Friends with benefits.
What did that mean? Maggie sucked for her next breath, her pulse racing as she increased her pace to a determined run up a treadmill hill. Wild, monkey sex whenever they felt the need? No-strings sex? Organized or spontaneous?
Connor’s suggestion stunned her so much her mind had blanked. She had to admit it was difficult to pass Go when her brain commenced a continuous loop centered on a splendidly naked Connor.
She jogged in place on the treadmill, the pounding beat of a song with lyrics about someone who was crazy filling her head. The music wasn’t loud enough to drown out her thoughts, although when the next song mentioned fools in love she thought about kismet and serendipity. Did she want to do this? Have sex with Connor?
Hell, yes.
Was it a good idea?
Probably not.
So many things could go wrong. What if they found themselves incompatible in bed? The last thing she wanted was to lose Connor’s friendship. She had to admit it wouldn’t make her popular with the rest of the Tight Five. They all agreed he hadn’t steered them wrong when it came to advice about the male sex. Susan, in particular, felt strongly about the friends-only rule because her ex-friend—the one she’d had since pre-school days—had waltzed off with her fiancé one day before the wedding. Susan didn’t like to talk about it much, but she put loyalty first in any argument. And Maggie sensed Christina was more interested in Connor than she’d let on.
The thought gave Maggie pause. She hated hurting her friends and had tried to cast her growing feelings for Connor aside. It wasn’t working. The wretched man taunted her in dreams, steamy naked dreams that had her waking in a real state. It made every other man pale in comparison.
Connor’s track record was part of the reason she’d consider this friends with benefits deal, although she needed more details about how this arrangement might work.
And lastly, there was also the fact he changed girlfriends regularly. If he did that with her, she didn’t think she’d recover—she liked him that much. Something to ponder. Oh, and the fact she’d be breaking the pact she made with her friends. Could she live with a guilty conscience? That was a real biggie.
Then there was her father and stepmother. The treadmill program went into warm-down mode, slowing before coming to a stop. Grabbing her towel, Maggie wiped the sweat off her forehead and throat while the next song started on her iPod—the New Zealand band OpShop singing about one day. She didn’t hear the lyrics. All she could think about was that there might never be another chance with Connor. Despite her father’s lectures about scandal and keeping a low profile, she’d kick herself if she said no and had to watch Connor with yet another woman. She didn’t think she could handle that—not again. Only a fool would let this opportunity slip through her fingers. Benefits. Yeah, she could see them, but the pitfalls, the potential for pain and loss…was it too much to risk?
She couldn’t forget her promise to her friends. If she messed up with them, no doubt there would be huge consequences. She’d have to lie to them, and that didn’t sit well with her. She let out her breath.
The rest of her workout passed in a daze, and by the time she exited the changing rooms to join Connor, her head whirled with mental arguments, but she’d decided to take a chance on love. Surely wanting love wasn’t such a bad thing? If Connor still wanted to change the dynamics of their relationship, she’d risk it and go along with the idea, keeping her fingers crossed for the future.
She hoped she wouldn’t regret it.
“Hey, how was the workout?” Connor asked, giving her an admiring glance.
She clutched the bag containing her workout gear closer to her chest. She had to admit she was nervous about this whole arrangement.
“Good.” A laugh escaped and her features contorted when she pulled a face. “Nah, that’s a lie. Exercise hurts like hell.”
What Maggie didn’t tell him was that for the first time she’d finished her workout without worrying about collapsing in the middle of the gym and drawing attention to herself. Thinking about Connor and his proposition had let her zip through the workout without too much stress. Amazing.
“How about we go back to my place so I can pack a few clothes?” Connor said. “Then we’ll stop at your apartment and grab a few groceries at the supermarket on the way?”
“I’ve never visited your apartment before. Do I get the tour?” Their gazes met. A flutter started in her belly. Oh, boy. Maggie took half a step toward him, intent on touching, brushing her fingers across his jaw to test the roughness of his stubble. Yes, this would be so easy between them. So easy to relax and let the emotions rule her. Lust. Sex. Togetherness.
“You want to see my bedroom?” he asked, a husky note entering his voice.
“If you want to include your bedroom on the tour,” she tossed back with a casual shrug. Inside nerves quaked while anticipation banked, arousal taking off like a sprinter to race the length of her body. A distinct dampness pooled between her thighs. “Will your flatmates be there?”
“Probably not. They’re away for the weekend.” He offered a sexy smile. “We’re gonna talk. That’s all.” He brushed a strand of hair off her face, tucking it behind her ear. “Hash everything out between us so there’s no misunderstanding later when we hit the bedroom.”
“All right,” Maggie said, surprised not a single qualm remained in her. She trusted him to keep his word.
During the drive to Connor’s central Auckland apartment, they talked about rugby, exercise and the upcoming work function neither of them wanted to attend. Unfortunately, the partners frowned upon employees who dodged their gatherings.
Connor’s apartment was small with two bedrooms—not much space for three men. If Maggie stood on tiptoes and looked out the window of the compact lounge, she could see a sliver of Rangitoto, the dormant volcano island that dominated the harbor. The distinctive cone was visible from most parts of inner Auckland.
Turning back to Connor, she said with a smile, “Great view.”
“Yeah, I like it.” Connor reached for her hand and tugged her down a short carpeted passage to a bedroom. “Sit on the bed while I grab clothes.”
Maggie noted with interest the king-size bed and modern streamlined furniture constructed of white pine and chrome. A shelving unit, bulging with books of all sizes, covered part of one wall. So the man had an intellectual side. Interesting. She took two steps and plunked onto the corner of the bed. The cotton duvet cover made a crinkling sound as she settled on it, the bold tribal design and spice, ochre and black shades making her think of ethnic art and exotic lands. A large window filled most of another wall with views over the harbor. The water sparkled, despite the sluggish winter sun, and two yachts flew across the white-tipped waves, their white sails billowing in the breeze. Yes, she could learn to like it here. No doubt.
Connor opened a wardrobe and grabbed a green bag. He tossed in sweats, a pair of jeans and two T-shirts, along with a sweater. Maggie turned to watch him, her heart rate accelerating as she studied his taut backside, his ease of movement. Soon, very soon, touch between them would be acceptable. Excitement flared deep inside her, a shiver of anticipation working free to give away her state of mind and rapid arousal.
A cough cleared the thickening in her throat. “What sort of things do we need to discuss?” She had a fair idea but wanted him to tell her. Of course, whatever he said would have a final bearing on her decision. Although she lusted after him, she wasn’t foolhardy. Sex between friends had explosive potential, and not necessarily all confined between the sheets. Heck, who was she kidding? She’d already decided.
The thought brought her parents to mind. Immediately, she shoved their stern faces away, locking the door on mental lectures. Geographical distance and her adult status meant their opinions didn’t count. Despite what her furious and distraught father said, she was nothing like her mother. One bad experience hardly compared to several torrid affairs and three marriages to public figures with the resulting messy divorces.
“First, it’s essential we have complete honesty between us,” he said with a serious tone. “If you have any doubts, tell me. This won’t work if we’re not frank with each other. We need to communicate.”
His intent gaze told her he was sincere when it came down to nothing but truth between them. She thought back to previous boyfriends, the lies—both big and small—and nodded without hesitation and scarcely a flinch. Honesty remained important to her in a relationship.
Tingles sprang to life, tickling across her skin like champagne bubbles. An image formed in her mind, one of her draped across the arm of a chair. Connor standing behind her, a hairbrush in his hand. Heat stained her cheeks until they were as hot as her bottom would feel after several loving blows.
Her pulse quickened, imagining the scene. “What else?”
“Safe sex.”
Oops, something she hadn’t considered and should have. “That goes without saying. Are there more rules?”
“We don’t date.”
“No dates? I’m not sure I understand. Do you mean with each other or with other people?”
“What I mean is no courtship rituals are necessary. If you agree, we have sex whenever the mood strikes both of us.” He paused, his eyes looking her up and down, making her shiver, then continued. “If either of us starts seeing anyone else, we tell the other. If we meet someone else, we talk about it. It might mean we continue sleeping with each other and it might not.”
He opened a drawer and pulled out socks. Out of another, he grabbed underwear. Connor stuffed both items in his bag and zipped it closed. “We don’t tell the others. This remains between the two of us because I don’t want to answer their nosy questions.” His gaze drilled into hers, as if he wanted to impart the importance of the rules. “Also, respect for each other. And most important of all, we need to keep our emotions out of this. If your feelings change about our deal, you need to tell me. I’ll do the same. Questions?”
A tight band formed around Maggie’s chest, growing tighter as she listened to Connor spell out the rules in his husky voice. What was she getting into? Lovemaking should be spontaneous. It shouldn’t come with rules.
“Have you done this before?”
“Once, when I was at university in Dunedin.”
“Oh.” A flash of envy struck her. Heck, why not call it jealousy, because that’s what it was. Connor with a lover fanned the flames of resentment. Another woman in the same bed made her feel even worse, so how would she cope if he called off the agreement between them to date someone else? “How long did you—?” She broke off to gesture with her hands when the words wouldn’t come.
“We were together for a year. We stopped seeing each other when I finished my computer course and came to Auckland. Karen stayed in Dunedin.”
“I see.” Words deserted her entirely. The woman had a name. Karen.
Connor picked up the bag. “Think about it. We don’t have to do anything straightaway.” He picked up his bag. “You ready to go?”
Maggie stood and followed Connor out the door, aware of him in a way she hadn’t been before, ultra conscious of her clothes and the way they fit her body. No thinking required. She wanted Connor so much, but tangled emotions filled her. They were there in her mind, hovering on the fringes like scared children riding a rollercoaster.
Could she have sex with Connor and keep her emotions at bay? And more important, could she keep out of trouble and juggle all the lies without dropping a ball?
* * * * *
Two hours later they drove down a narrow gravel road, and Connor pulled his SUV into the driveway of the last house on the dead end road. Maggie breathed in the tang of the sea filling the air. To her right, the distinctive black sand rose in rolling hills as far as she could see.
With her stomach doing somersaults, Maggie followed Connor inside, feeling a little like Alice stumbling into the unknown. She hoped Connor would head straight to the bedroom. Temptation thrummed inside her, urging her to act on her instincts. Jump him. She curled her hand around the handle of her overnight bag, digging her fingernails into her palm, determined to keep it together and act with decorum instead of desperation. It didn’t help when her parents’ voices kept jumping into her mind, urging her to consider the consequences of her actions. They didn’t want another public scandal of the Penisgate variety in the family.
Connor led her into a large open room that looked like a combined lounge and kitchen. She scanned the room with interest. The furniture was old and mismatched, a little on the scruffy side, but everything appeared spotlessly clean, not musty. A breakfast bar divided the kitchen from the rest of the room.
Connor dropped his bag on the floor, and taking his cue, she did the same. “We have time for a walk before it gets too cold,” he said. “That will give you time to do your thinking in the fresh air.”
“Sounds good.”
Perhaps if she compiled a list of pros and cons, her decision would be easier. The question of spanking would make the list. Dare she mention it to him? Maggie shot him a swift glance and saw the intensity seething in his face when he returned her scrutiny.
“If you don’t mind walking in the dark, we could go for a walk after dinner too.” His eyes narrowed, and he morphed into predator, unnerving her. Tall. Dark. Deadly.
Her mouth dried. Her heart flip-flopped. She took a step backward. “Yeah, sure.”
“Do I make you nervous?” His soft purr curled her toes, made her body bloom with eagerness.
“A little.” Everything was happening too fast for her to process and agonize over in her normal manner. For once she’d reverted to gut instinct…
“I’d never hurt you. You know that, right?”
She nodded. “I know.” Her attention centered on Connor, watching him shrug out of his denim shirt. He dropped it, his clothing fluttering to the ground. Her throat worked in a swallow, her eyes on his bare chest, the hard expanse of muscles. She’d never let herself look and linger to appreciate this magnificent male specimen before because she hadn’t wanted to spoil things with her girlfriends. She’d never wondered what the Celtic knot tattoo on his biceps would taste like.
Friends only.
Maggie gulped. And now they intended to have sex. The mutual scratching of an itch. She had it bad. But could she do this? The warmth in his eyes not only made her heart beat faster, but turned her limbs to jelly.
This time she advanced instead of retreating, reaching out to touch him. His skin burned her fingertips, and Maggie jerked her hand away, her head lifting to study the sensual sweep of his lower lip. She’d felt his mouth on hers, knew how soft it was, and wanted more.
“Touch me.” This time his purr tempted her like rich, bitter chocolate. She had no defenses.
“How do you want me to touch you?” Let me count the ways.
“Run your fingers over my chest. Use your mouth. Anything you want, babe. I need you to touch me.”
A dream. Christmas and birthday gifts combined in one. What was she waiting for?
“So we’re not going for a walk after all?”
“Not unless you want to.” His laser-sharp gaze contained questions.
“No,” she whispered. “Maybe later.” With a trembling hand, she reached out and pressed her palm against his chest, basking in his warmth, the soft grin curving his mouth. His heart beat with a solid thud. A faint sprinkling of dark hair covered his pectoral muscles, soft to her touch. He smelled of soap and the aftershave she’d given him for Christmas. She loved his scent. Clean and masculine. Sexy and tempting, and he was all hers.
Grasping his shoulders, Maggie leaned into him, heard his sharp intake of breath. A small sign he wasn’t as calm as he pretended. Her lips touched his skin, and his solid muscle bunched in a visible reaction. Maggie dragged her tongue along his collarbone and nipped him. Connor groaned and moved so fast she blinked. One moment she stood, the next she lay on her back, staring up at Connor’s intense face. He wasn’t even breathing hard after his rapid trip down the passage and into his bedroom.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yes.” He’d acted like a caveman, tossing her onto the bed as if she were a lightweight. When Greg had tried the same thing, he’d dropped her and she’d borne bruises on her backside and hip for days. And he’d had the cheek to tell her she needed to lose weight.
This time it wasn’t anger coursing through her veins. This time excitement pounded in concert with every beat of her heart. Invisible energy crackled in the air between them. She stared up at him with wary fascination, wondering what he’d do next.
“That’s good.” He removed her shoes, dropping them with a clunk onto the hardwood floor. Her socks joined the heap. After unlacing his boots and peeling off his socks, he joined her on the bed, pinning her to the mattress with his chest. He kissed her, taking instead of cajoling, his mouth covering hers hungrily. Sensations skittered through her mind and body one after the other, heat licking across her skin. He tasted her, yet didn’t probe for her tonsils as Greg did when he was excited.
What was she doing? It wasn’t right to compare the two men. She wasn’t with Greg and this thing with Connor was about fun and mutual pleasure. That’s all.
She pushed Greg from her mind and drifted as in a dream, wallowing in the skillful mastery of Connor’s mouth, the easy thrust of his tongue that made her think of penetration in another area. Jolts of pleasure rocked her with little explosions, moistening her body, preparing her for his possession. Had he packed condoms? They’d need a lot because once or twice wouldn’t douse the flames searing her body.
“Connor.” She clutched his shoulders, sighing when his mouth left hers to graze kisses down her jaw, her neck. His teeth scraped over her pulse and her hips bucked upward, pressing against his hard body, loving the firm weight of him.
“I like that,” she whispered, decided to state her likes and dislikes up front. Otherwise, how would he know? Besides, they were friends and friends didn’t judge each other. She admitted that didn’t stop her nerves from going into overdrive, the whisper of her conscience. He repeated the move, his lips sucking lightly. When he lifted his head, a moan of complaint nearly escaped her lips. Almost. She trapped it inside by biting her lower lip.
“Do you mind if I mark your skin?” His probing gaze sought a reaction.
“A love bite?”
“Yeah.”
She drew in a sharp breath. Hot intent and desire darkened his face, passion simmering between them. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips, and he followed the move with avid attention, making her pulse race faster. “I suppose that would be okay,” she said, “as long as I can hide them beneath my clothes.”
A love bite. Wow.
“Good. I’m hungry.”
Satisfaction rang in his words. He levered his body away from hers, and she missed the solid weight of him. A protest built inside her, only to fade away with understanding when he tugged her woolen sweater over her head and started on the pearl buttons fastening her pale blue shirt. One tiny pop at a time, the expanse of bare skin growing larger. Tension replaced the sexual excitement when the realities of baring her body to him came closer. Plump. She knew this was coming, but that didn’t mean it was easy for her. Her body stiffened. No point sugarcoating the truth.
“Don’t tense up, babe.” Grasping her shoulders, he shook her lightly, an edge to his words. “I like the way you look.” He stopped undoing the buttons and pressed a kiss to her mouth, nibbled at her bottom lip before soothing the sting with the lap of his tongue. Her breath came in short gasps when he finally lifted his head. “I like your curves and I can’t wait to see you without your clothes. Don’t hide from me. Please.”
His fingers strummed across a throbbing pulse point at her jaw, making it beat impossibly fast—she could feel the rapid tic—and embarrassment flooded her cheeks. Heat. Arousal. She clamped her thighs together, intensifying the hot fire between her legs.
“Connor, I…” What could she say? Her body was one big throb.
“If you want me to stop, I will.”
Her gaze flew to his, consternation replacing or at least shoving aside her anticipation. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t.
“If you stop now,” she said in a hard, no-nonsense voice, “I’ll grab you by the ears and manhandle you.”
“In that case…” he teased, daring her to go through with her threat.
Given the way he’d tossed her on the bed, grabbing his ears might take some doing. She grinned. She’d give it her best shot. He wasn’t getting away that easily, not when her body pulsed from head to foot, her breasts heavy and tight, nipples aching for his touch. Without a doubt, using her own fingers to get off this time would leave her feeling empty, hollow inside.
“I’m nervous,” she said. “I don’t want you to stop. Do you hear me?”
Connor chuckled. “I’d like to see you try to manhandle me. Sounds interesting.”
His eyes sparkled with amusement and echoed in his curved lips. He stood and stripped off his jeans, returning to her side dressed in tight black boxer-briefs that left nothing to her imagination. Taking her hand, he pressed it to his groin, silently encouraging her to touch him. Her pussy clenched as she measured the length and girth of his cock with her fingers, judged his size and savored the heat of him. He made a soft sound and, when checking his reaction, she noticed his tight jaw, his stillness. The tension in his body.
“See how much I want you?” Raw desire blazed in his face, twisting his lips and darkening his eyes. “I suffered from a hard-on for the entire drive out here. Never doubt I want you.”
His words slid over her like a soothing balm, calming her ruffled nerves. Along with relief, a grin surfaced. “Then what are you waiting for?” she whispered.
“I’m all about mutual pleasure…” He paused, as if weighing his words. “…but I like to do things my way. Is that okay with you?”
Maggie cocked her head to the side, amusement bubbling inside her. If only he knew how much she wanted to give over control to her lover and enjoy the loving, the pleasure between them, without having to perform, without having to worry about a report card getting thrust at her during a future disagreement. “I’ll let you know if it’s not.”
“Good.”
She noticed an air of approval stamped his demeanor. The man was brimming with confidence. She liked that. It boded well for the future. Spanking…
He continued unfastening the buttons on her blouse, and this time she tried to relax, to enjoy every brush of his fingers against her bare skin. When he parted the fabric to reveal her lace-encased breasts, her bravery faltered a fraction, even though his steady gaze glowed with masculine appreciation. While she was busy sucking in her stomach, he unzipped her jeans.
“Lift your hips for me.”
Bemused by his assured manner, she obeyed and let him tug her jeans down her legs. He lifted her upper body and removed her shirt, leaving her dressed only in matching pale blue bra and panties. Thank goodness she’d shaved her legs earlier after her workout at the gym.
“Damn, you’re sexy.” He traced a forefinger along the lacey top of one bra cup, the drag of his finger making a prickle of yearning spring to life. He retraced the same path with his tongue and dipped into her cleavage. A shiver worked free. To think she’d almost missed this. Her hands cupped his head, fingers twining in his hair. A small croak of dismay escaped from her when he lifted his head. He grinned. “Don’t panic. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Condoms,” she said with a trace of impatience.
“In my bag. It’s out in the other room.”
“You should get them.” She gave him a nudge. “Immediately.”
“Great minds think alike.” He paused to kiss her again, a sensual sliding of lips that grew into more. A rough growl vibrated in his chest as he feasted on her mouth. When he lifted his head, they were both breathing hard. “Don’t move a muscle,” he said. “I’ll be right back.”
As if she could move. Her limbs felt like strands of cooked spaghetti after his kiss. Sighing, she parted her legs and ran her hand down her torso. Her fingers skimmed over her panties, and she wondered if he’d spank her for misbehaving. When she strummed her fingers over her clit, hot pleasure radiated from her core. Her eyes fluttered closed to better concentrate on the sinful sensation. The crotch of her panties grew damper, her folds swollen with arousal.
“I thought I told you not to move.”
Maggie gasped, her eyes flying open. She stared at him with guilt. “I…um…”
“Are you wet for me?” He prowled from the doorway to join her on the bed. Dragging her close, he gave her a playful swat on the butt.
She gasped, the jolt on her ass electrifying her entire body, zapping through her nerve endings like a fork of lightning. Ohhh, that was amazing. Could she get him to do it again? She chewed on her bottom lip, indecision paralyzing her voice.
“Answer me, babe.” Connor stroked her ass, intensifying the sensations rippling through her body.
“Yes,” she murmured. And how!
“Show me.”
The softly voiced order reverberated between them as they stared at each other. Panic kicked Maggie in the stomach. What did he want her to do?
Connor said, “Show me how you like to touch yourself.”
She swallowed hard. “You want me to masturbate in front of you?” she asked, her voice a whisper. All her bad girl exhibitionist behavior seeped into the mattress.
He grinned. Wide. “I didn’t expect to do all the work myself.”
She pulled back, her emotions shooting through her like a bee in a tizzy. Although she had to admit, along with his command came a dark thrill.
“Get started,” he ordered. “No secrets, remember?”
He brushed the back of his hand over her cheek, making her slow her breathing. When she was certain no amusement or anything sinister lurked in his face, she relaxed. Showtime. Lifting her hips, she whisked her panties off and spread her legs to flash her glistening folds.
His breath hissed out, approval glinting in his eyes. “Pretty. I like knowing you want me.”
His appreciation and praise sent her confidence soaring. She brushed her fingers down her folds, coating them with her honey before returning to tease and circle her clit. A gentle pleasure filled her and she closed her eyes to savor the blissful hum. So good. Knowing he watched her every move pushed the sensations even higher.
“Let me taste you.”
Her eyes flew open. She removed her hand, expecting him to move between her legs. He didn’t. Instead, Connor lifted her hand to his lips and took her finger inside his mouth. Warm heat seared her digit, a dart of sensation spearing down to her pussy. When he sucked her finger, she couldn’t contain the hungry groan of pleasure emitting from her throat, her sheath clenching with need.
“Connor,” she moaned. Even her voice contained hunger. Yearning. She needed him so much she couldn’t hold back, knew she’d suffer if he didn’t take her and yet they’d barely started. Their gazes met, desire rippling between them in silent code.
With a final swipe of his tongue, he released her finger and smiled. “I want to see your breasts.”
Maggie thought of his mouth on her nipples and gulped. Hard. “Yes.”
His brows rose at her taut whisper, his mouth curling into a knowing grin. With a competent flick of his wrist that gave her pause, he removed her bra and, after licking a finger, he circled one areola. Together they watched it pucker, pulling to a tight crest. His blunt-tipped fingers traced across the plump curve. Maggie sighed, enjoying his explorations, feeling the moment rife with possibilities.
“Tell me what you like.” He pinched one nipple, rolling it between finger and thumb, watching her reactions until her cheeks glowed with heat because of his scrutiny.
“Everything,” she whispered. She liked everything, which reminded her of the slippery slope she teetered on with Connor. She had to remember to keep a firm grip on her emotions. Any relationship between them was sex for mutual pleasure. That’s all. No long-term partnership. No expectations. Just sex.
He repeated the move, dragging her attention back to the present, the jolt of pain smoothing out until she drifted in a heavy fog of desire, each lingering caress ratcheting up her sexual appetite. Her pussy throbbed, clenching with fresh hunger at each pinch, every sensual kiss.
Connor watched the play of emotions over her face, the desire and growing hunger. It echoed in him, burning like an inferno. He’d imagined how it might be with Maggie. Wondered. Nothing he’d come up with did justice to the reality. She was beautiful. Responsive. Captivating with her honest reactions. Just the beginning, and he wanted to keep her forever.
Yeah, like she’d want to hear that. If he told her the truth, she’d run a mile. He was pushing things now, proposing a friends with benefits arrangement. His bloody reputation didn’t help the situation. Forcing aside his doubts, he leaned over and cupped her breast, taking a nipple into his mouth. Her soft groan sped straight to his balls. They pulled tight, pre-come dampening his boxers.
“Connor.” Her harsh whisper told him she felt the magic between them. A start. He had to believe there would be more.
Connor lifted his head to stare at her. “I wanted to go slow, babe. Explore you, but if I don’t get inside you, I will explode.”
“Yes.” The grip of her hands on his shoulders signaled urgency, which suited him fine. “Me too.”
Connor yanked off his underwear. Seconds later, condom in place, he settled between her legs. Fire and chills warred within his body, the need to hurry pounding him. Instead, he pushed only the head of his cock into her, resisting anything more, wanting their first time to be memorable for her. Their lips met, the kiss seductive and without haste, a mating of mouths that promised so much more.
Maggie wriggled beneath him, pushing him deeper into the tight grip of her pussy. Damn, he couldn’t go slowly. He thrust, filling her with one seamless stroke. Fully embedded, he savored her heat, kissing her again without haste. Tenderly. She undulated against his body, pressing sexy curves to his chest and tempting him to move.
“I’m a weak man,” he admitted. “I intended to go slow, but—”
“Fast is good,” she murmured before nibbling the cords of his neck.
Taking her at her word, he thrust, watching her face and monitoring her reactions. Her pussy rippled around his cock, squeezing it tight. They fell into an instinctive rhythm, the slap of flesh and sounds of fucking loud and unrestrained. Frissons of excitement whipped him. She felt so damn good. The tiny noises she made at the back of her throat, a sound between a whimper and a cry, pushed at his restraint. He thrust harder. Faster. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders until he felt the edge of pain. It rippled straight to his cock. Damn, if she kept touching him that way he’d lose all semblance of control.
He manacled her wrists above her head, curbing her wandering hands. A low groan emerged when he moved faster again, pounding into her with controlled passion.
Hot. Tight. Perfect.
Her slick heat caressed him, a surge of wetness making his cock buck.
“I love the way you feel,” he murmured, needing to let her know how much he was enjoying making love with her. “Tight and wet.”
“More, please.” Her needy whimper whispered past the rim of his ear, while her pussy gripped him sweetly.
“I don’t want to come first.”
She ground against his erection, panting slightly as the walls of her sex pulsated. “It doesn’t matter. We can do it again.”
Connor plundered her mouth. Anytime. Hell, yeah. He’d take any excuse to touch and explore her body.
He thrust again. Once. Twice. Clawing tension rose until he couldn’t control it any longer. His cock jerked in explosive contractions, heart pumping while he froze, embedded in her. He gasped at the pleasure roaring through his body. His own private fantasy turned into flesh. He didn’t think he’d ever felt this good before. In the past sex had been all about getting off. With Maggie it was different because he cared for her. Cared about what happened to her, her feelings, her needs. He came back to reality and realized he was squashing her.
“Damn, I’m sorry.” He pulled free and dealt with the condom, wondering if his early climax would cause a problem between them. Women were funny about that sort of thing, even though she’d encouraged him to take his pleasure. “That hasn’t happened before. I’m usually more disciplined.”
Maggie laughed, setting his fears at rest. “Don’t apologize. I’ve enjoyed it.” She cocked her head to one side, teasing him. “So far.”
“Only enjoyed? I’ll have to see if I can do better.”
Grinning, Connor moved between her legs, lifting her to his mouth. Her sweet flavor exploded across his taste buds. He parted her folds, rasping his tongue over her clit. Her groan was music to his ears. He’d do almost anything to hear more of the ragged sound, the whimpers she couldn’t contain.
He pushed two fingers inside her and settled in to give her pleasure. A puff of air against her engorged clit. A stroke of his tongue. He pumped his fingers, curling them to hit her sweet spot. She shook and moaned, hips jerking beneath his touch. When he covered her nub with his mouth and sucked on it, the tiny bundle of nerves pulsed. He felt the rhythmic clenching of her pussy around his fingers. Groaning, she jerked beneath his touch, shaking uncontrollably before relaxing. After a final swipe of his tongue, he lifted his head and moved up the bed to draw her into his arms.
Maggie curled into him, her soft sigh filling him with contentment.
His.
She mightn’t know it yet, might fight the idea, but he had enough patience for both of them.
Boy, did he.