When we’re alone, he makes a point of getting to know me better. We talk about our childhoods, our likes and dislikes. Having him answer every one of my questions alone is a miracle in my books.
We’ve kissed, but he always pulls back before it can derail into an overheated mess.
Like I said, he’s gone out of his way, giving me time to get used to us as a couple.
I follow him through the living room, then he asks, “Want something to drink before we head up?”
“No, thanks,” I whisper, my heartbeat starting to speed up.
Heading up the stairs, my palms grow clammy, and I quickly rub them over my sides. He switches the lights on and sets my bag down on a dark gray dresser.
When O’Brien turns to look at me, a soft smile forms around his lips. “Relax. Nothing’s going to happen you’re not ready for.”
I nod quickly, and just wanting him to hold me, I rush forward and slam into his chest. His arms wrap me up in their safety, his mouth pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
We hold each other until the nervous tension eases, and wanting to clear my own conscience, I say, “I have to apologize to you.”
He pulls back and frowns down at me. “For what? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Well,” I take a step back, shove my hands in my jeans’ pockets, and rock on my feet, giving him a sheepish look. “I kinda did. But hear me out before you react.”
His eyes search mine, then he murmurs, “Okay.”
“Remember when you were drunk?”
His frown deepens, then his eyes sharpen on me. “What did I do?”
I shake my head, then admit, “You weren’t stable on your feet, and I tried to keep you standing.” It takes a lot to keep eye contact with him, and my nerves have me rambling, “We lost our balance, and you kissed me, and things escalated pretty quickly. I told you to stop because you were drunk. You did, then rolled over and fell asleep.”
O’Brien shakes his head. “Sounds like I owe you an apology.”
I grimace, lowering my gaze to his neck. “I… ah…” Closing my eyes from the embarrassment surging through me, I spit it out, “I kinda took advantage of the situation and masturbated… right next to you. I’m sorry.” My tongue darts out, wetting my dry lips. “It was a heat of the moment thing, but there’s really no excuse, and I’m sorry.”
I feel O’Brien step closer to me, and opening my eyes, they widen when I see the predatory look on his face.
He wraps an arm around my waist and yanks me hard against his body. Lowering his head until his lips brush over my ear, his voice is a low rumble when he asks, “You made yourself come?”
I nod quickly.
“Did I make you sexually frustrated, baby?”
I nod again.
“That won’t happen again.” His warm breaths tease the sensitive skin beneath my ear. “Next time, I’ll finish what I start.” He pulls back, a sexy smirk on his face making him look hotter than any man has the right to look. “No need to apologize, JJ. I think it’s fucking hot you took what you wanted after I left you hanging.”
The corner of my mouth lifts, relieved he’s not angry with me. Placing my hands on his chest, I tease him, “Boy, did you leave me hanging.”
“I’ll need to make up for it.” With his arm still keeping my body locked to his, his other hand lifts to my face, and taking hold of my jaw, he forces my face up, and his lips take mine in a heated kiss.
Before I can fall under his spell, he ends the kiss, steps away from me, and asks, “You want to shower first?”
My mind does a double-take from the sudden change of direction. “Ah… sure.”
I walk to my bag, but before I can zip it open, O’Brien says, “You’ll be sleeping in one of my shirts.” He moves in behind me, and leaning close, he pulls a drawer open and takes a shirt from it.
The corners of my mouth lift as I take the soft fabric from him. “Yes, sir.”
A low chuckle rumbles from him. “Looking for trouble, Jefferson.”
Turning around, I lock eyes with him. “I’m ready for trouble.”
He stares at me for a moment, then asks, “You sure? We haven’t talked about it yet.”
I inhale deeply, then let the breath out slowly. “I don’t want to talk about it. Ever. I just want to leave it in the past.”
His eyes search mine. “I’m here for you, JJ. I don’t want you dealing with it on your own.”
I twist the fabric between my fingers. “It happened, O’Brien.” I shrug. “No amount of talking will change that.” I wet my lips again, my eyes flitting over his face. “I choose to remember how you gave me strength, how you stood by me, how you didn’t waver under pressure.” Closing the small distance between us, I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my cheek against his chest. “I choose to remember how close I felt to you.”
He rubs a hand up and down my back, presses a kiss to my hair, then says, “Whatever you need, baby. Just promise me you’ll talk to me if the memories become too much to handle.”
“I promise.”
O’Brien
When JJ comes out of my bathroom wearing nothing but my shirt, I start to think I really love torturing myself.
My eyes rove over her smooth legs and how fucking hot she looks in my shirt.
Christ, I’m a sucker for punishment.
“Your turn,” she says, her soft scent drifting through my bedroom.
I grab a pair of sweatpants and walk into the bathroom, shutting the door before I say fuck it to the shower and devour her.
My self-control has never been tested as much as it has the past six months.
JJ said she’s ready.
Reaching into the shower, I turn on the faucets and strip out of my clothes. Stepping under the spray, I start to wash my body while thinking I’m going to have to take it slow with her. She deserves to be made love to.
Tonight is not the night to lose control.
Fuck, it’s going to be hard, but for her, I’ll do slow and sweet.
When I’m done, I dry off, step into the sweatpants and quickly brush my teeth. I check my reflection in the mirror, drag my fingers through my hair, then suck in a deep breath.
Tonight is all about JJ. Don’t lose control.
Opening the door, my eyes land on her where she’s sitting on the side of the bed. Her head lifts, and our eyes meet. I see her nervousness, and when she stands up and starts to fidget with the hem of the shirt, my heart melts.
I walk to her, and lifting a hand, I brush my fingers from her temple to jaw. “Relax.”
She nods. “I’m relaxed. Kind of.” She gives me a trembling smile, then admits, “More excited than anything.”
My fingers curl around her chin and looking deep into her eyes, I ask, “You want me to make love to you?”
JJ’s gaze softens, her blue irises becoming incredibly clear, then she whispers, “Please.” She sucks in a breath. “Sir.”
A satisfied smile spreads over my face, loving that she’s slipped into the role of submissive lover.
“You love it when I dominate you?”
She nods. “It’s one hell of a turn-on.”