Sidelined

“I’m not sure.” She scrolled past the cooking shows and the home shopping channels.

“No way.” Ben laughed. “Top Gun?”

“You like this one?” She placed the remote on the coffee table.

“Like it? Who doesn’t? It’s only the best movie ever made.” He leaned forward, his elbows on his knees.

“I’m not sure about that. Best movie?”

“Have you ever seen it?” A concerned look flashed across his face.

“Of course. I saw it once.”

“Once?” He sounded shocked. “That’s un-American. I think there’s a ten-time minimum on this movie. Sit.” He patted the couch next to him.

Skye looked at his arm draped over the back of her sofa and the spot he created for her. If she sat there, he would make a move.

“Come on, sit.” He looked at the TV as a jet soared across the screen. Right now he seemed more interested in this movie than her even if she stripped down to her underwear.

She wiggled into the couch, her hip pressed against his as she pulled her heels under her. His arm instantly roped around her shoulder, bringing her closer to him. He smelled good, like a mixture of cologne and cedar. After a few minutes, she felt the tenseness in her muscles relax and she nuzzled against his shoulder. This felt good.

Ben was completely focused on the movie. He nodded during certain scenes and a few times she thought she caught him whispering the lines. It was cute. Watching the jets on the screen it was hard to imagine that this was his job. He flew fast like that? He was completely in control of something powerful and intense. The whole idea was unreal. It made her both uncomfortable and incredibly turned on. It wasn’t something she could relate to, but it was exotic and very sexy.

At the end there was a climatic fight scene and the carrier crew cheered for the American boys. Skye pictured Hollywood and Eagle celebrating with Ben like that. The credits rolled and Ben turned to her.

“Good movie.” The grin he was wearing became devilish. His attention was back on her. All of it.

His hand grazed the side of her cheek as he tugged her into his lap. His mouth was hot as his lips parted against hers and his tongue slipped inside. The room spun as he rolled her onto her back. His fingers grabbed at the edge of her tank top and pushed it upward.

Skye was hit with sudden want as the sensations shot through her body. She had skyrocketed from utter calm and contentment to a raging surge of heat. Ben looked victorious as he flicked the hook on her bra. He shimmied the tank top over her head and dropped the bra on the floor. His fingers latched onto the edge of his shirt and yanked it over his head.

She ran her fingers along the tags hanging from his neck.

“I’m leaving them on this time.” He flashed a smile.

His mouth descended on her nipple and began tugging and sucking with a rhythm that had her rocking against him involuntarily. She had vowed not to do this, but her body responded to every move he made. She writhed under him, trying to catch her bearings and steady herself, but it was too intense. He was already claiming her and she was only half-undressed.

“Wait. Wait,” she breathed into the top of his head. She pressed against his shoulders, his tongue kept swirling.

“Don’t worry.” He grinned. “I brought condoms this time.” His tongue lashed over the wet skin and she bowed off the couch, while cursing herself for reacting this way. It was hard to fight against what her body was meant to do. “It’ll be even better than last night. I’m so turned on right now.”

“No.” She pushed against his chest. She tried to sit up and folded her arms against her breasts. He had to be cut off or she would never regain control.

He sat back on his heels. “What’s wrong?”

“I—I’m not going to sleep with you.” The words were out there, but they sounded stupid.

“Ok. I’m confused.” Ben didn’t move. The lightness in his blue eyes turned dark.

Skye bit her lip. “I have a rule about sex. I don’t sleep with anyone before we’ve dated for a month.”

“A month? Are you a nun?”

“Hey.” It stung. She didn’t think it was that prudish, but considering she had almost slept with him last night, it was maybe a bit conservative and probably confusing.

“What about last night?” His eyes darted back and forth.

“I had a bad day.” She shrugged. “I just wanted to let go for once. I don’t usually pick guys up in bars. I take that back. I never pick guys up in bars. It’s always been at least a month.” Looking at the floor, she wished he hadn’t flung her shirt so far out of reach.