Leaning Into Series: The Complete Box Set Page 5

  Have you ever been so blindsided by a kiss you had to hold on for dear life to avoid toppling over like a sapling in a fierce storm? Yeah, me either. This was a first. It was no ordinary kiss. This felt like a revelation. Like a thunderclap accompanied by the soulful voices of a Greek chorus.

  I fused my lips to his, loving the contrast of his stubbled chin and soft lips. Zane pulled back slightly to trace the corner of my mouth with the tip of his tongue in a quest for entry. I angled my head and groaned aloud as he thrust inside. And suddenly there was nothing gentle or tentative. His kiss was explosive, fierce and demanding. Zane raked his fingers through my hair and down my back. I nearly passed out when he rocked his hips against mine so his obvious erection slid enticingly alongside mine through our suit pants. The friction was sweet but it was a tease. I grabbed his ass and gyrated shamelessly as he alternately sucked on my bottom lip and devoured me whole.

  We made out in a frenzied state, oblivious to anything or anyone. When headlights from an oncoming SUV flooded the dark parking area, we broke apart panting for breath.

  “Get in the car. Back seat,” Zane commanded in a low, raspy tone I’d never heard him use in my life.

  My dick strained the zipper of my trousers as I struggled to obey. I was pretty sure all my available brain cells had migrated south. I couldn’t think clearly with my cock demanding I forfeit to carnal need and do whatever Zane wanted. And hope it was dirty.

  We lunged at each other in the confines of the small interior, grappling for dominance as we licked and bit at any exposed skin we could get to. I moved on instinct, lowering my hand down his chest and over his flat stomach to cup his hard-on through his trousers. It could have been a case of one step too far. And when Zane nudged at my nose and stilled my hand, I was afraid the madness was about to end on an uncomfortable note.

  “Eric.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I don’t know if we should—”

  “We should. In fact, you don’t have to do anything. Let me.”

  I unzipped his trousers while he worked on his belt buckle and button. I slipped my fingers under the elastic of his boxer briefs to free his rigid member. And then I stopped. Making out was one thing. But fondling your friend’s balls was crossing a major point of no return. I rested my head on Zane’s shoulder then reached down and gripped his cock at the base before sliding my hand up and down his shaft. He felt perfect…long and thick.

  Zane twisted in his seat and sealed his mouth over mine as I stroked him. Up and down, slow but firm, over and over. I smeared precum over the wide head as I licked his lips. I loved the sounds he made. Every little sigh reverberated through my body and sent shivers along my spine. When I changed my grip, he lifted his hips to fuck himself in my hand. And suddenly I had to have more.

  I kissed Zane’s swollen lips and his chin and then trailed kisses along his neck before bypassing the long row of buttons on his oxford shirt and lowering my head to his lap. Then I swallowed him whole. I stroked his thick cock a couple times, aware he was talking somewhere above me. It sounded like nonsense. “Feels good…so hot.” I stuck my tongue out to trace the prominent vein on one side and then the other before sucking him wantonly. My head bobbed as I moved over him and rolled his balls while I worked. I was close to sensory overload. I had to get my hands on my own dick before I came in my suit pants.

  I unbuckled, unbuttoned, and unzipped in record time and then freed my leaking cock from my boxer briefs with my right hand. I stroked myself as I sucked him until I felt an insistent tug on my hair. When he pulled harder, I winced and sat up.

  “Ow.”

  “Sorry. You’re not listening.” Oh shit. Had I been lost in a sensual haze while he’d been trying to put the brakes on? I licked my lips and waited for him to reset the pace, hoping this wasn’t going to be awkward. Zane leaned over and grabbed my dick. “It’s my turn.”

  “No. I’m way too close. I’m gonna come if you—”

  “Do it. I want you to come in my mouth,” he growled before lowering his head to suck me dry.

  My eyes went wide. There was no way I could have dreamed up a scenario that would have made this moment possible. Sure, I knew something was happening between Zane and me, but I didn’t know it would go this far, this fast. When he twisted his wrist and stroked me a couple times before sucking my length, I knew I wouldn’t last. I felt a telltale tingle at the base of my spine a minute later.

  “Zane, I—”

  “That’s all right, baby, give it to me. Do it.”

  “Ahh!” I jutted my hips to fuck his mouth. My release rolled over me like a giant wave cresting and gaining strength until it finally crashed. I shook with the force of my orgasm, aware of Zane next to me, jacking himself furiously. He pulled away a moment later and cried out, throwing his head back against the seat as cum shot across his shirt.

  Our labored breathing and the strong smell of sex in the small luxury car was intense. I wanted to bathe in the afterglow but the close confines were working against us somehow. The longer we sat silently trying to get our breathing back to normal, the more nervous I became.

  “Er?”

  “Yeah?”

  “That was amazing. Stop thinking, okay?”

  I turned to give Zane a lopsided smile. “It was, but—”

  “No buts. We didn’t do anything wrong except make a fucking mess. You don’t happen to have a cum rag in here, do you? I have my doubts. You’ve had this car for a year already. It should have been broken in with an old gym bag and some fast food wrappers lying around by now. I don’t see anything resembling even a stray napkin.”

  I gasped at the outrageous idea I’d ever leave trash or clutter in my car while Zane chuckled and wiped his hands on his shirt. We redressed in silence then claimed our seats in the front before he started the engine. He was about to back out of the lot when something occurred to me. I didn’t know if I’d gross him out but I had to take advantage of the moment in every possible way.

  “Wait!”

  “What is it?” Zane’s face was mostly covered in shadow but I could see his eyes clearly and the curve of his lips.

  I set my hand on his shoulder and leaned over the console again. “Kiss me. One more time. Please.”

  The flare of desire in his gaze spurred me forward. I nuzzled his nose and gently pressed my mouth over his, tentatively licking until he granted me entrance. Zane turned in his seat with a growl. He threaded his fingers through my hair but instead of diving in to meet me halfway, he went curiously still. I smiled against his lips, loving that he was giving me room to take what I wanted. I slid my tongue between his lips and sighed at the taste of myself on his tongue. He hummed softly as I sucked and licked. Then he yanked my hair and deepened the connection with a force that made my spent member twitch hopefully. Our tongues glided and twisted in an ancient dance we knew, though we were novices here.

  When we finally pulled back for air, I gave him a wry grin and sat back.

  “Thank you.”

  I wouldn’t have been surprised if he cracked a joke, but he didn’t say a word. He reached out to trace the shell of my ear and returned my smile with a breathtaking one of his own. Then he put the car in drive and turned toward the city.

  Chapter 4

  Sundays were sacred. It was the one day of the week I allowed myself to do absolutely nothing. I could sleep in ’til noon and hang out in Pjs all afternoon if I felt like it. I never did, but knowing I could skip the gym if I wanted to made all the difference in the world. Needless to say, the incessant banging on my front door at nine a.m. the following morning pissed me off. I moved on instinct through my spacious two-storied Marina townhouse toward the sound of the racket. By the time I reached the door I was groggy but awake. And very annoyed.

  I checked the peephole before flinging the door open and glaring at the asshole standing on my porch.

  “Why are you here, Nick?”

  “You make coffee. I brought bagels.” He held up a smal
l paper bag and shook it, then shouldered his way by me, stopping to sniff at my hair. “You smell funny.”

  “Fuck you,” I huffed halfheartedly as I followed him up the stairs to my great room and into the contemporary family-style kitchen.

  We worked in silence. Nick toasted bagels, gathered a couple plates and set the cream cheese out while I took care of the coffee. I left it to brew then grabbed my cell and sat at one of the barstools at the island. When he didn’t speak right away, I glanced down at the display to check my emails. Conversation before caffeine was no fun anyway.

  “I think you might be right and I don’t know what to do,” he blurted.

  I stared at him for a moment then heaved a sigh and pointed toward the coffee machine. “Please,” I said in a pathetic sounding voice.

  Nick nodded before turning to obey. I watched him through hooded eyelids as he assembled mugs, plates and knives and then poured coffee. I cradled the mug he handed me and studied him for clues while he busied himself with the bagels. His dark hair was disheveled, though I supposed mine was too. But the circles under his eyes, the worn Stanford sweatshirt, holey jeans and his meticulous application of cream cheese gave him away. Whatever was going through his head had kept him up all night.

  I sipped my coffee and looked down at my phone when a new text from Zane flashed on the screen.

  What r u doing today?

  Nothing that requires excess energy, I typed quickly. Want to come over later?

  Nick flopped into the white leather barstool next to me. I turned my cell face down and then swiveled to face my friend. It was disconcerting to see someone who normally oozed confidence look so deflated.

  “What’s going on, Nick?”

  “I couldn’t…you know.” He made a vague gesture that made no sense, but when he wouldn’t look at me, I understood.

  “Really? You want to call off a wedding because you couldn’t get it up last night?”

  “It sounds lame when you put it like that,” he grumbled.

  “Sorry, but I’m not buying it. As far as I know, impotence has never been an issue for you. Maybe celebrating your impending imprisonment via marriage certificate killed your libido last night, but is that really why you’re here?” I asked incredulously.

  “I don’t know. It’s been like that off and on recently, but last night was fucking strange. I don’t think I’m attracted to her. That’s got to be it. Geez, Er…you know me. I’m horny twenty-four seven!”

  “Yeah, I remember,” I mumbled.

  I nodded distractedly as Nick went on about his recent brushes with impotence then turned to stare out the window at my view of the Bay—my Marina address came with some glorious perks. I was walking distance to world-class restaurants and museums, but nothing compared to the view. I focused on Alcatraz before letting my gaze wander to my great room. My place had an open layout with light hardwood flooring, bright throw rugs and stylish lighting. The kitchen was one of my favorite spaces. The cabinets and island were painted a subtle shade of gray that complemented the stark white soapstone surfaces and the delicate pendant lights overhead. It was my sanctuary, but Nick was screwing up the vibe. I was grateful when my phone buzzed next to my hand.

  I’ll c u at noon.

  I sent a thumbs-up sign then looked up at Nick who was scowling at me. “My life is a mess and you’re texting with someone else. Thanks.”

  I huffed at his put-upon tone, but pushed my phone aside. “There. Happy now? Let’s talk about your flaccid penis, Jorgensen. I’m all ears.”

  “You’re a dick.”

  “Maybe. But mine works just fine. And you know why? Because I’ve got a clear conscience. I’m not banging someone’s daughter for the promise of lifelong financial backing.”

  Nick grimaced before lifting his cup to his lips. “You’re banging someone, though. Who is it?” He set his cup down hard and smacked his hand against the island. “That’s what you smell like…sex.”

  I rolled my eyes as I bit into a bagel. “Like I said…I don’t have any issue with—”

  “Who is it?”

  “Are you for real? We aren’t in college anymore, asshole. I’m not telling you anything.”

  “Hmm. That’s not usually the kind of thing you keep from me. Must be a reason. Who were you texting?”

  “That was Zane. Not that it’s any of your business but—”

  “What’s going on with you two?”

  “Nothing,” I lied. “Why? And why the inquisition? You came by to talk about your misadventures with a limp appendage, not to quiz me on my sex life. Remember?”

  My voice rose to a pitch I didn’t recognize. A sure sign I was hiding something. It was like dangling a piece of meat in front of a sleeping lion. Big mistake. Nick cocked his head and fixed me with a piercing stare. I did my best not to flinch but it wasn’t easy.

  “I remember. So…what’s up with Zane?”

  “The usual. Didn’t you talk to him last night?”

  “Yeah. Hey. I know you’re going to bite my head off but…are you attracted to him?”

  To my credit, I didn’t blink. And I didn’t answer. It wasn’t Nick’s business if I had the hots for our mutual friend. Yes, I was crazy attracted to the guy and though I wasn’t ashamed of how I felt, I had to admit I was confused. It was up to me to work that out myself. Without Nick’s input.

  “Nice try. This isn’t about me. It’s about you. If you’re having second thoughts you should talk to Lisa and let her know how you feel.”

  Nick swiped his hand through his mop of hair and sighed. “Maybe. I wonder if I’m more gay than straight lately.”

  “You’re neither gay nor straight, dummy. You’re bi.”

  “Right, but I can’t get dick off the brain. And I catch myself checking out a guy’s ass over a woman’s tits eight times out of ten lately. Maybe that’s why I noticed Zane and you last night. I was staring at your ass, wishing we were who we were a couple years ago. Don’t be alarmed; I do that once in a while. But I couldn’t help noticing the way he was looking at you. It freaked me out a little. I think he has a crush on you, Er.”

  “You’re ridiculous,” I snorted derisively before moving around the island to hide my certain blush. It didn’t work.

  “Hmph. I don’t know. Your face is turning pink. And you know what…you don’t really smell like spunk. I just said that to tease you. But now I’m wondering if you and Zane were doin’ the nasty. Did he spend the night? Oh geez. Is he still here?” Nick’s eyes widened theatrically.

  “Why do I put up with you?”

  “ ’Cause we make a good team.” His solemn tone alarmed me.

  “Nick…”

  “Hey, I’m sorry I razzed you about Zane. I know you wouldn’t fuck him. Friendship comes first.”

  I gave him a curious look when he raised his cup in a toast. Something in his expression was off. He was about to give me his real motivation for stopping by this morning and I had a strong premonition I wouldn’t like it.

  “What did you do?”

  Nick bit his bottom lip hard and let out a rush of air. “I told Lisa I still have feelings for you.”

  “Oh my God.”

  “I know.” He winced then picked up his coffee mug and held in front of his lips like a shield.

  “Jesus, Nick! What were you thinking?”

  He cocked his head but didn’t speak immediately. “It’s true.”

  “No, it’s not!” I insisted, aware of my strangled tone.

  My mind was racing at the firestorm he may have started with a stupid lie. Issues with our biggest investor, baffled friends and…Zane. Oh shit.

  “Not romantic ones, but maybe it’s better if she thinks I do. Maybe it’s not a lie,” he sighed unhappily. “I didn’t like seeing you with Zane last night.”

  “What does Zane have to do with this?”

  “I was jealous, Eric! Geez! It was momentary. I got over it, but I think it was a sign.”

  I let out a dramatic sigh and
closed my eyes in an effort to beat back the wave of nausea before I asked what the fuck he meant.

  “A man who gets pissed when one of his friends ogles his ex’s ass isn’t a man who should be getting married. Fuck, I had to envision my dick in your ass to perform last night! Not a good thing, right?”

  “I did not need to hear that,” I groaned.

  “We’re over, Eric. I don’t want to go back in time. But I think marrying Lisa is a bad idea.”

  “I agree. However, your timing sucks. You stood in front of a hundred or more people at the fucking yacht club last night and told everyone how much you’re both looking forward to beginning your life together. A couple hours later, you tell your fiancé you’ve got ‘feelings’ for a gay man. How is this not all a majorly bad thing? From a business perspective alone, the ill will won’t do us any favors. Don Carrigan is well-connected, Nick. No one told you to get in bed with him via his daughter. That was all you. You don’t get to change your mind out of the blue and tell him you want your business partner. Oh my God. And the speech I gave—”

  “It was amazing.”

  “Don’t tell me it made you fall in love with me or I’ll kick your nuts. You, my friend, have made a mess.” I blew out a ragged breath and bit my lips. “What did she say?”

  Nick sighed. “Not much. She cried. It was awful. I feel terrible but…I think I did the right thing.”

  “You did half of the right thing. The other half you fucked up royally. And while I’m grateful for the heads up that you’ve thrown me under the bus, I would have preferred a warning before I found myself dealing with another one of your messes!”

  “You’re being dramatic. I didn’t break up with her. Basically I came out as bi to my fiancé.”