by CORY CYR
I chuckled with an uneven smile. “Don’t have a stroke. Sit down before I have to call the medics. That was Gabe. You know, the one I work with and my roommate until she settles in somewhere.”
He knocked his shoulder against mine. “I had no idea you’d gone all MILF on me.”
I stood on shaky legs, my jaw tightening. “She’s only thirty and definitely not a mother, at least that I’m aware of.”
“But, dude, she’s kind of hot for an older woman. How are you going to keep from wanting to get in her pants every time you see her, especially now that she’s under the same roof?”
He was asking a question I’d already posed to myself. Was I going to be able to control myself around her? I actually didn’t have a choice since I’d brought up the idea of friends only. How much restraint could I maintain? Professionalism was required during the hours we worked together. Then we had to keep it purely platonic here at home. That shouldn’t be that difficult because it was the norm for me.
She was the last person I wanted to know all about me. But somehow, I knew eventually she would find out. Then her attraction would be quelled. A woman of her sophistication wouldn’t want an inexperienced wannabe player. I didn’t have anything to offer her.
Why the fuck am I even thinking about this? Being with her was a nonissue. Once she found her own place, she’d find a man who could satisfy her needs. That was only common sense.
I should have confessed my secret to my dad, but I knew he’d be surprised and probably disappointed. Hell, even Kai didn’t know because I’d lied so often. Not actual dishonesty, I just never embellished upon my sex life. Besides, it was nobody’s business.
“Gabe is my roommate and a friend. That’s all. I have my hands full with my college workload and my hours at the clinic. I have no time for crap like this.”
Kai’s smile was condescending. “Are you fucking insane? Jesus, Riley, her royal sexiness is downstairs. You don’t even have to go trolling for pussy. It’s being served to you on a platter. I’m sure you could spare a few minutes to get your dick wet.”
“Shut up. You’re disgusting,” I uttered, walking into the bathroom and picking up my toothbrush. “I work with her, and I told you. We are just friends. That’s it. Now get your mind out of the gutter.”
“So maybe I stand a chance?” he taunted, leaning in the doorjamb.
I stopped brushing for a moment and squinted at him. Kai was my height but with more bulk. He was also a few years older, so she might show interest in him. “She is off-limits.”
Kai cracked a grin, eying me carefully. “I see—but you’re just friends.” He waved a hand. “Not to worry. She’s not my type anyway. I like the women I bed to be young and lean. She has a little too much meat on the bone, and the fact that she’s older is a turn-off. Thank God I work at a gym or I’d never get laid.”
I rinsed my mouth, wiping it with a towel, then shook my head. “What the hell are you talking about? That woman isn’t big. She’s tiny and curvaceous, I’d say, packaged just right.” I scoffed. “Can we not discuss this anymore? I have a hangover from hell, and you aren’t helping my headache.”
A look of disbelief etched his face. “You were drinking? You hate booze.”
“Couple glasses of wine last night after work. Never again. I feel like shit on toast.”
“Anything else happen? I mean, she obviously got you drunk. That’s quite a feat.” He regarded me suspiciously.
Damn him. The problem was we’d been best friends for five years now, and he knew me too well. “Nope, just the lovely remnants of too much alcohol.”
“So how’s this going to work?” he asked inquisitively.
Damn if I knew. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. “There’s nothing to work on. I told you we are co-workers at the clinic, roommates, and friends.”
He crossed his arms and stared at me skeptically. “Whatever you say, dude, but if I were you, I’d rethink your plan. I’m just saying… Friends is great, but friends with benefits is better.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for your words of wisdom,” I remarked sarcastically, wrestling a shirt over my head.
The problem with Kai was he expected perfection in a woman. Kind of to match his own, or so he thought. The girl had to have a great body, be blond, and be a gym rat.
Born and raised in the Virgin Islands, Kai had moved here to live with his dad, who spent most of his time on a commercial fishing boat. He was used to bikinis and dark tans. For him, living in Fairbanks was akin to being in hell. While I studied veterinary medicine, he took classes in personal training and finance. He also worked at a fitness center. His goals were to use his body, looks, and talent to make enough money so he could move back home and open his own health club. Secondary on his list was to mold everyone in his own image.
I snickered to myself.
There was a knock on the door, and I opened it to find Gabe, freshly showered and dressed in leggings, heavy socks, and an English Beat rock shirt. She had pulled her hair into a ponytail and was makeup free. This wasn’t the woman I was used to seeing every day.
“I thought I should introduce myself—Kai, is it?” she asked, extending her hand. “I’d say our first meeting was rather shocking,” she bantered.
He nodded, shaking her hand. “Yeah, the last chick I saw roaming these halls, wrapped in a towel, was Holly. It’s nice not to have to gouge out my eyes. You know, her being his sister and all.”
“Okay then, I’ll leave you two to it. I hope you’re feeling better,” she said warmly, looking in my direction.
“I definitely feel more alive, and I’m actually hungry. How about we go get some dinner later?” I asked.
“Sounds like a plan as long as you’re up for it. I can drive.”
“I’ll feel revived after I shower and shave. Let’s say around six. We’ll go someplace casual. No need to dress up. You can actually go as you are. It’s not a fancy place.”
She shut the door as I fell back on the bed.
Kai hitched a thumb over his shoulder. “Riley, you’re crazy if you don’t tap that—or at least try. You’ve been slightly remiss in the action area lately, and I’m telling you, man, she’s into you.”
I laughed. “Bullshit. How the hell would you know that? Did you have some intense conversation with her while she was clad in a towel?”
“Unlike you, I’ve spent years cultivating the art of women. I’m older and far more experienced. I know what they want. I know the signs. And I can tell there’s hope for you yet. Your problem is you’ve always been too damn picky. Jesus, it’s only fucking. I’m not saying marry her. Just have fun. She would never be interested in you like that anyway. The best you could hope for is boy toy. You’re too uptight, and she… well, she’s sophisticated and probably been serviced by the best. I’d say try for a little snatch and grab.”
The pillow I beamed him with knocked his ass off the bed. “She’s not a prostitute. You make her sound like some kind of slut. Shit, Kai. I’m not having a bull session with you, discussing the pros and cons of banging Gabe. I told you she’s a roommate and I work with her. Can we stop the inquisition?”
“You know you’ve always been sketchy about girls. I don’t get it, dude. I mean, look at you. You’re tall, have a big dick, and you’re kind of a catch. If I were a hot babe, I’d do you.”
I stood and walked toward the door. “Go home, Kai. You’re making me extremely uncomfortable, and I’m seriously having a hard time with what you just said. Is there something you never told me? And how the hell would you know I have a big dick?” I hissed.
He jumped up from the floor, laughing. “Well, we did have gym together for a year in high school. Your cock was the talk of the basketball team. We even thought of putting something in the yearbook about it. Future porn star.”
I opened the door and pointed. “Leave before I kick your ass. Nice to know my dick has been the topic of conversation.”
“More so if you’d use it,
” Kai stated, shrugging.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Riley
M y keys jangled as I bounced downstairs. The shower had invigorated me and helped my headache subside. When I saw Gabe, I gripped the bottom railing with both hands. She had changed into jeans and a knit shirt. Her pants were stark white, and as I moved closer, I could see the gray shirt was dotted with reflective beads. Her knee-high boots made her taller, but she was still short compared to my six-foot-three frame. My eyes went straight from her footwear to search for undergarments. Panties. Not a chance in those pants. Those fuckers were painted on.
I silently groaned as the beginning of a hard-on strained against my zipper. Kittens, birthday cake, zombies.
“Is this okay?” she asked, grabbing her coat.
“You look great,” I replied, my cheeks warming. “The place I’m taking you to isn’t elegant, but their menu is out of this world. Best fish around.”
As Gabe secured a scarf around her neck, I bundled up in my own jacket, and we left for Seafood Palace.
Weekends were usually packed, but we were lucky enough to get a back booth. “So I suppose this looks a bit different from California,” I remarked as I took her coat and removed my jacket.
“I’ll give you a full review after we eat. But it does smell good. I’m starved. Any recommendations?” she asked as she considered the choices the menu offered.
“I suggest the crab cakes. They’re my favorite. Get them with sweet potato fries and coleslaw. I promise you will not be disappointed.” I moved closer and pointed to the selection. I swear I began to salivate from the aroma of food and her scent. Both were intoxicating. At least I could endure my erection since it was masked by the table.
“How’s it going, Riley? The usual?” the waitress questioned, her eyes darting between Gabe and me.
“Yes, go ahead and make that two orders of the crab cake special. Make sure they put the tartar sauce on the side.”
She tossed her hair back as she giggled. “Don’t I always? You want a Coke with that, and you, ma’am, would you like a beverage?” She looked up from her tablet just long enough to pierce Gabe with a glare.
“A glass of chardonnay,” Gabe replied, appearing not to take notice.
I was embarrassed as hell because of Marnie’s obvious attitude coupled with the fact that I wasn’t old enough to be served alcohol. Not that I’d want any. The hangover from last night still plagued me.
“You know what? I’ll take coffee instead,” I said, returning the glare she was giving Gabe.
She punched in some numbers on her tablet as she spoke. “Hey, I heard your parents finally made it to Florida. Must be super lonely and empty now that it’s only you in the house. If you ever need company, give me a call.”
Now I was irritated. Marnie’s intentions were blatant. She’d never acted like this when I’d brought other girls here. But Gabe wasn’t a girl. She was a woman. A threat. The epiphany smacked me in the head. She was jealous. It was obvious she had other motives besides serving me food, though I’d never encouraged our relationship past friendship. Marnie definitely was seeking more, but I’d only ever thought of her as a friend.
Riley, what did you expect? Her acting crazy is your fault. Don’t pretend it’s not.
I slid my hand over to Gabe’s and tightened it around hers, then pressed my lips to the skin there. Both women appeared startled. Hell, even I stunned myself. “I’m not alone. She’s living with me,” I bragged.
Marnie’s expression tightened. “Oh,” she stammered. “I didn’t realize… you were seeing… anyone.”
“She just arrived from California. You know how complicated long-distance relationships can be. We couldn’t bear to spend another moment apart.”
Marnie bristled as she picked up the menus. I hoped I hadn’t gone too far. We needed to check our food carefully. I’d already been acquainted with how vindictive girls could be after Megan and I parted.
When Marnie finally left, I realized I was still holding Gabe’s hand. Quickly dropping it, I retreated to the end of the booth.
“I suppose an explanation is in order. I mean, regarding my behavior and what I said,” I announced, flustered.
“No, I know exactly why you did it. I only wish you’d meant it,” Gabe whispered as she scooted closer to me. I blinked rapidly as I felt her hand grip one thigh. The intimacy of her touch almost made me jump. I hadn’t expected her to react like this, and now my erection was bordering on monumental.
What I wanted to say was I had really meant it, but what I actually verbalized was, “Romancing and girls are not really my forte. That was more my father’s legacy. I, unfortunately, didn’t get that trait.”
Her hand slipped between the crease of my thighs. Jesus, my nuts ached and my dick throbbed. She’d make me come at this point. I was such a pussy.
“Don’t ever apologize for not being a manwhore,” she stated.
I choked on my response. “So you do know my dad?” I halfheartedly chuckled.
Gabe shook her head. “Well, that particular information wasn’t on the website,” she joked. “And we didn’t discuss that in emails. I always check the background of a future employer, and since I was relocating for this job, I thought it best to know who the man hiring me really was. I spoke to some old friends of his. I have to ask. He wasn’t a cheater, was he? Because the impression I got was he really got around.”
My lips parted in surprise. “I only know bits and pieces about my dad’s past, but there’s not a chance he was a cheater. Sure, he had many women before my mom came back to Alaska, but never any after. She would have broiled his cajones for breakfast. Besides, he loved her, all his life. For him, there was only her.” I sighed, sure my discontent was coming across. “To be honest, I didn’t know the extent of my dad’s sexual history until a month ago. I’ll go out on a limb and say it was a part of his life that he didn’t want to share with me. Dad kept me on a tight leash, and the more I think about it, I’m sure he did it because he never wanted that manwhore lifestyle for me.” I closed my eyes. “No chance of that ever happening,” I mumbled under my breath.
Her hand left the warmth between my legs, and she cupped my cheek. “You are so young, Riley. There are a million things for you to experience. Don’t be in such a hurry because they haven’t happened yet. It sounds as though your parents have a one-of-a-kind love affair. At some point, that will happen for you. Just be patient. When you least expect it, love will find you.”
Marnie never came back. Another server brought our food and drinks. I took a sip of my coffee as Gabe tested her wine. Then I dug into my crab cakes while she picked at a few fries.
“These are really good. I eat them in California, but they never have this sweetness,” she commented as she took a forkful of coleslaw. She released tiny moans as she began to eat the seafood. Hearing the sounds of her pleasure nearly took me to my breaking point. I almost doused my crotch with my hot coffee in order to keep myself in check.
“I’m gathering you approve of the food. I mean, judging from your quiet noises.”
Her head lifted as she took a sip of wine. “I tend to be loud when I’m satisfied.” Her eyes met mine.
If I’d been a twig, I would have snapped. Her meaning was clear. There was no mistake, no excuses, and no pretense. I tried not to read into something that wasn’t there, but the look on her face and the heat in her stare made it obvious. Gabe had laid it all out. This was a proposition. Friends with benefits?
I needed to respond. “Umm… maybe after dinner, I can show you the night sky. Alaska is known for its northern lights.” I averted the entire conversation to sightseeing, feeling like a caged animal. I supposed I could be honest and confess I was no sexual aficionado.
I had no idea what she wanted. Just sex? Regardless, I’d never be enough for her.
Fuck you, Dad. I am really pissed at you right now. One, for hiring her, and two, for not allowing me to feel safe enough to be honest with him. When it
came to the opposite sex, I’d always felt I would be a failure in his eyes. There was no way I could hold a candle to his exploits. I was sure I didn’t even know the half of it, but the one thing I did know was Shea Micheals had been a sex god.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Riley
E xactly why had I opted to show her the northern lights? This was the place I’d brought girls to make out. I had zero technique with a woman of her caliber, and if I were being honest, I only had basic knowledge with girls in general. Oh, I knew the fundamentals; I had accomplished what I would term entry level. But Gabe, she wasn’t going to be content with just the elementary. I kept jumping the gun. Just because she was verbally suggestive did not mean follow through. It could merely be flirting or part of her personality.
I gripped the steering wheel tight. It was cold, but I felt flushed. Having her so close was causing me major anxiety. All of a sudden, my mind went to wondering if my dad had put her up to this. Had he planned all this? Did he know? Was this his attempt to give me experience?
“Damn, I’m freezing,” Gabe announced. Her chattering teeth brought me back to reality.
“There’s a blanket behind you in the cab. It might smell like a dog, though,” I replied, fidgeting with the heater knobs.
Gabe laughed, the sound permeating every cell in my body. “That’s no problem. I’m used to it.”
The rest of the scenic tour was primarily quiet. Once we got to the lookout spot, she seemed mesmerized by the green and purple hues. No matter how many times I witnessed this event, it still left me awestruck each time. After about twenty minutes of admiring the light show, we returned to the house. I had let my inadequacies and silence ruin everything.
Once we had parked and I helped her out of the truck, I unlocked the front door.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow after your classes,” Gabe said, toeing off her boots. “Thanks again for dinner and the light show. It was nice.”
