I wave down the bartender. “I'll have a glass of what she's having please.”
Turning to Charlotte, I smile. “Drinks on me tonight, Charlie.”
Charlotte grins. “I didn't even bring my credit card.”
After my Cosmo arrives, I hold it up. “To freedom and single ladies everywhere.”
Charlotte clinks my glass and takes a sip. “I've missed the old you. But now I'm glad she's making a comeback.”
“Hopefully for good,” I say, running my fingers along the edges of the coaster. “How's Aaron? I really need to take you two out for dinner after all that work you put in helping me move.”
“He's good. Working graveyard this week so I won't see him as much.” Charlotte stares at her drink. “Soooo...you want to tell me what's the deal between you and Jeremy?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Don't play games with me Rach. What's going on with you two?”
I continue to feign ignorance by giving her a shrug.
Charlotte's eyes narrow into slits. “He came to see me a week and a half ago. Asked how you were doing. He looked beat up and exhausted. Bruises and cuts on his face. Don't tell me you didn't know.”
I shut my eyes and rub my eyelids with my thumb and forefinger. “What did he tell you?”
“Nothing really. He kept asking me if I'd seen you and how you were holding up. I said you were alright and sleeping over at my place. He seemed relieved to hear that. Then he left.”
“That's all he said?”
Charlotte nodded. “Yup. Now tell me what's going on. The truth and nothing but.”
I down the rest of my drink. Some liquid courage. Then I spill the beans. I was planning to tell her everything anyway. Now's the perfect opportunity.
I tell her about how Will barged into Jeremy's place and attacked me. How Jeremy came to my rescue and how I had to tear them apart by spraying them with a fire extinguisher. Then about how I slept with Jeremy later. Charlotte's jaw dropped at this part, but she didn't interrupt. I finished off by telling her about the fight Jeremy and I had two weeks ago.
“You kept all of this from me the whole time you were staying over?”
“Sorry Charlie. I just didn't want to bring it up.”
“What happened to no more secrets?”
“I was planning to tell you. I just needed to find the right time.” I can feel a migraine coming on. I massage my temples and drag in air through my teeth. The bar's become rowdier and noisier in the past half hour as new patrons enter in throngs. I don't feel like an interrogation tonight.
“So what are you going to do about Jeremy?” Charlotte asks.
“I have no idea,” I reply. “I don't think it's a good idea to start dating again so soon. So I've just been sort of ignoring him.”
“You can't just leave him hanging. At least call him. Or he'll think the worst.”
“I will, I will,” I reassure my sister. “I just-I don't know what to say to him. Jeremy, I'm not mad at you but I also don't want to see you for a little while? Until I get my shit together? Or Jeremy, I like you, but we should stay friends for now? I sound like a total bitch.”
“At least he'll know how you feel,” Charlotte reasons. “Better than leaving it all up to his imagination.”
“Thing is, Charlie, I like Jeremy. A lot. Our kiss-That night-it was amazing.” In a hushed, slightly tipsy voice I add, “He rocked my world.”
“Then what's the problem?” Charlotte asks.
“Problem is, I don't think I'm not ready for something serious. Especially not with my best friend. If this goes South, I'll lose one of the sweetest guys I've ever known. I can't risk that. I just can't.”
“I took the risk when I started dating Aaron,” Charlotte says. “Look how well that turned out. Sometimes it takes a leap of faith.”
“But Jeremy and I, we're not like that,” I mumble. “We're attracted to each other, but not in love. Not like you and Aaron. I don't want to ruin my friendship over sex. That's shallow and just wrong. I'd rather be platonic best friends than fuck buddies.”
“You wouldn't be fuck buddies if there's an emotional connection, Rach. You like him, don't you? Have for a long time? You're always singing his praises. So what's so wrong with wanting something more?”
“I like him, sure. But I'm not sure if he feels that way about me. Maybe he thinks that night was a mistake. He hasn't called or texted me in two weeks.”
Charlotte stands up, frowning. “How are you supposed to find out the truth if you're avoiding him? Call him up and ask him in person how he feels about you. Duh!”
A rush of blood addles my senses and I can hear my heartbeat in my ear.
It's so simple. Just ask him how he feels about you.
Silly Rachel.
I beam at my sister. “Fine, I'll call him. Tomorrow. Last thing I want is to talk to him when I'm this buzzed. But next round's on me.”
Charlotte laughs. “Every round is on you, remember?”
Ten
“Jeremy? It's Rachel.”
“Rachel? What-What's up? It's three in the morning,” Jeremy mumbles through the phone.
“I know- I'm sorry. I'll make this quick.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“I'm sorry I didn't call. I've just been busy putting my life back together. And the more I think about it, the more I realize I don't want to start this next chapter of my life without you. Will you forgive me?” I suck in a deep breath, too scared to exhale.
It took me three whole hours to work up the courage to call him. I've been staring at my cellphone since I got home at midnight.
A deep, rumbling laugh. “You called me at three a.m. to tell me that?”
I exhale. “I didn't want to wait another second to hear your voice.” I swallow hard and I hear Jeremy shuffling around.
“I'm happy to hear your voice too. I was going nuts, not being able to see you. I wanted to give you space, to figure things out on your own-”
“-It's all clear to me now,” I say, excitement bubbling in my chest. “I want to be with you. Even if it means risking our friendship, I want to give this thing we have a shot. You're the best thing I've ever had and I know that now. Do you feel the same way about me? Do you still want me?”
A pause.
“Am I dreaming?” Jeremy asks. Even the sleepiness of his voice tugs at my heartstrings.
“Go back to sleep Jer. I'll call you tomorrow.”
“Wait, Rach. Hold on. I-I want to be with you too. I've been thinking about you non-stop for the past two weeks. Every time my phone rang, I secretly hoped it was you. You don't know how much your call means to me. I'm lost without you, you have to know that.”
I feel a prickle in my eyes. I hold back a sniffle. “I'll call you tomorrow, Jeremy,” I repeat. “Good night. Sleep tight.”
“Good night...Rachel. I can't wait to see you.”
After hanging up the phone, I roll around on my bed, twisting the bedsheets into a messy heap. I'm really going to do it. I'm going to be with Jeremy.
No more self-doubt. No more worries and pessimism.
I've waited fifteen years; I won't wait a day more.
The next morning, I hear a knock my door. I roll over and look at the time. It's only seven a.m.
Charlotte and Aaron are the only one know my new address, but what would either one of them be doing here so early in the morning?
Tying up my robe, I walk to the front door and look through the peephole.
I immediately unlock the door.
“Jeremy!”
Without another word, Jeremy picks me up around the waist and lifts me into the air. “I gave you four hours of sleep. Then I couldn't wait a second longer to come find you.”
“How-”
“-I asked Charlotte,” Jeremy grins. “She wasn't too happy that I woke her up at 6a.m. but she helped me anyway.”
“Why-”
Jeremy answers my second question by lowering his mouth on mine. �
�God I've missed you,” he says, carrying me into the living room and shutting the door. “You drive me insane, woman.”
He doesn't let me go until we're inside the bedroom. Then he throws me on top of the bed and pounces on top of me. “I missed your smell, your skin, your lips, your smile...” He plants tender kisses along every inch of my face. “I couldn't even go back to sleep after your call. I've been up for hours, thinking about all the things I want to do to you when I finally see you. You don't know how much power you have over me.”
“And what do you want to do to me?” I ask, licking my bottom lip.
Jeremy's lips curl into a rakish smile. “Wicked, wicked things.” He leans down and nips the sensitive flesh of my neck. “Bad things. Things friends shouldn't be doing to each other. Ever.”
“Well I guess it's a good thing we're not friends anymore,” I say breathily, pulling him down towards me and crushing my mouth against his once more.
Jeremy surfaces minutes later, gasping for air. “What are we then? Lovers?”
“More than friends, more than lovers. We're soulmates,” I whisper. “We just never realized it until now.”
Jeremy brushes my hair away from my face. “Oh, I realized it a long time ago. I just didn't-couldn't show you how I felt. Thing is, Rachel, I love you. Have since first-year Calculus. I just never had the guts to tell you. But I'm telling you now. I freaking love everything about you, you sexy, sexy woman.”
“Jeremy Hale, you crazy sexy man, I love you too. Now shut the hell up and rock my world.”
Jeremy doesn't need any further invitation. “Yes ma'am.” He tugs his shirt over his head and I eagerly run my fingers along his sculpted body. His wounds have healed nicely and he's sexier than ever with his taut, golden skin and rippling six pack.
I lean in, pressing the tip of my nose against his stomach, taking in his smell, his warmth. He's everything I want and so much more. I see my future in his eyes.
Jeremy takes my earlobe between his lips and sucks tenderly, eliciting a mewling noise from my throat. I'm lost in his touch, his heat, his desire.
With his left hand, Jeremy cups my breast and teases my nipple with his thumb.
“You look gorgeous in this robe, baby, but it's gotta go,” Jeremy murmurs, untying the knot holding the robe together. I help him part the satin fabric to expose my creamy globes. He worships my breasts with his rough fingers, kneading and squeezing them before taking my right nipple into his mouth and flicking it into a hard peak.
I growl, the sound coming from deep within my belly. My lusty core screams out for him; my sex already dripping wet.
Jeremy teases my left nipple briefly before letting his head roam down my body, making a beeline for my aching pussy. Within seconds, his hot mouth closes over my clit and I die a little. He begins lapping my inner labia, languorously, feverishly.
“Fuck Jeremy, that feels so good,” I groan. “Don't stop.”
He responds by sucking on my clit, sending a sharp bolt of pleasure through me. My nails dig into the bedsheets, trying to hold on while his mouth makes all my wildest dreams come true.
Passion erupts through me like fireworks. As my pleasure mounts, I start gently rocking against his mouth, angling my hips so that each of his licks deliver maximum pleasure. I thread my fingers through his hair, grabbing on to it for dear life when he ups the tempo.
He's moving faster now, and it takes every ounce of my reserve not to come.
His tireless tongue is relentless in its pursuit of my pleasure. He eats me out as if my juices taste like pure honey and he can't get enough. He eats me so hard everything around me fades away and all I feel is his erotic mouth shattering the remnants of my self-control. I can't speak, I can't think.
I let go and I let him take over my body. I trust he'll take care of me.
My thighs contract, squeezing his cheeks, suffocating him. He reaches up and pins my legs down with his large hands, digging his face deeper between my legs. I can feel his breath hot and wet against my clit, tickling my mons and making me squirm.
“I'm not going to last much longer. Stop Jeremy, you're killing me.”
Jeremy pauses, but only because he needs to wet his fingers. Once he's coated his index and middle fingers with saliva, he shoves them up tight channel, plunging me further into the depths of ecstasy. His magical fingers explore me, slide against my inner walls and curl around my G-spot, making me delirious with need. The penetration stretches and pleasures me, but it isn't enough.
I need his cock.
I tug at his jeans, unbuckling his belt and pulling down his zipper. Jeremy helps me by kicking off his boxers and pants.
I marvel at his masculinity, his perfect proportions. He is hotter than sin.
And he's all mine.
I reach into my nightstand and pull out a foil packet. Gently tearing it, I take out the condom and slowly roll it down his throbbing shaft. Jeremy grunts, dragging in air, hardly able to contain himself. Once the condom is on, he pulls me into his arms and kisses me. I can taste myself on his lips; his mouth still glistening with my nectar.
His hard-on presses against my belly, raring to go.
“Get on your knees, facing the wall,” Jeremy instructs, his voice dark with a dangerous edge.
I obey, shuffling to my knees. I face the wall, bracing myself against my oak headboard.
I gasp as I feel the tip of his cock push past my pussy lips.
“Hold still, baby. I'm coming in.” Jeremy's left hand is on my hip while his right hand guides his member inside me.
Inch by glorious inch, I feel him filling and stretching me, widening my slick channel with his impressive girth. He's huge and I can barely take all of him, but he goes slow and I find myself relaxing to fit more of him. After he's all the way in, he starts pumping me. Nice. Slow. Gentle.
I want him to ravage my senses, leave me blind with his erotic touch, but he holds back, savoring the moment. Savoring me.
Teasing me.
“More, Jeremy. I need more,” I beg, pushing myself deeper against him, wanting to feel all of him inside me.
Jeremy grabs my hips and thrusts harder, bottoming out until I feel his sac brush against my inner thighs. Everything about his body is hard; pure muscle. His skin is on fire and the fever is spreading through me.
Jeremy starts thrusting harder, pulling on my hair and repeating 'Rachel, Rachel...” over and over. I love the way my name sounds on his tongue. I can't get enough of his voice.
“Fuck,” I cry, reaching down and stroking myself. “I'm going to come, Jeremy I can't-”
Jeremy pulls out, wickedly denying me an orgasm. “Not yet sweetheart. Not so fast.” His voice is velvet against my ear. I groan into him, thrusting my ass against his cockhead.
“I need it Jeremy, give it to me. I want your cock now.”
Jeremy slides his tip against my entrance, teasing me. When he pulls back, a glistening string of my juices trail with him. I try to ease the ache by touching myself but Jeremy slaps my wrist.
“No touching.”
A muffled groan escapes my lips. “Make me come...please.”
Jeremy hugs me from behind, his hard chest against my back. He reaches around and cups my tits, weighing them and tugging on my nipples. “How badly do you want it?”
“Really, really bad,” I reply, wiggling underneath him. “You have no idea how bad.”
He continues holding me down, restricting my movements.
I feel his teeth scrape against the shell of my ear, his sinful voice melting the last of my reserve. “I love you, Rachel. I love you so much.” He squeezes my breasts with both hands, his lips still against my ear. “I want to fuck you so hard you can't walk after. Make you come so hard all the neighbors hear you scream. Give you the best damn orgasm of your life.”
“Give me everything you've got Jeremy,” I plead. “Don't hold back.”
“You got it, baby.”
Jeremy pulls me into his arms and swings me off the
bed, carrying me out into the living room.
“W-What are you doing?”
“Not holding back,” he grins, setting me down by the window.
“This isn't what I had in mind,” I laugh, trying to hide my nakedness with my hands but failing.
“The sun is barely up yet,” he murmurs. “No one will see. Let loose for me baby.”
Jeremy pushes me up against the windowpane, and the cold glass makes my whole body tense. Threading his fingers through mine, Jeremy starts grinding against my ass, pressing his unbearable hard-on between my perky cheeks.
“I want you to show the world how hot I make you feel. Let them watch me give you the most explosive orgasm you've ever had.”
“Jeremy-this is so bad. I just moved here-”
Jeremy's cock rubs up against my pucker, then lower down to my perineum. Then up again, causing my pussy to leak down my thighs. He eases down to his knees, and still holding me up against the window, he eats me out from behind.
Oh sweet Jesus.
His nose is buried between my ass cheeks while his tongue laps up all the cream dripping out of my pussy.
“You taste so fucking good. I could eat you for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” Jeremy swallows hard before surfacing for more. I brace myself against the window ledge, breasts bouncing up and down. My nipples are so hard they hurt. I ride Jeremy's face with unabashed abandon, my silky blond hair falling wildly around me.
When I'm close to climaxing once more, Jeremy stands up and immediately plunges his entire length into me.
I'm so shocked I scream.
He pumps me hard, driving into me with insane force, blinding me with passion. I can't hold on anymore. I have to come.
“Jer- I'm going to-”
“-Me too baby.”
In one heart-stopping second, we both come together. I feel his rigid length ejaculate inside me, his warm seed spreading heat all over my body. My own orgasm is powerful and turbulent, knocking me over with its surprisingly strength. Wave after wave of euphoria shudders through me and I sag to the floor, gasping for air. “You are fucking insane,” I moan.
Jeremy crumples down beside me. “I'm the fucking best, you mean.” He rolls me over until we're lying on the floor, both of us staring up at the ceiling. He has the giddiest look on his face. A teasing smile. “I'll give you fifteen minutes. Then I'm taking you for another ride.”
Plumber Page 7
