His Eternal Flame

by Layla Valentine

  “In this hypothetical situation, are you wearing clothes or not?”

  “Why would I wear my clothes in the lake?”

  He shrugs against me. “So you’re naked. I think you can guess what my answer is going to be.”

  “What happened to waiting? To building the tension?”

  He looks down at me, top teeth biting into his bottom lip. “There’s only so much tension that can be built.”

  A groan of desire leaves me. Our faces move together at the same time, lips meeting with a sweet collision. The kiss is tender and slow, with hot desire smoldering behind it. We don’t give into the frantic need, though, instead taking our time and letting our mouths explore one another.

  My body tingles, each part of me experiencing a different kind of pleasure. I see what he meant about waiting, about building want. I could kiss this man all night long, simply enjoying the experience of our own desire.

  As we kiss, I turn sideways, edging us toward the loveseat. Zach takes the lead, settling down and pulling me into his lap. I straddle his lap, legs on either side of him, the heat of the fire pushing into my back.

  “You’re so gorgeous,” he murmurs, lightly twisting a strand of my hair.

  I can’t find any words right now, so I just press my lips against his once more. His hands run down my back, pushing their way under my shirt and going back up my shoulders.

  I push my hips against Zach, absorbing the heat there that rivals the fire. His tongue slides against mine, delicious as honey. As I wrap my arms around his neck, the pace of my hips speeds up. I rub against him, a painful mix of pleasure and need growing.

  He makes a little noise of joy, which I swallow down. His hands are still under my shirt, all over my back and waist.

  Pausing my frantic grinding, I run my palm against the rock-hard bulge in his pants. My previous acceptance of waiting is long gone. I need Zach now, need him with a pain that goes beyond physical. I want to merge with him, to make his body mine, to give myself over to him completely and utterly.

  My hands trembling, I work loose his belt buckle and unzip his pants. Zach makes no move to stop me. His breathing quickens, each exhale kissing my cheek.

  He’s wearing boxers—perfect thanks to the slit in the middle of them. I gently pull his dick out, enjoying its smooth tightness against my hand.

  Zach’s hands skim the nape of my neck and reach up into my hair, and he brings me back to his mouth. Our tongues dance together as I slowly stroke his length. A bit of pre-cum leaks out, coating my thumb. My body immediately responds with a gush of wetness.

  Just like that, I’m ready to go. It’s just like Zach promised: this whole afternoon and evening has been nothing but delicious foreplay. He could have taken me at any moment and I would have been primed and on point.

  Pausing to remove my shorts and panties, I drop them on the seat right next to us and climb back into Zach’s lap. He watches me the whole time, waiting with a hungry look on his face. We must be of the same mind, because he hasn’t asked to go inside. We’re doing this right here and right now.

  Holding onto his shoulders, I lower myself against his length. He enters me smoothly; I’m slick and ready for him. A shudder goes through me as I sit all the way down. Zach is buried in me to the hilt, every inch of him taken by my body.

  I press my chest close against his, starting our kiss once more. It’s a desperate meeting of mouths now, our teeth clinking together and scraping against lips. I rock back and forth, arching my back and pressing my hips forward. Zach lets me do what I please as he buries his face in my neck and sucks.

  Each slight movement brings me another hit of pleasure. Lost in Zach’s arms and warmth, I let instinct take over. I move like a wave against him, back and forth, but always staying close.

  As the pressure builds, I dig my nails into his shoulders. Our hot gasps mingle together. Zach plants kisses on my neck, my ear, my cheek, my lips. He’s all around me, the rest of the world falling away.

  I press my mouth tight against his, swallowing his perfect taste. It’s so unique, so special… But reminds me of something.

  Or someone.

  With a cry, I explode with pleasure and collapse against Zach’s chest. He lifts my face with both his hands and kisses me deep, the mixture of our sweat already on his lips.

  “I’m taking you inside,” he announces, before carefully lifting me off him and depositing me on the other end of the seat.

  I wait as he pulls his pants up and dumps the waiting water on the fire. With the flames extinguished, he lifts me into his arms once more.

  “It’s dark,” I laugh.

  “Don’t worry.”

  Zach squeezes me tight and walks carefully up the hill, the double rows of solar lights illuminating the way. He somehow manages to get the back door open and carry me up the stairs without any complications. The whole way I’m stroking his hair, working my fingers deep into his waves.

  In the master bedroom, we hit the bed already wrapped around each other. Zach pulls my clothes off, leaving me completely naked before he undresses himself. The room is just as dark as it is outside, with only the moon’s shine coming through the skylight.

  Zach’s naked body presses against mine, all smooth muscles and hot touches. He rolls, pulling me with him. I end up on top again, our hips locked. With a growl, he rolls again, putting me on the bottom.

  Locked between Zach and the mass of blankets and pillows, I reach between us and stroke his length. He shimmies lower, though, out of my reach. His mouth locks on one of my breasts, while his hand finds the other one. Gentle flicks of his tongue and quick twists of his fingers cause an unexpected mix of pleasure and pain.

  I thread my fingers through Zach’s hair, bucking my hips against him. Despite the release I enjoyed outside, I’m already hungry for more.

  Both hands take over my breasts as Zach kisses a path down my belly. His mouth locks onto my swollen bud and he sucks hard. With a guttural cry, I writhe beneath him. He keeps going, immune to my gasps of pleasure—or maybe spurred on by them.

  “Zach,” I cry out, not even sure what I’m saying or asking for. Everything is too overwhelming: the sharp sweetness of his pinches on my nipples and the frantic lapping between my thighs.

  I release with the force of a volcano, crying out and clutching at the top of his head. Instead of backing off of me completely, Zach only slows down his movements. His hands gently massage my breasts as he lethargically laps at my sore opening. I squirm, but he doesn’t stop. He just keeps going, kissing and stroking.

  Soon the uncomfortable tickling is melting away, an unfolding of pleasure replacing it instead. I’m wet all over again, and Zach knows it. It’s what he wants. Pushing two fingers inside of me, he flicks his tongue against my clit. My body silently screams with the need to have him inside of me again.

  But I can’t talk. Only uncontrollable sounds come from me. Zach makes his way up to me, kissing the whole way. His weight delicately presses against mine, just enough for me to feel contained. As our fingers intertwine he pushes into me, spreading my walls and completely owning me.

  Lips moving against mine, he gently drives into me. It’s a delicate act, with him slowing down the pace instead of speeding up. Over and over, he takes me to the very edge then backs off, easing the pace until sometimes he’s barely moving. Each time I get closer to release, it’s better. Finally, I can’t take it anymore. Digging my hands into Zach’s, I burst with the need, pleasure, and frenzy of the entire day.

  Zach groans, pulling out of me as he sucks my lips hard. After a long, passionate session we’re finally both still. He drops his forehead against mine, and our breaths mingle in the sticky room.

  I’m intensely aware of everything, each inch of my skin tingling with sensation.

  “You were right,” I whisper at the dark form above me.

  “Hmm,” he coos. “Yeah, I was.”

  “You weren’t sure you would be?” I giggle.

  Zach
rolls off of me, but instead of shimmying away he pulls me against his chest. I nuzzle my face into the firm and slick abs there and enjoy the scent of his exhaustion.

  “I was,” he says confidently. “It’s nice to hear you agree with me, though.”

  I grin against him.

  “Yeah, well, don’t get used to it. I’m not going to go along with everything you say. I’m not that kind of girl.”

  His hand trails lightly up and down my arm. “I know you’re not,” he whispers. “That’s what’s so special about you.”

  A rush of euphoria hits me. This feeling must be what people are talking about when they say they’re on cloud nine.

  Zach lets out a contended sigh and hooks his other arm under his head. We both look up at the stars twinkling through the skylight. It’s an amazing sight.

  “This has to be the best weekend I’ve ever had out here,” he sleepily says.

  “Well, we’re only halfway through it, so don’t get too excited yet.”

  “No,” he says. “The world could go up in flames tomorrow, and this still would have been the best weekend.”

  I’m grinning so hard that my cheeks hurt. Since meeting up this morning, Zach’s been making me smile like it’s my job.

  We stay still for a long time, breathing in the same air and watching the night sky. Zach’s breaths get shallower, the rising and falling of his chest more drawn out. I can’t tell if he’s asleep or just awake and completely at peace.

  I try to keep my eyes open, but they grow heavy, till I’m blinking at the sky.

  Out there, down at the campfire, when I climbed onto Zach’s lap… I couldn’t help but think about the other time recently that I was on top of a man.

  Riding Ethan was just as amazing, albeit different. If you asked me who I liked it better with, I wouldn’t be able to give an answer. But if Zach only knew that I was thinking about another man while I was with him… And his ex-best friend, at that.

  He would be furious. Who wouldn’t?

  For the first time since meeting both Ethan and Zach, I feel truly guilty. Seeing two men is one thing. But two men who absolutely hate each other?

  I know it’s not right.

  But maybe I can still find out what really happened between the two of them. And if I do that, maybe I can help fix things. I can heal the wounds, close the rift.

  It could be wishful thinking, but I have to try. These men are already both so important to me. I’m too invested now to walk away from either one of them.

  And I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, don’t know if things will work out with either one of these relationships… But I do know, as I fall asleep in Zach’s arms, that only one thing could make tonight better: Ethan being here as well.

  Chapter 14

  On Monday morning, Graham slithers up to my cubicle.

  “Did you have a good weekend, Noelle?” He peers at me over the rim of his coffee mug, taking sip after endless sip.

  “Yeah,” I smile. “It was really nice. Thanks.”

  It was beyond nice, but I’m not going to tell Graham—or anyone other than Claire—that. After waking up Sunday morning, Zach and I spent several more hours rolling around in bed. Then we had breakfast together out on the patio. A walk around the lake completed the perfect day. When it was time to leave, I had to drag myself to the car.

  But now that I’m back to work, it’s time to focus on the task at hand. The most important piece I’ve ever written.

  The plan I have is a risky one, but it’s worth taking. If I’m going to crash and burn, I might as well do it pursuing something worthwhile.

  “Really nice?” Graham repeats, eyebrows rising. “You’re smiling awfully big there, missy.”

  “Yes, Graham. Really nice. How was your weekend?”

  He waves his hand. “Same old, same old. Hey, I heard you’re working on something really special for stick-up-his-ass Ford.”

  I shake my head. “It’s nothing glamorous, really. Just a piece on a tech billionaire.”

  “Hm.” He studies me, and I hate that I’m wondering if he thinks I only got this assignment because I’m a young, decent-looking female.

  But that was only part of the reason. Ethan told me himself that my writing is good. I’m going to choose to really believe him.

  “See you later.” Graham pats the flimsy partition and leaves.

  I watch him go, my eyes trailing to the doorway that opens to the main hallway. Ethan’s office is down there to the left. I don’t know if he’s here today. The Franciscan Tribune is one of many papers that he owns. It was just luck that I caught him here when I stormed into his office last week.

  I would love to see him, though. Not even to do anything. Just to say hello, to ask him a little bit about his weekend.

  As if on cue, my cellphone buzzes. A message from Ethan.

  Come to my office, he instructs.

  I have to bite back a smile as I text back a quick ‘on my way’.

  Standing up, I straighten my pleated skirt and grab a notebook. This summoning is either about work or something else… But I need to be prepared.

  I do my best to keep my face smooth as I walk down the hall and announce myself to Ethan’s assistant. I’m sent in right away, and the door swings closed behind me.

  “Noelle.” Ethan rises from behind his desk.

  I swallow the ball of nerves that worked its way into my throat during my walk down the hall. Ethan is so handsome I can’t help but come undone in front of him. As he reaches for me, hands going to my waist, I count my reactions.

  There’s lust. Giddiness. Guilt. I don’t know which one to believe in, so I let them all wash over me. No fighting what’s happening. As I’m learning lately, just going with the flow is often the best choice.

  “You look delicious today,” Ethan rumbles, his eyes drinking me up.

  My lips twist up. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

  “How is the article going?” He juts his chin up in interest.

  So this is about the article.

  “Good,” I slowly answer. “That second interview went really well. Zach gave me his backstory. You know, about growing up and school and all…”

  I trail off, studying his face to see if any of this is enticing. Ethan’s face is expressionless, though.

  Taking in a deep breath, I steel myself. Here goes nothing. “Don’t you ever wonder about how he’s doing now?”

  Ethan stiffens. “Why would I?”

  “Because he used to be your friend.”

  Ethan disparagingly shakes his head. “That doesn’t mean anything, Noelle,” he barks.

  I flinch at the tone of his voice, and he sighs.

  “I’m sorry,” he says. “I’m not mad at you. I’m the one who assigned you this article, so if it’s causing me any problems…”

  A sad look flashes across his face, but it’s only there for a second. No sooner has it arrived than it’s gone, replaced by a mischievous grin.

  “Did I tell you yet how fucking sexy you are today?”

  “You might have mentioned it,” I coyly answer.

  I let Ethan pull me to him, and when he kisses me, all the passion of that day in my apartment comes right back. I drop my notebook to the floor as he pulls me in tighter, his tongue probing my mouth.

  Want thrums through me, tight and needy. We kiss heartily, Ethan walking me backward as we do so.

  My rear hits the edge of his desk, and his hands go down on either side of the wood. With his palms planted on the desk, his mouth jumps south. Hungry sucks on my neck make me sigh. He knows just where to kiss, how hard to bite…

  A sudden knock on the door makes us both stand up straight. My heart pounding, I smooth down my hair as we exchange a quick look.

  Ethan clears his throat. “What?”

  “Your nine o’clock is here, sir,” says someone—his secretary, I think.

  “I guess I should get back to work,” I whisper, scurrying to pick up my
dropped notebook.

  Ethan lightly grabs my wrist. “Soon.”

  My pulse doubles. “Soon,” I repeat.

  His gaze dances down my body. “It took everything in me not to come find you this weekend.”

  I swallow hard. What is he suggesting?

  “I’m pretty easy to track,” I smile. “Just look me up on any social media site.”

  “I’m not on those,” he smirks, coming closer.

  I lift my face to his, breath hitching. “I know,” I whisper.

  There’s a second knock. Somehow, we forgot ourselves yet again.

  “One second,” Ethan harshly says as he releases me.

  He opens the door for me, and I hurry out, making a point to not look at the secretary or the man waiting in a nearby chair. I’m almost certain that what Ethan and I were just doing is written all over my face.

  The open-working space is quiet, only soft murmuring and the clicking of keys filling the air. Everything that just happened in Ethan’s office runs through my mind again, his touches, his words…

  His words.

  It hits me like a freight train. I’ve spent a ridiculous number of hours scouring the internet for clues as to what really went down between Ethan and Zach. I figured from the get-go that social media was a bust, as neither one of them have profiles on any social or networking sites.

  But that doesn’t mean the answers I need aren’t on one of those sites, right under my nose.

  Opening up my computer’s browser, I go straight to Facebook. Since I know Ethan and Zach went to Stanford, and I know the year they graduated, I have a running start. There are groups for each graduating year, but they are all closed, unfortunately.

  But at least I can click through any photos that were used as profile pictures. I lean close to the screen as I browse, inspecting every pixel of color.

  Smiling students on green, grassy lawns. Tailgating pics. A million graduation photos. Some mild party shots. And then…in the background of a picture at a house party, there it is.

  My answer.

  Chapter 15

  After all this time searching, the luck that I’ve stumbled upon is ironic. All it took was a little bit more digging on Facebook. Who would have known?