Free No Longer Needed by Brenda Grate Page B

her head. “You’re going to need more than fifteen minutes, babe.”
    “Hmmm?” Connie mumbled from deep in the fog of desire.
    “To call Emma back. You’re going to need at least a half hour, maybe more.”
    Connie smiled down at him as he crouched between her legs and reached for the button on her jeans.  
    “Oh, yes, right.”
    Rick laughed and pulled her to her feet. He stripped off her jeans and panties in one smooth move then grabbed her hips and placed her on the edge of the desk. Connie didn’t even care that she sat on invoices and utility bills.
    She reached for Rick’s jean’s button as he pulled his shirt off. Soon she sat in only a bra and he stood naked in front of her, very obviously desiring her. She arched her back and undid the clasp of her bra. Rick pulled her to him, her bra getting caught between their bodies. He left a hot trail down her neck with his lips, and she gasped as he captured her nipple between his teeth.
    “Rick, hurry,” she moaned. She wanted him more now than she ever had.
    He grabbed her hips, lifted her slightly and slid inside, both of them moaning together.  
    “Ah, Connie,” he groaned, “you’re so ready for me. You always were.”
    Connie dropped her head back and let herself be swept down the river of their passion.
    They climaxed together and Rick slumped over her shoulder. Then someone knocked at the door.
    “Hey, Connie, is Rick in there with you? We need him in the kitchen.”
    Guilt shot through Connie and she tried to push Rick back. How could she be so selfish, taking her second in command away during dinner hour? He wouldn’t budge, just called out in a weaker than normal voice.
    “I’ll be there in a sec, Angela.”
    They both heard her footsteps recede and Connie tried again to push him off.
    “Give a guy a break, Con.”
    “I think I just did.”
    Rick laughed and pushed himself upright. He grabbed the tissue box off her desk, handed it to her and took a few to clean up. He kissed her and grabbed his clothes.
    Connie finished dressing and Rick paused at the door to make sure she was decent.
    “I’ve missed you,” he said, then closed the door behind him.
    Rick had wanted to take things with her to the next level. That’s when she’d broken it off with him. They had a great sexual relationship, but she could never get past best pal with him and fall in love. It wasn’t fair to him. But neither was what they’d just done. She’d given him hope again and for that she mentally kicked herself. What a selfish bitch she was being today.
    Connie sat in her chair, composed herself as best she could and picked up the phone. At least she might be able to redeem herself by being there for her best friend.  
    Even through her anger, she’d heard the need in Emma’s voice.

Chapter 13

    After her aunt stepped away, Jen looked across the table and was met with Dimitri’s delighted smile. She frowned back at him.
    “Why are you so happy?” she asked.
    “It’s fun to see you nervous. If you didn’t want your aunt to meet me, why did you bring me to her restaurant?”
    “I didn’t say I didn’t want her to meet you.” Jen twirled her fork in the steaming pasta on her plate.
    Dimitri chuckled, but didn’t push it.
    The man could be irritating.
    He thinks he knows what’s going on in my head, but he doesn’t.
    “Besides, why wouldn’t I want her to meet you? We’re just out on a first date. It’s not like you’re my boyfriend or anything or like this is going anywhere.” Jen took a sip of her wine and kept her eyes on her plate.
    “Ah.”
    Jen met Dimitri’s dark eyes. His smile was gone.
    “So, that’s how you want to play this?”
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Who hurt you, Jen? Your father?”
    Jen clenched her teeth before she could show her surprise. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
    “I think it is. You and me, we’re going to be together a long time.”
    A nervous flutter started