STORY EXCERPT

Even though she had known him for over a decade, she was still incredibly nervous as she pulled into the driveway. Things had been slowly shifting between them for the last few weeks. It hadn’t been explicitly discussed, but she was pretty sure this was a date. For some reason, despite the fact that this was precisely what she’d been angling for, she felt a little unsure of herself.

After checking her hair once more in the visor mirror, she got out of the car. With her purse and the promised bottle of wine, she made her way to the front door. Lifting her hand, she knocked and waited for Chris to answer the door.

When he opened the door, he was barefoot, wearing a pair of khaki cargo shorts and a navy polo shirt. She was glad she’d dressed casually, too.

“Hey. Come on in,” he said, smiling.

He reached out and took her free hand, pulling her inside.

Smiling, she said, “Hey.”

Moving inside, further, she glanced around and said, “Where should I set the wine?”

“Here. I’ll take it.” Turning the label he said, “Malbec?”

“It’s Argentinian. Good stuff. It has less of the after taste than a normal red.”

“Interesting. Never tried it,” he said.

He moved across the room, into the kitchen to set the wine down.

Peering into the living room area, Chloe said, “You redecorated. This sofa is new. Tables, too, right?”

The brown leather sofa had been replaced. There was an overstuffed gray sofa with a chaise in its place. It had a few throw pillows in varying shades of black and gray on it.

“Yeah. I got these about a year ago, I think. Has it really been that long since you’ve been here?” he asked, his face clearly showing surprise.

Snickering, Chloe said, “The last time I was here I kicked your ass so badly at that racing game that I feared you’d never invite me back…” her voice trailing off sadly at the end.

Narrowing his eyes, he said, “God. I am so going to enjoy wiping that smirk off your face, Chloe. Ready to get your ass kicked?”

“Bring it.”

The battle was long and intense but after three hours, they decided to call it a draw. They had been pretty evenly matched even though Chris had just barely edged her out for the overall win.

Setting down her controller, she rolled her shoulders and said, “Commence gloating. You earned the right.”

Laughing he said, “I did win, didn’t I?”

He waited a beat and then said, “Well. It really is a man’s game.”

Chloe smacked him in the arm and said, “What the hell!”

Rubbing his arm he laughed and said, “Kidding. Kidding! Your face was priceless though.”

His smile softened a bit and he asked, “Hungry yet?”

“A bit, yeah. I didn’t want to stop playing but now that my downfall is complete,” she said, smiling wryly.

They got up from the couch and headed to the kitchen. As they walked through the entrance, she asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Shaking his head, he said, “Nah. I’ve got in under control. Keep me company?”

Nodding, she headed over to the other side of the island and she stood there and watched him work for a moment, then asked, “You’re sure?”

“Just relax and have a seat. Let me make you dinner,” he said, then paused before adding, “By the way. How was CrossFit? Did it break you again?”

“My muscles are a little stiff from sitting for so long,” she said, gesturing to the living room. “But not like the other night. We did lots of shoulder work today.”

“You’re tough, Chlo. I don’t think I could handle that stuff. Especially with my knee. Swimming and weights are about all I’m good for.”

Surveying him a moment, she said, “Well, clearly that’s working out just fine for you.”

“Glad you noticed,” he said, smirking.

“Hard to miss,” she replied, rolling her eyes.

She continued to watch him in fascination as he moved to the refrigerator and took out the steaks. They were on a plate, and looked like they’d been seasoned already. Setting it aside, he grabbed two potatoes out and what looked like the beginnings of a salad.

As he was preheating the oven, he looked back at her and saw that she was watching him intently.

“What?” he asked.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you cook anything that didn’t involve a microwave before. Frankly, I didn’t know if you knew how. I’m impressed.”

Smirking, he said, “A man’s gotta eat. Besides, this is mostly just grilling. My genetics demand that I be able to cook over open flame.”

“Easy,” she said, laughing and holding up her hands in surrender. “Nobody’s doubting your manhood. I just realized there’s a lot that I don’t know about you even though we’ve been friends for years.”

“I know what you mean,” he said. “It’s strange to think that we’re still getting to know each other after all this time.”

Chloe rolled her shoulders again, and stretched her neck.

Glancing up at her again, he shook his head. He set the potatoes on the counter, and slid the steaks back in the fridge. Moving to the sink, he washed his hands and dried them on the dish towel.

She watched him curiously, not exactly sure what was going on until he walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. Gently, he began to massage her knotted muscles.

Groaning, she said, “You really don’t have to do that.”

After a brief pause, she added, “But don’t expect me to fight you on it. That’s great.”

“You’ve been rolling your shoulders since you walked in the door. Besides, I’ve wanted to get my hands on you since you got here, anyway. This is convenient for both of us.”

Smirking, she said, “Carry on then.”

ADULT EXCERPT

As soon as the opening credits started, one of his hands began to roam idly against her torso. He was using just the tips of his fingers. She kept her eyes facing forward, but she wasn’t taking in the movie at all. She was mostly just enjoying the feeling of his hands on her.

Dipping his head down, he nipped at her exposed earlobe then asked, “Enjoying the movie so far?”

Nodding, she said, “Yeah. So far. You?”

His mouth now against her ear, he said, “Definitely.”

She felt his tongue trace around the shell of her ear. Shifting slightly against him, she continued to stare at the screen. His hand crept up her ribs and began tracing lightly across her torso right below her breast.

She shuddered when she felt the warm exhale of hot breath on her ear.

He asked, “Cold?”

She shook her head and said, “Not really.”

Leaning his head down again, he kissed her neck. Brushing his lips over her pulse point, he nipped it lightly with his teeth.

Tilting her neck ever so slightly, she allowed him greater access. He took advantage of the newly exposed area, tracing his tongue lightly over it. His hand continued to caress her lightly. The combination, though mostly innocent, had her shifting in her seat.

Lifting his head a moment, he glanced up at the screen and said, “It’s getting to the good part soon.”

Turning her head to look at him out of the corner of her eye, she said, “Is it?”

Nodding, watching the screen, he said, “I think you’ll enjoy it.”

Leaning back down, he began to place more nipping kisses against the column of her throat. His hand crept up to cup her breast now, his thumb brushing over her aching nipple. He pinched it lightly between his thumb and forefinger.

Chloe tilted her head back, closing her eyes, and moaned slightly.

A few moments later, his hand left her breast, and in tandem with the other fiddled with the button on her jeans. His mouth now tracing lightly over her ear again, he slid down her zipper. Sliding his hand into the newly exposed area, he toyed with the edge of her lace panties.

Bringing his other hand back to her breast, he raised his mouth from her neck and said, “This is the part I was talking about. Pay attention.”

Sliding his hand into her panties now, he dipped his finger between her wet folds. He slid his fingers against her slippery flesh, grazing her clit.

Gasping, her head fell back against his chest. She made no pretense of watching the movie now. She couldn’t concentrate on anything but the ache between her thighs.

His other hand slid up her shirt, this time making direct contact with her nipple. He rolled it gently between his thumb and forefinger.

Chloe arched her back, pressing herself against his hands. He began swirling his fingers against her now, drawing slow circles. Audibly moaning now, Chloe was on the edge of coming when he lowered his mouth down and bit the place where her neck and shoulder met.

Crying out in surprise, she came, bucking against his hand and moaning his name. Moving his hands slightly, he gentled his touch, letting her orgasm wind down.

When he continued to stroke her lightly, indirectly she tensed and said, “I’m usually a little sensitive aft—”

“I’ll be gentle,” he said roughly. “But I know you’ve got at least one more in there and it’s mine.”

Chloe felt her breath clog up in her throat. Fuck. He was so sexy.

Exhaling shakily, she said, “Then by all means, take it.”

Growling against her neck, he lightly massaged her breast with one hand and continued to stroke her pussy with the other. Surprisingly, she felt her body immediately respond to him.

A few moments later, he slid a single digit inside her, stroking her around her clit, but not making direct contact with it.

“Too much,” he asked, mumbling against her neck.

“No,” Chloe panted. “Fuck. You’re good at that.”

“You’re so fucking responsive. I love that.”

Saying that, he stroked her clit directly now, seeming to know that she was on the verge of coming all over his hand again. He rubbed her more firmly.

Crying out now, she tilted her hips toward his hand, and came so hard she thought she was going to lose consciousness.

Chris moved his hand out of her panties, resting it against her thigh and said, “The noises you make when you come are so sexy. You have no idea.”

Chloe was almost gasping now, trying to catch her breath. She leaned against him, limp and boneless for a couple of minutes.

Then, bringing her knees up, she said, “That’s the hardest I’ve ever come in my life.”

Squeezing her thigh with his hand, he said, “Glad I got to be there for it.”

Turning herself partially to face him, she pressed her lips against his. Her hip nudged his very prominent erection as she leaned in to deepen the kiss.

She reached out to graze his cock lightly with her hand after she had turned to fully face him and said, “That’s impressive. Would you mind terribly if I put that in my mouth?”

Blinking in surprise, he said, “Be my guest.”

“No, no. I don’t want to take advantage. If you don’t want my lips around your cock, then I won’t force you.”

“It’s no trouble. Really.”

Bringing her hand to the button on his shorts, she said, “If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure,” he said, nodding seriously.