Page 70

When Mack’s thumb swept across her sensitive skin, between her legs, where she hadn’t been touched by someone else in so long, her breath hitched. She was sure at this moment she may die from the sensations.

“Still okay?” Mack whispered as she massaged Charlie.

Charlie melted and captured Mack’s mouth again. The kisses intoxicated her and left her hungry. Grazing her lips across Mack’s neck, she felt fingers grasp on to her. Her hands lowered and cupped Mack’s breasts, her thumb moving across Mack’s covered nipples. She slid her fingers up and looped them under Mack’s black cotton bralette.

“Can I take this off?”

“Mmmm… yes.”

Charlie lowered Mack’s bra straps, freeing her. She ran her lips across her breasts, her hands and fingers working together. She pulled Mack’s nipple into her mouth, and Mack gripped her head and swiveled her hips.

The sensation of her mouth on Mack’s skin magnified every desire. Charlie’s body ached for release, for deeper points of contact. Mack skated her knuckles up Charlie’s inner thigh, and the intense motion made her legs shake.

Fingers danced on her. Charlie squirmed, and her body begged to be touched deeper. Mack dropped her hands.Come back!She needed to feel Mack on her. Her cells sparked, pressurized, and Mack was the only thing that could relieve the ache. Clunky dress fabric constricted her, and she needed it off.Now.

As if she could read her mind, Mack wrapped a strong arm under Charlie and rested her fingers on her dress zipper. Before she said anything, Charlie whispered “yes” in her ear. A metalliczwoopsounded as zipper teeth released, and her dress fell to her waist.

Shivers flew up Charlie’s spine and to her ears. She wiggled her dress over her head as Mack yanked it off and tossed it. Lying back in her favorite black lace bra and panties, Charlie trembled.

“Jesus Christ… you’re so perfect.” Mack’s shoulders rose and fell in heavy breaths.

Mack tugged down Charlie’s bra and latched her mouth on her breast, licking and sucking her nipple as Charlie gripped the edge of the couch, the sensation so exquisite that she whimpered. Her hips moved and rotated, and her center tried to make the deeper contact she craved. If Mack didn’t touch her again soon, she wouldn’t be able to take it anymore.

Heavy breaths and moans filled the air. Mack dropped her hand in between Charlie’s legs and paused.

“No more asking. Just… everything… do everything… I’m so ready,” Charlie moaned.

Mack leaped from the couch and kicked her jeans off. She hooked her arms under Charlie’s hips and scooted her down. Her fingers peeled off her panties, and she angled closer to Charlie. Mack’s delicate mouth kissed her stomach, side, and leg. Her tongue trailed up her thigh. Charlie surrendered to Mack’s control.

With a flick of Mack’s tongue against her knee, upper thigh, then stomach, Charlie understood how much Mack wanted her. As Mack’s fingers circled, explored, and finally…oh my, finally… touched her, pushed into her, Charlie knew how safe she was. Mack slowed down andindulged.

“You feel so good.” Mack’s husky voice nearly shoved Charlie to the edge as her fingers and tongue danced on the heat pulsating between her legs.

Charlie gripped the back of Mack’s head, her increased breathing matching Mack’s. The butterflies were in flight, her heart full, her body alive, awake, comforted, and excited. She wanted more.

Charlie pulled Mack up, kissed her neck, and put her mouth to her ear. “Bedroom?”

Mack exhaled against her ear. “Bedroom.”

TWENTY-TWO

MACK’S DRINK SPECIAL: MORNING-AFTER MOCHA DAZE

“Nooooooo,” Mack whimpered at the shrieking alarm clock as Charlie smacked around in the dark until it silenced. She dug her knuckle into the corner of her dry eye as the room squinted into focus. “What time is it?”

“Five,” Charlie’s groggy voice muttered. She nuzzled in a little closer, her warm breath moistening Mack’s chest. “If I could call in sick, I swear I would.”

Mack breathed in Charlie’s sweet scent and pink cheeks and wrapped her messy hair in her fingers. Her skin tingled underneath Charlie’s delicate touch, and Mack snuggled the sheets tight around them.

I’m in heaven.

Last night. This morning. Their conversation. Sleeping in Charlie’s bed. Them connecting,reallyconnecting. Falling asleep together. Waking up naked. She thought she knew what it’d feel like. Dreamt of situations where she didn’t scurry off the second the other person fell asleep. Watched a few rom-coms over the years and wondered if reality would ever be as good. But she wasn’t prepared forthis.

Thiswas better.

Charlie peeled herself off Mack and dangled her feet off the bed. Yawning, she stretched her arms high above her head.

Mack crawled up behind her and kissed her naked back and shoulders. “Don’t go.” She gently tugged Charlie back down.