Torrid Teasers Volume Three

by Sherrill Quinn, Susan K. Droney

  "You coming?” She hugged her arms around her waist, trying to ward off the cold air that worked its way under her skirt.

  He muttered something that sounded suspiciously like ‘pain in my ass,’ but with the distance between them, she couldn't be sure. His big feet stomped up the steps. He knocked perfunctorily on the front door and opened it. Even in his irritation, his ingrained manners kept him waiting until she entered first.

  "Grandma?” Don's deep voice bounced off the walls. “You here?” He stomped his feet on the rug while he shrugged off his coat. He hung it on an old-fashioned coat tree, and held out his hand.

  Addie took her coat off and handed it to him, and scraped her feet on the rug to rid her shoes of snow. Pointing to a small table that rested against the wall under an early family portrait, she offered, “There's a note."

  He walked over and picked it up, scanning it. “She's next door. Says she couldn't stay in a quiet house.” He frowned. “What the hell ... she knew I was bringing you back here to talk about her damned little wiener dog."

  Addie grinned. She was pretty sure she knew what was going on. Why else would his grandmother call him when she could've picked up the phone and called Friends directly? Delia had set them up, the little matchmaker.

  Never a slacker, Addie decided to take advantage of the opportunity and walked down the hallway, making sure her butt twitched more than usual. Another darkly muttered comment from Don told her what she wanted to know: she was definitely getting to him.

  Good. Payback was a bitch, and he was gonna learn it firsthand.

  If she could hold off from jumping his bones long enough.

  * * * *

  Donovan watched the sway of Laidy's ass and knew that the wait was just about over. He recognized a tease when he saw one. He'd let her get her pound of flesh, then he'd give her several inches and see where things took them.

  The several inches in question throbbed insistently as he followed her down the hallway. He knew she had a more forgiving nature than he did; he just hoped she wasn't as stubborn as him. If she was, he was shit out of luck.

  She sashayed into the guest room and tsked at the sight of his unmade bed. “Donovan, you know your grandma likes her house orderly. You couldn't even make the bed?"

  He closed the bedroom door and walked up behind her. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her against him. “I didn't have time. She kept nattering at me to go get you."

  She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. Her slender hands gripped his wrists lightly. “Nothing's changed, you know."

  "I've changed.” He turned her around. Cupping her face in his hands, he willed her to believe him. “I was such an asshole, Laidy. Your gift is part of you—part of what makes you unique."

  She stepped back, shaking her head. “You say that now, but what happens when my next case—my next real case—comes along? I can't ignore an animal in need, Don. Even if that means putting myself in jeopardy."

  He knew she spoke of the last time they'd been together at the warehouse. God, he had to make her believe him. What could he say or do to get her to understand why he'd reacted the way he had when he didn't know why himself?

  "I grew up with my mom talking to our animals and listening to them, acting like she understood what they were thinking.” His voice cracked as he remembered the embarrassment of the teenager he'd been.

  "And you never believed that she could."

  "No."

  She didn't say anything more, merely stared at him steadily. God, she was not going to make it easy for him.

  But that was okay. He more than earned it. If she needed to hear the words, he'd give them to her. The only thing he could do was lay it on the line. Put his heart out there. Be as vulnerable as she was. And hope to God she didn't kick him in the balls like he deserved.

  He took a deep breath and blew it out through his lips, hard. His heart pounded like a runaway train, his palms were slick with sweat. Damn, he'd never gotten this nervous when he was undercover and about to face death. But this little bundle of femininity had him so screwed up in knots, he felt like he was going to throw up.

  "I was wrong. The last three months, all I've done is think about you. And her. And, looking back with a clear head, I can remember times when she knew stuff that she couldn't possibly have known, unless the dog ratted me out.” He gave her a grin, dredged up through the pain his disbelief had caused to him and those he loved. “I love you, Laidy. I loved you from the minute I saw you helping Grandma with Matilda all those months ago. If you say you can talk to animals, I believe you."

  He put his hands on her shoulders and squeezed gently. He swore when a tear spilled over and slid down her cheek. Leaning down, he kissed it away and pulled her into his arms, where she belonged.

  "I believe you. Give me another chance, baby. Please.” His voice cracked and he swallowed back the fear that ate its way up his throat. If she said no, he didn't know what he'd do. Getting on his knees and begging was always an option.

  If that was what she needed, he'd do it.

  He'd do whatever it took to win her back.

  * * * *

  Unable to do anything else, Addie slid her hands around Don's back and held him close. God, she'd missed him. Missed holding him, smelling him. He always smelled of spicy cologne and fresh soap with a hint of cinnamon. She didn't know where the cinnamon came from, but it was uniquely him.

  She tilted her face until her nose nestled the dip at the base of his throat. Dark chest hair peeked from the unbuttoned neckline of his shirt. Without making a conscious decision, she slipped one button free from its mooring. Then another.

  His big hands rubbed up and down her back, his breath warm as he nuzzled the crook of her neck. “God, Laidy, please,” he muttered, his deep voice rough. She shivered at the rasp of his whiskered jaw against her skin. “I love you. Tell me I haven't totally fucked this up."

  She could hear the desperation in his voice and more tears fell. That she had reduced this big, strong man to pleading was almost too much to bear. As much as she'd thought how nice it would be to make him pay for rejecting her, this wasn't what she wanted.

  Addie pulled back to stare into his eyes. Seeing the moisture glittering there made her own tears spill over even faster.

  His hands cupped her cheeks, thumbs swiping away the tears. “Don't cry, honey. Please don't cry."

  Her vision was filled with him, the heat and love in his gaze, the need in his taut expression. She closed her eyes as his mouth gently captured hers. His lips moved over hers, coaxing, teasing. She slid her hands over his chest and splayed her fingers over his hard pectorals, thumbs teasing his nipples through the thin material of his dress shirt.

  Slowly, he pulled away, just enough to put some space between them. She could still feel his heat and it was burning her alive. She opened her eyes to find him watching her, his gaze dark and intent. Her heart thudded and she started to speak.

  He forestalled her by placing one lean finger over her mouth. “Tell me I haven't fucked us up, Laidy.” His voice was rough, grating. The voice of a man on the edge of control. The calloused pad of his finger rasped against her lips. “Tell me you still want me. Still want this.” He pressed his hips closer, letting her feel his erection.

  Addie licked her lips, deliberately touching his finger with her tongue. His eyes flared with heat and, with a low growl, he hauled her into his arms. His mouth slanted over hers, eating at her lips, biting, nipping. He whirled and placed her on the bed, covering her with his heavy frame, never taking his mouth from hers.

  His hands slid under her T-shirt and pushed it above her breasts. He leaned to one side, dark eyes glittering as he stared at her bared flesh. “Damn, your tits are so pretty.” He smoothed his palm from one breast to the other, smiling softly when her nipples hardened into taut buds. Bending, he took a nipple into the heat of his mouth. His teeth nipped at her, just enough to cause a slight sting, then his tongue laved the small hurt.
<
br />   Addie gasped and cried. She'd missed this with him. The feel of his hard body on her, his mouth, his hands, his cock.

  When he slid one long finger under the elastic of her panties and touched the dewiness of her pussy, she shivered. Slowly, so mind-bendingly slowly, he parted her folds and slid that finger deep.

  "God, you feel so good, baby. So hot and wet and tight. Just the way I remember.” His finger teased, pushed in and then out again. Resting on his elbow, his arm behind her back, he arched her and took her nipple into his mouth again.

  Addie moaned and pumped her hips against his hand. Her body tightened. When his thumb rasped against her clit, she choked back a scream of pleasure. Biting down on her lower lip, she rolled her hips into his touch.

  "Come on, Laidy.” His breath was hot against her tight nipple. A second finger joined the first and he hooked them, rubbing against the sensitive walls of her sheath.

  She squeezed her eyes shut and moaned as a wave of intense pleasure crashed over her. Don groaned with her as her pussy clamped down on his fingers.

  Addie fisted the sheet in her hands and thrust her hips against his hand. “Don!"

  "That's it, sweetheart. I've got you. Let go."

  She flew apart in his arms. When her tremors stilled, he reached up and yanked her shirt over her head. It caught on her arm and he swore while she laughed and disentangled it from the shirt.

  "I love to hear you laugh.” His dark eyes bored into hers before he looked down and got busy on her skirt. As soon as he had her naked, he jumped off the bed and toed off his shoes, then ripped off his shirt, sending buttons flying. He unzipped his slacks a bit more carefully, pushing them off along with his briefs.

  When he straightened, her gaze was drawn to the puckered scar high up on his shoulder. “Don? What happened to your shoulder?"

  He glanced at the scar and shook his head. “It's nothing. I was shot about six weeks ago."

  She gasped and scooted to the edge of the bed. He sat beside her and, with a shaking hand, she touched the puckered skin with the tips of her fingers. She could have lost him. These months of hurt and anger ... she should have tried harder to make him come back to her.

  "I'm all right, Laidy.” He cupped her chin and tilted her face upward. “It was just a flesh wound.” Pressing kisses against her face, he angled her head so his mouth could wander down her neck. “I have another part that hurts, though."

  "Don't think we won't talk about this later,” she murmured, but decided to let it drop for now. Reaching out, she curled her fingers around the thick length of his cock. A pearl of moisture beaded the tip and she swiped it off with her thumb.

  He swore and pulled her hand away. “Later, baby. You can touch me all you want to later. Right now, I need to be inside that hot, sweet pussy of yours."

  Bending, he dragged his wallet from his trouser pocket. Flipping it open, he pulled out a square packet and flashed it at her, along with a wide grin.

  She barely had time to admire his sleek muscles and hair-roughened skin before he'd grabbed her under the arms and slid her further onto the bed, pushing her flat. He tore the packet open with his teeth, then rolled the condom over his erection.

  He crawled over her, fitting himself between her splayed thighs. “I need you, Laidy.” His voice was a deep growl, full of need. “Now."

  "Yes.” Addie lifted her hips onto his.

  He positioned himself, probing gently against her slick folds. Making a low sound of pleasure, he eased his cock into her slowly. “You are so goddamned hot and wet.” He closed his eyes as he slid in another inch. “Tight."

  He drew her legs over his shoulders and thrust forward. The position left her unable to counter his lunging hips. The sense of being so vulnerable, so open to him, heightened her pleasure. He went so deep this way, stretching her, filling her.

  One big hand slid between their bodies and he rubbed his fingers against her clit. His cock plowed into her, fast. Hard.

  Deep.

  Within moments, her body tightened. With a cry, she came again. She wrapped her arms around him and screamed with pleasure. This time, he was part of her, and that made it so much sweeter.

  He gave a shout and stiffened against her. She felt his cock jerking in her pussy as he climaxed, hips pumping wildly. Then he slumped over her, his chest heaving.

  Addie drew her fingers up and down his sweaty back, loving the feel of his long, lean muscles. She loved him, every big gorgeous inch of him. He was an incredible man and, if she could believe him, he was hers.

  All hers.

  He pulled out of her and dropped the used condom in the bedside trashcan. When he settled back between her legs, she placed a soft kiss on his brawny shoulder near the bullet scar. “I love you."

  * * * *

  Donovan felt his heart stop, then start up again in a mad clatter against his ribs. She loved him? She loves me!

  He pressed a kiss against the side of her neck, then rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, too.” He rubbed his forehead against hers. Drawing back, he stared into her eyes. “Stay with me, Laidy."

  Her blue-gray eyes searched his. Seeming to find the answers she sought, she smiled. Raising her head enough to kiss him, she let her lips play over his. Then she dropped back onto the bed and asked, “What exactly are you saying?"

  He swallowed and put his heart out there. “I love you so much, it terrifies me. But the thought of not having you in my life terrifies me even more.” Brushing stray strands of hair from her face, he let his hand linger near her cheek. “I want to wake up every morning with you in my arms. Marry me."

  She turned her face into his hand, nuzzling his fingers, not meeting his eyes. “I'll always be what I am, Don. I'll always be ... different."

  He heard the self-doubt behind her words, and hated himself for making her feel she was anything less than perfect. “I love who you are, Laidy. I love the way you walk, I love the way you talk. Even with animals. I love everything about you. Believe that."

  She looked unconvinced, so he dipped down and took her mouth with his. He kissed her long and hard, and not so sweet. They were both breathing heavily when he lifted his mouth from hers. He stared at her, willing her to understand that he had changed. “Believe me."

  "I do.” Her eyes glittered with passion. With love. She cupped his cheek. “But I have to tell you something."

  "What?” He got distracted by her breasts and leaned down and sucked a nipple into his mouth.

  "Oh. Um...” She moaned and pressed her hips against his.

  His cock hardened against her thigh. Don slid his shaft through her slick folds slowly. Making them both crazy.

  "Again?"

  Getting off her, he grabbed another packet from his wallet and jumped back on the bed. This time, she took his hard length in her hand and rolled the condom on. With a groan, he surged into her tight channel. “Yeah. You know men. They're like guns."

  "What?” Giving a little moan and a wiggle that nearly unmanned him, she put her hands on his waist.

  "They're either loaded or unloaded.” He circled his hips, putting pressure on her clit. Her cunt clamped down on him in reward. “And this gun's loaded again."

  Another circle and he bit his lip against the sweet pleasure-pain of the tight grasp of her sheath.

  "Your grandma ... oh-h-h.” She gasped and pumped against him. “She ... oh, God. She set this up."

  "I figured as much.” He slid his mouth to her other nipple and licked a lazy circle around it. “Can we not talk about my grandmother at a time. Like. This?” He punctuated his words with sharp lunges.

  "S-sure.” She wiggled against him and slid her hands around to clutch his ass cheeks. “But you should know..."

  He stopped long enough to look at her. One brow raised, he said, “Well? Hurry up. I got better things to do."

  She grinned, then bit her bottom lip before saying, “Matilda really doesn't like it when you call her a wiener dog."

  He tilt
ed his head. His other brow joined the first, high up on his forehead. “Oh? Do tell."

  Addie giggled and gripped his buttocks tighter. One finger strayed dangerously close to his asshole and he shivered at the promise that one slender digit held.

  "She said you,” she looked down at where their bodies joined each other, “had no business calling anyone a wiener."

  * * * *

  Delia Miles and Matilda paused at the threshold of the foyer, heads cocked to one side as they listened to the laughter coming from the guest bedroom. The elderly lady looked down at her faithful companion, who wagged her tail happily. Painfully stooping, the woman picked up the dog and gave her a kiss on her graying snout. “Well, little lady, it looks like you were right. Wishes made in the winter time are the best wishes of all."

  ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  Susan K. Droney is the author of many novels, short stories, and articles. She was raised in Western New York and currently resides in New Jersey. She has two daughters and a grandson. Her passions, aside from writing, include traveling, cooking, gardening, walking, and reading.

  Sherrill Quinn grew up in Northeast Ohio. In 2000, no longer able to deal with the excitement of winter's snow and ice, she moved to Southern Arizona where she now dodges cacti and rattlesnakes. (Okay, she's seen exactly two. Snakes, that is.) Sherrill is previously published under another name in short romantic fiction and non-fiction. Careful Wishes is her first erotic romance short story.

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