman had an easier time of it now that she’d met her husband, and Shannon didn’t spite her for it. They’d both had their dreams, but Shannon’s had been derailed by her own choice. Maybe she would rethink it all later, especially after the fairy tale affair was over.

  Alex dropped off her bag in his bedroom, and together they headed to the kitchen. Damn, she loved his kitchen. A huge five-burner stove lay in an island in the center of the room. Overhead were sparkling pots and pans, and every surface was done in beautiful tiles the shades of forest green. “Are you cooking tonight?” she queried.

  “I am.” He tapped a cookbook already opened to a page. “This one you’ll love.”

  Alex was a decent cook for a man, but he did nothing from memory. He was loyal to his small stash of books he kept in a cabinet. The fact that he didn’t mind doing it made him all the more appealing. Shannon couldn’t figure out how his ex could say all the horrible things she’d said about him. She hadn’t seen evidence of one issue. Not that they’d done more than eat and have sex up until now. If she let herself believe what was happening, she’d think they were meant to be, but that was so lame.

  After dinner, Shannon insisted on rinsing the dishes and piling them into the dish washer. Alex disappeared muttering something she couldn’t hear. There was no reason to wonder. She didn’t doubt she’d find him in the bedroom. When she was done, she dried her hands on a towel and turned the knob to get the wash started. While she headed down the hall, nervousness stirred in her stomach. No matter how many times they were together, not until she’d warmed up did she relax.

  She rounded the corner into his room to find him pulling items from her overnight bag. “What are you doing?”

  He held up the book she’d forgotten to take out and wrinkled his sexy nose. Her heart fluttered. If she could get away with tying him up and keeping him forever, she just might.

  “Did you think I’d bore you so much you would get some reading in?”

  She laughed. “No, that was a mistake. Before my life got a whole lot more interesting, I was surgically attached to a book.”

  “Ah huh.” He flipped through the pages, and his eyes widened. “If they all had stuff like this, I’m not surprised.”

  She leaned against the doorjamb and folded her arms over her chest. She knew just what he was referring to. The books she read always led to playing with toys because they got her so worked up.

  “He flipped the switch on her vibrator and spread her legs…” Alex read. He whistled. “Do you like this?”

  She hesitated and looked away, but then decided why should she be embarrassed or ashamed. “Yes, I do. The hotter the better.”

  “Good. I think I’ve just found two new ways to we can enjoy the night.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Rather than answer, Alex went over to the dresser and pulled out the bottom drawer. He removed a bag and set it on his bed. Curious, she walked over to see what it was and gasped to find a vibrator and a few other toys. Her mouth fell open.

  She put a hand on her hip and swirled a finger over the bag. “You don’t expect to use any of that stuff on me, do you? I mean who’s it been used on before me? Ew.”

  He chuckled and leaned in to kiss her. “Woman, I bought it a few days ago but wasn’t sure if you were into it.” He waggled the book. “This tells me you are.”

  Shannon’s whole attitude changed in an instant, and she curled into his side. “You want to use a vibrator on me?” She let her hand roam down his solid body until it impacted with his cock. The thing had grown
out in a millisecond. She squeezed, and he groaned.

  “I want to pleasure you in every way possible.”

  “Then my answer is yes. I can’t wait.”

  They stripped off their clothes in record time, both cuddling close on the bed with the items between Shannon’s legs. Her heart thundered in her chest. She knew how she got with him alone, and how she was with her toys at home, but those two together, she wasn’t sure.

  Alex held up the device in one hand and the book in the other. “So, he…ah, here it is. Yep, legs open. Check. Flip switch.”

  Shannon smacked his hand. “You’re goofy. You don’t have to read that book like a manual.”

  Alex raised his eyebrows. She laughed and shook her head. The man was a nut, but from the first touch of the vibrator to her clit, all thought of humor left her mind. She moaned and leaned her head back, letting Alex work the dildo head over her bud. Tingles of pleasure bolted through her core. Just on the cusp of her coming, he moved it away and dipped it into her pussy. She cried out, both in protest and ecstasy.

  Breathless, she took hold of his wrist to keep him there. “Mm, yes, Alex, don’t stop.”

  “I have no intention of it, baby,” he assured her. “Watching you get excited, knowing I’m the one doing it, is a real turn-on.”

  She forced her eyes open and reached for his cock. “I don’t want to be the only one.”

  He nudged her hand away. “You won’t. Don’t worry. Just lay back and enjoy.”

  Shannon did as she was told. She arched her back and rocked her hips as Alex pushed the dildo in and out of her heat. She’d done this a thousand times, but having him do it, knowing he watched, set her off. Soon she keened through to her climax, with shudders pulsing over her body.

  Alex pulled the device free and ran it over her sensitive clit. She let out a small squeak and held him off. “Wait a minute. It’s still too touchy.”

  He paused, but when she was calmer, he moved in a second time. Shannon feasted her eyes on his body as he sat up and moved around until he was between her legs. Anticipation built inside her. He turned off the vibrator, put it aside, and grabbed a regular, somewhat thicker dildo from his stash. With the toy waiting between her thighs on the bed, he first gloved his cock and then pushed his first and second finger into her dripping wet pussy and pumped a few times. Shannon licked her lips. Her head went back, and her lids grew heavy, but she resisted letting go just yet. She needed to watch what he was doing. Just like Alex got off on seeing it, so did she.

  “Did the book say the couple did what you’re about to do?” she teased.

  He grinned and retrieved the book. “Let’s see… He flipped her to her stomach and hoisted her hips higher. When he slid a finger into her forbidden entrance, she cried out his name.” Alex stopped reading. “Forbidden entrance?”

  “Where you’re about to go,” she explained.

  He raised one of her legs high and began teasing her anus. His method of circling the hole and then placing pressure on it made her shiver.

  “They couldn’t say he pushed a finger into her ass?” Alex asked and demonstrated by penetrating her. She whined in bliss.

  “I don’t know, nor do I care if you’re going to put your finger there, Alex?” She couldn’t think straight to discuss it. He pumped faster. She reached above her to brace her hands on the headboard so she could push down on his hand. “I’m going to come again.”

  “Not yet, baby.” He removed his finger. She trusted he wouldn’t leave her hanging and waited without patience.

  Alex grasped both thighs and yanked her down to his cock. The long, curved rod eased into her channel. She groaned and writhed. Alex’s grunts matched hers, but he didn’t stay inside long. He’d done it only to lubricate himself. His shaft tip lay poised at her ass opening, and he left it to play with the dildo by stroking it in and out of her. Tremors shook her, ricocheting all over her core. Just when she was on the cusp or an orgasm, he stopped.

  “Alex!”

  “Patience, baby. I’m going to make you come as many times as you like.”

  He ringed her anus with his shaft and pushed. The thick head popped past her barrier. She clenched her jaw, loving the small ache and the intense pleasure. Inch by inch, he eased deeper. When his thighs bumped hers, he began a slow rhythm and then built on it until he thrust hard.

  Alex raised her legs higher until her ass lifted from the bed. “Use the dildo in your pussy, baby.”

  Shannon rotated the dildo in small circles, applying just a little pressure. The bright purple rod sank farther in, and with one in the front and the back, the fit was snug. She fed her entrance to match Alex’s pace. The heel of her hand hit her clit each time she thrust in. The sensations were incredible. Before long another orgasm crashed over her, and right behind it, Alex found his release. She stared at their intimate connection as their mingled cream soaked them both.

  Alex dropped down beside her on the bed and dragged her into his arms. “Now, is that a good start for the night?”

  She giggled. “Start, huh? Yes, I’d say that’s an excellent start.”

  “Let me get a moment, and we will be back at it. I’ve got a few more tricks in my bag.”

  “I think I’m in love with your bag,” she joked.

  He swatted her ass, and she yelped.

  “I have a few more goodies in my bag,” he announced.

  “Like?”

  He reached in and pulled out something she hadn’t noticed there when she glanced inside earlier. The toy was a chain with two clamps at one end and one at the other. Although she’d never used one, she knew just what it was. Fear raced over her skin, but also excitement.

  “I want to take you from behind while you have this on. Would you like to try it?”

  She swallowed. “Will it hurt a lot?”

  He held up one of the clamps to show her a small sliding ring that could be moved up or down the two sides of the clamp. “This adjusts how much it squeezes. Just a little or all the way for real pain.”

  Shannon bit her lip. “You want…”

  He touched her cheek. “No, you like it to hurt a little, to be a tad dangerous. I could tell that from our first night together, but if this isn’t for you, we won’t do it, Shannon.”

  He went to put device back inside the bag, but she stopped him. “I’m scared, but that’s what’s getting me turned on. The potential of it. That probably makes no sense, huh?”

  “It does.”

  “I want it,” she decided. “Can you put it on me?”

  He smiled, and she knew it got him off using these things on her, but he wouldn’t be pissed at her if she said no either. She and Alex were a match sexually—way more than any man she’d dated before.

  While she watched, he a clip on each of her nipples and slid the ring half way up. The bite was small but felt incredible. “More,” she begged.

  He eased it higher. Shannon moaned.

  “Ready for your clit?”

  “Y-Yes.”

  He made her lean back and pushed back her hood so he could expose the swollen bud. Shannon watched, fascinated but terrified. The clamp went on with the ring up enough to keep it in place. She chewed the inside of her cheek. Alex rested at hand at her lower back and studied her face as he raised the ring. Shannon gasped. She clutched at his chest, whimpering.

  “It hurts,” she whispered.

  “Do you want me to take it off?”

  “No.”

  “Looser?”

  She couldn’t speak. The pinch felt good and overwhelming at the same time. Her mind was in a whirl at the three points of pleasure and pain. Alex moved his hand from the clamp and ran a finger down to her pussy. He dipped it inside and pulled out. Two fingers went in, then three. Soon he thumped into her with four fingers. Shannon cried out, unable to do anything but experience this. She couldn’t even raise her hips to meet his thrusts.

  When he lifted her in his arms, she didn’t complain. He stood her on her feet and ma
de her face the wall, both palms flat against the surface. The rattle of a new condom packet sounded behind her. Alex rewet his fingers in her pussy and then massaged her anus. Her arms gave, and she leaned on the wall. He grasped her hips, dipped his knees and penetrated her back entrance. Shannon lost her breath.

  “Alex,” she screamed.

  He squeezed her around her middle, crushing her to him. She raised up on her toes, taking every thrust, painfully aware of the clamps. The combination of all sent her up over the top right away. She came hard. Alex continued to pound into her ass. And when he growled that he was about to let go, he reached between her legs to release the clamp there. He cupped her pussy. Shannon moaned as another orgasm hit hard, one she didn’t know was coming. Together they rode through both their climaxes, mouths just brushing because Shannon had no energy to do anything else.

  When Alex was done, he lifted Shannon in his arms again and laid her on the bed. She couldn’t take her eyes off him while he discarded the used condom and joined her.

  “That was…” she began.

  “Horrible?”

  She swatted his chest. “Wow.”

  “Mm.” He curled her into his length, and she didn’t resist.

  Tonight’s experience went beyond anything she’d ever fantasized about. She might be sore in the morning, but who cared. Nothing compared to being with Alex, and if he had more to offer tonight, she would enjoy it all and consider tomorrow what she’d do about her heart.

  *****

  Shannon rushed down the street with her phone pressed to her ear. She was going to be late meeting with her student, but the singing telegram she’d just delivered ran longer than she expected. Half the recipient’s office wanted to get her number, supposedly for business, but she wasn’t fooled. She always had to be careful in her line of work. Men saw a woman in a skimpy outfit performing and they thought they could get a private session. Please, she was not that desperate for money.

  As she buttoned her long coat to hide what was beneath, she frowned, trying to recall who the ranting woman was on her voicemail. Then it hit her—Alex’s ex.