by Jeya Jenson
Chapter Two
Kate was so caught up in her own miserable little world that she didn’t even hear the car pull up.
“Kate?” Scott’s voice called. “Are you okay?”
Embarrassed that she’d been caught crying, Kate raised her head and wiped her nose on her sleeve. Scott was sitting in the passenger seat of a Camaro idling beside the trailer that held her beat up Chevy. She brushed her wet hair off her forehead. Through the day, her braid had worked free of the band, leaving her long hair in wild shreds. God, what a mess she must look. Hair hanging, nose red, eyes swollen, clothes sticking to her body, she must resemble—she had to smile—a drowned cat. No doubt Monty and Larry would be thoroughly disapproving of the metaphor.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” She gave a wan smile; glad to see a familiar face. “Just taking a break.”
“Hey, sorry I’m late,” Scott went on to explain, “but the truck broke down. I had to hitch a ride. When did you get in?”
She shrugged. Shit happens to everyone. “Couple hours ago.” She smiled back, flashing her best toothy grin to show she held no hard feelings.
Scott hopped out and ran around to the front of the car. “Thanks for the ride, man. See you later.”
Kate’s eyes ranged over her best friend when he ran up to the truck. His eyes were blue, flecked with silver. How breathtaking. And how unusual that she was just noticing this about him.
Tall, lanky and muscular, at twenty-nine, Scott Levenson was quite a piece of eye candy. His collar length blonde hair was tousled, looking as if a comb was a rarely seen thing. That black Ozzy Osbourne tee shirt fit him like a second skin and those faded blue jeans were snug in all the right places, especially his crotch. From his tanned skin and callused hands, it was clear he was a working man. She couldn’t fail to notice the way his cowlick fell casually over his forehead. She usually didn’t like blondes, but he was especially appealing. My, but he had certainly changed for the better since high school. Gone was the gawky, thin guy with braces. He’d turned into a regular hunk. She squeezed her thighs tightly together at the thought of what he must look like naked. This was definitely a turn on. She could feel her pussy dripping, wetting the crotch of her jeans. One rub on her clit and she would probably climax like mad.
The guy behind the wheel broke into her contemplations. “You need some more help?”
“Nah, man,” Scott said, giving a careless wave. “I think we can get it.”
“No, seriously,” the driver said. “I can help. No problem.”
Hearing the conversation, Kate laced her hands together in front of her body and nodded vigorously. More help would make the work go faster and she certainly wasn’t too proud to ask.
“Oh, yes, please. He may think he’s macho enough to move all this, but I’m not too proud to beg. ”
“No problem.” The driver killed the engine and got out. “Far be it for me to let a lady labor alone with only an idiot for help.” He shrugged. “Besides I’m not made of sugar.”
“And shit floats,” Scott snickered.
Kate laughed. Scott had always had a way with crude words. Already she was feeling better, though. It was nice to have someone around she knew. The second guy was a bonus, too. He definitely wasn’t an ugly man.
Scott’s friend gave him a poke in the ribs. “Asshole. Introduce me to the lady.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Josh Martin. I live on the second level, too. Number ten on the end.”
“This is Kate, my best girl friend,” Scott said, throwing an arm around her shoulders and hugging her close, bending her over and giving her head a playful “noogie” rub. “Kate Hanson. You remember I told you we went to high school together and she was moving up here.”
She giggled and broke free, giving him a fast punch in the arm.
Josh shook her hand seriously, his grip firm, his touch lingering a moment more than was necessary.
“Hi, Kate. Looks like you have two healthy young men here, just dying to move some heavy stuff. Being the last on the unit…” He made a parting gesture between his two hands. “I know it was a loooonnnngggg damn trip back and forth.”
“Nice to meet you, Josh.” Without trying to seem too obvious, she gave him a quick once over—and then made it a twice over.
“The feeling’s very mutual.” Josh’s mouth slowly moved up into an amused quirk. He let his own gaze travel over her in an openly intimate manner. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re beautiful when you’re wet?”
Kate blushed, feeling the heat creep into her cheeks. His intimate perusal was unsettling to a woman who wasn’t used to being examined so closely. She usually didn’t care much how she appeared to others, beyond displaying a professional demeanor when she was at work. Today, though, she was a ragged mess, and here was some stranger eyeing her like a kid eyed a candy bar.
“No,” she stammered. “No one ever has. I must be an absolute fright” She pressed her hand to her stomach to quell her nerves. Some sparks were unexpectedly flying here and she wasn’t sure how to handle them. Would it be best to pretend she wasn’t attracted? Was it too soon to think of getting involved in a new relationship? She needed to get settled, get into the groove of a routine. Then, she could think about getting into a different sort of groove with a man. She’d keep Josh at the top of her list, too.
That’s if he doesn’t have a girlfriend, she reminded herself. A gorgeous guy like Josh wasn’t going to be left dangling long. He probably has a new girl every week.
Like Scott, Josh was about her age. Unlike Scott, his brown hair was neatly clipped and combed back in a severe style, the epitome of the company man. His brown eyes were soft though, kind. A high forehead, strong jaw, and fine mouth finished his face. In the body department, he well matched his friend. Those slacks and shirt seemed to hug his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and washboard abs. A hair shorter than Scott, his suit was just on the side of scruffy; well worn slacks, white button down Oxford shirt spotted with faded stains, some black ink marks around the breast pocket, black tie.
Office worker, she surmised, probably management level, but has to do the dirty work, too. The car was an older model, in mint condition. He liked the flash, without being obvious. Married? Her gaze darted quickly to his left hand. Nope. No ring. A good sign. He certainly had nice lips, kissable lips. The confidence he radiated enveloped her. His body filled her vision. Blood rushed through her veins and she felt her cheeks growing warm again. Lordy! Must she always blush at the merest thought of kissing a fellow? How embarrassing.
Scott jostled Josh aside, giving her an approving smile. “Don’t be hogging my girl, man.”
“I was just having a word with the lady,” Josh said gracefully.
Kate blushed again. Scott was almost acting like a protective big brother—or a jealous boyfriend.
“Well, I guess we’d better get busy if we’re going to get this done before dark. I have to get this truck back tomorrow morning,” she said, trying not to let the compliments fluster her. It has been a long time since anyone had called her beautiful. She certainly didn’t think she was a pretty woman, but who was she to let Josh know that he needed glasses? “I was wondering how I was going to move those by myself. I didn’t think Scott was going to show.”
Scott protested, “ Hey, that’s not fair! I was on my way here when the truck just sputtered and died.”
“You need to get rid of that piece of junk,” she said.
“Never,” Scott said. “I’ll drive that old blue truck until it’s dead.”
“That’s the truth.” Josh’s eyes danced with amusement and Kate felt her heart do a flip-flop. “Well, never fear, Miss Kate. Scott and I will have it all unloaded in no time flat.” Whoa! She thought. Instant attraction. I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.
Scott squeezed past her. As he did, his body brushed hers, hands lingering on her hips. Though it only lasted a moment, it was enough to set her afire. Her heart began to pound. Why was she feeling so curiously aware of him
? Her sexual senses were attuned to his masculine strength and every beat of her heart made her that much more aware that Scott was no longer a boy, but all man. She almost sighed with relief when he climbed up into the trailer. Did he know how aroused he was making her? She felt overwhelmed by his touch. Another moment and she would have melted into a gooey puddle of neediness, begged him to throw her to the ground and fuck her silly. It had been a long time since a man had touched her in an intimate way. Almost two whole years! She needed to have sex soon or she’d die of frustration!
I can’t be giving my best male friend the eye! She reprimanded herself. But I can be giving his friend the eye. Ruthlessly, she forced her thoughts back to the matter at hand. Getting unpacked.
“So, what do we move first?” he asked.
Kate licked her dry lips and swallowed, glad that her jacket was buttoned to the neck. If it hadn’t been, the guys would both be treated to a show of her pointy little nipples sticking through her wet tee shirt. Even now, they were very sensitive, rasping against the wet material.
Taking a deep steadying breath, she said, “Since you guys are doing the work, I’ll leave it to you.” Determined to keep a cap on her emotions, she had to put aside her attraction to these two gorgeous hunks. Otherwise she’d end up falling for one of them like a tree under a lumberjack’s axe.
Josh brushed past her. “Get the desk first. It’s closest.”
The guys hefted her desk, lowering it to the ground. One on each side, they carried it across the parking lot and up the stairs with little effort. Once inside, they set it down in the living room.
“Where do you want it?” Josh asked.
Kate pointed. “That corner will be fine for now. But really, if you can just help me get the heavy stuff in, I can move it myself.”
“Nonsense,” Scott huffed. “We’re here to serve. Nothing we like more than being ordered around by a woman.”
“Well, if you’re going to work, you’ve got to at least let me buy us something to eat. Pizza okay with you guys?” Her own stomach rumbled at the mention of food, reminding her that she had not eaten all day. Though excited, she was tired. The trip had been a long one, over nine hours in all. She was running on pure adrenaline. The only thing she wanted to do was have a bath and then some sleep.
“Great!” both guys chimed.
“Throw in a beer and we’re all yours,” Scott said.
Chapter Three
An hour later, Kate, Josh, and Scott collapsed in the living room. The truck had been completely emptied and most of the heavy furniture was in its place. Save for the boxes, it was beginning to resemble a proper home. The boys had made the moving a competition between them, each vying to show off their he-man strength and catch her eye. She and Scott joked and laughed about old times in high school. Josh made it a point to join in, yakking as if he’d known her all their life. It was clear he was trying to get to know her as well as Scott did.
Both Scott and Josh had made it a point to make physical contact with her; a hand brushing hers as they reached for the same box, holding her waist as she climbed into the trailer, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face… all the little things men do to let a woman know they’re thinking other thoughts, physical thoughts.
She loved every second. It was fun, and amusing, to have two good-looking men flirting outrageously. Always a little shy, she’d never been the type of woman to easily make friends. She’d always hung back, every bit the atypical clumsy wall-flower. But here was her chance to change, become daring, more outgoing. If she wanted to shake things up and live a little, well why not? She was single. Scott had cut his girlfriend free and was hanging loose. And Josh? Well, she had yet to find out, though he was making it clear he liked gazing at her. He was giving those glances, the kind that practically undressed a woman from head to toe.
“I can’t thank you guys enough,” she said gratefully. “I was at my wit’s end.”
“Hey, no problem,” Scott said from where he was sprawled out on the floor. “Glad to do it. Not like I had anything else to do.”
“Me either,” Josh chimed in. He stood up and peeled off his tie. “Guess we should get out of these wet clothes. I’m going to get into something dry.”
“I’ll order pizza,” Kate said quickly, not wanting them to leave too soon. “Where’s the best place?”
“Pizza Hut will do,” Scott grunted.
“Be right back.” Josh said from the hallway. “Heavy pepperoni,” he tossed over his shoulder before he disappeared outside, heading toward his own place.
She glanced down at Scott and prodded him with her foot. “And what would you like, buddy boy?”
“I’d like to get out of these wet clothes myself.” Scott sat up and wriggled out of his wet tee shirt.
Kate nearly fainted at the sight of his rock hard abs and tanned skin. It was clear he was proud of his body, and that he liked to show it off. But that was no gym job. His muscles were sculpted from hard labor. For the first time she noticed the barbed wire–and skulls tattoo ringing his right arm. When did he get that? Wow. Sexy. Even though they’d been friends for years, there was still a lot to get to know about Scott.
Scott smiled, giving her a flash of white teeth. “What about you, Katie?” He took a playful swipe at her leg, wrapping his arm around her knees. “You must be soaked to the bone. Don’t you wanna get outta those wet clothes? If you need some help…” Squeezing her knees harder, he left the suggestion open.
Oh, gosh, she thought, he’s teasing, right? Though they had fooled around a little in high school, it had never been serious. Just two teens trying to explore their gawky sexuality. They’d each had their little hearts pinned on different people, so nothing had ever gotten too heavy between them. Now, over ten years later, they were both experienced adults who had tasted a bit of life, and sex.
“Oh, I think I can handle myself,” Kate said. Stepping out of his grasp, she unbuttoned her Levi jacket. Shrugging it off her shoulders, she let it drop to the floor. Since she was small-chested, she usually went braless. Her perky breasts were standing front and center; erect nipples poking through the thin material.
“Wow, Kate, “ Scott whistled. “Nice tits.”
She drew back her shoulders so they would poke out just a little more. “Think so?”
“Oh, I know so.”
Daring to go a step further, she lifted her own tee shirt over her head, bearing her torso. It wasn’t like they hadn’t seen each other half dressed before. Dropping it, she shook her head, running her fingers through her hair, letting the gentle waves brush her shoulders. It was a wonderful sensation of freedom. She felt very sensual. Very female. It was totally out of character, but what the hell. She was definitely attracted to Scott in a physical way. What was wrong with that? After all, she might be a divorcee, but she wasn’t dead. And the way she’d been living these last few years, she might as well have been a corpse. Would it hurt to have a little flirtation with an old friend?
Time to have a little fun, she decided. Who knows what this could lead to?
“Like what you see?” she teased, unable to ignore the stirring of interest in her own body. Even now, her clit was literally pulsing. She could feel the moisture between her legs—and not from the rain, but her own desires. For a moment she wondered what would happen if he kissed her. Would she freeze, or would she pounce all over him and rip off his pants? She almost laughed aloud at the notion. Damn, things had certainly changed between them, and she hadn’t even been aware of it until this moment. She didn’t need this sexual awareness popping up every time she talked to him.
“Oh, yeah.”
Before she knew what was happening, Scott was standing up, drawing her into his arms. A delicious warmth, like being dipped in warm honey, spread over her body. Closing her eyes, she gave herself to the moment. It felt so good to be in the arms of a man who desired her. The sensations were so intense. She leaned into him, feeling that hard male body pressed against hers. By t
he pulse of that penis captured in his pants, he was as aroused as she was.
Scott’s hands moved, sliding up her sides, under her arms, over her breasts. His touch was light, sensual. An unbidden rush of sexual warmth filled her. Her nipples hardened anew, the tips peaking. Catching her gaze, he bent down and kissed her, his fingers making slow sensual circles around the pink aureoles of her nipples. Her skin dimpled and the fine hairs on the back of her neck rose.
“I don’t usually do this,” she started to say when their kiss was broken.
Scott flashed another of his lazy grins. “What?”
“Make love to my friends.”
“Me either.” He took a deep breath then continued. “So maybe we should quit being friends…” He lowered his head so his mouth could find her left breast, and he sucked her nipple deeply into his mouth. His tongue made quick circles around its softness, flicking and teasing. His hand sank lower, tracing over her belly, lower still until his hand found her crotch, that secret place between her legs. He began to rub her pussy through her jeans in a slow, easy stroke. The combination of wet material and her own personal heat was a scintillating sensation. It was clear he had learned many new tricks since high school.
“I think we could be more than just friends.” A distinct moan floated from her parted lips. Her clit was beginning to ache, her crotch growing moist with the juices of her arousal. His fingers settled between her legs, instigating an excruciating tease. Her breasts began to throb with the desire to be kissed, suckled. She drew in a deep ragged breath, digging her fingers into his hard shoulders. She could feel him fumbling to unbutton her jeans.
God, she thought, gathering her senses about her. This is so damned intense. I don’t want to stop.
“Katie,” he breathed, “I’ve been meaning to tell you that there’s a reason I asked you to move down here.”
The sound of two angry Persians clawing at the bedroom door quickly interrupted further conversation.
