Friends with Benefits

by Amy Brent

  “She’s okay, it’s taking some time getting her rehydrated, but we should be home tonight.”

  “Home? Does that mean—

  “We’re going to move her in. I want her close.”

  She squeezed my hand and gave me a smile. “I’m glad she has you. She’s a very lucky girl. And I’m the luckiest of all.”

  We rounded the corner into the room, and the nurse was checking on Gemma’s IV bag. “One more to go and then I think we can slow it down. You’ll have to stay the night, but I think we’ll get you home by noon tomorrow.” She hung the bag and tossed the old one in the trash.

  “Thank you.” Gemma seemed relieved and reached for my hand.

  “I’ll send out for your things, and Lila can get back on the road before it’s too late. I’ll stay here with you.” I looked around the room and tried to figure out where I was going to sleep. And I pulled the nurse aside and asked for a cot to be brought in later.

  Lila stepped up to Gemma’s bed. “I hear that you’ll be doing a lot of design for Daddy’s resort and the house. We have major things to discuss about my suite.”

  Gemma’s eyes lit with surprise. “Oh? Well, we’ll have plenty of time while we’re maternity shopping.” Gemma gave her a wink, and the two sat on the bed together chatting about clothes and what to do about their nails.

  I had a feeling Lila was going to be spending more time around just because she and Gemma were in the same boat. So, in a strange way, I got my daughter back. It was nice to mend things with her, and I hoped all the past issues would be buried for good.

  Chapter 26

  Gemma

  Whitt was going to be an amazing father and a protective one too. I wondered if he’d been the same way with Lila when she was born and if he’d been the same to her mother during her pregnancy.

  Being released from the hospital the day before, Whitt had the idea that I should stay in bed and rest, but I could only entertain that request for so long. Since he wouldn’t let me go to work, I had little to do but recover and think about the nursery, so I grabbed my electronic tablet from my bag and headed off down the hall to the back two guest rooms on Walt’s suite.

  His bedroom and office were so close and took up half of the front area, but the guest rooms were crammed at the end of the hallway and from what I knew, they were barely used. I opened one door across from them, and it was the space Whitt used as a private home gym. I stepped back to the middle of the hall and let out a long breath. I didn’t want to stick my little one at the end of a hallway, across from a room where Whitt would be making noise with this workout music and clanking weights. I walked back to the other end near our bedroom and the office and put my hand on my hip. Whitt’s office would make the perfect nursery space, but he’d never go for it. Besides, I couldn’t ask the man for his home office, which he used quite a bit.

  My wheels were turning, and I was lost in deep thought when a hand snaked around my waist, and Whitt kissed my neck. “You’re supposed to be in bed, little mama.”

  I turned and stood on my tiptoes to kiss him. “I’m thinking about the nursery.”

  “We have months still for that, and you can sketch plans while in bed.”

  “Whitt, I’m sore from laying around, and you know better than I do, to build strength you have to move around. Besides, I’ve got a real dilemma.”

  He chuckled softly and stroked my arms. “What’s the matter?”

  “Well, I was looking at the spare rooms, but the gym is just across the hall, and I’m concerned the noise will be too much for the baby, with the way things echo in there. And I don’t like the idea of he or she being that far away.”

  “What do you want me to do?” He took both of my hands and gave me a warm smile.

  “Well, I hate to ask, but the office would make a better nursery space. It would be right off our bedroom, and when I get up in the night, I won’t have to go as far.”

  “So, what’s the dilemma?” I gave him a pointed look, and he leaned his forehead into mine. “Seriously. There’s no problem.”

  “I feel bad asking you to give up your space. You’ve done so much already, and I know you use the space.” I was rambling on when his finger landed across my lips.

  “Take the space. We’ll redesign the entire floor and make sure our baby is closer. Don’t be afraid to ask, Gemma. This is your house too. Our baby’s comfort is important to me as much as yours is. Which is why I think you should be in bed.”

  “I’m not comfortable there, though.” I stepped into his embrace and lay my head on his chest.

  “Oh, I’ve seen you very comfortable in there. As a matter of fact, I think it’s one of your favorite places.”

  “Little Whitt doesn’t want to stay in bed. He likes adventures.”

  “Little Whitt? So, you think it’s going to be a boy?” His chest bowed with pride, and I could see him with a little boy, one who looked just like him, who he could take to sporting events and play in the backyard with.

  “I could see that. Couldn’t you?”

  “I don’t know. I’d like a little girl, too. Either way, I’ll be excited. Besides, we’re not naming the baby Whitt, no matter what.”

  “Whitney for a girl?” I teased, but I could see a little version of him, perhaps a lot like Lila for our little girl.

  “No. I want him or her to have their own original name, so they’ll know to be strong and stand on their own two feet. I want them to have self-pride and confidence; names are important.”

  “Has anyone asks why you’re not staying at work?” I hated to change the subject, but I knew he’d missed half the week already.

  “No. With Dax running things for me I don’t really need to be there. I go in just to be around people. Lila’s grown, all of my friends have to work, so it’s something to do. Plus, with us expanding the resorts, the investors like to see me and know that I’m looking over things.” He stepped back and wiped his mouth and held his hand there. “That reminds me, Gemma.” He gave me a look like he wasn’t sure if he should say what was on his mind. “With us working together and the fact that you’re so young and well, you know how it looks to some people.” I nodded. I knew that most people would label me a slut and him a dirty old man if we paraded ourselves around.

  He took another deep breath and let it out. “I just think with all that’s going on, with the investors eyeing things so closely, we should take it easy at work and not announce our good news or that we’re together, until after the next phase of the projects are in effect.”

  “Right. I wouldn’t want to ruin things.” Inside I was shrinking, and I hated being the dirty secret now after everything that had happened.

  “I’m sorry, Gemma. Once the project is in full-swing and I know they’ve got too much to lose if they pull out, I’ll scream it from the rooftops. I’ve asked Dax to keep things under his hat, and I know he will. He sent his regards and said he couldn't wait to see you waddle. He also made me promise to tell you that, so belt him good when you see him.”

  I gave a breathy laugh and shook my head. “I’ll be sure to do that. And, Whitt, it’s okay. We knew when we were messing around what kind of risks we were taking. I’d take them all again to be with you.” I brushed my fingers through his hair and pulled him down to my mouth to kiss him softly.

  “You came up to check on me, huh?” I gave him a teasing look, wagging my brows.

  “Yeah, I did. I was hungry. Thought we could share lunch.”

  “I’m not that hungry.” I held my tummy, but he gave me a disapproving look and let out a long breath.

  “You’re going to have to eat better, Gemma. You need your strength.”

  “I’ve got to give my old biology time to catch up to the new, though. I’ll be fine in a few weeks when this morning sickness passes. Besides, I was hungry for something else.”

  “Oh yeah?” He slid his hands down and cupped my ass wagging his brows at me. “Do I need to feed you something?”

  “Per
haps. You know how much I love the taste.” I giggled, and his eyes lit up as he chuckled.

  “Mm. I like that your sex drive is kicking into overdrive lately. I just hope I can keep up at my age.” He pulled me forward, grinding his hips in and showing off his impressive erection that rivaled most men’s.

  “Mm. I’m suddenly feeling a bit giddy, will you take me back to bed?” He let out a growl of approval and lifted me up and carried me into our room. Our room. It was so strange to say, and many times while I lay there, I’d remember him and the cook.

  He put me down, and I lay back as he put his hand on my breasts and he stretched out over me, careful not to put his weight on me. “Do you need me to undress you too?” He gave me a hopeful look, and we shared a laugh.

  “I do need help. Lots.” I lifted my arms up as he slipped his hands down to my hem and pulled it up over my head.

  “I’m going to make you feel amazing.” He brought his head down to my bare breasts and kissed my tight nipples, then he dragged his tongue down my tummy and stopped to slip down my boy shorts. Then he looked up shaking his head. “I’m really hungry, baby.” He lifted a brow and grinned boyishly. “I think I’ll have a taste.” He went down between my legs and nudged them aside, and I let them fall apart, spreading wide.

  His warm, wet mouth closed on my lips, and he slipped his tongue between my folds and into my channel. Then he worked his way back up to my clit and nibbled my swollen bud.

  “You taste sweet, Gemma. Like honey.” He slid a finger into my hole and stroked my slick walls; then he brought the digit to my mouth. “Taste it.” I stared into his eyes as I took it in and tasted my honey.

  “Mm.” I rose up, resting on my elbows and glanced down to his joggers and tee. “You’re a little overdressed for this picnic.” He gave a soft laugh and rose up to slip down his pants. His proud cock jutted from his hips, and he took it into his grip and gave it a few strokes.

  “I think you should sample these goods, baby. See if they please you.” He stepped closer to the bed, and I got up on all fours and crawled to him, resting on my knees and taking him into my hand and then my mouth.

  “Mm.” I hummed on his cock head and tongued the tiny slit which was already leaking his salt.

  “Is it good, baby?” He pushed his hips forward a little to encourage me to go deeper.

  “Mm. Yes.” I closed my mouth around him and relaxed my throat, pushing myself down on him until his thick rim popped past my tonsils and down deeper closing off my air.

  He smiled down at me and gripped the back of my head and held me there a minute watching my eyes as they began to water. I pulled away, and he shook his head. “We might not be doing that.” He winced.

  “It’s fine. I like it.” I pushed myself down and did it again, this time pushing the time I held it until my tears rolled down my cheeks and onto my hand.

  “Stop, Gemma. Not in your condition. Though, I will admit it’s the hottest fucking thing ever.”

  “You say condition like I’m sick or something. I just got a little dehydrated.” I knew better than to argue and sure enough, he gave me a pointed look.

  “Behave.”

  “Yes, Daddy.” I rolled my eyes as I took him back into my mouth. He pushed his cock deeper and began to thrust.

  “Daddy, huh? I’ll be your daddy too; only you might not like it.”

  I pulled away and caught my breath. “Going to get rough with me?”

  “Gemma.” He shook his head as I coaxed, but he stood his ground. “I’m not getting rough today, baby. You’ve just gotten out of the hospital, and I don’t want to overdo it.”

  “I’ll be fine. I won’t break.”

  “Going to sass me?” He looked down his nose, and I giggled.

  “Are you going to spank me if I do?” I remembered him pulling me over his lap in the office and how his hands had gone up my skirt.

  “You’re begging for it.” He laughed, then pulled me up to my knees on the bed. “Turn around on all fours. I’m going to teach you a lesson in begging.”

  My heart raced as he rested his hand against my ass and I braced for what was to come.

  Chapter 27

  Whitt

  Gemma yelped as I pushed my thumb into her tight ass. I aimed my cock and drove it in, burying in one long stroke. She’d wanted it rough, and I was going to give her a little taste.

  I slapped her ass with the other hand and then gripped her hip as I thrust hard and deep into her drenched pussy. She was more than rehydrated, and the proof was soaking my balls after her first orgasm.

  “Please,” she begged.

  “Please what?”

  “Please more. Put it in all the way.” I had my thumb hooked inside her little ass, and I knew it was going to make her crazy. She’d begged for rough, and she’d got it.

  “What’s that?” I pushed the thumb in deeper as well as my cock.

  “Please, your thumb. Deeper.” She wanted it in her, and all I’d been waiting for was her to beg. I pushed my thumb all the way into her ass as I fucked her pussy and she clenched around me, and another hot release poured from her pussy, soaking my balls and her thighs.

  “You know, we’re going to have to start training your ass. I want to take it, but it has to be ready.” I didn’t want to hurt her, but the thumb was the easiest way to make her squirm and to see what I was working with. Gemma was dainty.

  “Will it hurt?” Her breath was a steady pant as she rocked back against me.

  “Not if we do it right. Training is important.” I slowed down my pace and kissed her shoulder, trailing down her back until I rose up and then I pulled my thumb free and gripped her other side to fuck her harder.

  “I want it. I want everything with you. I want you to use me to your whim.” She knew to say all the right things, and I would definitely take her up on her offer.

  “Careful what you wish for. Some of my tastes might be a bit much for you.” She collapsed forward, face-planting into a pillow.

  I reached around and stroked her clit, rubbing a firm hand and holding the pressure against it. She cried out, and her pussy spasmed, milking my cock.

  We were in a frenzy of passion when my phone rang, and I wasn’t going to stop until I had her good and soaked. The call would wait.

  I leaned forward, hunched up inside her and cupped her breasts. She cried out, and I had forgotten how sore they’d been, but I massaged them, and she whimpered, the sound pushing me over the edge. My release shot hard and fast into her channel, and we worked each other good until the last spurt hit her depths.

  We lay lazily in the bed, lounging against each other like nothing in the world could get us to move. Then my phone rang again, and I knew I better check it. Gemma turned over and reached for my phone and handed it to me.

  “Looks like Dax,” she said, glancing at the screen.

  “Yeah, I got to take this,” I answered the phone as she nestled down beside me, her cheek on my chest. “What is it, Dax?”

  “It’s your love life coming back to haunt you. You remember Ashley, right?” His tone was less than amused, and I stiffened wondering what the woman had been up to.

  “I told you to talk to her about the resignation, and I told you to go ahead and let her take it, so what’s the problem?” I turned over, rolling away from Gemma who had lifted her head as if she could hear.

  “She’s run her mouth up here, for one. For two, it’s gotten back to a few of our investors who don’t appreciate scandal. Hayes Brinkley is asking questions. Wants to know where you’ve been and what you’re doing with his money. Apparently, Ashley told a few people you’re squandering on investigations into your competition,”

  “What? That’s all bullshit. Is she terminated?” I had thought for sure she wouldn’t stick around, and I had no idea how petty and ruthless she would be about me and her not working out. She’d been upset about Gemma without any real evidence, and now she was going to try and make a stink for me.

  “No, she’
s refusing to budge. And she says that if you fire her without cause, she’s going to sue you for harassment and wrongful termination.”

  “She’s the one who wanted to leave!”

  “Well, Mary thinks that she only did that because she wanted you to beg her to stay and so when you didn’t show up, she lost her shit. You need to get down here and do some damage control. The investors want to talk, and I think Hayes is going to stop in later this afternoon.”

  “He’s our top man, we could lose five of the others, and it does not matters as much as him.” I let out a long breath, and Gemma took my hand to calm me down.

  I’d already promised Gemma the job, but only because I was so certain that Ashley was going to leave me in a pickle, and if I had to have a new designer, I knew I couldn’t get anyone better.

  “I’ll be as soon as possible.” I hung up the phone.

  “I want to go. I’ll stay in my office, but I want to grab my other tablet.” I knew I should make her stay home, but decided it was okay.

  “We can’t be seen going in together, so you can go inside first, and I’ll follow shortly after.”

  “What’s going on? Is there a problem?”

  “Gemma, I don’t want you to be upset, but yes, there’s a big problem. Ashley is making a scene. It could get ugly, and my investors could pull out, putting my renovation work into the toilet.”