"Why?" I question.

She's flat out honest. "Because it's what I'd want to hear if this was anything more than s.e.x. I can't want you like this."

"Like what? Explain it to me. Tell me what it's like to see me again, after only being in my bed a few weeks ago."

"I can barely remember." She scrunches her face as if she's struggling to recall. I know she's full of s.h.i.t. There were two people in that bed and neither of us expected how much we would enjoy each other. Denial is a funny thing. In her case she's using it to control me. Far be it from me to know she liked it, because if that were the case, I'd have the upper hand and she'd no longer be able to stop herself.

"That's a shame. From what I gathered you had a fantastic experience, especially the second and third time I made you come. It's not a big deal. I plan on making tonight even better." I extend my hand for her to take. "You ready to join me?"

She can huff and puff until she's out of breath, but she won't falter when it comes to seeing this through. I can sense it when we touch. The spark that ignites between us is undeniable. She'd be a fool to deny herself the pleasure I promise to give.

"I'm only doing this because I don't know anyone else here."

I cackle under my breath. "Whatever you have to tell yourself."

We kiss again. My hands rise up between us and cup both of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. Our tongues brush and mingle, and then we get lost.

With no regard for going slowly, I pick her up into my arms and carry her to the bedroom, where I lay her down and climb overtop of her. My knee presses between her legs, while my palms coa.r.s.e over the fabric of her nipples. She tastes like candy and heaven, taunting me with the innocence she pretends to have. She's torturing me, yet I can't fathom why. I inhale deeply while feeling her fingers unfastening my belt. I'm elated to know she's given up the fight. In a few moments I'm going to have another opportunity to taste her, to feast on that golden p.u.s.s.y I've craved since my very first sample.

I give her some help with removing everything below the waist, then tend to her predicament of being clothed. Callie helps lift the shirt from my head, then I do the same for her. When she's completely naked we switch positions. Before she's able to dive down between my legs, exactly where I want her to be, I feel it necessary to make one rule. "When I wake up tomorrow, I expect you to still be in bed next to me. I know you think I'm an a.s.shole, but I'm decent enough to provide you with breakfast, which will happen to taste amazing."

"If I stay the night it becomes more than casual s.e.x."

I roll my eyes. "You've got to be kidding me. We f.u.c.k, but we can't share a meal?"

"I wouldn't expect you to go out of your way to impress me. We have an arrangement."

"Fine, if you choose to be stubborn let's raise the stakes in this so called arrangement."

Her brow raises and her fingertips tickle their way down my chest. "What could you possible want now?"

"Never mind. I'll take whatever I can get."

I want to ask her to see me again, but refuse to give her the benefit of knowing she's under my skin. For now I'll take the s.e.x and remain quiet. If I've learned anything about women it's not to push their b.u.t.tons.

Chapter 12.

Callie Life would be a whole lot simpler if we never had to make decisions. For me, I probably wouldn't be straddling Cob, preparing to ride him until my legs give in. I'd prefer doing the right thing for once, though I always seem to end up in this position. The thing is, I simply can't get enough of this man.

I wanted to hate him, especially when I've been told he fools around. Maybe it's true. Maybe he's terrible, though the more time we spend together I'm becoming blinded by desire I can't ignore.

His touch is my weakness, which always seems to find me at my loneliest place. I want to resist. I know it's the right thing to do. As his hands run up over my b.r.e.a.s.t.s I close my eyes and try to imagine never feeling this way again.

To avoid looking at him directly, I lean forward and kiss him, giving him exactly what he needs to make this even harder to deny. Our chemistry is electric, like fuel to an already burning fire. My attraction to him is dangerous. I've been this consumed by a man before and it got me nothing but heartache. I didn't move to Kentucky to strike up a s.e.xual relationship with a previous one-night-stand, but that's exactly what's happening.

With the swipe of his tongue, every brush from his lips, and each mapped out trail with his fingers, I'm lost in a pool of delight. I crave this type of interaction, even when I know this is as far as it can ever go. This man could never want anything more from me. I have nothing to offer. Besides, he can't be tied down to one place for long. His career prevents him from setting roots.

Maybe it's a good thing. Perhaps knowing he's not datable makes this all a bit easier to accept.

At any rate, I'm losing my grip on right and wrong, being selfish and taking what's being offered, because I know how good it is.

My p.u.s.s.y pulsates as it rocks over his erect c.o.c.k. I'm ready for him to be inside of me, especially since it's the only way to be around him without having a normal conversation. His hands cling to my hips as I move back and forth, taunting him until little groans escape him, signaling his need for me.

"You want this?" I request.

"Yes," he whimpers. "Quit teasing me."

"Protection?"

He leans over the bed without knocking me off of him, and digs into his wallet, pulling out a familiar wrapper. I watch him using his bright white teeth to rip it open and then roll it on his stiff d.i.c.k. He jerks me forward until he's ready to enter. I gasp when I feel him teasing my opening, and let out a shriek as he unexpectedly lifts my p.u.s.s.y to his face. I'm sitting there, peering down watching as he tongues my c.l.i.t before dredging deep in between my folds.

My hands find my b.r.e.a.s.t.s and I pinch at both nipples, biting down on my lower lip while waves of pleasure strike me at my core. The muscles in my a.s.s begin to spasm, while the rest of me falls victim to my own carnal desires. An o.r.g.a.s.m rips through me, halting all sense of time. I lose myself for a few seconds, but before I'm able to fully come down from my high he's shoving my body back the way it was, me straddling him. He enters with ease, using my natural lubrication to glide right in. I immediately begin to work up a rhythm, as if a harmonic tune is playing against my ear. He watches as I reach between my legs and circle my c.l.i.t with two fingers, while his fully engorged c.o.c.k fills my tight walls. We go at it until my legs feel like they're going to fall off. Cob takes over, flipping me off in order to position himself behind me. He takes me doggy style, while wrapping his one hand over to tease my sensitive bud. I'm having another bout of euphoria, trying to keep my movements from affecting his pace.

When Cob knows I need to rest, he pulls out of me, waiting until I'm flat on my back. When he slides in this time it's different. His eyes are fixed on mine, and the mood becomes intense. It's like we're on the same level and I don't want it to end. I cling to his back when I feel him tightening. He's frozen for a few moments, then finally collapses at my side.

Out of breath, Cob plays with strands of my hair while I lay there hopelessly happy.

Casual s.e.x is supposed to be just that casual. It ends and the two people move on with life. It's friendly and fun. Being with Cob doesn't seem so simple. He laces his fingers with mine and closes his eyes. For a while I watch him resting. At one point, when I get up to locate the bathroom, I stand and stare at a distance. On the outside he's everything I'd be attracted to. It's the stranger inside who frightens me, not to mention his inability to stay in one place.

I don't join him back in the bed until his head lifts and I see him searching the room for me. He laughs to himself. "I thought you left again. I was beginning to think you were incapable of dealing with what comes after s.e.x."

I saunter over and place one knee on the bed before totally climbing back onto the mattress. "I told you I'd stay. What difference does it make? What do you think comes afterwards?" I ask.

He pulls me close. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try me," I turn to look at him in the dim lit s.p.a.ce.

"I've traveled all over the place for work, but it gets lonely. This house isn't exactly my kind of retreat. It's quiet, but almost too quiet. I'd prefer to spend my time in the company of a beautiful woman."

"I'd imagine you could pick up a different one every night if that's what you want."

He shakes his head. "Yeah, maybe, but it doesn't fill the void. Most women nowadays are eager to hook up. I've been okay with it in the past, but everything has it's limits. I'm tired of the bulls.h.i.t."

"Okay, so you do want me to stay, or should I leave? You're kind of all over the place."

His chuckle tells me I'm as confused as I think. "You're familiar. It was nice to see your face in the crowd tonight. I didn't know if we'd end up here, but I hoped. Look, I get that you don't like me. I just want you to hear me say I enjoyed your company. You can still hate me. My reputation isn't the best with women. I'm sure your friend in Pennsylvania has told you stories, if you've been curious enough to ask."

I rest my body close to his, sort of shocking him. His arm comes around me and we kiss softly. "I enjoyed you as well, but the truth is that we don't know each other. You're right. I've heard stuff about you that I dislike. You've told me things I disapprove of, but it was my choice to accompany you."

His confession give me chills. "I want you to stay."

"And when tomorrow comes do we say goodbye and go about our lives? Do we pretend this never happened, much like the first time?"

"I'm not sure about what you did, but I won't ever forget. It's not every day I'm given the opportunity to have unadulterated s.e.x with someone who wants to rip out my throat."

"It was never that extreme. I may have wanted your d.i.c.k to get cut off for a little while, but you changed my mind pretty quickly on that matter. Look, I'm fine if this is just s.e.x. I'm not going to freak out like some crazy person if you don't ever want to see me again."

"What about you? Would you want this to happen again?" He asks.

I'm pretty confident when it comes to this question. I know we enjoy each other, so it can't hurt to be honest about it as well. The truth is, I'm unsure. This is a terrible idea. I don't have someone I can call who will tell me this is a fantastic decision, because it's exactly the opposite. "I'm not sure what I want. Don't get me wrong, I'm having a great time. It's nice to feel wanted, but I can't let my guard down. I may need some time to be able to answer that."

He shrugs, and takes my hand lifting it to his lips. "I guess we can talk about it tomorrow."

It's enough for tonight. He's not going to push, because I still don't exactly know how I feel about this situation. Sure, I think he's s.e.xy and great in the sack, but I'm too familiar with men like him.

Nonetheless, there's something that keeps me intrigued. Maybe he's more than just a pretty face, and I won't know unless I stay to find out. Okay, truth be told I know how I feel, but I'm in denial, big time.

I smile as my lips drag over his once more. "I'll stay, but only if there will be perks."

"Perks, like taking a hot bath in a tub with handicapped bars on the side? That's a s.e.xy perk, right?"

We both laugh. "A shower would be nice instead, but for now I'm pretty comfortable right here, if it's okay with you."

This is the problem when you sleep with a stranger. I still have to learn what he likes and dislikes. I think he has a sense of humor, but it will take me a while before I can determine what's real and what's a faade to get me into bed. Whatever the case, his charm is working. Maybe I'm doomed to fail with the opposite s.e.x. It's possible this will set me back further than I already am. But there could also be a chance this guy could help me. I'm interested enough to want to stay. What can it hurt?

Chapter 13.

Callie The birds are singing from outside the window, causing me to open my eyes in the bright room and familiarize with my surroundings. I can hear the sound of someone breathing behind me and turn to notice Cob is still sound asleep, naked, and sprawled out on the bed revealing every quality I can't get enough of. He stirs after a few seconds and sees me awkwardly staring at him. His strong arm latches over my legs while he speaks in a groggy voice. "Look at this. You're still here. I'm shocked."

I manage a fake smile. He obviously thought I'd leave sometime in the night like I did before. "Yep, still here, just like you asked."

"What would you like for breakfast?"

The mention of it makes my stomach growl. "What do you have? I'm fine with a coffee."

He smirks. "Woman, I'm about to impress you. You better not be one of those vegetarians."

"I eat meat."

Cob sits up and chuckles. "I could say something smart right now, but I'll refrain on account of proving that I have manners." His ornery grin causes me to smile.

"All right. I have to warn you though, breakfast is the most important meal. I expect to be impressed."

With no regard for his current state, Cob slides off the bed and heads toward the bathroom. He keeps the door open as he relieves himself and talks simultaneously. "Don't worry. I have a pretty good idea of how this will play out. First you'll smell the delightful aroma, then I'll give a taste. Once you have that bite in your mouth you'll crave more, and I'll happily feed you until you've had your fill."

He comes back out of the room as I respond.

"Are we still speaking of food?" I'm finding it difficult not to focus on his semi erect c.o.c.k. It's like he's proud of it. "You sure are comfortable in your own skin."

"You should be too. You're gorgeous." He kisses me chastely before exiting the room, leaving me to stew on his latest compliment.

"Who is this man?" I say to myself.

While I watch him put on a pair of comfortable shorts, I try to recall the last time I was in this position with a man. I'm afraid I've been so hung up on Wesley Parrish that I've let every prospective guy slip through the cracks. I've been hit on plenty of times, but always found some reason why I shouldn't give the man a shot.

Then there's Cob.

When we met I immediately hated him. Everything about him signaled trouble for me. The night I showed up at the Pennsylvania house to find him there alone left me vulnerable. I did things I would have normally frowned upon with the type of guy he was.

Now I'm wondering if this is the same man. I'd be naive to let my guard down so soon, but kick myself for not admitting how much fun I have in his bed.

Cob walks over and kisses me on the forehead. "You're welcome to take a shower while I cook. There's some fancy shampoo from the previous owner. Help yourself."

"She didn't leave an extra package of toothbrushes did she?"

A half smile forms across his lips. "She was an old lady. There could be all sorts of treasures in this house if you search hard enough. Give it a go. She told me to treat the place like its my own. Her name is Mildred by the way. Mildred Sinclair."

"What about you?" I ask. "Do I get to know your full name?"