Friends with Benefits

by Amy Brent

  “No, no, no. I’m not good at that sort of thing.” I gave him a pleading look as his wicked grin spread his lips and then he was giving me a pleading look right back.

  “You’ll do it for me. You’ll be amazing, Ella. Just stand up and slip them off nice and slow. I want to watch you.” He dropped my hand and stepped back, and I felt the heat in my cheeks turn cold as the blood drained from them.

  I reached around behind my back and unhooked the tiny clasp of my lacy bra.

  “Slowly,” he said. He gripped his cock and pumped it as his eyes lingered on my body and the fact that he wasn’t ashamed at all gave me a confidence I didn’t know I’d have in this situation.

  I slowly slipped the first strap down my shoulder, holding the cup in place as I pulled my hand free, I did the same with the other, and soon I was left holding my cups in place. I pulled them away, dropping the garment to the floor as I took one of my pebbled nipples between my fingers. I slowly stroked and pinched it, as his eyes widened and he licked his lips. “Just like that, Ella. You’re so beautiful.”

  I slipped my hand down the front of my panties, and his eyes widened as if he hadn’t expected the gesture. I cupped my mound and moaned, biting my lip, as I slipped a finger between my folds. I brought the digit to my lips. Aiden closed the distance between us and kissed me. After getting a taste, he stepped back and pumped his cock as I slipped my thumbs into the straps at my hips and slowly peeled myself out of my panties. They hadn’t even made it to my knees when he stepped forward and kneeled, and before I could react, his mouth landed on my bare mound, and his tongue slipped between my folds, kissing my swollen bud.

  My breath hitched, and I ran my fingers through his hair as he worked his mouth on my most private places and I threw my head back moaning as his teeth nibbled on my clit and his fingers dipped in, stroking my soaking channel.

  “You’re so wet, Ella. I think you liked performing for me much more than you thought you would.” He was so right. I did enjoy his eyes watching me, his hands working himself, getting it pumped and primed for me. I glanced down and noticed how red and swollen his cock was, like a hot knife ready to slice into my core.

  After another moment of working me over, he stood and sat me back on the edge of the bed. I took the chance to grab his hips and pull him to me, his thick erection just inches from my hungry mouth. I stuck my tongue out and lapped it against his shaft, and he hissed as I rolled my tongue across his veiny flesh.

  I met his eyes before pulling him into my mouth, and he gripped the back of my head and held me still, working his hips gently, as the head of his cock popped in and out of my mouth.

  I gripped his ass and relaxed my throat, forcing him deeper, and he moaned, a curse slipping from his lips, “Fuck.”

  I nursed him like that for a little longer, and then he stepped back and put a hand on my shoulder to lay me back. He stepped between my knees and nudged my legs apart further with his hips.

  He stroked his head against me, letting his head slide between my folds and spread my nectar. I greedily inched down, wanting him inside me, needing him to push himself into my depths and when he did a moment later, I moaned and winced at the intrusion. He was so big that it took me a moment to settle around him, but once I did I quivered, my channel milking him as he thrust.

  He angled his hips and adjusted my position to stroke against my most tender spot and then he slipped his hand down to work my clit with his thumb. The pleasure built with an intensity that had me feeling as if I might come apart and a moment later I did, my channel soaking so much I felt my release splash and drip down my ass where his balls slapped, the sound getting louder from the wetness.

  Aiden leaned down across my chest and captured my mouth and then he pulled away, meeting my eyes. “Where do you want it this time?” He thrust harder, his cock seeming to swell inside of me.

  “Anywhere you want it,” I knew I was covered, but there was always a chance. Maybe I should have been more careful instead of throwing caution to the wind while lost in ecstasy. But I trusted Aiden and a moment later he jerked free of my core, and his hot release spurted against my tummy. I glanced down in time to take the overshot on my breasts, and a tiny droplet even hit my chin. I dragged my finger through and tasted it. He found my mouth and then stepped away to grab a towel.

  A moment later he was back and wiping me up, his strong hands gentle as he cleaned up his mess.

  “Let’s go get you cleaned up,” he said taking my hand, and we headed to his shower, and we spent the next hour under the gentle spray, exploring each other’s bodies even more. If there was one thing, I was sure of before we were done it was that I could trust Aiden.

  Chapter 24

  Aiden

  It had been the longest week ever with the twins taking out their retaliation on Ella for bailing on them to spend the day with me, and while I’d like to think it was worth it, I missed her like crazy. I decided to intervene and pay her a surprise visit.

  Sadie answered the door and leaned against the jamb trying her best to look innocent, but it wasn’t working.

  “Hey, Aiden. Don’t tell me you’re here to apologize to me for lying about the foursome.”

  “Okay, I won’t. Is Ella around?”

  “You know if you didn’t like me, all you had to do was say so. Ella thinks you’re Mr. Perfect, but I know you’re just like any other asshole player stringing girls along.”

  “I never strung you along, Sadie. And don’t pretend you didn’t have fun. I know you enjoyed yourself with Zep. He told me so.” Zep had told me how bored she’d been, but I wasn’t about to give her the satisfaction of admitting that.

  “Please, watching him and Halle and knowing you were not going to show because you were off with that little bitch, Ella. I could have had more fun at home with my vibrator, or at least scored someone else. It’s not like I’m incapable.”

  “Then, why don’t you? Could you get Ella, please?”

  “I don’t have the patience for most people. You and I could have had fun. It’s a shame.” She stepped away from the door, still not acknowledging my requests to see Ella.

  “Is Ella even home?”

  “This isn’t her home, but no, she’s not. She’s out with Halle. You can come up and wait if you like. I’ll try to be hospitable.” She lifted her shoulder and looked me up and down.

  “No, thanks. But could you please tell her I stopped by?” I knew the moment I asked the answer was a big, fat hell no.

  She gave me a big toothy grin. “Sure thing, lover.” She shut the door in my face and on my way to the car I decided to stop and text her. I couldn’t trust Sadie to pass along any message, and if she wasn’t far out, I’d wait in the area and come back when she got home. I ducked to the side of the walk and heard laughter from across the lawn.

  When I looked up, I could see between the house and a small garage to where the driveway led back to the side entrance. Parked there was my mother’s car.

  I put the phone in my pocket and started for it wondering if I could be mistaken, but the closer I got, I could hear the shrill laughter that I knew was my mother’s, accompanied by what could only be Nola Blue’s. I caught a glimpse of the women who were sitting on the back patio under an umbrella by the pool, and my blood turned cold.

  I’d told my mother about Ella’s relationship to Scott Blue, that Nola had no knowledge of the relationship, and though she’d insinuated that she hated the woman, there they were laughing it up like old friends. I wondered what all my mother had told her, and if she was here to learn more about Ella.

  I’d yet to invite her over to meet my mother, and though I knew it irked her, it wasn’t mine or Ella’s fault. She’d been bogged down by work and the day she’d come over, my mother hadn’t been home.

  I decided to leave and question my mother about it later, but as I walked to my car, my mother came around the building on the way to her car with Nola Blue in tow.

  Nola spoke before my mother had th
e chance. “Aiden? You must be looking for Ella.”

  “Yes, but Sadie said she’s off with Halle?” At least I’d find out if she was gone or if the twins had her upstairs locked away in their closet.

  “They had some appointments, but she should be back later. I’ll tell her you dropped by. If you’ll excuse me,” she turned to my mother, “I’ll call you later. Thanks again for stopping by on such short notice.”

  As Nola walked away, my mother gave me a tight grin. “Aiden. I guess you’re wondering what I’m doing here.”

  “Yeah, I’m hoping you’re not checking up on me or Ella.” I was livid but trying to keep my composure.

  “Nola called me over. She’s got some property for sale, and I was just getting her listing. I thought maybe you had recommended her, but she said that wasn’t the case.”

  “No, I didn’t, but I’d like to know what property she’s listed.” I had a feeling I already knew.

  “It’s a place out on the beach, just down the way from yours, actually.” Ella’s house. Patricia didn’t have to say it, but I knew.

  “Could you take me by there?” I wanted to go see the property up close and take some time with my mother to find out what Nola’s game was and how she ended up with the property to sell in the first place.

  Mother handed me the paper she held in her hand. “Here’s the address. I’ll follow you there.”

  The two of us headed out, and sure enough, my mother led me right to Ella’s property. I thought about it on the way and remembered Ella had told me that the house had been taken by the bank. If that were true, then why did Nola have it to sell.

  It was the first thing I asked my mother. “Is this place in Nola’s name?”

  “Well, she couldn’t sell it otherwise. She’s supposed to fax the paperwork over later, but I’m sure she knows better.”

  I stood with her as she unlocked the door and then we walked into the home where Ella was raised. It was a beautiful place, nice and homey, cozy and clean. I could see her growing up there, coming down the stairs, all knees and elbows, her bright smile growing from a young girl’s face to a woman’s. “There’s no bank involved?”

  “A bank? No, she claims it’s hers free and clear.”

  I walked through the house and imagined Ella in each room. Baking cookies with her mother in the kitchen, watching cartoons in the living room as a kid. I remembered what she’d told me about the garage, how her mother had it made into a workshop. I walked out and found it lined with counters and cabinets, a sure sign that the place was used the way she’d said it was.

  “They seemed to turn this place into a workshop of sorts, but it can be converted back to a garage.” My mother had no idea of the blasphemy she spoke.

  This was Ella’s workshop.

  “I want to buy this place.” The words came out with so much certainty that I didn’t blink, but my mother was taken aback.

  “Excuse me? You want this place for you? Your home is so much nicer, and if you’re buying it for Zep—

  “It doesn’t matter why I want it. I’m buying it. I’ll transfer the deposit as soon as she sends you the proof of ownership.”

  My mother knew better than to argue with me over something I wanted to buy, but she tilted her head and gave me a narrow-eyed look. “You’re buying it for that girl, aren’t you?”

  “Ella. Her name is Ella, not that girl. And yes, considering this is where she grew up, I’m buying it for her. I want you to make sure that Nola has ownership before you agree to anything.”

  “What’s going on, Aiden? There’s more than you’re telling me.” She grabbed my arms and looked me square in the eye. “You can tell me what’s going on.”

  “See if you can trace the deed back to Layla Ford or her bank, and do not tell Nola Blue that I’m the buyer. Don’t tell her anything.”

  Patricia nodded. “You think she stole it, don’t you? From Ella?”

  “Either her or her dying mother.”

  “Wait, you think she stole this place from Layla Ford on her deathbed?” My mother’s eyes hardened, and she bared her teeth. “If you’re right, then she’s in a whole lot of trouble, and I’m not sure we need to be mixed up in it. Don’t you go making any accusations unless you’re absolutely sure? We don’t want a lawsuit on our hands, but I promise, son, I’ll do all I can to find out how she secured the property, even if I have to ask her.”

  “She’ll lie.”

  “No offense, son, but let’s hope it’s not Ella who is lying about this house. Maybe she grew up here, but this place could have been in her father’s name. Scott could have taken care of her until her death, and if that’s the case, then Nola has every right to sell this place.”

  “And if that’s the case, I’m fine with it, but I’m still buying it. It’s Ella’s home, and she should have it. She learned all of her mother’s talents right here in this room. She has a bright future, and she’s been given a rough deal in life. I’m going to make sure she’s got a second chance, and that things will go better for her from here on out. She’s a hard worker, a good person, and she deserves the best.”

  “You really care about her.” My mother wasn’t asking. She pulled me in for a tight hug and then tousled my hair. “I’ll let you know as soon as I find out.”

  “Thanks, mom.”

  She smiled and pinched my cheek. “I like the sound of that.”

  Chapter 25

  Ella

  Aiden had to be the most patient man in the world to put up with me and my busy schedule with the twins. We hadn’t gotten to spend much time together, but we cherished every moment we got together, especially the times we had alone.

  I’d spent the past week running to meetings and even taking two trips out of town to different locations, and so when the girls had finally gone out on their own and insisted they didn’t want me along, I was relieved instead of offended. We’d spent enough time together, and I’d tried not to make myself sick knowing I was related to the whiny brats.

  Halle had talked to Zep every day and even had him ride out to meet her at one of the locations and he’d apparently been briefed on being her new love interest. If he was going to hang around, they were going to put him to work. It was their way.

  I called Aiden to tell him the good news. “I’m free. Please tell me you’re not busy.” Aiden often times had to go check property with his mother and stand in for his father’s role in various charities. Although I’d often wished my mother had left me with a fortune, I knew I wasn’t capable of handling things the way Aiden had. He was a proper heir and knew how to take care of business.

  “I’m free too. I’ll be over in ten.”

  “Ten? You live much farther away than that.” I knew my tone was suspicious, but he laughed.

  “I’m down the road. I was on my way to kidnap you. I hoped I’d get a chance to make a real valiant scene. I was going to swoop in and whisk you away.”

  “No need. There’s no one here but me and Millie, and she already thinks you’re my hero.” Millie loved Aiden, and I was quite sure that if she was a bit younger and not my grandmother, I’d have to fight her off of him. She was always carrying on about how handsome he was and how he reminded her of one of her favorite classic movie stars.

  “Millie’s a good lady.”

  “No doubt. I’ll tell her you’re on the way.”

  “Hey, instead of telling her that, tell her you’ll be stepping out for a bit. I have a surprise for you.”

  “Another surprise? Is this like the last one? You have someone you want me to meet?” Aiden had arranged for me to meet Delaney Graham and that had turned into a wonderful opportunity. I could only imagine how he was planning to top that.

  “I think it will be even better. But I’m not telling. You’ll have to wait and see.” I kept him on the phone until I walked out and opened the car door.

  He hung up his phone and smiled as I got in the car. “So, about this surprise.”

  “No, no. You’re no
t going to sweet talk me into telling you what it is. You’ll see soon enough.” He took off down the drive, and I hurried to buckle myself in. Then he headed out onto the main highway and in a few minutes, I realized he was headed out to his beach house.

  But instead of heading to his house, he pulled up at mine. The sold sign was sitting atop the realtor sign, and I realized by the little crown logo, that his family must have been the one’s to sell my old home.

  “What are we doing here?” I didn’t want to see the place. It brought too many memories that were painful knowing it now belonged to someone else.

  “It’s your home, Ella.” He shrugged like it was no big deal and I tilted my head to search his expression for any sign of his sanity. But the slow, sweet smile that spread his lips, lighting up his entire face, sent my mind to reeling.

  “What do you mean, Aiden?” My heart pounded in my chest, and I knew that I was either about to get the best news of my life or the biggest letdown.

  “I bought it for you. It’s yours.” I barely registered the feel of his hand on mine, and then I squeezed it, holding onto him for something, anything to keep my down to earth, to keep me from floating away and soaring to the heavens. But then it hit me much differently that I’d even imagined.