A Friendly Flirtation (Friends First #3)

by Christine Warner

  “You could be an underwear model.” Her voice had grown husky as she peeked at him from beneath her lashes, that pink glow highlighting her cheeks.

  “I was just thinking the same about you. But then I decided you look better without underwear.” He lifted her and tossed her playfully on the bed. Her laughter tickled his ears, and her breasts gave a couple satisfying bounces before he leaned over and slid her panties down her smooth legs.

  “You make my entire body ache with awareness and come to life. Can you touch me all night long?” She grabbed his hand hesitantly before boldly pulling him down on top of her.

  His lips found hers again, and he sank into her softness. Her fingers worked their way around to his back, pulling him in tight for a blood-boiling kiss. He grabbed one of the packets on the nightstand and quickly sheathed his cock.

  “I don’t need foreplay tonight, Jared. I need you.”

  He settled between her legs, swallowing her small gasps in his mouth as he pushed inside her. She swelled around his length, rocking her hips up to meet his slow thrusts, begging him with her body to give her more.

  She arched and moaned as he trailed his mouth down her neck. Her fingers raked across the flesh of his back until she found his butt, gripping him tight. Then, before he could thrust inside her again, she rolled him over and straddled him, sliding over his length. Her head fell back, her hair cascading across her shoulders, as she balanced herself with her hands on his chest.

  Her eyes widened the moment he filled her, and she stopped, moving tentatively, driving him over the edge with her parted lips and dark eyes. He ground his teeth in an attempt to let her find her own rhythm.

  Slowly she slid up and down, her hand circling around to cup his balls and squeeze gently. He wanted to burst, but he clenched his toes in order to focus and keep some control. He thrust up as she slid down, her movements increasing as her breath came in short pants.

  He arched his neck, and she grabbed his shoulders and rode him harder, faster, surer.

  “Oh, Jared.”

  “Al. My. Fucking. God.”

  He didn’t want to control himself any longer. He couldn’t.

  With one fluid movement, he grabbed her around the waist, rolled her over, and sank deep inside her. She released a low growl, clutching his back as she matched each of his thrusts. Blood pounded in his ears along with her soft moans and gasps. He settled his mouth over hers, matching the thrust of his tongue with the thrust of his cock.

  Every fiber in his body tightened. He could feel the sweat from her body mingling with his as her belly grew tense, her legs squeezed around his waist, and then she shattered in his arms. At the same moment, a flash of light and tiny silver specks flecked across his eyelids and he struggled to take a breath.

  He collapsed on top of her, holding her in his arms, and he turned to the side, taking her with him.

  “After I catch my breath, I want to do that again. And then again.” She ran her finger along his jaw.

  He laughed. “I think that can be arranged.”

  They lay in each other’s arms, their breathing returning to normal and their chests rising and falling to a steady rhythm.

  He twirled her hair between his fingers.

  She lifted herself on one elbow, tracing his nipple with the tip of her finger. Goose bumps ate up his flesh.

  “So, how many drinks did you have tonight?” She gave him a lopsided grin.

  “Why?”

  “I still haven’t gotten to see these pecs dance.” She ran her finger along his chest.

  He touched his mouth to hers and then pulled back. “Okay, I’ll give you a private show.”

  She scooted herself up to a sitting position.

  Jared clasped his hands behind his head and moved one pec, then the next, and then both. Her snort-laugh made him grin, and she bent to kiss each of his pecs, then ran her tongue lightly over his nipples. Her warm tongue flicked up his chest, over his neck and chin, until she connected with his mouth.

  “How can something so silly-looking be such a turn-on?” she whispered against his lips.

  “Turn-on, eh?”

  “Major.” She lay beside him, pressing up against his side and wrapping her arms around his waist. He rested his chin on the top of her head.

  “I-I—” Shit. What the hell was he thinking? He almost said he loved her. He cared for Allison, deeply, but he didn’t love her. Not like she wanted, needed—deserved—to be loved.

  He stiffened for a moment when she sighed and snuggled farther into his arms. She drew lazy circles on his biceps, each rotation slowing as her body relaxed. Within a few minutes her breathing leveled off, and he knew she’d fallen asleep. He pulled her closer, drawing in a lungful of her cherry blossom scent.

  He’d allowed their lovemaking, her sweetness, vulnerability, and innocence—something he should never have taken—to cloud his head, blurring the line between lust and love.

  And because he couldn’t keep his fucking head on straight when she was around, he’d taken advantage of her in a way he shouldn’t have allowed himself to.

  In the process, their friendship changed, and it’d probably never be the same again. He’d also put his partnership and friendship with Nick on the line.

  All because he’d let his ego convince him that nobody was good enough for Al.

  Hell, he wasn’t even good enough.

  Because she deserved more, and guilt ate away at him for how he’d let himself become involved.

  He didn’t blame her. Hell no. He’d gone into this with eyes wide open, he just hadn’t expected the surge of emotions: protectiveness, caring, respect—a good dose of guilt—and something more. But not love.

  Definitely not love.

  ...

  Allison traced the beak of the tiny penguin figurine as she picked up her cell with her free hand and scrolled down to Jared’s name. She pressed his number and held her breath as it rang.

  “Hello.” His deep voice shot a thrill through her, and she straightened from her slouch against the closet door in her bedroom as if he could see her.

  “Guess what I’m doing?” she whispered.

  “Are you going to talk dirty to me?”

  She laughed. “The only dirt around here is my dirty laundry. I’m unpacking. And I wanted to call and say thank you.” She grinned into the mouthpiece.

  “I take it that means you found it. You like?”

  “What I like best is that you know exactly what I’m talking about.” She pressed the figurine against her chest, cradling it with the palm of her hand.

  “I saw it in the hotel gift shop and thought of you.”

  Could her knees go any weaker? She moved across the room to sag onto her mattress, and then flung herself onto her back, pressing the phone against her ear as if that would bring him closer. But he’d never be close enough. Her hold on the figurine had turned into a death grip, and she loosened her fingers, lifting it over her head, making it dance back and forth.

  “And you snuck it into my suitcase?”

  “Not an easy feat since you seemed determined to wait until we could walk down to the lobby together.”

  She laughed, laying the penguin on the pillow beside her and gently rubbing her fingers over it. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Not as beautiful as you.”

  His deep voice oozed sex appeal, and her body warmed—hell, went up in flames. She licked her lips, swearing she could taste the salt from his skin.

  “So all that crap about having me check out at the front desk and you following me down with the cases was a huge ploy?”

  “You didn’t make it easy. How come you like to argue so much?” The smile in his voice made her grin.

  “I’m not usually one to argue, but I wanted to walk down together.” Heck, she wanted to spend every second together they could, because those seconds were limited. Her smile wavered.

  “Next time don’t question me when I’m trying to do something—”

  S
pecial. Romantic.

  “—for my friend.”

  She cleared her throat, swallowing the tears forming. She was such a sap. Why did she keep letting herself get her hopes up when she already knew this was just temporary? He’d made it obvious. He wanted to protect her. He thought of her only in terms of Nick’s kid sister.

  It took all her effort to hold her tears in check. That’d be a lie. He desired her, but it ended there.

  But, then again, what red-blooded male would continue to say no when he was offered mind-blowing sex? And he had felt sorry for her. She knew that. Am I pity sex? She shook her head, answering her own question silently. No. It’s been more than that, but not quite what she wanted.

  “Did you check your emails yet?”

  His question sent her crashing into the moment. “No. I wanted to unpack before I came back to the real world.”

  “Looks like you’ll get to test yourself again.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Seems the aquarium is having a vendor appreciation dinner next Sunday. Nick selected a handful from the company to represent Firstline, and your name is on the list.”

  “Yours, too?” Allison pushed herself up until she sat cross-legged. There goes another Sunday dinner. She hated to disappoint Dad and Gramps, but hopefully they would still be working on renovations.

  She grabbed her laptop and flipped it open, quickly logging in to her work email. She skimmed through the subject lines until she found one titled Vendor Appreciation.

  “We’re both going.”

  “With how angry Nick’s been at me, I’m surprised he wants me to go.” She flicked the cursor back and forth with the tip of her finger on the pad.

  “Mad or not, he knows how much work you’ve put in for the aquarium’s software program. So do I.”

  For some stupid reason, his warm words sent a new round of tears burning behind her eyes.

  “Why so quiet? Aren’t you excited about the dinner?” His soft words tugged at her heart.

  Her life felt at a crossroad. One she didn’t like. She knew his name was on the list, that she’d see him there, but a part of her wanted him to suggest they go together.

  Like a date.

  “I’m okay. Tired from the long weekend,” she lied. Maybe she should initiate? “Want to ride to the event together?” Her entire body stopped as she waited for his reply.

  “I’m not sure I can make it that night.”

  She covered the mouthpiece as she let out her breath. “Why?”

  “I’m heading out of town Wednesday. More talks with Sanders Machinery regarding their sister company. I don’t know if I’ll be back in time.”

  Did that mean if he’d been in town, he’d have suggested they go together? She shouldn’t hope, but she did.

  I need to get over this, break things off. I’m way too attached, and when we finally do go our separate ways I’m not sure I’ll be able to handle it.

  She hated that Nick had been right. But she had been, too, when she told him that she had to learn on her own. Isn’t that how Gramps said most life lessons were learned? And Gramps was no slouch when it came to common sense.

  Shit. She had to talk to Jared. Just not right now.

  “You’ve gone quiet again. Not nervous, are you?” His voice sounded playful but reassuring at the same time.

  “I’m okay. Thinking about what to wear.” Each lie came easier. She didn’t care. Not really. In the big picture, her dress—heck, her own insecurities—didn’t compare to the turmoil in her life when it came to her feelings for Jared.

  Their breathing filled the phone lines for a moment, and then he cleared his throat.

  “I’ll let you get back to unpacking. Lunch tomorrow?”

  “I’m not sure. I think I have a few projects that are on the brink of being finished. How about a rain check?” But deep inside she knew there’d be no more rain checks. They needed to go back to business first. Friends second. Anything else—never. But how could they return to the way it was after all they’d shared?

  ...

  Jared’s blood boiled, and he pulled at his tie that suddenly seemed to strangle him. He hadn’t been sure he’d be able to make the vendor appreciation dinner, but he’d wanted to see Al. Badly.

  Now, standing in the small group of five, which included Roy West—president and CEO of the aquarium for the last eight years—he wished he’d stayed home.

  The man had always shown a fondness for Allison, relying on her as the point of contact for all his questions. But he’d assumed that’d been because of her brain. Now that didn’t seem to be the case. The look in the other man’s eyes held more than mere interest about her programming capabilities.

  “One of these days I’m going to steal you away from your brother so that you can work for me.” Roy grabbed another champagne flute from the passing waiter’s tray and replaced the empty glass in Allison’s hand, his hand lingering a little longer than necessary over her fingers.

  “You’d be a great addition to our team,” Perry White, Roy’s right-hand man, chimed in.

  “It’s always nice to know I have options, but at the moment I’m happy where I am.” Allison sipped her drink.

  Damn straight she’s happy at Firstline.

  “You shouldn’t try to steal my employee right out from under my nose, Roy.” Jared slapped him on the back, proud of himself for not punching him in the jaw.

  Roy nodded, frowning. “Unfortunately I’ve tried to steal Allison away numerous times, but she always gives me the same answer.”

  “Good to know.” Jared gave Allison a tight-lipped smile.

  “And if you won’t let me steal you away from your brother and Jared, how about you take me up on the offer of dinner?” Roy placed his hand on her shoulder, and she actually leaned in toward him.

  “Hmm.” Allison blushed but didn’t meet Roy’s gaze. “Now that’s something I can say yes to.”

  Jared clenched his fist. Their flirty conversation grated on his nerves. Could Allison really think this guy was attractive?

  Obviously Roy couldn’t help but notice Allison. Her flowing pink dress showed off her legs, and the way her hair cascaded down her back and bounced with every step or turn of her head made her stand out. Jared wouldn’t let himself even think about the way her glossy lips attracted every beam of light in the room.

  Shit. He’d always liked Roy, up until about fifteen minutes ago, but he didn’t like the attention he was paying to Allison. Not that she was fighting him off. They’d exchanged several glances, her little giggles pinged his ears like needles poking his flesh, and her hand gestures always seemed to end up coming into contact with Roy’s arm, chest, or cheek.

  Jared couldn’t fucking breathe.

  “Did Nick discuss the new addition to the aquarium with you?” Roy turned toward Jared. “I can’t wait to see what Firstline comes up with in the way of securing our latest project.”

  Jared nodded, pasting on his businessman smile. Nick had told him all right, via memo. He’d been happy at the news, but not so much any longer. “Congratulations. We’re always happy to work with you and the aquarium.”

  “You guys are the best.” Roy stepped closer to Allison. “Looks like I’ll have to keep you on speed dial.”

  “I could think of worse things.” Allison blushed.

  Jared gritted his teeth. He had no say in how Allison lived her life, but that didn’t mean he had to sit by and watch her make a mistake. Roy West wasn’t for her. She could do better. And he should tell her before she led him on any further.

  Because she was just honing her skills. Right?

  Hell no. She looks interested.

  All week long he’d managed to keep his distance. And she hadn’t sought him out, either. Didn’t she need him anymore?

  Doesn’t look like it.

  But that didn’t stop him from missing her. Seeing her here tonight only made that ache hit home.

  He couldn’t deny the whisper of relief tha
t washed over him as Nick sauntered over to join the group. Now he didn’t have to worry about talking to Al, butting into her business, and playing the overprotective friend—because there was no way in hell Nick would approve of her seeing Roy.

  Why not? Roy’s an upstanding guy. He doesn’t play the field. He has a great job. He’s proven he has what it takes to be in a committed relationship. He’d probably still be married if he hadn’t lost his wife to cancer several years back. Whereas you…

  Fuck.

  Then Jared’s stomach sank as Nick and Roy shook hands. “Did I just hear Allison agree to have dinner with you?”

  “Finally.” Roy grinned. “You know I’ve been after her all night to agree.”

  Nick nodded, his beaming smile traveling between Roy and Allison with a seal of approval. When his gaze landed on Jared, he merely lifted his brow.

  Fuck. Fuck.

  He needed a drink. More importantly, he needed to keep his distance before he made a fool of himself. He might not be in love with her, but his attraction—protective instinct—was totally out of control.

  “Excuse me. I’m going to get a refill.” He lifted his half full glass of whiskey, turned on his heel, and made a beeline for the bar.

  Nick fell into step beside him and grabbed his upper arm. “Hold up, Jared.”

  He stopped, and they turned to face each other. “What? You can talk to me now? You don’t want to send a memo?”

  “I know you too damn well, man. I can see that the attention Roy is showing Al is pissing you off.” His smile showed traces of compassion.

  Jared couldn’t fucking believe it.

  “Was I wrong about you? What exactly are your intentions toward my sister?”

  Jared couldn’t answer. He didn’t even open his mouth to try. He had no damn clue what his intentions were. To go along on the same path they had been? To see where it took them? Hell, he didn’t even know if what he felt for Allison was something real, or something in the moment. How would he know? He’d never been in love before.