“Cate, baby, are you close?”
I hear his words, but I’m in another place and can only moan in response.
He squeezes my breast before his hand comes around to my ass. His finger circles a place I thought off limits. “Oh! What are you doing?”
“You like that?” He prods a finger at my backdoor entrance and stokes his other fingers over my clit in a circular motion. “I want to have you there eventually.” He continues to stroke, prod, and otherwise rock my world when he asks a different question. “Are you still on the pill?”
I nod frantically as he continues to ring my g-bell with each stroke.
“Good, I’m coming.”
His words are enough to get me to detonate again as he slams into me. My toes curl against the floor boards as I try to maintain my position and not fall. A few more banging thrusts and he stills inside me. He presses his head to my back before he brings us both to a standing position. My bound hands stop my back from fully meeting his chest, but I don’t complain.
Soft lips skim up my neck until he whispers in my ear, “I will never get enough of you.”
The hand that isn’t cupping my breast manages to undo the belt restraint from my wrists. When my arms fall free, he turns me to face him so he can take each of my wrists and rub them gently as the blood circulates. Then he kisses each one.
“Are you okay?”
I bob my head once, having no idea how I managed to stay on my feet as long as I have on rubbery legs. Finally, I begin to fall to my knees ready to give up the fight with gravity. He’s there to catch me under my legs to lift me up. I’m languidly limp in his arms, sated and satisfied. I feel as though I’m floating as he cradles me in his arms. He walks me all the way to my bedroom to carefully lay me on the bed.
He places a chaste kiss to my forehead. “Wait here.”
I want to tell him I couldn’t move if I wanted to, but I lack the energy to say the words. When he comes back, he cleans me up with a damp wash cloth. My eyes are heavy with sleep.
“You can have a little rest. But I’m not done with you.”
His warm arms wrap me in their embrace and I snuggle into the curve of his body as drowsiness descends. I feel amazing as I slip into sleep. Sometime later, I’m awakened when his cock fills me again as we lie on our sides. I’m a little sore, but say nothing as he slowly slides in and out of me in an unhurried rhythm. I’m pretty sure he hasn’t come even though I have when he pulls out and raises my leg. He moves to lay his face on my thigh as his mouth covers me. His tongue takes a dive into a happy Louise as I fist a hand in his hair, overcome with the feels as my toes curl. He uses his mouth to fuck my pussy just like he kisses, long strokes and sucking my nether lips and clit until I skim through the horizon of pleasure like a shooting star.
Just as my orgasm ebbs, his cock replaces his mouth and he moves inside me again. He makes love to me this time. It’s not loud or frantic like earlier. Soft moans and groans fill the room as my heart expands with need. I have no idea when we finally fall asleep. I only know when I wake, I smell coffee.
I open my eyes and shoot out of the bed when I see the time on my silent alarm clock reads seven.
“Shit,” I call out. “I’m going to be late.”
I scramble into the bathroom and take a quick shower. I mourn the fact that I’m washing Andy’s sexy scent off me. It makes me feel branded. A feeling I haven’t had in a while. But I can’t go into the office smelling like sex. The water is warm and I hate that I have to rush my shower, but if I don’t get a move on, I won’t make it to the office on time.
There is no time to blow dry my hair, which sucks because the temperature outside is probably going to be below freezing. I comb it back and pull a ponytail holder around it. I apply a little makeup after brushing my teeth and head out to my bedroom.
Andy is there, wearing only pants. He holds two steaming mugs and extends one out to me.
I step over to grab it. “You’re a godsend.”
“I don’t know about that,” he says on a chuckle.
He’s so damn beautiful and that crooked smile makes me want to jump him.
I delight in the taste of a good morning cup of joe before I set what is left down on the bedside table and walk naked over to my dresser.
“Sore?” he asks.
Mortified he notices that I’m walking a little strangely, I feel my cheeks flush. “A little, but in a good way.”
I pull out the necessary undergarments and try not to squirm under the weight of his gaze as I put them on. He makes me feel naked, and not just the clothes-less kind of way. I feel like he can read my soul as he watches me.
“You should take a video,” I tease, trying to hide my discomfort.
His brow quirks. “Didn’t know you were into sex tapes.”
“Hardy, har, har.”
I stride past to go into my closet to find something to wear. I grab the first thing I see, a cream blouse, navy pants and a matching short jacket. It’s professional and stylish enough to make an appearance at Ted’s office.
When I put the blouse on, Andy, still shirtless, shakes his head. I turn away to sit in order to put on my pants. When I stand again, he’s holding a turtleneck up in my direction.
“I think this is better.”
I laugh wondering when I last wore that. It’s something I should have given away long ago. “Why is that?”
He walks over and places a finger above the top button of the blouse. It lands right at the crest of my cleavage.
“You have to know after last night, I’m not sharing you with anyone else.”
I glance up into unfathomable blue eyes. “I don’t share, either.” I place my index finger on his pec before sliding it across his nipple.
With only our fingertips on each other, I can almost hear the crackle of sexual energy pass between us.
“Don’t start something. Otherwise, you’ll have to call out sick today.”
I take the turtleneck from his hands and toss it to the side. “I wish I could, but I have a meeting today.”
“Important?”
“Yes. I have to go see Ted.” I don’t think about my words until his eyes darken. Quickly, I add, “I’m working on a project for him and I need to give him the first draft.”
I’ve been working my ass off on the accounting policies and procedures. Writing again, even though it’s a technically a manual of sorts and not an editorial piece, feels good.
I lean up to him and press my lips to his. “You have nothing to worry about.”
He stares at me for a minute. “I trust you. It’s him I don’t trust.”
“I trust you, too, and I can handle Ted.” I sigh. “I wish I could stay.”
“Let me take you to work. Maybe I should pay a visit to Ted and say hello.”
Something in his words almost sounds like a threat. I can’t imagine the two of them together. I don’t think Ted is interested in me anymore, but male pride could have them going at it just to prove a point.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I laugh, trying to play it off as I slip on my jacket.
“Okay, but I want to take you to lunch. I’ll hang out in DC today and meet you later.”
I pray he doesn’t run into Ted as I agree to his lunchtime plans.
On the way to the office, I can’t seem to tear my eyes off of Andy as he manipulates his car through the DC traffic. It reminds me of the way he handled my body last night, and a warm flush spreads over me.
“What has you so quiet over there?”
“Honestly?”
“Yeah.”
“Thinking about last night and how much I would have regretted if you walked out of my life. I want this to work.” I reach for his hand because I have this need to touch him. Again, I’m surprising myself.
A broad grin stretches out across his face. “That’s probably the best thing I’ve heard in a long time. Other than your lovely sexy sounds last night. And I plan to make sure I hear those
on a regular basis.”
“Are you making me a promise?”
“Oh, you can count on it. Do you have an office with a door?”
The sexy cast of his eyes makes me cross my legs. My cheeks warm at the thought of office sex.”
“I don’t have an office here at this location. I’m working out of a cube.”
“We’ll have to get creative then.”
His hand slides up my thigh. I playfully slap it away.
“We won’t be having sex in Ted’s offices,” I laugh.
“Too bad, I’m sure we could teach him a thing or two.”
“You are so bad.”
I’m instantly looking very forward to meeting Andy for lunch today but I also hope to dodge the bullet of the two men meeting.
SECOND SEMESTER IS FLYING BY. I am angry with myself because I promised Jenna I would go to Key West for spring break with her. All I want to do is spend the week with Drew. She catches me pouting on more than one occasion.
“If you want to back out, it’s fine.”
“I don’t want to back out.”
“Look, Cate, you and I have been friends since what? Kindergarten? I know when you don’t want to do something. If you don’t want to go, I don’t want you to go. It won’t be any fun dragging you around to clubs and stuff with your lower lip hanging on the ground.”
“I’m not acting like that.”
“Uh huh, right.”
She’s right and I know it. I thrum my fingers on the table as she stares at me.
“You need to decide soon, because if you’re not going, I need to get a replacement.”
“I’m going.” This will be good for me. “I need some Jenna/Cate time.”
“You sure about this? You’ve been stuck to Drew’s side since Thanksgiving. Sometimes I think you’re his third arm.”
Once again, I can’t argue with that. “I know¸ but I can’t help it. When I’m not with him, it’s like a part of me isn’t here.”
“Jaysus. You’re kidding, right?”
“No! I’m not. I wish I were.” I hang my head.
“Well damn girl, there’s no need to be down about it. Be happy you found your one! Not many people can say that.”
“I know, but it seems like forever until I graduate.”
She thumps me on the side of the head. “Get a hold of yourself, you fucknut. It’s not like you’re in school in China, for Pete’s sake. You’re an hour away from him. Of all people I know, you’re the last one I thought I’d be having this talk with. You, Cate Forbes, pining away for your guy.” She shakes her head. “Remind me never to fall in love. You look like a damn fool.” Then she makes a funny face and pokes out her tongue and I can’t help but giggle.
“It is ridiculous. I can’t argue with you there. But one day, you’ll see what I’m talking about. It’s like something takes a hold of you and won’t let you go.”
Jenna gives me this priceless look and says, “Girl, you know what that is, don’t you? It’s the damn sex spell. Your slut gene has been activated and you’ve gotten a taste of that orgasmic DNA. That’s all it is.”
“Do you believe there’s only one person on this earth for you?”
“What? Hell no!”
“Drew doesn’t either, but he does think it’s difficult to find one that can make you happy.”
“Yeah, I’ll go with that. But I think the sea is loaded with tons of fish. You just have to use the right bait.”
Jenna and Drew are probably right, but whatever the case, I’m glad Drew and I found each other.
“So, Key West with me then?”
“Yeah.”
“No surly Cate?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, but if you do, I swear I’ll kick your ass.”
And she almost ends up doing exactly that. The first couple of days I’m fine, loving the warm temps and the beach, but after day four, I’m over this place. Every day and night we do the same thing and Jenna’s agenda is completely different from mine. All I want to do by this time is go home. To Drew. I want to get away from all the partying because I’m not into it at all. The sticky floors where everyone has spilled their sugary drinks, or worse, and the gooey seats, where you’re afraid to sit, make me cringe to think about. And then I have to fend off drunk and horny dudes, who are kind of sad and pitiful, but completely annoying with the way they pour their drinks all over me. Each night when we get home, I immediately jump in the shower, while Jenna promptly passes out. By day five, I’m doing a mental hourly countdown until I can leave this horrible place.
Saturday morning, I practically have to beat Jenna to get her to wake up. Of course, she didn’t go to bed until five a.m. Our flight is at ten, so we need to leave for the airport at eight. After four attempts, I finally get her going. When we land in Indy, Drew is waiting at the baggage claim and Jenna looks like a worn out hooker.
“Don’t ask,” she says as she walks straight past him and takes the first seat she finds.
“Is she okay?” he asks.
“Hung over. I had to beat her up to get her out of bed. I’m so glad to be home. I’m never leaving you again.”
“I like the sound of that,” he says.
“No, I’m serious. It was awful. I never should’ve gone. It was not my scene at all.”
He turns to me and runs his finger down my cheek. “I’m so sorry. I was hoping you’d have a great break.” Then his arms are around me and I bury myself in his embrace.
The luggage starts dropping and I reluctantly pull myself away. Drew collects our bags and Jenna, and we head to his car.
“I think we need to stay here tonight. Jenna’s not in any shape to drive and needs sleep and so do I. With you.”
“That can be arranged.”
When we get to Drew’s, he takes Jenna to the extra bedroom and she crawls into bed. That’s the last we hear from her until later that night. Drew and I sit in the living room and catch up for a while. I tell him all about my awful week, but instead of feeling sorry for me, he laughs. He thinks it’s funny that I hated the clubs and bars, and hated staying out late with Jenna.
“Why is it so funny?”
“Selfishly, because you weren’t looking for other guys.”
“So, you are happy I was miserable?”
“Uh, yeah.” And his smile speaks a million words. Drew McKnight may have been a little jealous before I went to Key West. But now, he’s a happy guy, knowing I was miserable there. And it’s my turn to smile. I lean over and kiss him. Then he adds, “By the way, I wanted to wait until you got back to share this news with you.” He’s almost rubbing his hands together.
“What news?”
“I’ve been named chief resident for next year.”
“What? That’s awesome! Congratulations!” Now I really lay a kiss on him. “I can’t believe you’ve been holding this in!”
“Yeah, I know. It’s been kind of hard.” He’s so excited; he grabs me and squeezes all the air out of me.
“Drew,” I squeak, “Can’t breathe!”
“Oh,” he instantly releases me. “Sorry ’bout that.” Then we both laugh.
“Oh my god, I can’t believe this. This is so huge for you. This means you’ll be able to practically name your fellowship then, right? I mean, don’t chiefs carry a lot of clout?”
Never being one to boast, he says in an understated way, “A fair amount. I think I want Charleston, though. Is that okay with you?”
He’s asking me as though I’m a part of his future. We’ve kind of hinted at this sort of thing, but this is no hint this time.
“Are you asking because you want my opinion or because you want to know if I want to go with you?”
His hand cups my cheek and all the cheer turns serious. “Cate, I’m asking because I want you by my side, wherever I go. I want you to be happy with that decision. I’m not going to choose just for me anymore.”
Wow. My head drops down as I stare at my lap. This is an unexpected discussi
on. Not that I don’t want to have it. I love Drew and at some point I figured we would have this chat, but I didn’t think it would be today.
“I take it from your reaction we’re traveling different roads.”
I quickly say, “No, not at all! I was only thinking I didn’t expect to be talking about this today. I want to be with you, too, Drew. And to answer you, I would love to return to Charleston, as long as I don’t have to live with my parents.”
His eyes grow dark and hooded as he says, “You won’t be living with anyone but me. And at some point our kids.”
I’m sure my brows shoot up to the heavens when he makes this announcement. Then he adds, “That is if you want kids. I’m willing to do anything your way, Cate.”
“I want kids. No more than three, though. That’s my limit.”
“Fine with me. But we won’t work on that until a few more years. We can practice for the time being.”
“I like that idea.” We get a little practice in that night, and the next morning, Jenna and I head back to Purdue. For once, I’m ready to hit the books and finish up this semester.
My birthday weekend arrives in April, and Drew says he has something special planned. On Friday, another spectacular flower arrangement is delivered. It contains all the special flowers he gave me before: roses, lilies, calla lilies, white carnations, orchids, and tulips. This time, I know what they all mean. Jenna’s jaw hits the floor and I take my finger and push it back up to close her mouth.
“Fuck, are you spoiled.” That’s all she says.
“Yes, I am. He hasn’t mentioned anything to you about this weekend, has he?”
“Not a word. Want me to ask Ben?”
“Yeah, would you?”
She picks up her phone and makes the call. I can hear them chatting, but when she hangs up, she has a sly look on her face. “Don’t ask me a thing. I promised Ben I wouldn’t tell you.”
“That is not fair. You’re my best friend.”
“Yeah, but I’m Ben’s sister and he’s Drew’s best friend. And that puts me awkwardly between a rock and a hard place. So I’m screwed either way.”
“If I guess will you tell me?”
“No. My lips are sealed. When are you leaving?”
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