“COME THROUGH TO the bedroom.” Mellie tried to keep her voice light, even amused, but it came out laden with desire all the same. “Isn’t one teenage stunt enough for you tonight? The kitchen isn’t the most comfortable place for lovemaking. At least, mine isn’t.”
His chuckle, rumbling into the skin of her nape, made her shiver.
“Perhaps you’re right, but I don’t want to let you go.” His hands skimmed down her arms, leaving goose bumps in their wake, and then transferred to her hips, to skim up along her sides. “Your skin is even softer than this dress,” he sighed.
“You’re only letting me go for a minute.” Grasping one of his hands, she led him through the house. “I promise, you won’t be disappointed.”
He didn’t reply, but his fingers tightened on hers.
When they got to her bedroom door, Mellie turned the knob, commenting, “Slip in quickly. I don’t want any of the cats in here tonight.”
Delano chuckled. “Agreed,” he said, and snugged up to her back, so they ended up going through the door practically fused together. As she giggled, it suddenly struck Mellie that she’d never enjoyed a sexual encounter as much as she was this one.
The undercurrents were heavy. The desire very real and arousing. But being able to laugh and tease and just be free with Delano was a new experience, and one she found remarkably appealing.
As soon as they were in her room, she turned on the light. He kicked the door closed behind them, and then there was no more time for laughter, because he’d spun her around and was kissing her.
No more hesitation or slow seduction now, but full-on passion that she returned wholeheartedly. Delano’s hands skimmed her body as though trying to learn her shape, and when he tugged free the bow at her nape, which held her dress closed, he inhaled her gasp of acquiescence.
But when he began to gather the hem of her dress in preparation of taking it off over her head, she held on to the fabric and broke their kiss to tease, “Are you sure you’re ready to be exposed to what I’m wearing underneath this?”
He was smiling, but the gleam in his eyes had nothing to do with amusement.
“I told you: I want to judge for myself whether it’s alluring or not. You’ve whetted my interest with talking about this... What did you call it?”
“Shapewear.”
“Yeah. The shapewear.”
Still hanging on to the dress so he couldn’t take it off without tearing it, she asked, “Surely you’ve seen it, or something similar, before?”
“Not that I’m aware of. At least, not on anyone, in person. Now, will you let me see, before I explode with curiosity?”
Giggling again, she released her hold and raised her arms. Delano wasted no time in pulling the dress over her head, and Mellie kept her eyes closed for a long moment, letting her arms fall to her sides.
It was amusing, sure, but also a little embarrassing too. She hadn’t really considered this part of the evening when she was getting dressed. If she had, she might have chosen a different outfit. One that could be worn with silk panties and a lacy bra. But all she’d thought of was how great the dress looked on, and what would best enhance the movement, which Delano had claimed to like so much.
Now here she was, trussed up a bit like a sausage in a high-waisted pair of shorts that went down to midthigh and a strapless boned long-line bra that met it, leaving not even a sliver of skin between.
She could hardly contain her laughter, as she cracked one eye open to find him examining her very closely indeed.
“Seductive, yeah?” she said, trying not to giggle-snort.
Those intent, gleaming eyes rose to hers, and quelled her amusement. But he didn’t answer her question, either to agree or disagree.
Instead, he asked, “How on earth does this stay up?”
But she had to swallow a gasp when he accompanied the question with a sweep of one finger along the curve of the bra cups, skimming over the swell of her breasts rising above it. She licked her lips, which suddenly felt dry, as did her throat. Clearing it allowed her to speak.
“Are you really asking me to explain the physics of my underwear right now?”
“No.” He circled her slowly, and when that inquisitive, arousing finger slid just below her bottom, outlining the lower curve, she realized for the first time just how sensitive those particular parts of her body were. “I’m actually trying to figure out the best way to get it all off.”
“Should I give you a tutorial?” she asked. “Or just take it off myself?”
“No, no, no.” There was something feral in his tone, and Mellie shivered to hear it. “That’s definitely my job.”
His hands explored—softly, but filled with determination. And she stood there, trembling, feeling each touch like a mini electric shock.
When he found the hidden zipper at the side of her bra, he made a sound of such satisfaction, goose bumps fired across her arms and back.
Nudging her arm out of the way, he found the tab with a deftness that surprised her, and pulled it down.
“You’ve done that before,” she said, and although she’d wanted to make it sound accusatory and amused, her voice wouldn’t cooperate.
“I’m a quick study.” Oh, no mistaking the desire roughening the words as he gripped the bottom of the bra and she lifted her arms so he could free her from it.
Then he was standing in front of her, and something in his gaze made her want to cross her arms over her breasts. Not because it made her uncomfortable, but because the moment felt too raw and hot and real.
He growled a curse, his hand rising, his finger extended to circle her nipple, making it pull even tighter, sending a shockwave of pleasure through her body. There was no suppressing the moan that rose in her throat, and Delano echoed it.
Stepping closer, he dipped his head to pull the other nipple into his mouth, and Mellie arched, locking her knees so as not to melt into a puddle on the floor.
It took her a moment to realize Delano was, at the same time, working his hands into the sides of her shorts, stretching the elasticized fabric, pushing it inexorably down. When it got to her thighs, he released her nipple from his mouth and concentrated on getting the garment lower.
“I’m one of those people who likes taking my time to open my presents,” he said, as he pushed the shorts down to her knees. “So I’m enjoying this immensely.”
“That’s a good thing.” Mellie wanted to laugh, but her breathing was too erratic for that. In fact, it took real effort to get the words out past the lust tightening her throat. When he knelt at her feet, his face level with her stomach, she lost the ability to speak completely.
She could feel his breath against her skin, and the sensation made her belly flutter, the internal muscles rippling with desire.
Delano had unbuckled her sandals before she knew what he was about, and in an instant had both them and the shapewear shorts off. She expected him to rise, embrace her again, but he stayed where he was.
He traced a line across her thigh, where the elastic edge of the shorts had left an indentation. “This looks uncomfortable.”
A wave of tenderness shook her, and she caressed his head, running her hand over the crisp, dark hair.
But she made her tone amused, as she said, “It’s not painful. Just a small price to pay for fashion.”
He looked up, and the expression in his eyes rocked her, although she didn’t know exactly why.
“There’s a price for every pleasure,” he said.
Before she could figure out his meaning, or form a reply, he crouched farther and followed the path his finger had inscribed with his tongue.
“Oh!” Mellie gasped, her fingers tightening on his scalp.
Then he did it again, before switching to the other leg.
It shouldn’t be an erogenous zone. It was the front of her thighs, only a few inches above her knees, but somehow those slick, sweet touches had her quaking with need.
Looking up at her again, Delano gripped her left ankle, urging her leg up. Unable to resist—not wanting to—she let him lift her leg and hook her knee over his shoulder. Then his hands came up to hold her bottom, and Mellie shuddered at being so securely held. Captured.
And he didn’t break his gaze away from hers as he leaned forward and licked a line of what felt like erotic fire along the inside of her thigh.
Up, and up, that torturous tongue swept, stopping just short of where she so desperately wanted it to be, then reversing course to swirl and tease back toward her knee. The entire time he watched her face, and Mellie felt his attention like another touch.
Just as teasing.
Just as arousing.
Little nibbles now, along her thigh. Mobile lips sipping and tasting her skin, hinting at the variety of ways Delano was prepared to use that delicious mouth to bring her to completion.
She wanted to beg, to plead, but bit back the words. This was a new type of eroticism to her, and she found intense enjoyment in the anticipation. He was in no rush now. Not even for his own satisfaction.
Unlike most of the other men she’s known, who’d have probably been finished and snoring by this point.
One hand still on his head, the other braced against the nearby wall, she let him have his way.
Gladly.
She was wholly unprepared for when his tongue finally swept through her folds, electrifying the already oversensitized flesh. Crying out in ecstasy, she fell forward, using his head and free shoulder as props to stop herself from falling, her body shuddering, yearning, reaching for the orgasm shimmering just beyond reach.
All Delano had promised with his lips and tongue on her thigh he delivered, and more. As she shook, and held his head in place, her hips rocking with a primal rhythm against his mouth, Mellie knew he was still teasing. Ratcheting her need higher with each skillful movement, keeping her hovering on the brink until, with a muffled shriek, she came.
But it was unlike any orgasm she’d had before. It continued, racking her, turning her inside out and rendering her insensate to everything but his mouth on her and the shocks firing out from that point to every inch of her body.
She was only vaguely aware of Delano standing, somehow keeping her on her feet until he could pick her up and carry her to the bed.
The coverlet under her skin was cool, and somewhat soothing, but couldn’t quench her excitement. Forcing her eyes open, she was in time to see Delano toss his wallet onto the bedside table. He unfastened only the top two buttons of his shirt before pulling it off over his head, his rush to undress completely in line with her eagerness to see him naked.
How could it be, she wondered, that after that incredible orgasm, she still was aroused and wanting him in the most intimate way possible?
She thought about sitting up and helping him get his pants off, but besides her limbs feeling like overcooked spaghetti, she was enjoying the view too much from where she was.
Rippling muscles across his chest and abdomen. Not the kind gained at a gym, but from working with the horses, probably, and his propensity for running each morning. Then he was bending to push his pants down, and Mellie lost her ability to breathe, even before he’d straightened.
Gorgeous.
She would have told him that was what she thought, but he had lowered himself onto the bed and was gathering her close, and she realized she’d rather kiss him than speak.
But she could let her hands and lips do the talking.
Delano felt as though he was about to vibrate right out of his skin.
Being with Mellie was everything he’d dreamed it would be, and so much more.
It wasn’t just that she was passionate and so responsive it blew his mind. There was something else between them that took his desire for her to a whole new level.
And despite not being sure what that something was, he just wanted to revel in it.
In her.
She’d twined her arms and one leg around him as they lay face-to-face on the bed, and although he was so aroused it hurt, Delano felt no urge to stop kissing her. Instead, what he wanted was to bring her to orgasm one more time, because watching and hearing her achieve bliss had been the biggest turn-on of his life.
But Mellie was running her hands all over his body, fingers smoothing and squeezing his arms and back and thighs, and the sensation was sublime. It was as if she wasn’t just learning his body, but admiring it at the same time. It was probably just his ego speaking, but that didn’t stop him from feeling amazed and amazing.
Before he lost his mind completely to passion, still intent on pleasuring her again, he reached down and hiked her leg higher so it rested almost at his waist. Then he snaked his hand over her thigh and found the wetness between her legs.
“Delano!” She pulled back to gasp.
“Do you want me to stop?” He kept his fingers poised at her opening, but still gave her the option to say yes or no.
“No,” she moaned, as though the word hurt to utter. “Definitely don’t stop.”
Elated, he bent to kiss and suck along her throat, and was rewarded when she arched, bringing her hips closer while baring her neck to his marauding mouth.
She was panting, little moans of delight breaking from those luscious lips. The heat between them intensified, and her inner muscles tightened around his fingers, making him groan in turn. She was so tight and wet and hot, he was sure being inside her intimately would be better than any other sexual experience he’d ever had before.
Suddenly she rolled, pushing him onto his back, breaking free from his hand and lips and grasp. When she leaned over him, she was more beautiful in that moment than he could bear. Her lips soft and swollen, her cheeks flushed, eyes dark with desire and gleaming. Rumpled and needy and determined.
And his.
“Condom.”
She didn’t ask a question but made a demand, and, without breaking eye contact, he reached back over his head to where he’d tossed his wallet. Mellie leaned over him to get it, and he took advantage of the motion to pull a succulent nipple between his lips. Her little mewl did nothing to dissuade, but after a moment she sat back, and he had to let it go.
She’d found the prophylactic, and tore the packet open carefully.
“I can do it,” he said, his voice like gravel with the force of his need.
Mellie just smiled, and palmed his erection. When she stroked it from base to tip and back again, his hips lifted of their own accord, and heat gathered in the small of his back.
“Mmm...” she hummed, having her way with him, even when he gave a pleading groan. “No. I’ll take care of it.”
It was, he thought hazily, payback of the sweetest sort. If she’d asked, he’d have admitted to teasing her, wanting to give her pleasure that stretched and soared before reaching the final crescendo. But she didn’t ask, and he knew she didn’t need to, because she’d already sussed him out and didn’t hesitate to repay him in kind.
All her movements were slow, and sure. Stroking, squeezing, caressing, until Delano closed his eyes as tightly as possible, hoping the star-shot darkness would help him maintain some semblance of control.
Yet, he wouldn’t stop her, even when he felt he had to, or risk coming at a time, and in a way, he least wanted to. It was more important to cede the control to her right now than it was to try to snatch it back.
As though knowing the exact moment she had pushed him just shy of his limit, Mellie ceased her torture and smoothly rolled on the condom.
That, in itself, was almost too much for Delano, who clenched his jaw hard against the sensation. At least the tightening of the sheath around the base of his erection quelled some of his urge to orgasm, but only a little.
Before he could move, Mellie straddled his thighs, and the breath left his throat in a rush.
“Wait,” he said, so dazzled by the desire in her eyes he knew he’d be lost as soon as she took him into her body. “Give me a minute.”
She smiled and nodded, but her fingers danced over his hips to his belly, and stroked across his abs.
“You know, you’re really quite beautiful without your clothes.”
Her words surprised a bark of laughter from him.
“So, I’m ugly with them on?”
Mellie wrinkled her nose. “Now you’re just fishing for compliments. But seriously, some people look amazing when they’re dressed, but not so hot naked. You, however, look fabulous whether clothed or not.” She tilted her head, as though considering her own words. “I think it has something to do with the way you carry yourself—although the muscles don’t hurt either.”
Silly to be awash with pride. Especially since he didn’t place much store in good looks, either in himself or others. But it was impossible not to be pleased with the knowledge that Mellie found him attractive, although if she hadn’t, he doubted they’d be where they were right now.
And the conversation had given him the breathing room he needed, tempering his arousal just enough that he believed he wouldn’t embarrass himself like a schoolboy having his first sexual experience.
Sitting up, he wrapped his arms around Mellie’s waist and she leaned in to kiss him. The passion between them flared white-hot again, and she lifted gracefully in his embrace, positioning herself, and then lowering to take him in all at once.
They both froze, panting, and Delano thought his heart would pound out of his chest at the sublime sensation.
“Oh,” she gasped, as if having made a shocking discovery.
Then she captured his lips again, and began to move. Flowing, rocking, rising, falling, as he held and touched and kissed her, never wanting to stop. Never wanting this feeling of pleasure and belonging and happiness to end.
When the end came, as it had to, Delano had no control over it because it was the sight and sound and feel of Mellie’s orgasm that threw him over the edge and sent him into the stratosphere.