When her feet left the carpet of her bedroom and padded across the hardwood floors of her living room, Octavia realized instantly that she needed to turn on some heat. The days were getting colder, and it was time she conceded to the frigid weather.

Octavia opened the door without checking the peephole and immediately turning on the heat was forgotten. Arching her neck up to take in the fullness of him, Octavia shivered as Jonathon’s thick brows and black lashes accessed her in the jersey dress. A resplendent smile tread across his divine lips, and the beard that hung from his jaw was nicely groomed as usual.

“Good evening,” he said, still sweeping his eyes over her.

“Hey,” Octavia responded, inwardly coaching her body not to squirm under his powerful stare.

“May I come in?”

Flustered, Octavia stepped back. “Of course.”

Jonathon’s tall frame stepped inside wearing a gray trench coat that stretched the length of him to his knees. A thick scarf was draped around his broad shoulders, and Octavia fought hard to tear her eyes away from him long enough to close the door. A draft of cool wind cruised inside, and she trembled. Jonathon turned and reached for the knob, shutting the wooden door with a soft click. Again, his dark brown eyes settled on her curvy hips, small waistline and bare feet. Octavia thought she saw his eyes dilate and his nostrils flare a bit, but she couldn’t be sure if that were the case or if she were seeing things.

Leaning into him, Octavia unbuttoned Jonathon’s coat and slid her arms inside, nestling in the warmth of his solid body. Jonathon responded, draping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her as close as she could possibly get. Octavia reveled in his fragrance and had to catch herself from turning up her lips to place a kiss on his chin.

“Come,” she said.

Octavia pulled back, coasting her hands up his powerful arms to remove his jacket. The thick fabric slipped off his shoulders with a heavy thud. Octavia tossed the wool fleece over her arm and walked toward the kitchen with a sway in her hips. Thoughts of his eyes burning into the back of her dress heated her core. Treading over to a rack standing in the corner of the hallway, Octavia hung the coat and turned back to find Jonathon standing so close she bumped into him.

A silly laugh voyaged from her lips, and her hands slid up his chest. “I meant for you to wait for me in the kitchen.”

Jonathon let out a slow breath, and the tingle of a cocoa scent tickled Octavia’s nose. “You told me to come, so I followed you. I figured we were having dinner in the bedroom.”

Octavia’s pulse quickened, and her nipples were agonizingly hard all of a sudden. She pursed her lips together, unable to respond to his statement. Instead of trying to formulate articulate words, Octavia took a step back and grabbed his hands, threading their fingers. She pulled him along, down the hallway and into the kitchen. Octavia hadn’t missed the sexual implication in his words, but she had to wonder again, if he would be down for such an encounter, with no strings attached. Is that really what you want, Octavia? It wasn’t, but Octavia wasn’t brave enough at the moment to confess it. Maybe if Jonathon had caught her a night or two ago, things between them would be blissfully different.

“Have a seat,” Octavia said, coaching Jonathon into one of the stools that sat in front of her island.

She sashayed over to the counter and retrieved a remote control to power on the plasma TV that sat against the wall in her kitchen. Flipping through the stations for ESPN, Octavia’s mind whirled. What would it hurt for her to just tell him right out how she felt? If he didn’t think it was a good idea to entertain a relationship with her at least, she could put her mixed feelings behind her. But you know better. If Jonathon’s actions of late were any indication that he wanted to be more than friends, then Octavia surmised that he indeed thought it was a good idea.

“This fits you with immaculate perfection.”

Octavia closed her eyes slowly and let out a breath when his arms found their way around her waist. Jonathon had moved from his seat to the spot she stood without a second thought. He nudged his nose against the curve of her neck and brushed his lips against her shoulder. Octavia shivered and turned her head to peer at him.

“Thank you,” she said. “I was hoping you might like it.”

“Were you?”

“Yes. I know how much you love Deiondre’ Hall.”

“Nah, I don’t love him. But he is a damn good player.”

Octavia smirked. “Okay, you don’t love him, but you have a man crush on him.”

Jonathon pinched the side of her stomach and Octavia yelped, moving to get out of his grasp. He held on while she laughed and wriggled her way across the room, dropping the remote on the counter.

Swiftly pivoting on her heels, Octavia held out a finger at him. “If you keep that up, I won’t be able to make your dinner,” she warned.

Jonathon rolled up the sleeves on his crewneck dark gray shirt. It snuggled along his biceps, broad shoulders and muscled chest with just a small air of space between his tight physique. The straight-cut blue denim jeans were ripped at the knees tapering down to his ankles. The fresh gray Reebok Classics were his signature shoe anytime he dressed down. He made the look so effortlessly sexy without even trying. Getting the full review of him made Octavia’s mouth dry. Her perusal was blatant, and she’d noticed almost too late that she’d been staring.

As if she never paused, Octavia glided to the sink and rinsed her hands before moving to the stove where the steak she’d planned to cook sat unobstructed.

“I don’t crush on men, woman,” Jonathon said, saddling up to her. His nearness ruffled Octavia. Again, he was towering over her, making her heart beat rapid in her chest.

“Oh, that’s right,” she said as she sprinkled seasoning onto the T-bone. “There was a woman who answered your phone the other day, so maybe you’re crushing on her.”

Octavia could’ve stopped herself, but she’d been dying to ask the question. It was bound to come out. Jonathon’s hand rested against her shoulder as he turned Octavia to face him. Cautiously, Octavia looked up.

“There’s only one woman I’m crushing on,” Jonathon’s dark voice thumped. “And she’s either too blind to notice, or her feelings aren’t mutual, which would be a shame.”

They stared at one another, both of them on the edge of collapse.

“But you wouldn’t care about that sort of thing, would you?” he added.

Octavia wasn’t breathing. It was when her lungs began to scream that she realized it. She pushed out a breath.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I care about everything you care about.”

Jonathon raised a thick brow. “Are you sure about that?”

“Certain.”

Jonathon stepped closer, removing the space that stood between them.

“What do you suggest I do about this crush I have?”

Octavia’s body trembled slightly. Why was she so nervous? “Why haven’t you told her?” she said, turning back to the stove.

“In so many ways, I’ve shown her. And they say actions are far better than words.”

Octavia nodded. “Well, maybe she needs the words to solidify your efforts. Maybe she has a crush on you, too, but something’s keeping her from revealing that to you.” She shrugged. “You never know what could be going through her mind, and if you haven’t told her how you feel, then she’ll never know.”

The air around them thickened, and the game returned from its commercial break.

“Your Bears are already getting whooped. Do you think they can come back to win the game?” she asked, shifting the topic.

“Nah, you don’t get to change the subject on me like that.”

Promptly, Jonathon spun her back around, locking Octavia between him and the stove that she’d yet to turn on. Octavia’s breath quickened as she stared into the depths of his dark eyes.

“Octavia…” he started, “I’ve had a crush on you since the moment we met,” his eyes fell to her lips then back to her eyes, “and I don’t want to be your friend anymore.”

Octavia’s eyes stretched, and the erratic thump of her heart coupled with the longing she had for Jonathon made her body quiver. Jonathon dipped down, coming face to face with her. His warm breath tickled her lips, sending a spark of currents washing over her. Jonathon moved in, claiming her mouth, slipping his wet tongue inside with the urgency of a hungry lover. She responded just as feverishly, wanting, needing, craving him just as much. Her arms drifted up his chest to lay on his shoulders and wrap around his neck. They devoured each other with their tongues dancing and savoring the tastes of one another. The muscle in Jonathon’s pants grew terribly stiff as his strong arms lifted Octavia by her thighs and carried her to the kitchen island. She clung to him, and he sat her down gently as they continued their passionate joining with lips mingling and sending a cascade of shivers shooting over them both. It took all the strength inside Jonathon to pull away from her glorious mouth.

With their breathing labored, they rested their foreheads together with eyes closed. “I need to know,” Jonathon said, opening his to peer at her. “Where do I stand in your life, O?”

Octavia’s heart thundered, and a rush of warmth fell over her. Octavia opened her eyes. “Jonathon… I…” Her heart knocked as Jonathon gazed on, teetering on the edge of insanity. Octavia closed her mouth and tried to calm herself.

“What’s holding you back? I don’t think of myself as arrogant, but with the way you just responded to my kiss, would I be wrong to think you felt the same?” He needed her to reciprocate his yearning like it was the very thing that kept him stable.

Octavia couldn’t find her words. The disturbance in her soul was frightening in the most blissful way. “I want… to make love with you,” she finished.

Jonathon’s blood further warmed, and the movement in his pants was painfully pressed. He waited for her to say more, but when she didn’t, he gradually rose to a complete stand. “Is that all?”

Octavia searched for more words to say but shoved them all to the back of her throat. Why not tell him?

“Wow,” he said, taking a step back. “That is all,” he realized. Jonathon rubbed his chin as his eyes shuffled side to side. Settling back on her, he swept a look over Octavia again. There wasn’t a doubt that Jonathon wanted to be with her sexually, but that didn’t begin to touch the surface of what he felt for her. “This is embarrassing.” Moving away, Jonathon strode out of the kitchen. Octavia hopped off the island and went after him. They met in the hallway as Jonathon reclaimed his trench coat.

“Where are you going?” she asked, worried. Octavia would not let him get away from her again. Not so he could end up at some woman’s house like the other night. A different type of fear settled over her heart as she watched him gather himself.

He turned around and faced her. “I think I should leave.”

“I don’t think you should,” Octavia responded.

Jonathon slipped his arms inside his coat, watching her carefully. He painted his lips with his tongue. “I think… I should…”

Octavia got in face. “No,” she said, reaching out to grab the collar of his trench.

They had a showdown, neither of them budging for what seemed like forever. “Why would I stay?” he asked.

“Because.” Octavia hesitated again, and her head fell into his chest. “That’s not all.”

“What?” Jonathon gazed down at her.

Octavia turned her face up. “That’s not all, okay. I… I feel the same way about you.”

Jonathon’s arms covered her as Octavia continued to grip his collar in her fists. “What are you saying, O?”

With their gazes locked, she confessed. “I want you Jonathon, in more ways than one. Don’t leave, please. Stay with me…”

Jonathon’s hold on her loosened and Octavia peeled the coat back off his shoulders. The trench hit the floor, and all at once he snatched her off her feet and planted her against the wall they stood before. Instinctively, Octavia’s legs hoisted around his waist. Trapping her there, Jonathon eased forward and sank his tongue into her mouth as her tight nipples brushed against his chest with a stinging impression. With passion so possessive, hot and brazen, they sank into each other, melting against the border. A ferment of heat buzzed around them and Octavia moaned into his lips. There was a knock between her thighs from the slow dragging of his dick, prodding across her center. A whimper clawed up her throat as she leaned back momentarily. Her chest rising and falling as Jonathon coated the skin on her neck in scorching kisses.

“Make love to me, Jonathon…” Octavia hummed. “Please, I’ve wanted you for so long…”

Jonathon nibbled back to her mouth then hovered nose to nose with her. Midnight eyes gazed at Octavia, and she began to rotate her hips.

“I’ve wanted to hear you say that for so long,” he drawled. “You’ve always been so perfect to me. So fucking perfect,” Jonathon stuck his tongue out and traced her lips. “Tell me again,” he commanded.

“Do you want me to beg,” she purred, her voice, throaty and layered with a seductive balance. “Make love to me, Jonathon, please baby, I need you.”

Jonathon’s nerves bounced as his heated blood was set on fire. He cupped her butt and drew Octavia away from the wall, turning to leave the hallway for Octavia’s bedroom. Jonathon sat her down on the bed and pulled the jersey dress up over her head, dropping it to the floor.

Octavia was braless, wearing only a sheer pair of V-string black panties. While Jonathon took her in, Octavia stepped to him and unbuckled his belt and jeans, unzipping them punctually.

Evidence of his stimulation sprang forth when his dick lurched out of his pants. “Oh…” Octavia said, taking a step back with a hand to her mouth. Jonathon brushed the jeans off his waist, concurrently removing his boxer shorts. In the same motion, he pulled his shirt over his wide torso and broad shoulders. The magnificence of his artistic display was remarkably wicked. Octavia was tempted to take another step back but was drawn instead toward Jonathon with a magnetism so connecting that she would’ve sworn her feet glided across the carpet. Her hands slid down his rock-hard chest to his outstretched member.

“Mmmm,” Octavia hummed. Drifting to her knees, she wrapped a hand around his girth, and Jonathon reached down to pull her back to her feet.

“Any other time, I would say lady’s first. But in this case, I’m taking the lead,” he said.

This time Octavia did retreat, and Jonathon matched her steps. Her butt bumped into the bed, and she pulled herself on top. As she glided back, Jonathon stalked her, crawling onto the bed like a predatory animal. The muscles in his arms bulged with each movement he made, and when Octavia bumped into the headboard, a devilish smile spread across Jonathon’s lips.

“Now where are you going?”

Before she could respond, Jonathon shifted, pulling back on his knees and dragging Octavia with him. She yelped but didn’t put up a fight. In between her legs, he covered her curvaceous body, sinking until heat suffused them. Taking her mouth into his, Jonathon traced her lips, and Octavia ground upward against his hardness. She shuddered underneath his powerfulness and traced her hands over the edge of his carved shoulders.

“Jonathon…” she begged.

Jonathon’s hands drifted over her breasts to tweak her nipples. He left her areolas to scour down south to her heated cavern. In a tease, his fingers circled her clitoris through the thin material Octavia still wore. Shortly, his lips followed, pressing against her hot skin to her extended nipples. Sucking the fullness of one then the other stretched Jonathon’s manhood to the hardest point he’d ever felt it. That in itself was indescribably incredible. His lips trailed down her bare belly, and with his teeth, Jonathon pulled the thin garment over her shapely hips, down to her legs and feet. His lips met her toes, and the warmth of his mouth sent a plethora of tingles shooting up her legs as he pulled the crotch of her panties off her ankles with his mouth.

“Oh…” she panted.

Jonathon savored the mango fragrance on her skin, sinking his nose into her flesh. Pressing hot kisses against her ankles and legs, Jonathon slipped his arms underneath Octavia’s thighs, bolstering them over his shoulder as he slipped back to her center. He dove into her vagina tongue first, sliding the flimsy muscle so deep he got a full taste of her crème against his palate.

“Aaah…” Octavia moaned. Her hips instantly bucked, rising off the bed.

Jonathon shielded her completely, sucking her in and licking her slippery folds as Octavia’s fingers dug into the sheets. A guttural growl trod from his throat, sending scorching shivers ripping through Octavia’s body. The more Jonathon pressed his tongue against her throbbing clitoris, the closer Octavia became undone.

“Oh my God,” Octavia panted. Her toes curled, and she opened her legs wider. With his tongue surfing across her mound in waves, Jonathon consumed her, taking her down the yellow brick road. A vibration began with a slow uptick, as her thighs shook and she began mumbling incoherently. With a tight grip on her hips, Jonathon pulled her hard against his face as he tongued down her pussy.

Octavia shouted. “Jonathon! Ah!” Another scream left her throat as Jonathon’s fingers sank into her flesh, and his mouth pulled Octavia to a mind-bending orgasm.

“Jonathon!” she shouted again, releasing a warm, sweet crème that Jonathon lapped as if it was the fountain of youth. Octavia’s mouth fell, holding open through her spasms as she went into a paralytic shock. Jonathon was still lapping at her with vigor and an unbridled craving that gave him a saturating pleasure. Minutes passed before he finally pulled away from her plump lips only to kiss up her kitty to her belly then back to her breasts.

“You are so fucking delicious,” he mused, circling his tongue around her nipples. Drunk in passion, Octavia’s hands cruised over Jonathon’s muscled arms and shoulders to frame his face. She pulled him up to her, and stuck her tongue down his throat in an erotic yet tenderly endearing kiss. Jonathon leaned into Octavia, pushing back her legs with his toned thighs. He entered her in a deep plunging thrust that ripped another shout from her, followed by a terse wave of hot cum that melted them together.

“Fuck!” Jonathon barked, holding back like all hell from joining her.

Not yet, he needed more of her for as long as he could stand it.

“Oh… my… God…” Octavia whined as shards of heat soaked her to the point that she was sure she would drown in them.

Octavia’s head rolled as her arms clung around Jonathon’s neck. With the will left in her, Octavia pulled Jonathon back down to meet her lips and his strokes intensified with each slip and slide inside her heated core. He kissed the corners of her mouth, eating her up as he trailed down the side of her jaw to nibble on her ear. Their bodies collided, slapping together in a rhythm that only they could contain. Reaching down, Jonathon skated his hands under Octavia’s derriere, propping her up to meet each hard thrust he gave. Delving into her bottom, his brutal strokes became violent the more his fingers dug into her skin. 

Briefly, Jonathon pulled his lips back. “You are everything I’ve imagined and more,” his baritone voice drummed. “Everything, everything...” he murmured, leaning down to rain more hot kisses against Octavia’s face as he pumped into her heated fountain.

Inebriated, Octavia turned her lips to his jaw and nibbled hazily. “You are everything…” she stuttered, “I’ve been missing,” she continued as she quivered as his forceful plunges rocked her soul. “Ah! I need you so bad, Jonathon. I never want you to leave.”

His lids dropped, and he bared his teeth as his speed amplified. Jonathon kissed over her mouth down to her earlobe. “Tell me again,” he said, digging into her pussy like he was searching for lost treasure.

“Aaaah, Jesus!” she screeched.

Relentless, Jonathon propelled into Octavia with the ridges of his shaft expanding her wet pussy sending an orgasmic warning rocketing her sensitive flesh and threatening to fall. “Tell me again, baby,” Jonathon’s dark voice grooved.

Her voice cracked as she tried to spit the words out. “I need you…” Octavia panted. “So bad, Jon-Jonathon,” she stammered. “Never leave…”

He impaled her, sending Octavia flying through the clouds. Octavia whined with a feeble outcry that sparked with tearstained eyes and a relinquishing confession. “Need you, need you, need you…”

Her body quaked, and together they came, conceding to their banded release. Shudders tattered through them and they both sang to one another.

“Jonathon…”

“Octavia, baby…”

Sailing into oblivion, Octavia and Jonathon held each other as their bodies seared together, turning them into one.