by Wendi Zwaduk
Austin sucked on her clit and allowed her to direct the action. His touches sent a tremor through her body. She planted her feet and held on. The man knew how to break her apart inside.
She squeezed her eyes shut and basked in the sweet pressure on the tiny bundle of nerves. A moan bubbled in her throat.
“Tell me you like this.” Austin kissed her inner thigh up to the inside of her knee. “It’s sexy when you moan.”
Did she enjoy what he was doing? Hell yes. “Don’t stop.” She spread her legs even more, shoving her pussy into his face. “Fuck.”
“We’re not going to fuck yet.” He dragged his tongue down her leg to the apex of her thighs. “Want to make you happy.” He resumed caressing her cunt with flicks and nips. He added the occasional jab into her vagina, making her moan again.
“Then don’t stop.” She opened her eyes. Oh, God, he was so good, but he’d have to go eventually.
“If I could spend forever right here, I would.” He scraped his teeth across her clit. “I love you.”
Realization swept over her. Maybe she and Austin weren’t meant to be together forever, but the passion they shared was real. He loved her in the best way he knew how.
“Mine,” Austin murmured. He smoothed his palm over her hip and up her belly to her chest. He moved her shirt away from her breasts then eased her bra down to expose her boob. He tweaked her nipple.
“More,” Molly whimpered. Each time he manipulated her body, she loved it. She dug her nails into her skin. She closed her eyes and gasped for breath.
“Anything you want.” He continued to massage her breast. At the same time, he slid his middle finger of his other hand into her channel. He pumped his digit and twisted his wrist, touching her all over from within. Within seconds, he worked up a perfect rhythm of sucking, pinching and finger-fucking her.
Molly gasped and opened her eyes. She moved her hands from her pussy to his hair. She didn’t tug. Instead, she held him in place. Holy fuck, she needed more from him.
If she’d thought she’d been overwhelmed by him before, the combination of all the sensations on her body blew her mind. He sent her over the edge. The orgasm that started low in her belly spread through her limbs. Her legs trembled and she tensed. Heat engulfed her and everything tingled. Her thoughts blurred.
“Austin,” she panted. “Oh, my God.” She whimpered and tightened her grasp on his hair. “Austin.” She couldn’t think or breathe. Everything centered on the way he made her feel. She drew her knees together on either side of his head and shivered as the orgasm washed over her.
“Let go of me, babe.” Austin uncurled her fingers, releasing her grip on him.
She closed her eyes and hoped he didn’t disappear when she opened them again. Austin knew how to touch her in all of the right, delicious ways. He owned her heart and made her soul sing but he wasn’t going to stick around. That’s how things went between them. He built her up then walked away.
Austin arranged her legs on the bed then crawled onto the mattress beside her. He dragged a blanket over her partially nude body and rested his head against her shoulder. “Like that?”
She wanted to say yes and to curl around him. Hell, she wanted him to resume licking her pussy, but he hadn’t answered her question—not really. She adjusted her bra and smoothed her shirt back into place. “You did that so you didn’t have to tell me the truth.” She balled her hands at her sides. “Didn’t you?”
“No. I’m being as honest as I can. I did everything because I wanted to. Because I needed you.” He propped himself up on his elbow and draped his arm across her belly. “Molly, I’ve jacked up so much, but not this time.”
“So you’re leaving again.” She should’ve known. She tried to sit up in order to get away from him. The idea of him seeing her crying again wasn’t her plan for a good time. Instead of letting her get away, he flopped on the bed and pulled her across his lap. The blanket tangled around her legs, making escape nearly impossible. “Austin, don’t do this.” She wriggled in his grasp. “Don’t do this to me. I can’t handle it again.”
He managed to sit up and cupped her jaw in both hands. “I know what you’re scared of. I’m an ass. I leave you and expect you to not only pick up the pieces but to stick with me. You truly are the most loyal friend I’ve ever had.” He placed his fingers on her mouth when she parted her lips to argue with him. “I know what you’re thinking and I’m not pandering to you. Molls, I’m trying to tell you things have changed. I’m not the same asshole Austin I used to be. I’m in love.”
She stared at him and processed what he’d said. She wobbled on his lap. Oh fuck. He might not be the same person—she’d give him the benefit of the doubt on that—but he was in love like he claimed? “With Iris,” she blurted. She moved his hand from her mouth. “This is our last huzzah.” The tips of her ears burned and embarrassment flowed through her veins. Tears threatened behind her eyes. No, she wasn’t going to cry over him again. Fuck it.
“I never said that.” He curled his fingers around her wrists. “Babe.”
“You’re so blind. You used me and knew I’d be loyal, then abused my trust. You have no idea how deep you cut me.” She kept her gaze on him but didn’t cry. Her voice cracked, despite her effort to stay calm. She scooted off his lap and tumbled to the floor before she righted herself. She kept the blanket around her lower body. “You’re getting my bed wet and I think you should leave.” She turned her back on him. “Don’t come back. Don’t call or text me. Just go.”
She couldn’t handle looking at him. Her heart ached. She’d been used for the last time. She covered her face with her hands and gritted her teeth to keep from letting her emotions get the best of her.
“No.”
“No?” She snorted. “Are you serious?”
“This isn’t the end for us.” He eased up behind her. “I’m trying to tell you I love you.” He tucked her against his soggy chest. “I love your vulnerability and your grace. Your smile, laughter and the way you fit against me.”
She wanted to believe him, but damn it… He knew the right things to say and how to get to her. “Don’t say what you don’t mean.” Her voice cracked a second time. “My heart can’t take the beating. No more.”
“I’ll have to live with being known as that kind of dick for the rest of my life but I don’t care.” He turned her around in his embrace and rested his forehead on hers. “Babe, I love you. I screwed up by not saying it when we were in college. I knew my heart and it belonged to you. Still does and always has. You married Linc and I had Carole, but I wasn’t happy. You weren’t happy. We’re best together. I don’t see any reason we have to be apart.”
His words made sense. She even believed some of what he’d said. But to trust him? She wasn’t sure the trust was possible.
“I’ve waited too long to be honest with you and I can’t stand it. I’m yours, babe. I love you so much.” He brushed his nose against hers. “If you push me away, I’m going to keep trying.”
“Austin.” Her resistance to him frayed. She wanted to believe him. As much as she’d been hurt in the past and knew he could hurt her all over again, she still wanted that happy ending with him. She’d had little else but she’d had hope.
“I’ve never let myself be stripped bare like I do with you.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “You have my heart in your hands.”
“I don’t understand. All this time, you loved me? Why didn’t you say anything or make a move?”
“I wish I could say it was simple but it’s not.” He eased back to the bed and sat on the mattress. He tugged her onto his lap. “The first time I saw you, I had this feeling deep in my gut that we’d end up together. I might have been blind a few times and missed my chances but I’m not letting go. I said I love you and I do. One of these days I’m getting my grandmother’s ring.”
Her lips parted and she gasped. Oh shit. “Austin?” He couldn’t mean what he’d said. No way.
“I’m going to ma
rry you.” He patted her ass. “That’s a promise.”
“What about Iris?” she blurted. He’d been so hot and heavy with the other woman and the last she knew he was still with Iris.
“What about her?” He slid his palm beneath her shirt and caressed her back. “She’s not the woman I love. Not the one I’m going to make love to.” He eased Molly onto the bed again and brushed her hair from her face. “I’m going to show you how I feel and pray to God you’re not going to push me away.”
If she’d expected something sweet and sensual from him, she was mistaken. The animalistic side of Austin took over. He whipped his shirt up over his head and tossed the garment onto the floor. His hair stuck up at odd angles and passion lit in his eyes.
Molly didn’t think. She acted and threw her arms around his neck. She peppered his face with kisses. The bit of scruff on his cheeks burned her face, but she wouldn’t push him away. Not now. She bumped noses with him and their teeth clashed a couple of times. Austin continued to kiss her while he fumbled to open his pants.
Molly slid her hands down his chest to his jeans. She popped the button for him and shoved the denim and his boxers down his thighs. The clothing bunched around his ankles. Power filled her—she could make him feel good. She wound her arms around his waist. She nipped her way down his chest. She tasted the salt of his perspiration and the bit of hair on his pecs tickled her nose. The scent of him—something unlike his usual woodsy scent—wrapped around her. She met his gaze.
“Love that.” Austin cupped the back of her head and dragged her flush to his body. He kissed her again, sucking on her tongue. He swallowed her moan and swatted her bare ass.
Molly yelped—not from the pain, but because she hadn’t expected him to spank her. She writhed against him. Damn, she liked the twinge of pain with her pleasure. She scraped her nails down his chest and tweaked his nipple.
Austin wrestled his mouth free of hers and gasped. “Fuck. I need to be inside you.” He kissed her again. “Right now.”
“I want you there, too.” She bit his bottom lip before letting him go. Her nerve endings sizzled. She felt alive and free in his arms.
As he fumbled in her dresser for another condom, an idea occurred to her. She turned around and settled on her hands and knees. She waggled her ass at him. After the earlier orgasm and the spanking, he had her on the edge. She glanced over her shoulder at him.
“Oh, fuck yeah.” Austin still had his pants and boxers around his ankles as he scrambled back to the bed. “So damn hot.” He rolled the condom over his erection and filled her to the hilt. “Fuck,” he said, drawing the word out. “Love the way you feel around me.”
She groaned. From head to toe, her body buzzed. The heat in her lower belly surged to her pussy. She rocked backward onto his dick and the small action seemed to kick-start him.
“Mine.” Austin dug his fingers into her hips. He built a steady rhythm but increased his speed with each thrust. The sound of skin slapping skin, along with her whimpers and his groans, filled the air.
Molly grasped handfuls of the bedding and arched her back. Her temperature spiked as her need for him built to a fever pitch.
“Jesus.” Austin held onto her with one hand and brought his other hand down hard on her ass. The sound of the spank echoed in the room and was quickly drowned out by her moan.
“Oh, my God.” Molly pushed against him, shoving him deeper into her body. “More. Harder. I want to feel you in my soul.” She bowed her head. Nothing would compare to this. She’d denied herself and had ignored how much he meant to her, but she knew better. Her heart belonged to him. He knew how to make her body sing.
“Babe,” Austin murmured. “My sweet babe.”
“Austin.” She closed her eyes. Her legs trembled. She wouldn’t need much more to come apart. “Shit.”
“I know, babe. I’m close.” Austin swatted her again. “Oh, Jesus.” He added more force to his thrusts and spanked her with each surge into her body.
Molly gritted her teeth and succumbed to the climax. Euphoria flowed through her veins as the orgasm washed over her. Everything trembled.
“Yes. Fuck, that’s so sexy.” Austin’s thrusts turned frantic and his rhythm faltered. He filled her to the hilt and groaned. His dick pulsed within her pussy and she felt the throb all over her body. He moaned then rocked his hips. He added a few more thrusts but with more tenderness than before.
She opened her eyes and parted her lips. He’d wrung her out—again.
“Molly.” He encircled her waist and tugged her upright. He held her to his chest. “Damn,” he said against her neck. “Just damn.”
“Yeah.” She had no other words. Her knees weakened and she leaned into his embrace. She sighed and peered down at her clothing. She still wore her bra and shirt. He probably still had his pants around his ankles. Good Lord, she and Austin were a hot mess.
“I’ve never done that before.” Austin nibbled on her neck. “Never needed someone so much that I kept my clothes kind of on.” He chuckled. “But you do that to me. I’m not me without you. I’m best when you’re beside me.” His cock softened and slipped free of her pussy. He kissed her then lowered her to the bed. “Give me a second. I’ll be right back.”
Once he let go, Molly snuggled into the pillows and breathed in his scent. He was right—she and Austin were better together. She closed her eyes and didn’t bother to cover the lower half of her body. The bed dipped as he climbed onto the mattress beside her. He parted her thighs and she opened her eyes.
“Gotta take care of my babe.” Austin dragged the warm washcloth over her cunt, cleansing her.
“Thanks.” She’d never realized how sweet he could be until he surprised her. He had an odd way of showing he cared about her and loved her. He disappeared into the bathroom for a few moments then strolled back into the bedroom. He’d manage to untangle himself from his clothes.
She drank in the image of him nude. Dear God, he’d become even more handsome. Austin climbed into bed beside her. He dragged the blankets over his body and hers then held her to his chest once again.
Molly nestled in the blankets with her back against Austin’s chest. She mulled over the events of the last couple of hours. The switch in him was not like Austin. She twined her fingers with his and sighed. So many thoughts filled her brain. Why’d he finally admit he loved her? Was he being honest? Had he had a falling out with Iris? Learned he might not be cut out for the modeling world? Could they really have a chance at a future together?
“What are you thinking about?” Austin kissed the back of her neck. “Something good?”
“I’m overwhelmed,” she confessed. She rolled onto her back and met his gaze. “This isn’t like you. Not only will we get fired, Mr. Lee will have a fit. He likes us working together, but he’ll never go for us being together. It’s against the rules. We’re screwed.”
“I’m not screwing you. I love you.”
“You’re not thinking straight.” She splayed her hand on his chest. “It’s a sweet sentiment, but it can’t work.” Someone had to be the practical one. “Besides, you were fired.”
“Okay. We need to talk—about work and us.” He sat up and crossed his legs then faced her. “I lost the Aura campaign because I refused to sleep with Iris. I didn’t bite, so the dream is over. I’m not upset one bit. I hated the way she’d paw me and expect me to play nice.”
“Really?” He hadn’t slept with Iris? She could’ve sworn she’d seen the spark between them. Iris seemed to like him and he knew how to work with Iris’ attention. Everyone wanted to be around him. “I want to trust you and believe you but I’m not sure. I’ve been a consolation prize for so long. I guess I’m doubting myself. You don’t confess love or settle down. How can I be sure this is what you really want?”
“Fuck.” He bowed his head.
Had he been figured out? She should’ve known. Austin and honesty weren’t buddies. He took what he wanted and left the moment the situation got too d
ifficult. She’d become the sticking point. He wanted to stay friends with her and have sex, but long-term…yeah, probably not in the cards.
“Hey, I get it. I do. You want something else out of this and used the word love without thinking.” She wanted to say she wasn’t upset, but damn it, she couldn’t lie.
Austin leaned forward and curled his fingers under her chin. “You’re not second best. You’re the woman I’ve needed but was too blind or scared to see. I’m shit at speaking my mind when it comes to my feelings but I can’t not be truthful with you.” He brushed his thumb across her bottom lip. “Will you give me a chance? I’ll figure something out at the office. For now, we’ll keep this quiet and continue on with our jobs.”
“I’m a secret? Or is that part of what we need to talk about? You’ve been fired. There’s nothing to hide.”
“Yes—no—kind of.” He frowned. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Then explain it to me. As I see it, we’re never going to make this work. I’m terrible at keeping secrets.” She shook her head. “I’m still having a hard time wrapping my head around all of this.”
“I’m not exactly known for my poker face.” He kissed her hand and kept his mouth on her knuckles. “With CDL, I got my job back. Mr. Lee rescinded my resignation. The problem is my partner. He won’t pair me and you up. According to him, you’ve been reassigned and I’m up shit creek.”
“Oh.” She had so much to think about. The office situation wasn’t great. She didn’t mind her partner but she’d rather work with Austin. But then if she got back with Austin, she’d have to fake the relationship—if that even worked out. The more she thought, the more she wanted to move around. She sat up and raked her fingers through her hair. His wet clothes were still on the floor. They’d probably dried a bit, but not much, and they’d end up smelly if she left them in a heap.
Austin kissed her shoulder. “Give me tonight. I swear, I’ll come up with something. I created this mess and I’ll fix it. Besides, I’m not done being with you. I meant what I said. If it takes forever to prove I love you, I’m willing to go the distance.”
