Free Charley by Shelby C. Jacobs Page B

about you sexually and non-sexually. But that has all been in my mind and my dreams.  I need to know one way or the other, whether you are … or whether you could well maybe … could you be the one.”
    The more I talked, the braver I got, and the tenser I became. “Coach, I’m not going to beg you to do anything more than have dinner. I’m just telling you. I hope dinner is not as far as it goes tonight.”
    I was exhausted! I had just exposed myself emotionally and given this man carte-blanche over me and my body. “If you’re up to it, of course,” I beamed.
    I couldn’t resist a little tease and a challenge.
    “Well, first of all, if you’re serious, you need to call me PJ. All my friends do.”
    “PJ? Where did that come from?”
    “My name is Phillip Jefferson McCoy. It was such a mouthful that mom shortened it to PJ, Phillip Jefferson … you know.”
     
    I like it. I’ve never made love to a PJ.
     

Chapter Nine
    “Charley, I’m flattered, but I’m not sure I can perform on command like flipping a switch, nor can you, as much as you might want to.”
    “Well, I’m willing to try if you are.”
    I was saying the right words, but I was nervous and feeling anxious. This was the same feeling I used to get before the first game of basketball season after I’d practiced long and hard. Practice is one thing but the actual game, that’s different. This one counts, no more practice, this is real. I suspect PJ could see the tension in my shoulders and breathing.
    He leaned over and whispered in my ear. “Charley, stop trying so hard, just relax and don’t think about it. Sex is beautiful when it’s not forced and there is no agenda. If something happens tonight, it will; if not tonight, maybe tomorrow, I promise. We’re just two people renewing an old friendship and having a quiet evening together. Happens all the time.”
    He’s saying ‘yes, yes’.
     
    PJ’s soft soothing voice was warm balm for me. My hands relaxed, and my back sagged slightly as my shoulders began to loosen up. I was able to breathe again. “I know I’ve been thinking too much about this. I don’t know why I’m so tense. Couldn’t be because you’re so damn sexy, could it?”
    Impulsively, a nervous giggle and sheepish grin crept out.
    “Of course not,” PJ replied softly, but had to laugh. “I’m the one who should be nervous!”
    I regained control. “Okay, just two friends catching up. Want some dessert?”
    That’s dumb. From sex to dessert? Come on girl get it together.
    “I’m not hungry just now, in a minute, maybe?” Coach whispered as he inched closer.
    I gave a little nervous jump as our hips touched.
    Just relax, no big deal, don’t think.
    His arm slipped around my shoulders gently pulling me closer. We were so close I could smell the soap he used. Just as quickly as I gained control of my emotions, his touch and soft voice spoke to my heart, and I lost control again and I didn’t care!  I leaned into his grasp and laid my head on his shoulder. The effects of that smooth voice and confident touch relaxed and relieved any remaining tension and anxiousness I had. My heart skipped a beat when his big soft hand caressed my cheek and angled it toward his face. I felt a slight quiver in my body. He bent his head to my lips and brushed them with a gentle, almost non-kiss. As his lips continued to caress me, I could feel myself surrendering to my feelings, and willed myself to allow this man of my dreams to dominate me and the situation.  I was like putty in his hands.
    When he opened his lips, I gradually opened mine to receive him. He kissed me gently with his lips softly caressing mine. He opened his mouth and let his teeth gently nibble on my lower lip. All I could do was press my lips tighter to his, to return the passion that seeped from his lips. I edged my tongue between my lips and tentatively pressed it to his. He eagerly opened up and released his tongue against mine. With our lips still