Search and Seduce

10

AMY WANTED THIS, craved it. But her mind needed time to process. It was one thing to tease this man. But following through? While the thought of it left her wet and aching, she had reservations. So many ran through her mind it was as if she’d pressed the fast-forward button on her life.

Was she crazy? This was Mark. Could she do this? With him? She almost melted at the thought of his touch, of making love to him, but knowing it would happen?

“Come with me, Amy.”

Confusion swirled as Mark took her hand, leading her down the hall to the spare bedroom. With his help, she’d set up a bed and a single chair after transferring the pups to the kennel. But even with the modest furnishings, the space felt barren, so different from the rest of her home.

Mark closed the door and moved behind her. He’d hugged her, held her close countless times. But tonight, his presence dominated the space, demanding all of her senses pay attention to him, tearing her focus away from the questions.

“Mark,” she whispered, blindly reaching for him. Her hand brushed his leg, and her world, which had been spinning out of control, steadied.

His fingers grazed the back of her neck, brushing aside her hair. “Close your eyes.”

He stepped away, and she felt the loss, her body tensing.

“Keep them closed,” he warned.

“Why?”

“Surprise.”

The way he said that one word—it sounded like a wicked treat. When he ordered her to close her eyes, when he offered the lure of a surprise, she felt as if she was seeing a new side to the man who had been a part of her life for so long.

Amy heard a door open, footsteps, and then the door closed again. Her body knew the moment he repositioned himself behind her. She fought the urge to lean back and press up against him.

“I want to thrill you.” His words rushed over her skin, sending a shiver of excitement coursing through her. Fingers, sure and determined, brushed her cheek. A second later a piece of fabric wrapped around her head, covering her eyes.

“Mark?” She lifted her fingers, exploring the cotton barrier as he tied it tight behind her head.

“I can take it off.” His hands pulled her arms down to her sides. Then, finally, he closed the gap, pressing up against her back. “If you want me to.”

“No.” She leaned into him, feeling the strong, hard planes of his body. “Not yet.”

“Pretend for tonight that you are with a stranger.” His words were clear and decisive. “Be wild. Don’t be afraid to take whatever you need.”

Her mind spun with the possibilities. The freedom to live out her fantasy, knowing she was safe.

Don’t be afraid...

Amy turned slowly, careful to keep contact with his body. She’d been plunged into darkness by the blindfold, and he was her anchor. Trailing her fingers up his arms to his neck, then to his face, she touched his lips.

“Kiss me.” Her hand moved over his jaw, attempting to draw him closer as her fingers ran through his hair.

Mark’s mouth claimed hers, his hands exploring, learning the shape of her body. There was no mistaking this kiss for a friendly gesture. Every touch, every taste, left her body on edge for more. His kiss exploded with passion, blowing away the walls surrounding her day-to-day life, showing her there could be so much more...

But only here, in the darkness, where she dared to be wild.

“Amy,” he growled against her lips, pulling back, offering her space to breathe and think.

She could feel him, tense with wanting, waiting for her to lead their friendship down this uncharted path, to reveal her fantasy.

“I’m not sure,” she said, hating the hesitation in her voice. Damn it, she wanted this.

Mark held her tight, his hands on her hips. His forehead rested against hers. “We can stop. Walk away now. But, Amy, I’m dying to see you move.”

He released her right hip, and she heard the rustle of his clothes. And then—music.