by J. C. Wilder
Picking up a clean towel, she gave him a saucy smile.
“May I assist you, sir?”
Chapter Six
The next few days were a blur of sensual play. They barely left her bed, and the world beyond the walls of her apartment ceased to exist. The hours ticked by while they explored their mutual attraction and discovered what turned each other on.
Emma finally roused herself enough to get dressed late Sunday morning. They’d talked about making dinner that evening and her cupboards were woefully bare. Luckily for them, the town of Haven boasted a small selection of restaurants that delivered or they might have starved.
She grinned. So much for living on love alone.
Leaving Jay sleeping facedown on the bed, his naked body sprawled across her lavender sheets, she ventured out to the grocery store.
Eager to get back, she hurried, grabbing only what they absolutely needed to avoid starvation for the day. She could always stop again on the way home after work tomorrow if she needed something else.
She was humming when she unlocked the front door. With her mind already on the myriad of things she could do with the pint of fresh whipping cream and strawberries she’d purchased, it took a few seconds to realize the apartment felt…empty. Had he left while she was shopping?
As she placed the grocery bags on the table, she spied a piece of paper leaning against the empty fruit basket. In his bold scrawl, it read:
Look in the bedroom.
Slightly relieved and very curious, Emma made quick work of putting away the groceries that needed refrigeration before hurrying into the bedroom.
Bright sunshine poured through the windows, bathing her room in golden light. The room had been tidied and fresh sheets had been put on the bed, along with a few creative additions. Her eyes widened when she realized what Jay had planned for them this afternoon.
Attached to the headboard and footboard were black elastic cords with thick Velcro cuffs at the ends, neatly positioned for her arms and legs. In the center of the bed was a black scarf and another handwritten note.
Prepare yourself for me.
—J
The apex of her thighs clenched at the sight of the black scarf and the bold handwriting. She knew what he wanted, what they’d both wanted. What they’d spent the weekend working toward.
He wanted her bound when he took her.
Arousal rushed through her vagina and her nether parts swelled, preparing for his entry, his domination. She licked her lips.
Was she ready for this?
Yes… Oh yes…
With shaky hands, she flung open the bathroom door and made quick work of cleaning up. After slathering on the body lotion she knew he enjoyed, she brushed out her hair before donning one of her new lingerie purchases, a button-front raspberry-colored chemise.
Heart pounding and mouth dry, she lowered the blinds, then approached the bed. The black cuffs looked shockingly erotic against her lace-trimmed, cream-colored sheets. Hesitant, she lowered herself to the bed and attached the ankle cuffs. When they were in place, she gave an experimental tug. They were spaced to leave her legs spread, but with enough give that she could move just a bit.
After her legs were secure, she eyed the makeshift blindfold. It was one of her black silk scarves. The material was cool against her skin when she tied it lightly around her forehead. Once she had her arms bound, she’d be able to slide it into place by rubbing against the bed. But how could she bind her own arms?
She picked up one of the cuffs and noticed the cord that attached it to the bed had a great deal more give in it than the leg cuffs. She opened the cuff, then slipped it around her left wrist and secured it. As she pulled the cord taut, she bound her right wrist, pleased to see that the cords had enough give so she could easily release them again.
Heart pounding, she lay back and pushed the blindfold into place, settling into the pillows to await her lover.
* * * * *
Jay entered the apartment as silently as he could. He could hardly wait to see if Emma had taken his challenge or if she’d refused him. Holding his breath, he moved through the quiet rooms until he reached the bedroom. Through the doorway, he saw the foot of the bed and her bound feet. His breath left in a rush.
She trusted him enough to bind herself to bed. The room was dim and he noticed she’d closed the blinds. Still shy, it would seem. Enough light filtered around the edges that he could see her clearly enough. When he softly approached the bed, his eager gaze took in her lush figure.
She was…perfection.
“I see you’ve followed my commands.” He forced his voice to be matter-of-fact when, in reality, he felt like he’d just climbed into the backseat of his father’s Ford with Kelly Lee Jenkins, a high-school cheerleader and the object of his sexual fantasies for months during his freshman year of high school.
“Yes.” Her voice was faint.
“Are you comfortable?” He nudged the bed with his knee to let her know where he was.
“Yes.”
“Good.” He ran his hand possessively down the inside of her calf and felt her shiver. “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
He moved to the window and opened the blinds farther, allowing more of the afternoon sunshine to come in and dance across the skin of the woman tied to the bed.
“Jay—”
He heard the uncertainty in her voice. Worried, no doubt, about how she’d look in the bright light of midday. He leaned over her and brushed his lips across hers, a fleeting, reassuring touch. “I’m in charge here,” he whispered. “I need to be able to see you.”
He noted her erect nipples and the way she kept trying to press her thighs together. Being bound and awaiting his arrival had aroused her. Stripes of sunlight illuminated her pale skin against the rich berry color of her garment. Her breathing grew shallow when he sat on the edge of the bed and removed his shoes.
“Are you warm enough?”
She nodded.
“Are you afraid?” He scooted closer, coming to settle by her side. He didn’t miss how she automatically moved as close as her restraints would allow.
“No, not afraid.”
“Apprehensive?”
She licked her lips and gave a hesitant nod.
“Because you can’t see?” He ran his finger along her jaw, then down the side of her neck. “Or is it because you’re bound?”
“I’ve never…”
He pressed his finger to her lips. He’d guessed as much. He was both surprised and pleased that she’d agreed to his setup. Now he could show her the pleasure she was truly capable of.
“Making love is a full-body experience.” He ran his fingers over the soft curve of her shoulder to follow the line of her arm all the way to her wrist. “With all of our senses involved, we rush through the process of arousal and we forget that half of the journey is the climb to the peak rather than the peak itself.
“With your sight removed, you can concentrate on what I’m doing to your body, what you’re feeling when I touch you.” He slid his hand over her abdomen to gently nudge the soft curve of her breast. “Women are visual to a certain extent, but when it comes to arousal, you’re more aroused by what you hear than what you see. Do you agree?”
She bit her lip and nodded.
“Okay. This time we’re going to concentrate on the art of arousal. It’s all about you and how I make you feel.” He brushed a kiss across her inner elbow and felt her shudder. “Are you ready to begin?”
Begin? He hadn’t even begun yet?
Emma slumped when he left her side. Where was he going? He wasn’t going to leave her like this, was he? If it weren’t for the fact that she could remove the bonds herself, she might’ve found herself on the verge of panic. Instead, she was incredibly aroused, more so than ever in her life.
The other side of the bed sagged when he rejoined her. Even if she couldn’t see him, she could tell it was Jay. His familiar scent surrounded her, almost as if it were embedded
in her skin.
“You’re so beautiful, Emma.”
His lips touched hers and she opened for him. The kiss started out slow and sensual before turning darker, more carnal. Their tongues played, stroking, sucking and, after a few moments, she wanted more, much more. But he wouldn’t touch her with his hands. It was the tease of just his mouth against hers.
Satisfaction rose in her as she noted his heavy breathing when he broke the kiss. He might have sounded matter-of-fact when he’d spoken, but he was just as aroused as she.
Something soft feathered her jaw, causing her to shiver. “What is that?” The object moved lightly across her face, along her cheek and over her lips.
“A paintbrush.” He moved the brush in a featherlight stroke along her bottom lip. “One of my team members is a painter and, right at this moment, I envy him. If I could, I’d paint you just like you are right now.” He moved the brush along her jaw. “Beautiful.” Then down her throat. “Your skin is turning pink with arousal, your lips wet with my kisses.”
His voice was soft, melodic, and she found herself floating on a haze of desire as he continued his leisurely journey describing her. Through his eyes, his words, she felt more beautiful and desired than she ever had before. Under his magic brush and coupled with his words, every inch of her skin came alive.
She tensed as he opened the buttons on her chemise, but his words continued to flow gently with silken reassurance. He swirled the brush around the birthmark below one of her breasts before teasing her nipples. She strained against her bonds when he lapped at her belly button with his tongue before following the natural curve of her body to the thatch of hair between her thighs.
She was on edge when she felt something brush her soft curls and he continued his lazy path with the brush. His hand stroked her mound and she stirred, wanting him to touch her where she needed it the most, but he made no move to do so.
He nuzzled the inside of her knees, causing her fists to knot as every inch of her legs received the same meticulous attention he’d paid her abdomen. All the while he lavished praise over her.
She sighed with relief, her body incredibly relaxed as he finished with a stimulating foot rub. His big hands easily cradled her foot while he centered on the ball of her foot.
“How do you feel?” He rubbed the tender pad below her big toe.
Her limbs felt heavy with arousal and relaxation at the same time. Between her thighs, she felt needy, restless, her body prepared to receive a lover who had yet to really touch her.
“Like I’m ready to explode.” Her voice came out thick and it almost felt like too much effort to form the words.
“Good.”
His mouth settled over hers. This kiss was different than before. It was slow, sensual and it stayed that way. Each nuance arousing nerves she’d never known existed. He settled beside her, his skin hot and deliciously bare against hers. His erection prodded her hip.
He worked his way down her body, this time with his lips, teeth, and hands. Every inch of her was stroked, petted, and teased. He licked her nipples, then blew air over them to make them tighter, fuller.
As he reached her ankles, he released them from their cuffs. Her body clenched as she felt him part her, dipping his finger into her damp flesh.
“You’re so wet for me,” he whispered, his breath warm on her flesh. “I never last long once I’m inside you.”
She strained against her bonds, wanting more than anything for him to touch her, yet not wanting this exquisite torment to end. “Yes.”
“I want you to come for me.” His voice was hoarse. “I want to feel you shatter against my tongue.”
Before she could draw breath against the rush of heat his raw words evoked, he draped her thighs over his shoulders and his mouth descended. Warm and soft, his tongue stroked in long, heated swipes as he lapped at her heat.
She arched her back, pressing more fully against his talented tongue. “Y-yes,” she moaned as the rush of release moved within her. Slow, deep spasms from the inside out rocked her body. Dimly, she was aware of his voice, encouraging her, cloaking her in a sense of security and well-being.
He unbound her arms, giving her shoulders a slow rub before releasing her. Moving over her, she felt the broad head of his cock against her vagina. She drew up her knees, cradling his hips when he entered her. Blindfold still in place, she concentrated on the feel of his skin, his scent, the low murmur of his voice as he thrust within her.
Release beckoned again and she took her pleasure, her body moving like liquid silk beneath his. She tightened around him, urging him to join her in the heady sensual experience they’d created together.
Chapter Seven
Emma couldn’t keep the silly grin off her face as she prepared dinner. Stirring the ground-beef-and-mushroom mixture, she glanced at her lover.
Jay stood at the sink clad only in jeans while he washed a pile of salad greens. His big hands moved over the leaves with ease. Contrary to their conversation yesterday, she had a feeling he was more at home in the kitchen than he’d admitted.
“You keep looking at me like that, woman, and you’ll find yourself flat on your back again.” He gave her a lecherous glance.
“Oh yeah?” She put the lid back on the frying pan and turned it down to a simmer. Just a few minutes more and she could add her red sauce to the mixture. “I’m not scared of you, tough guy.”
“Oh, but you should be.” Without warning, Jay grabbed her about the waist and pulled her into his arms. His wet hands landed on her buttocks and he gave her a friendly squeeze. “I’m a man of big appetites, little girl.” He placed a noisy kiss on her neck while he lifted her loose cotton skirt. “Think you can keep up with me?”
Emma laughed and twined her arms around his neck when he nuzzled the base of her throat. “I’ve kept up so far.” He backed her against the kitchen door and she was amazed by the rush of heat that swamped her. She was becoming sore, but every time he touched her, she wanted nothing more than to explode in flames with him.
“So you have.”
His hand slid along her thigh. She shivered as he stroked her through her panties and his lips descended for a bone-melting kiss. Their tongues tangled and she gave herself up to the effortless sensuality he spawned with a single touch.
A sharp beeping sound destroyed their sensual haze. Jay raised his head, then released her abruptly. She swayed, grabbing the door for support as he vanished into the bedroom and, a few seconds later, the beeping stopped.
She pushed her hair out of her face and walked to the door in time to see him grabbing his clothes.
“I need to go, we have a call-out.” He pulled his gear bag from behind the chair.
Suddenly chilled, she leaned against the doorjamb for support and wrapped her arms around her waist. “What does that mean?”
“It means the tactical team has to respond to a call.” He tugged on a black T-shirt and followed it with a long-sleeved camouflage shirt emblazoned with tactical team patches on the sleeves.
“What kind of call is it?”
He changed his jeans for camouflage pants and lace-up military-style boots. “I can’t tell you that. It’s police business.”
She nodded and watched while he secured his pager on his belt and stuffed his clothing into the bag. He slung it over his shoulder before his alert gaze scanned the room for anything he’d missed. Gone was the lover who’d touched her so sweetly, and in his place was the highly trained police officer who was about to walk into danger.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He moved past her. “Sorry about dinner.”
She gave him a tight smile. “That’s okay, it’s only pasta.”
He stopped by the back door, his gaze sharp, knowing. “You aren’t going to get all funny about this, are you? Most women I have a relationship with do.”
Stung, she straightened. “We don’t have a relationship, Jay, just sex. Have you forgotten our deal?” She crossed her arms over her chest, ignoring
the irritated look that crossed his face. “I don’t have a right to get ‘funny’, as you put it.”
He dropped his bag with a growl and stalked across the kitchen. Her heart leapt into her throat when he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. What started out as a harsh kiss quickly turned gentle, coaxing. Her fingers dug into his shirt and their mouths spoke a language they both understood. He nipped at her lower lip before he released her.
“We’ll talk about that when I get back.” He patted her on the bottom then turned away and grabbed his bag, exiting through the back door with a slam.
Knees trembling, Emma stumbled to the table and sank into a chair. She’d known Jay was a police officer and that he faced danger every day. But somehow seeing him move from lover to S.W.A.T. team member in the matter of a few minutes was a little harder to accept.
She allowed her head to drop into her hands. Jay was the most fantastic lover she’d ever encountered in her life and she’d never forget him. But maybe it was better that the affair end with reality staring her in the face. She was leaving next Saturday, six days from now, and the last thing she needed was to leave her heart in Haven.
But their last few couplings had been more than simple sex. Even he had to see that. Just a few days ago, she’d thought Jay was a pretty face with a devastating body. Now she knew there was so much more to him.
So much more that would be bad for her.
She didn’t want to fall in love with a cop, not now, not ever. His job was too dangerous, too uncertain. The reality for her was she couldn’t live with not knowing if, when he left, he might not come home to her again. With every moment that passed, her emotions were getting more tangled and the line between like and love was becoming blurred. She was beginning to care too much.
No, it was better like this.
She pushed away from the table. She had a lot to accomplish today and her interlude with Jay had thrown her seriously off schedule. Turning off the stove, she shoved the pan onto a cold burner. She wasn’t hungry now and she didn’t think she’d be hungry any time soon.
