There’s genuine relief in her eyes when she glances back at me, and my heart stammers as her lips curl. Lord help me, I’d do anything for that smile.
JOSIE
The blue light on the microwave catches my attention, and my giggles quickly die down. “Oh, shit. It’s almost eleven. I need to get my ass in bed or my kids will eat me alive tomorrow.”
He sighs, disappointment filtering through his features. “I guess the saying is true, all good things must come to an end.”
He’s not the only one sad to see the night come to an end. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had this much fun. It was so nice to unwind and relax. We spent the last two hours cutting up and exchanging stories. My stomach hurts from all the laughter.
“For now.” A shy smile tugs at my lips as I rise to my feet, but standing proves to be more difficult than expected. The room tilts, and I press a hand to my head, waiting for it to pass. The saké is hitting me a lot harder than my normal nightly wine consumption.
August stands, his steadying hands grabbing my waist. My stomach quivers as our eyes meet, my lower abdomen tightening with need. “You all right, gorgeous?”
I nod, my head feeling light as air. “Saké is no joke, huh?”
“It’s a little strong.” He smirks, reaching up to tuck a few stray hairs behind my ear.
I forget how to breathe when his hand settles on my jaw, his thumb brushing over my heated cheek. Even in my slightly inebriated state, my brain is yelling at me to pull away. But my body, my body is screamingbitch, don’t you dare!
This is dangerous and stupid, but it feels good—to be touched, to feel seen.
“Thank you for tonight.” My words are no more than a whisper, my heart hammering wildly in my chest.
“It was my pleasure.” His voice is husky, his hand sliding from my waist to the small of my back.
Nervous laughter bubbles out of me. “I mean... you’re right. I am pretty awesome.”
“Josie...” He says my name like a plea, his stare telling me exactly what he’s asking.
August pulls me closer, and my mouth parts, a small breath escaping as his body presses into mine. He leans forward, placing a kiss to one side of my mouth, then the other. My eyes screw shut in anticipation of what’s coming, all my other senses becoming heightened. I’m consumed by him—the clean scent of his cologne, his steady breaths as they fan across my face, the warmth of his body.
His lips connect with mine, soft yet exploring. I melt into him, whimpering as my hands clench his shirt. His fingers dive into the base of my hairline and tug, the kiss turning savage when his tongue tangles with mine.
My entire body comes to life, my pulse racing and clit throbbing, a pool of moisture gathering between my thighs. This... this is a kiss. This is what I have been missing.
By the time his mouth breaks from mine, my head is swimming, both of us panting to catch our breaths. My lashes flicker open, and he shoots me a cocky grin.
“See... just like riding a bike.”
Those simple words bring me crashing back down to Earth. Of course, that’s what this was about. He felt sorry for me. This is my fault. I never should’ve said that stuff about being kissed. The shock on his face was mortifying.
I’m so stupid. For a second there, I thought...
My eyes fall to the floor, embarrassment flooding my veins as I step out of his hold. “Goodnight, August.”
I rush out of the room as fast as my feet will carry me, guilt gnawing at me when he calls out a goodnight behind me.
* * *
My overheated body feels like a giant bundle of nerves, and I kick the comforter onto the floor. After tossing and turning in bed for what feels like forever, replaying that damn kiss in my mind, I’m no closer to sleep. His kiss burned through me, igniting something that’s been dormant for way too long.
Every single moment is etched into my brain. It’s as if I can still feel his body pressed against mine, still smell his masculine scent. I lift the hem of my shirt, grazing my palm across my stomach. My skin tingles beneath it, my mind imagining it’s August touching me. I cup my bare breast, my thumb sweeping over my nipple. It hardens instantly, sending a shiver straight down my spine before settling between my thighs.
My other hand dips under my panties, my legs spreading. I brush over the soft hair on my mound before lightly tracing a finger through my folds, letting it dive into the pool at my core. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this wet.
My lady bits are literally weeping with joy right now.
A low moan escapes my throat as I slide my finger back up to my clit, increasing the pressure as it rubs the sensitive nub in a circular motion. My abdomen grows tighter with each movement, images of August’s hand between my legs filling my thoughts. I push a single finger inside me, letting my mind play out a much different ending to our night—August’s mouth and hands explore my body, his dick thrusting in and out of me.