Marry Me

by Karen Stivali

  She didn’t know what to say. He was amazing. She got out two pasta bowls and watched as he filled them. He handed her the steaming plates and followed her to the couch. He’d already set out sliced bread and a plate of herbed olive oil and there were napkins and forks already in place. The wine bottle was open on the coffee table. He set down the bowl of tomato and mozzarella salad while she clicked on the TV. “I’ll grab our wineglasses.”

  She took another sip from hers as she walked back toward him, wondering if this was possibly real. He reached up and took her glass for her while she settled into the couch.

  His eyes were nearly black in the dim light. “So, what voyeuristic thrill fest are we watching?”

  “Are you making fun of me?”

  “Not at all. I’m fascinated.” He twirled some pasta onto his fork and sucked the noodles into his mouth. She loved watching him.

  “Well, you’re in luck, this is the first episode of the season.” She took a forkful of pasta and moaned. The earthy taste of the mushrooms blended with the sweetness of the wine and the briny flavor of the shrimp. She hadn’t even noticed that he’d added cream. “This is fantastic.”

  He grinned. “Glad you like it.”

  “How’d you learn to cook like this?”

  “Lots of places. I worked at a pretty swanky restaurant while I was at university. I was broke so I’d go in early to help with prep work so I could snag a free meal and the chef taught me quite a bit. Plus on weekends, my mum and her sisters always do these big family meals, so I picked up things watching them.”

  “You’re just a sea of contradictions. Fashionista rock star drummer and domestic god.”

  He chuckled. “I like that. Maybe I’ll update my website profile.”

  She pointed at the TV. “Here, this is the part you need to watch so you know who’s who.”

  As much as she wanted to focus on the TV, she kept sneaking peeks at Ben. His profile was nothing short of stunning—high cheekbones, narrow nose, insanely strong jaw. He seemed totally engrossed in the opening of the show.

  “Let me get this straight.” He put down his pasta bowl and grabbed a slice of crusty bread. “All these women are willing to date the same guy, all at once, in hopes that he marries one at the end?”

  “Yep.”

  “And you think this is a reasonable way to find a mate?”

  She laughed, twirling another forkful of pasta. “I never said reasonable, it’s just entertaining. And you never know where you’re going to meet the love of your life. Could happen anywhere, at any time.”

  “True enough.”

  Chapter Seven

  Julia couldn’t believe he sat through the next hour and a half of the show, not only watching but commenting. No one had ever watched the show with her and it was much more fun to have someone to talk with about all the contestants. His observations intrigued her.

  “That girl’s not into him at all,” he said. “She’s just there to have some time on TV. Poor bloke seems to really like her though.”

  “How can you tell?” She was in complete agreement but that was from years of watching the show, she wanted to know what he was basing his opinion on. To her surprise, he took the remote and rewound.

  “See that there, when he turns away and her body language immediately changes? She’s just looking for camera time and she hasn’t realized that the cameras are on her even when she’s not with him.”

  “Good observation. You sure you’re not a closeted reality TV fan?”

  He laughed. “Quite. But I’ve had my share of experience with women seeking a moment in the limelight.”

  “I’ll bet.” She took another sip of wine, wondering if it was the alcohol or Ben that was making her lightheaded. “So what about him? What makes you think he likes her?”

  “Right here.” He hit the slow motion button. “He’s making eye contact with her even when the other girls are talking. You can tell he’s looking for a reason to touch her. See.” He paused. Sure enough the guy’s hand was against her back “helping” her sit down.

  “You’re good.” Julia was impressed.

  “You’ve no idea.” Ben handed her the remote. “While we’re paused, I’ll grab dessert. You need more wine?”

  “No, I’m fine.” She watched him saunter into the kitchen, his swagger more relaxed but still there. He looked just as good going as he did coming. She chuckled at the pun, unable to keep from picturing the look on his face when they were in bed together.

  Julia was practically glowing, looking cozy and relaxed and incredibly desirable. Her impish grin made him want to toss aside the box of desserts and carry her straight to bed. “What are you up to with that smirk?”

  “Nothing.” She feigned innocence.

  “That smile wasn’t nothing.”

  “There’s a hot guy bringing me a box of pastries, what’s not to smile about?”

  “So you think I’m hot, do you?”

  “Especially carrying pastries.”

  “Perhaps I should get a job as a delivery boy for a bakeshop.”

  “I don’t know. I bet plenty of women go for the whole drummer thing you’ve got going on.”

  “I’m not interested in what plenty of women want. Only you.” He popped open the box and set it between them.

  Julia sat with her fork poised in her long fingers. “Have you had any of these before?”

  “Nope.”

  She moaned. “You have to try the pumpkin mousse cheesecake. It’s one of my favorite things in the world and they only have it in the fall.” She scooped a bit of the fluffy amber creation onto her fork and held it out to him.

  His cock twitched against his thigh and again he thought of sweeping the pastries to the floor and pulling her down beneath him. Instead he opened his mouth, keeping his eyes locked on hers. The cheesecake was indeed fantastic, rich and creamy with just the right blend of pumpkin and spices and a hint of crunch from the candied pecan streusel topping. “That’s awfully good.”

  “Told you.”

  “It’s just missing one thing.” He loved the surprised look on her face. “You.” He leaned forward and kissed her.

  “No fair.” She pulled back, breathless. “You taste like my favorite dessert, how am I supposed to resist that?”

  “You’re not.” He moved the box to the coffee table and drew her closer.

  Everything about Julia drove him wild—her scent, her laughter, the feel of her body moving against his. He’d forgotten what it was like to be with a woman he cared about and the experience was beyond intense. He craved her.

  Julia wove her fingers into his hair, her nails scratching his scalp, heightening the tingling sensations that were already coursing through him. She inched closer, straddling his lap. He ground her against him, the heat passing through both their clothes, straight to his cock. Jesus. He could feel a wet spot forming inside his jeans. All he could think about was getting her naked, feeling her against him. “Hang on.” He wrapped his arm around her back and hoisted them both off the couch. Her legs wound around him, her arms tight around his neck. He carried her straight to bed.

  He sat on the edge of her bed, kicking off his shoes, still holding her.

  “Scoot back,” she said.

  He lay back against her pillows, loving the way she looked kneeling above him. She went to work on his shirt buttons, trailing her fingers over each new inch of skin. The soft light from the window lit her from the side. Her hair had begun to work loose from her ponytail. Long, dark tendrils framed her heart-shaped face. He had to remind himself to breathe.

  She unbuttoned his jeans, inching back far enough that she could undo his zipper. The air hissed out of him as she freed his erection. Her warm hand stroked up the underside, pressing him up against his belly then rubbing back and forth. The friction of her palm and his stomach sent shocks of pleasure straight to his balls.

  He slipped his hand beneath her shirt, needing to feel more of her silky skin against his. She arched
her back and peeled off the t-shirt, letting it drop to the floor. He cupped her breasts, teasing her nipples through the thin fabric of her bra. They stiffened beneath his touch and she rocked her hips against him. He flicked open the clasp, groaning in approval at the sight of her bare breasts.

  Julia leaned forward, sandwiching his cock between them, her nipples grazing his chest. He slid the band off her hair and it cascaded around them like a cool silk curtain. Her breathing was heavy, her hips still moving against his. He kissed her, hard, his hand pressing against the small of her back.

  He gave a gentle tug to her waistband. “Take these off.”

  She kissed him again then rolled onto her back, lifting her hips as she slid the yoga pants down her long legs. Ben wasted no time wriggling out of his jeans. His erection bobbed in anticipation of her touch. He traced his hands along her waist, rolling her toward him. They both jumped when the TV blared.

  Julia giggled, shaking against him. “I guess it got tired of pausing.”

  Ben smoothed his hand around the curve of her ass, drawing her closer. “I suppose that means we should get back to watching the show. Wouldn’t want to miss anything…”

  “Don’t worry, I hit record.” Her devilish smirk was too much resist. His mouth descended onto hers and everything else fell away.

  Julia worked her hand up and down his cock, flipping over every time she reached the tip. His stomach muscles tensed as he tried to avoid giving in to the intense pleasure of her stroke. “Please tell me you have more condoms.”

  She leaned over, reaching for the drawer. His heart banged against his rib cage. He ached to be inside her. This time she did the honors, ripping open the package and sliding the condom on in one fluid motion.

  He tugged her to the center of the bed and bent to kiss her breast. His tongue teased the taut flesh of her nipple before he sucked it into his mouth. Her soft moans sent waves of heat rushing over him. His hand trailed lower, past the smooth curve of her belly. She arched her back, lifting herself toward him. He eased his way through her wetness, reveling in the low rumbles of pleasure that purred from her.

  He kissed his way lower, huffing his breath against her in steady pulses of heat. The sweat that rose from her body intensified her impossibly sweet scent. His lips caressed her inner thigh, his nose brushing against the delicate skin. She squirmed against his fingers. The look on her face was exquisite, eyes closed, lips enticingly open. Beautiful. It overwhelmed him how drawn to her he felt. He slowed the movement of his hand, dragging out each pass over her slick, swollen flesh, then replaced his fingers with his tongue.

  She cried out at the first lick, her body bucking toward him. He steadied her hips with a firm grip. So sweet. He dipped his tongue into her then twirled it around her clit, feeling her moans of pleasure as they vibrated against his mouth. Her fingers wove into his hair, tracing along his neck in a way that made it difficult for him to concentrate. He could feel the pressure building within her as she strained closer to him. That’s it. Come for me. He rubbed his thumb against her mound, massaging as his tongue flicked back and forth. Her body froze then released, her slippery folds pulsing against his lips.

  He stroked her hips and stomach, waiting for her breathing to slow, then kissed his way up to her face. When his cock brushed against her, she tilted her hips to nestle him inside her. He inched in slowly, feeling her stretch around him. Her heat was intoxicating, a liquid pool of desire.

  Her breath puffed hot against his neck as they moved in tandem. She had an incredible ability to synch her movements with his. He drew in and out of her in long, deep strokes and she lifted her hips to meet him on every thrust.

  Her nails grazed up and down his back, then paused, her fingers digging into his shoulders. He could tell she was nearing another climax. She sucked on his lower lip, making him absolutely mad. His balls knotted up tight against his body, ready to burst at any moment. He steeled his arms against the bed, swiveling in and out of her until he felt her insides tighten. She contracted around his cock so hard he almost lost his balance above her. Her shattering cry sent tingles straight down his spine and he felt himself giving in to the unrelenting pressure inside him. With a final thrust he let go, feeling the rush of hot semen rise through him, pulsing out in thick bursts. She stroked his back, rocking against him until he stopped shuddering.

  He eased himself off her, his lips still on hers, unable to get enough of her. She rubbed her nose against his as her breathing returned to normal.

  “That was amazing,” he said, his body still tingling. “Reality TV is seriously underestimated as a form of foreplay.”

  She grinned. “So is cheesecake.”

  He kissed her again, thinking she was the sweetest dessert he’d ever had.

  Julia padded toward the kitchen in bare feet. She’d slipped her t-shirt back on and the soft fabric caressed her still hard nipples with each movement. She opened the refrigerator and grabbed the bottle of ginger ale. It was cool in the apartment but she was overheated and needed a cold drink. “Water or ginger ale?” she asked.

  Ben stood behind her sofa, fiddling with the remote control. He turned toward her, looking absolutely devastating in boxer briefs and his unbuttoned dress shirt. “Whatever you’re having.”

  She placed ice in two glasses and poured the soda. Ben was settled on the couch when she handed him his glass.

  “Now, where were we? Cheesecake and the final ceremony I believe.” He clicked play to start the show up again. They polished off the remaining desserts, snuggled beneath a blanket. Ben made it through the end of the show but was obviously fading fast. He lay down with his head in Julia’s lap. She ran her fingers through his silky hair, lightly scratching.

  He moaned, snuggling against her and kissing her thigh. “I think I’d make a good lapdog.” His voice was slow and sleepy.

  “Lounging around all day letting people scratch behind your ears?”

  “Mm hm. Full bowl of food, the occasional tummy rub. What more could I ask?”

  Julia giggled, continuing to stroke his head. She was about to ask if he wanted to watch a movie when she realized he was asleep. She smoothed her hand over his forehead and along his cheek. A gentle buzzing sound made her jump. She grabbed her cell phone before it vibrated again. There was a text from Marissa. She turned the phone to silent.

  I wanted to call but I thought you might be otherwise engaged…

  There’s a very sexy man asleep on my lap atm.

  OMG. I should have your life for one day.

  Your husband would never forgive me.

  So you’re officially seeing him.

  I’ve done more than see him. J

  You’re killing me. I want details!

  I’ll call tomorrow. BTW mark your calendar for November 6 and GET A SITTER.

  Why?

  Ben wants u to be a guest of the band when they tape Letterman. We’ll all hang out after.

  I’d be screaming but I just passed out. :thud

  Well when u come to remind yourself to call a sitter.

  I knew there was a reason you were my best friend.

  Julia watched Ben sleep a while longer, wondering if she should wake him. What if he hadn’t planned to spend the night? She didn’t like to admit it, but she didn’t want him to leave. She liked having him there with her. Her stomach fluttered. Don’t get too attached. She knew it was far too late for that.

  She bent and kissed his forehead. “Ben.”

  “Mmmm.” He rubbed his head against her leg.

  “You should get up.”

  “I’m up.” His eyes remained closed, his voice mumbling.

  Her eyes trailed down his torso to the impressive bulge in his boxers. He wasn’t awake, but he was indeed up. She slipped out from underneath him and he managed to prop himself against the back of the couch, eyes still closed. His long neck was arched back against the dense cushions of the sofa.

  Julia knelt before him and placed her hands on his glorious bare chest
. She ran them over his rippling abs, then sneaked one hand into the folds of his shorts, allowing his erection to spring free. Without another thought, she took him in her mouth. The groan she elicited sent goose bumps across her body. She cupped his balls, squeezing gently as her tongue slithered up and down.

  “Jesus,” he whispered.

  She drew her cheeks in tighter, feeling him tense beneath her. Her hand slid up, circling him, and she started to stroke, her tongue flicking the sensitive ridge at the tip of his cock. Keeping the rhythm going with her hand, she reached for her ginger ale and took a big mouthful, holding the icy liquid in her mouth as long as she could. The second she swallowed, she wrapped her lips back around him. He cried out, his fingers grabbing at the sofa cushions. Julia continued to suck, twirling her tongue over him on every downward thrust. She felt him swell even harder. She reached her fingers into her glass, extracting an ice cube and holding it in her hand until she knew he was ready. She cupped her ice-cold fingers against his balls just as he exploded. A resounding groan tore through his chest as his body convulsed. She swallowed deep in her throat, sucking gently until he stopped shuddering.

  He threaded his fingers through her hair, pulling her up. “Holy God.” His eyes were glazed, his face flushed.

  She smiled, feeling quite pleased she’d gotten such a dramatic reaction out of him.

  He kissed her, stroking his hand down her back. “I think I’ve lost the feeling in my legs.”

  She giggled, massaging his thigh. “I think you’ll live. But maybe you ought to spend the night. Wouldn’t want you to have to stumble back to your hotel.”