Lovestrung: A friends to lovers romance

by Karen Ferry

  “Ooh, it tickles,” she giggled, squirming a little, but I didn’t care.

  “I could spend days worshipping your tits,” I mumbled before closing my mouth around the other one.

  She let out a long breath and I almost purred like a cat when I felt her hands in my hair. Her nails scratched my scalp, massaging it, and I hummed.

  Fuck, how I loved it when she did that. I loved even more that she seemed as eager to touch me as I was. As if she was as insatiable, or as needy, as me.

  “I wonder if I could make you come with only my mouth on these,” I mused. I rested my chin on her chest and raised my eyes at her. She jutted out her chin, silently challenging me.

  “Well, we have all night. Why don’t we find out?”

  I gave her a lazy smile. “Challenge accepted.”

  It didn’t take long for me to prove that I could, in fact, make her come with my mouth on her breasts alone.

  “Have you thought more about what you’ll do with your life?” I asked the next morning over breakfast.

  Penelope pulled a face and nodded, chewing her toast. “Yeah, and the more I think about it, the more I want it, but…”

  I patted her ankle resting on my thigh. “But?”

  She frowned at me, and I hated the insecure look that clouded her eyes. “You’re probably going to think I’m crazy or something.”

  I chuckled as I shook my head. “Highly doubtful. Come on, spit it out.”

  “Well…” Stalling, she took a sip of coffee and leaned back in her chair. “You know how I’ve always played around with DIY projects? Home décor, jewelry, beauty products…stuff like that?”

  I nodded, remembering her showing things like that and posting them on her blog.

  “Yeah.” I gave her an encouraging chin lift. “You’ve always been very creative.”

  Her lips pulled up in a shy smile. “Thanks. For a long time, I thought more of my projects like a hobby, something to pass the time, but now…I’m thinking about delving deeper into them and open a boutique.”

  “Really?” I grinned at her.

  “Yeah. Just a small one, though. I’m going to take some business classes at college and work for my dad while I try out new things – I talked with him about it yesterday, and he’s fine with it. And once I’m ready, I’ll apply to get my LLC, find a store with affordable rent, etc.” She sat up straighter, and my grin widened to a smile. Watching her animated form as she spoke as much with her hands as her voice was a delight.

  She blew out a breath. “I still have some money left from Gramps, and I can save up the rest if I need more. It’ll probably take me forever to set everything up, but I think I can do this.”

  I had no doubt she could. I rested my arms on the dining table and took her hand.

  “Bottom line is,” I began, “do you really want to do this?”

  Her eager nod spoke volumes. “Yes, I really want to do it.”

  “Then I have every faith in you that you’ll make it happen.”

  She launched herself into my arms, covering my face in kisses and I laughed at her exuberance.

  “Thank you for believing in me, baby,” she beamed down at me.

  Her smile was infectious, warming me from the inside out.

  “Always, darlin’. Always.”

  To seal my faith in her, I took her mouth in a long, languid kiss until she became pliant in my arms. The small sigh that followed spurred me into action, and I lifted her up, never breaking our kiss, and took her to bed. If this was the reaction I would get every time I showed my support, I’d be sure to tell her each and every day how much I believed in her.

  I was one lucky man, and I wasn’t about to forget it.

  24

  The Sweet Life…Interrupted

  I couldn’t believe how easy life with Penelope was. We fell into a rhythm that seemed so natural to us both, it made me question why I’d ever been stupid enough to hold my feelings for her in check. We saw each other almost every day, even if we only had an hour to spend, and for the first time in my life, I felt free. Free to love her, but also free to allow myself to be loved.

  I didn’t think too hard about it, but tonight, as I pulled up to her home, taking her out to get dinner before meeting the rest of her friends at the night club, Clash, the sweet and heady taste of freedom struck me again. I vowed to never let it go.

  But when she opened the door to let me in, the urge to spend the night locked away instead of going out was strong.

  “Fuck, Pen, are you trying to kill me?” I grumbled, scanning her from top to toe.

  She grinned up at me. “Great reaction, baby.”

  I shook my head, feasting on the skintight, black little number she was wearing that stopped a couple of inches above her knees; arms bare, with a neckline that showed the top of her breasts, was enough to bring me to my knees, but the way it cinched underneath them, as well as the layer of lace covering the satin fabric underneath, made me instantly hard. I motioned for her to turn around and she complied. I groaned at the sight of the deep plunge at her back, leaving it bare almost down to her ass, and cleared my throat before raising my eyes. The coquettish smile she aimed at me when she tilted her head made my fingers itch to tear it from her body and ravish her right here on the porch.

  “Yeah, I definitely think you are out to get me.” I took a step closer and framed her face before kissing her lightly on the lips. “You look stunning, darlin’.”

  “Thank you.” She gave me a quick once-over. “You look good enough to eat yourself,” she grinned. “I mean, I love the relaxed look on you, but seeing you in a white button-down shirt, sleeves rolled up, with that hint of stubble on your jaw, like tonight?” She pushed up on her toes, her scent teasing my nostrils. “It makes me want you even more than I already do.”

  My heart stopped at her seductive words, and I became lightheaded with desire. Needing to get my mind back on track, I cleared my throat.

  “It’s just jeans and a shirt,” I shrugged as she opened one more button at my throat, and my skin prickled at her touch. How could one woman’s innocent touch – this woman’s touch – be enough to send a shot of lust through my dick?

  I ran my hands down her arms, linking our fingers. “You ready to go?”

  Triumph shined in her eyes as she nodded. “Yeah. I just need to grab my purse, and I’m all set. Wait here.”

  She gave me a quick peck on my lips and backed away. My eyes followed her every move as she stepped back, devouring her even after her hands slipped from mine and she turned away.

  Goddammit, how I wanted this woman.

  My phone buzzed in my pocket, bringing me back to the here and now, and I pulled it out while I waited for her.

  Luke: Ella’s sniffing around Privé for an article she’s writing. Thought I’d give you a head’s up in case you’re still keeping that part of your life from your woman.

  My whole body froze as I read the text three times. How the fucking hell was it possible that Penelope’s best friend was on to the company? The security around the place was as tight as a fist, not to mention the IT geeks that ran the website were great at what they did – the names of the performers weren’t disclosed, for one thing, and I assumed they knew what to do in order to keep our privacy. I didn’t know much about how cyberspace worked, but I knew that Luke wouldn’t have them on his team if they weren’t some of the best.

  It didn’t add up.

  Unless he’d finally given in to her demands and admitted to her what he really did for a living.

  I fired a text back:

  Me: Thanks, appreciate it.

  I cursed, hating that I hadn’t already told Penelope about my now former job, but deep down I knew why I’d kept brushing it aside. I didn’t want to risk jeopardizing my relationship with her now that I finally had her, and even though my conscience told me it was too big of a thing to hide from her, I’d pushed it from my mind all week. I realized that I’d only been lying to myself when I kept putting
it off.

  I was scared to tell her.

  Still staring hard at the screen in front of me, I quickly scanned the next text from him.

  Luke: Look, I’m not saying Ella’s going to find out about you, but she’s one hell of a reporter, man. She’s good at sniffing out people’s secrets.

  I wanted to ask him if that meant she’d sussed that he was the owner, but I didn’t get the chance to text him again as Penelope came back outside.

  “Sorry,” she said as she shut the front door. “I couldn’t find my phone.”

  I tried to rid myself of the tension between my shoulders, but Luke’s warning, mild as it was, sat heavily on me like a hammer pressing down on my chest.

  “No problem.” I gave her a chin lift. “Where are Eliza and Hugo?”

  “They’ll meet us at the restaurant,” she smiled and reached for my hand. “They wanted to take one last walk around town before meeting us, so they left a while ago.”

  I squeezed her hand as we walked together down the steps. “You’re going to miss them.” It was a fact, not a question.

  “Yeah, but ours won’t be a forever goodbye. I know we’ll keep in touch.” Her voice turned shy and she bit her lip as she looked back at me. “And, who knows, maybe the two of us can go visit them in England someday.”

  I grinned down at her, loving that she was including me in her future, and opened the passenger door. Just as she was about to step in, I pulled gently on her hand. She raised her eyebrows at me.

  “In case I forgot to tell you,” I murmured, “you take my breath away, Penelope Montgomery.”

  Her eyes shined with tenderness. “I love that you think that, Ethan Collins. Thank you.”

  “Good.” I bent to take her lips in a lazy kiss, only pulling back when I heard the hitch in her breath. “Now, let’s get going, or I’m going to succumb to temptation and take you right here against my truck.”

  Eyes dark with want, she took a deep breath and turned to climb up, and my eyes zeroed in on the dress as it slid up her thighs. She planted her ass in the seat and buckled up. “Can’t give the neighbors a show, now can we?”

  “No, but careful, darlin’. Keep that sass up, and I might be tempted to do just that.”

  I laughed softly at the way she widened her eyes before I closed her door, walking leisurely to my side. Fuck how I loved that sass, but I loved even more when I was able to render her speechless.

  “What makes you think I’d let you do that?” she asked the minute I got in my seat.

  I winked at her. “Because you always let me do what I want, darlin’.”

  She huffed, crossing her arms in front of her. “Maybe I just like to push your buttons once in a while.”

  I leaned toward her and caught her lower lip between my teeth.

  “Oh, believe me,” I growled, swiping the sting away, “I know that already. Doesn’t mean I’ll let you win.”

  That got me a low giggle and she shook her head.

  “You’re impossible,” she sighed. “Can we go now? I’m starving.”

  I grinned and started the truck.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  I began driving, deciding that if Ella did bring up Privé tonight, I’d have to be one hell of an actor and act as clueless as my girl, because the last thing I wanted was for Penelope to find out about me at a nightclub. I needed to be alone with her when I told her.

  And that had to happen sooner rather than later.

  “You’re telling me that there is no way for you to get in touch with the owner of this company?” Penelope shouted at Ella sitting across from her, wide eyed with her glass half raised to her lips. The night club, Clash, was packed, and I was beginning to get a headache from the loud beats of the music surrounding us. Luke being the suave entrepreneur that he was had gotten us a table in the VIP lounge on the first floor, and I had to admit it felt good being able to have a whole table to ourselves. The view to all the dancing couples below us wasn’t bad, either. The young people of Charlottesville were out having fun, taking advantage of happy hour, and the lighting, albeit bright as in any nightclub, wasn’t too harsh on the eyes.

  I took a sip of my sparkling water, schooling my face into what I hoped was mild curiosity and nothing else.

  Ella shook her head. “Nope. Well, unless I’m willing to pay the steep subscription fee, that is. The website doesn’t show an email address – or even a regular address – only a P.O. Box. It’s weird.”

  “Hmm.” Penelope raised her glass. “That can’t be legal, can it?” she mused and leaned into my side.

  “Actually, it is,” Luke butted in. “As long as there is one way of reaching them – notwithstanding perhaps a rather old-fashioned way – it doesn’t state anywhere that a company has to disclose an email address or even a phone number. Not to the public eye, anyway.”

  Penelope tilted her head at him, not convinced.

  “Look,” I started and smiled at Ella, “why are you so hooked up on this company? Why not choose another one to hunt down?”

  Her eyes lit up with determination.

  “Because I have a feeling that this one could actually turn out to be interesting. That I have an opportunity to turn this stupid assignment into something awesome instead of dreadful.” She turned her head back to Penelope. “You should take a look at their website, babe. It is elegant, sophisticated, and, yes, sexy.”

  I laughed at the blush on Penelope’s cheeks.

  “Oh, um, I don’t know. I don’t really watch porn.”

  “Actually, you only get some teaser banging if you aren’t a subscriber, but the things you do get? Holy mama.” Ella grinned at her. “I’m just saying that it’s seriously cool. Might give you some ideas.”

  I frowned and shook my head. “I’m not really sure I want my girl to watch porn, Ella. At least not without me.”

  Penelope whipped her head around. “What?!”

  Grinning, I kissed her. “Joking, darlin’.”

  Though I had to admit that it might be a thrilling thing to do. To see how she’d react when she saw some of my solo performances was bound to be an experience. I shot the thought down before I could let it take root in my mind. That part of my life was over and done with, but maybe, once I’d told her, I could show her some of my photos.

  “What did you say it was called again?” Hugo asked from his seat next to me, Eliza curled up to his side.

  “Privé.”

  Eliza dug into her back pocket and pulled out her phone before handing it to her. “Send me a message with the link. I don’t mind having a look,” she grinned cheekily at Penelope.

  “Well, you might as well send it to me as well,” Penelope looked back at Ella. “I admit that my curiosity is piqued now.”

  “All right, enough talk about porn,” Luke put his hands flat on the table. “I’m going to go get us another round of drinks.” He gave me a chin lift. “You sure you don’t want one?”

  I shook my head. “I’m good with water, thanks.”

  He nodded and flashed Ella a smile. “Want to dance with me when I come back?”

  “Sure,” she waved her hand at the crowd below. “Unless you get distracted while you’re away, then that’s that.”

  He sighed as he frowned, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the tension between them would ever go away. He moved to leave us, and I watched him go down the winding staircase until I couldn’t see him anymore.

  When he was out of earshot, Penelope reached out her hand and covered Ella’s. “Are you all right?”

  Ella kept her eyes down shrugged. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  Somehow, I didn’t believe that.

  “One of these days, you’ll have to tell us what’s going on between the two of you,” Eliza covered the girls’ hands with hers, making them a united front, and I smiled at the bond they shared.

  Ella’s gaze flickered to mine before she took a deep breath. “Yeah, I will.”

  I clapped Hugo’s back. “Is this where we g
ive our girls some alone time? I kinda get the feeling that having a dick in this company is the wrong thing.”

  Ella grinned and shook her head. “This is not the night for girl talk. You’re safe.”

  Hugo laughed and kissed the top of Eliza’s head. “Thank God. Dance with me, beautiful?”

  Eliza nodded and let go of the girls. “I’d love to.”

  “I have to go to the ladies’ room,” Ella said as she grabbed her purse.

  I scooted back, my legs to the side, as all three got up from the couch and I looked at Penelope, relieved to have a moment to ourselves. The party scene wasn’t really my thing, but I had to admit that, up until a moment ago, I’d enjoyed being out. But my relief dissipated as the smile in her eyes slowly disappeared and turned serious.

  “Is Luke cheating on Ella?” she blurted.

  I let out a laugh. “What? How the fuck should I know? And what kind of a question is that?”

  She scooted closer and placed her hand on my thigh, her intense gaze never wavering from mine. “It’s just…Ella’s so unhappy, and I don’t get what’s going on between them. I’m worried, that’s all.”

  “Your guess is as good as mine, but I doubt he’d do that to her.” Frowning, I covered her hand. “Look, maybe you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. When she’s ready, she’ll tell you.”

  She didn’t look convinced but nodded. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  I entwined our fingers and raised her hand, kissing her knuckles. “When the others get back, we’re going to dance,” I murmured against her skin. “And we’ll spend the rest of the night not worrying about anything. We’re just going to have fun with our friends. Deal?”