Pleasure Bound

“Because what? Because I want to go out with you, too?” He shrugged. “I admit it. If you and Zeke break up, I’d like a chance to date you. I like being with you.” His gaze heated. “I like touching you.”

At the thought of him touching her, heat pulsed through her.

“Well, then … wouldn’t this be a good thing?” Her voice came out husky. “I mean … I like being touched by you.”

Oh God, she felt like a siren trying to lure him to the rocks, but she couldn’t help herself. She wanted to be with him so much right now.

She stepped toward him and stroked his cheek. As he gazed into her eyes, she could feel his jaw clench. She knew she should walk away … respect his decision … but she couldn’t. She wanted him. She tipped her face up, showing him just how much.

He hesitated, then his hand came around the back of her head and he pulled her into a kiss. His lips moved on hers. Sure and firm. His tongue swept into her mouth and seared her desire. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back.

The phone rang, but he ignored it, pulling her tight against his body. Her breasts swelled and she stroked along his raspy jaw to his strong neck, then down his chest until her fingers tangled around his shirt button.

The phone continued to ring as she released the next couple of buttons, then ran her hand along his sculpted chest.

The answering machine picked up, giving Ty’s brief message … then Zeke’s voice came on the line.

“Hey, buddy. We should talk about Marie and—”

Ty released her and snatched up the phone.

“Yeah, I’m here.” He glanced at Marie. “No, I don’t think that’ll work.” His hand refastened his shirt buttons as he listened. “Marie’s right here. You can talk to her yourself.”

He handed her the phone.

“Hi, Zeke.”

“Hi. Is something wrong?” Zeke asked. “I thought you said Ty wanted to do this.”

She gripped the edge of the kitchen counter. “He seems to have changed his mind.”

“Okay, we’ll talk about this when I get there. I’ll be over in about an hour.”

* * *

Marie stared at the thin straps of leather connected with various black rings that Zeke held out to her.

“Don’t you think we should respect Ty’s decision?” she asked.

“No.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Because we all enjoyed being together and whatever is bugging Ty is probably a result of his mixed-up notion that he shouldn’t be himself and I think we should help him past it.”

She took the leather from him and eyed it warily, wondering exactly how she would even go about putting on this … garment.

“So you’re saying we’re actually helping him?”

“That’s right. Now go put that on.” Zeke winked. “Or do I need to order you to do it?”

She shrugged. “Either way, I think I’ll need your help.”

Zeke grinned wickedly. “Well, that sounds like fun.” He followed her into the bedroom, carrying a shoe box under his arm.

* * *

Ty picked up the phone on the second ring. “Hello?”