When my boss is out of sight, I watch the candle flame for a minute and wonder if I’m playing with fire. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this.”
Jefferson’s gentle caress of my jaw guides my face up to his. “Why?”
I wait for him to say more but the sound of rain pelting the windows is all I get.
“My boss seems upset that we’re sharing a bed…I mean, we can still do that, but the project I mentioned is a no-go.”
His hand rests patiently against my cheek. “Your boss doesn’t get to dictate your personal life. But I’ll do anything for you…even call this off.”
His words are what I tell myself I need to hear.
“That’s what I want.”
“Okay, then I won’t misinterpret the way you look up at me with a faraway look in your eyes as attraction.”
I force my traitorous eyes closed.
His hand lowers from my face and I should be able to think better when he’s not touching me. His contact continues over the contour of my jaw and painstakingly slowly down my neck.
“And I won’t teach you what it feels like to be kissed here.”
Did my head just tip to the side? I should stop this.
His finger strokes inward and trails down the center of my chest, slowly again as his words seduce me.
“And there’s no need for me to show you how kisses down your chest can make your breasts heave, you have that mastered with just the touch of my finger. Hmm…such a loss for me. I was looking forward to teasing my tongue between your beautiful breasts, then across the top of them.”
His finger, his tongue…how far will he go with this non-lesson. My body is marked by the trail he takes, the first man to touch me in such a way. Even if this can never be, I’ll never forget it.
“The luscious swell of your breasts must torture Lincoln every time he looks at you. I bet he can’t stop himself from imagining how they would be more than he could fit in his large hand.”
Is it normal to have electricity zing from my breast to my sex? Is there a nerve connecting them or something? Jefferson’s hand, presumably the same size as Lincoln’s, cradles my breast while his thumb passes back and forth over my nipple that’s beading harder and harder with each stroke.
I hear my own breaths. I feel my chest rise and fall. I have no doubt he’s the right guy to learn about sex with, except that pissing off my boss could cost me my job. My brother would be livid that I threw away the golden opportunity he finagled for me.
“There are so many more lessons I could teach you.” He removes his hand from my body.
This is my chance to do the right thing. I’m sure I can find a sheet and blanket to use on the couch.
His fingers brush over my bare knee. My skirt rides up to just above my knees when I sit, and he’s already exploring under the hem of my skirt.
“One of the most important lessonssomeoneshould teach you…”
When did he lean in? His breath warms my ear. That’s a lesson in itself. My heart’s cranking overtime. I have an uncanny desire to rip off his clothes. And I’m still trying to convince myself this is wrong.
“is that your lover should always make sure you’re taken care of first.”
A strange whimpering sound from me elicits a huff of a laugh from him. Then he continues.
“It’s true. Guys can be ready in a heartbeat, even beats as fast as yours, and when a guy has a woman as incredible as you, there’s no question he can be ready. But women need to be shown that they’re treasured first, and when they’re truly ready, everything will be more enjoyable.”
I might break the mold then because this isn’t taking me any time at all.
“You do know what I’m talking about, don’t you?” His fingers tease up my thigh.
“Yes,” I may or may not squeak out.
“Since you called off our sex lessons, I’m not your teacher, but my conscience would be put at ease if you explained—just so I don’t have to worry that you would let a man treat you wrong.”