Frenemy Fix-Up, page 11
My body is still throbbing hours after Colin had his way with me in the shower. I never expected him to sit me on his face while his tongue did wicked things. Those areas haven’t seen much action in the last couple of years so I’m feeling a bit sensitive.
“Have a good afternoon.” I wave to several clients as they exit the studio.
My eleven-o’clock class is over, and I’m done for the day. Since my session with Colin isn’t until tomorrow, I can take the time to regroup and figure out how to handle the reality of sex with Colin.
Colin!
How did I get here? I haven’t seen Colin in years, yet we have this insane physical connection.
When he pushed me for dinner after we shared that incredible kiss, I knew our fates were sealed.
But now what?
We didn’t talk last night.
There had only been screams, moans and groans as we fulfilled our fantasies.
In the cold light of day, I have to remember Colin has paid me to do a job. Twenty-five thousand dollars has already been added to my account. The money will jump-start the Pilates expansion. It just seems too good to be true. First, Aunt Helaine’s generous gift, and now a man I hardly know, yet have crushed on for years, is paying me an enormous sum while fucking me every which way from Sunday?
How do I make sense of it all? One person knows exactly how things can change in an instant.
I FaceTime Asia because I have to talk to someone after last night’s turn of events. Wynter is knee-deep in wedding stuff. Egypt will be prepping for dinner service, but Asia loves to dish.
“Hey, sunshine,” Asia says with a smile when she answers. “What’s up?”
“Girl...” A sigh escapes, and Asia tells Blake in the background she needs to take this call in the other room.
“Where are you?”
“I’m at Blake’s. I’ve been spending nights here.”
My mouth forms an O. I wasn’t the biggest fan of their relationship when she told me he wanted to marry her. I cautioned her to be careful, not to rush things. Now look at me. Pot calling the kettle black.
“Don’t judge, Shay. It’s not like I’m sleeping around. He’s my baby’s father.”
“I’m not judging you, Asia. I’m commiserating because I’ve found myself in your shoes.”
“What?” Her brows furrow. “I don’t understand.”
“I slept with Colin.”
“Where? When?” Asia blurts out dramatically.
I can’t help but laugh. “At my place. Last night. We’ve been circling each other for weeks, the desire has been building. and last night it combusted.”
“Oooh.” Asia smiles knowingly. “How low did you go, Shay?”
“All the way, girlfriend. Quite honestly, it was the best sex of my life.”
“Get out! With Colin?” Her voice rises an octave. “Do you think this has anything to do with your crush from all those years ago? You know, love unrequited and all that shit?”
“No, this was all about fucking.”
“Shay!” Asia places a hand over her mouth. “I can’t believe you’re being so crass.”
“C’mon. Aren’t you the one who told me I need to scratch that particular itch?”
“Yes, I did. And from the wide smile on your face, can I assume there will be a repeat performance?”
“That’s the question of the day,” I respond. “Most of the time we argue and fuss at each other. We’re more like frenemies.”
“Could be your love language. ’Cause making up is always the fun part.” Asia winks.
“Yeah, I wish I knew what he was thinking. I didn’t intend for last night to happen, but now that it has, what’s next? B&E is everything to me. I don’t want to take my eyes off my goal, which is making the studio a success.”
“Are you open to more?”
“Not really. I mean, we don’t even like each other. We’re frenemies who fuck. My divorce did a number on my head, and I don’t know when or if I’ll ever be ready for a relationship.”
“Talk to the man, and once you do, call me. I’m just so happy you broke your two-year drought. Your pussy was about to shrivel up and die.”
I burst out laughing. “Sometimes I can’t with you, Asia. Good-bye.”
“Have fun.” She waves and hangs up.
Asia is right. I have to clarify what Colin and I are doing. The kiss opened Pandora’s box, and now that we’ve had sex, I don’t think we can close the lid.
* * *
I stop by to see Mama on the way home. I try to check in on her every few days, and maybe today it’s a bit about avoiding going home. Because then, I’ll have to remember what took place there.
Before I left, I put the sheets in the washer to rid them of Colin’s smell—as if that were possible. He imprinted on my mind with all the ways he pleased me and vice versa. Despite all that, he hasn’t called or texted me. Not sure how I feel about that.
When you have sex three times and give each other oral pleasure countless times, I dunno, I think that warrants something. But I haven’t called or texted him either so...
Going to Mama’s is a distraction. On my way there, I grab some dinner from Fresh Market that we can share.
The house is empty, and I glance down at my watch. It’s only five thirty. Usually, she’s home by now unless she has plans with Randy Carter, an older gentleman she’s been dating the last couple of years. Seeing her happy and having companionship again is a wonderful thing.
I place my take-out bags on the counter, and that’s when I hear music playing outside. Should’ve guessed. Mama is in her favorite place, the garden in the backyard with its tranquil koi pond. She’s on her hands and knees, pulling weeds. “Hey, Mama.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you come in, baby doll.” Mama rises to her feet and leans over to give me a quick peck on the cheek. “What brings you by?”
“Thought we could have dinner, if you’re free?”
She smiles. “I would love that, Shay, but is this dinner or a wellness check?”
“Can it be both?” I hedge.
“As you can see,” she motions downward, “I’m doing fine. Great, in fact. Both my children are happy and healthy. And so am I. I’m taking my antidepressants and able to get out of bed, wash my hair and eat. Plus, I have a beautiful home.” She sweeps her arms to the garden, koi pond and built-in fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. “I even have a beau who likes to take me out every now and then. What more can I ask for?”
“Not much more. But have you ever wanted more, Mama? Like getting married again?”
“Sometimes.” She follows me as I make my way to one of the chairs and we sit together. “Randy and I get along so well, but then I remember how devastated I was after your father ended things. I was no good to you or Riley. Yet your father still left you here with me. I suppose he thought I needed you more.”
“Or he was a selfish asshole who was only thinking about himself. He’s never once looked back, Mama. He remarried and made a new life without us. He doesn’t even call us.”
“And you’re angry with him?”
I nod and wipe away an errant tear that somehow found its way down my cheek. “Of course I am. He deserted Riley and me. No offense, but he left us even knowing you weren’t always in your right state of mind.”
“And you’re angry with me too?” Mama asks. “Because, in a way, I abandoned you too. To my own pain and sorrow. I couldn’t deal with your father’s affairs. When he finally left, it broke me. Broke a piece of my soul. But I have learned to move on. To be strong for me and for my children.”
Reaching across for her hand, I give it a gentle squeeze. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t angry with you for not taking better care of yourself and getting help. You allowed our father to define who you are and your self-worth. I won’t ever do that when it comes to a man.”
“You don’t know what it’s like to be in my shoes. And I certainly don’t think you’ve known that kind of love before. The kind you would do anything for.”
I frown. “I was married to Kevin.”
She turns and looks at me. “But did you love him? Like, with all your soul? Did he make your heart go pitter-pat when you were together? If he did, I never saw it.”
“When you put it like that, no. I’ve always been afraid of loving like that. Maybe I even held back a part of myself because I was afraid of getting hurt.”
“When the time comes, you’ll know that kind of love because the intensity will sweep you off your feet and you’ll be powerless to resist.”
Mama’s words resonate inside me all through dinner and on the way home. I’ve never felt that kind of all-consuming love, the kind Wynter and Egypt talk about, the kind I suspect Asia is feeling. I loved my ex-husband in my own way, but probably not like I should have. I used him to cauterize the pain from being abandoned by nearly everyone in my life, from my father to my mother, even my own brother.
They all let me down in some fashion, and I’ve learned not to let many people get close, except the Gems. But then loving my girls is a different kind of love.
Deep in thought, I start climbing the landing to my second-floor apartment and find Colin sitting on the steps waiting for me.
“Colin?”
His lips stretch into a breathtaking smile, displaying his beautifully straight teeth. He stands and I get a good look at him. Today, he’s casually dressed in a pair of navy blue slacks and a button-up shirt.
“I’m sorry for coming by unannounced.”
I don’t respond. Instead I move toward my door and punch in the code. When I hear the click, I don’t open it right away because I have something on my mind.
“Are you?” I ask, glancing behind me. “Sorry, that is?”
His eyes narrow. “You’re upset with me.”
“It’s been a long day, Colin. What do you want?”
“Can we go in and talk?”
That’s not a good idea. If I let him inside my apartment, I know what’s going to happen. A night of multiple orgasms. I want that...and I don’t.
When I just fold my arms across my chest without budging, he stares back at me and sighs. “I’m sorry, Shay. I should have called, but I—”
“You what?”
“Last night took me by surprise, and I didn’t know what to say.” He walks toward me, and I find myself pushed against my front door as he comes closer, inches away from my lips.
Please don’t kiss me. Please do kiss me.
If he does, I’ll be weak and let him seduce me.
“Shay.” He presses his forehead to mine, brings both hands to my face and looks at me intently. “Tell me I’m not the only one feeling this passion. Tell me you feel it as much as I do.”
He’s not alone.
There are sparks shimmering between us, threatening to burst into flame from just looking at each other, but I’m afraid of what Colin does to me. He could get too close, too deep, and strip away every sense of myself—like my father did to my mother. And yet I can’t seem to resist him either.
When his thumbs go to my lips and rub across them, I’m robbed of speech.
Be strong, Shay.
Don’t give in.
“I want to kiss you so badly. But only if you want me to.”
Hell yes, I want him to.
Without thinking of the consequences, I grab his shirt and pull him into me. Our mouths meet, and our tongues tangle in a flurry of movements that make me moan.
God, why does this man do it for me? I should be kicking him to the curb, but instead he’s reaching for the door lever behind me and backing me into my apartment until I’m up against the living room wall. Then he slams the door shut as his tongue duels with mine. I sway closer as our tongues glide together. The pleasure he unleashes is sublime, and every cell in my body hungers for more.
Some small part of my brain is still working, alerting me that I have to stop this.
We need to talk. Clear the air.
I need to know what he wants from me. What the parameters are before this goes too far.
Pulling back, I press my fingers against his throbbing lips. “I agree we have incredible chemistry.”
“Why do I feel there’s a but coming?” he asks, looking at me with lust-filled eyes. From the bulge in his pants, I know he wants me.
“I need to know what this is. Or what it means.”
“It means I want you in that bed,” he says and points to my bedroom, “ass up.”
He clearly knows what he wants, but that’s not an answer. “Don’t act dense, Colin. You know what I mean.”
A smirk crosses his mouth. “Of course I do. You’re asking where this connection is going? Here’s the honest truth. I want to enjoy you, enjoy this.” He motions back and forth between us. “I’m not looking for anything serious. Are you?”
I shake my head. All I want him to do is rip off my clothes and bend me over the couch.
“Good. We’re in agreement,” he continues. “My goal is to get fit and healthy so I can resume climbing the corporate ladder. But I have to learn how to balance my personal life, which I’m not very good at. I’m hoping you can teach me.”
My shoulders hunch over. “You still want me to be your trainer?”
“Of course.”
“Sex complicates things. Wouldn’t it be better if we chalk up last night to a one-time thing and move on? I can help you better if we’re platonic. It would be easier.”
“I doubt that. We’ve been dancing around each other for weeks. Plus, I don’t want easy.” Colin moves toward me with precision until once again I find myself between his hard body and the wall. “I like things hard.” And to prove it, he pushes the ridge of his erection into me, and I groan as he grinds against me.
“Colin, this isn’t—” Words cease because he’s kissing his way to the base of my throat and then over my neck and up to tease my ear. He bites down on my earlobe and then soothes the sting with his tongue. “So we’re just f-f-friends with benefits?”
“Uh-huh. We’re fuck buddies,” Colin returns, “because I intend to fuck the hell out of you all night long.”
My breath hisses between my teeth.
“And I came prepared.” He moves away and produces a long length of condoms from his pocket.
“You felt that sure of yourself, huh? You didn’t know I’d agree to this...this unorthodox arrangement.”
“No, but I hoped. Imagine how much fun we’ll have, Shay. You can’t tell me you weren’t thinking about last night all day, because I know I was.”
“You were?” I’m surprised he’s willing to admit that out loud.
“Let’s see where this goes. When one or both of us decides it’s enough, we part ways. How does that sound?”
“What if we aren’t done training?”
“Do you think we’ll tire of each other that quickly?” he asks. “Because I’m certain I haven’t found all the ways to please you and make you lose control.”
My eyes widen. “I don’t know.”
Colin is overwhelming, but when have I ever felt an attraction like this before? Never, that’s when. He makes my heart go pitter-pat, and that’s terrifying. I’m afraid of letting go and loving someone like that. So many people in my life have let me down. I don’t want to get hurt.
But I do want him.
“Am I allowed to coerce you?” Colin inquires.
I chuckle. “Coerce?”
“Yeah. Let me show you how good it can be.”
He kneels in front of me and proceeds to whip off my leggings and bury his face between my legs.
Fifteen
COLIN
All day, I’ve been thinking Shay can’t possible taste as good as I’m recalling from last night.
I was wrong.
She tastes even better.
I take a moment to inhale her unique feminine scent, and then I’m easing her thong down her slender hips and round ass. We’ve cleared the air. There’s no expectation this can turn into anything more than what it is.
Fuck buddies.
It was crass of me to say it, but Shay brings out the animal in me. I’ve never hungered for another woman like I’ve hungered for her. After meeting with Matt, I’ve counted down the hours until I could come back to her place. Thank God I estimated correctly. I was only waiting for about half an hour before her sultry butt sashayed up the stairs to give me the business about not calling.
Part of me wanted to do as she said and chalk it up to one night, but the other part, the other head, told me no way in hell was I giving up the best sex of my life.
And so here I am in front of her with one of her legs wrapped around my shoulder as I swipe my tongue up her slit. Shay shivers, but I hold her steady, strumming her with my tongue. She moans and tries to squirm away, but now that I’ve got a hold of her, I’m not letting go. Not until she comes.
My strokes are soft and hard, short and long, until she arches her back off the wall and holds my head to her sex. She’s taking her pleasure, and it’s a turn-on. She has no idea how much I want her. My dick presses hard against my trousers, and I can’t wait to be inside her.
“Don’t stop,” she begs, arching.
I don’t. I want this to be good for her. Adding my fingers to the mix, I wickedly strum her and lose myself in her sweetness. I continue licking, nibbling and laving her until her entire body shudders uncontrollably and she releases a high-pitched scream.
I’m pulling myself into the standing position, but Shay is already reaching for the zip on my trousers. Any doubt about whether we should continue is gone. She’s intent on one thing, and that’s getting this dick. I aim to please.
She pushes down my pants and briefs and begins stroking me, but I don’t want that right now and jerk away. Instead, I draw her to me and claim her lips. I consume her until my lungs beg for air and I have to break the kiss.
