Sliding Into Second by Ella Jade Page B

college.” She giggled as he slid her down his body. “You’ve had some practice.”
    He didn’t respond to her assumption.
    “Don’t be ashamed.” She tried to smooth out her dress, but it was no use. She’d have to send it to the cleaners. “I didn’t expect you to take a vow of celibacy or anything.”
    “I’d rather focus on what it’s like between us.” He pulled up his pants. “How good we are together and not just like this.”
    “We are good.” She grinned. “And I do mean just like this.”
    “Sage.” He sighed as he placed his hand on her back and led her to the couch that over looked the city.
    “What?” She snuggled into his lap after he took a seat. “Don’t tell me you’re not having a good time.”
    “I’m having a great time.” He played with her hair, just like he used to when they would cuddle up on her parents’ couch and watch a movie. “I know we can have more.”
    “I don’t want to have this conversation.”
    “I know, and I’m trying to respect that.”
    She shifted so she could look up at him. “I don’t want any expectations.” She pressed her palm to his cheek. “We’re reconnecting in a physical way and that feels right for me. Can’t you just go with it?” Can’t you let me protect myself?
    “I’ll go with it, but you need to know it’s not necessary. It’s only been a few days and I haven’t proven myself yet, but I will.”
    You can’t. “I’m not sure if it was that orgasmic experience you just gave me or the wine, but I’m starting to feel a little funky.” Her skin was hot and her head was cloudy. “Can we lighten things up?”
    “Of course.” He moved her out of the way, stood, and then scooped her up, taking her down the hall.
    “Where are we going?”
    “I need to put you to bed.”
    He set her on the edge of the bed and untied the bow on her hip that held her dress in place. He stripped her of it, leaving her naked.
    “Do you want me to get your bag or are you good like this?” He studied her body. “I know which way I prefer.”
    “I think the heels need to go though.” She kicked off her stilettos and crawled into bed, making sure to give him a nice view of her backside before slipping under the covers.
    “Don’t think you won’t pay for that later.”
    “I’m counting on it.” She propped the pillows. “Are you joining me?”
    “Absolutely.” He went into the bathroom, took off his clothes, and returned with a wet washcloth. “Do you need anything?”
    “Just you.” She settled lower into the plush pillows. She was sending mixed signals. If whatever this was between them was only about sex, why was she spending a second night in his bed? Why wasn’t she strong enough to do the deed and go home? Because that wasn’t what she wanted.
    “I can get you water and aspirin if you need it.” He placed the damp washcloth on her forehead. “This should help for now.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Why did you drink so much tonight?”
    “It wasn’t that much.”
    “More than you would have if I wasn’t there.” He went back to playing with her hair, soothing her. “Am I causing you distress by being here?”
    “I’m confused,” she admitted. “Logically, I know what I want, but...” No more mixed signals. “It’s not you that’s causing me the stress.”
    “Liar.”
    “Hey, I’m moving in a few weeks and I’m starting a new job. Don’t be so conceited. I have a lot going on, and just maybe what we’re doing is a good distraction.”
    “A distraction?” She heard the amusement in his voice. “I guess I’ve been called worse.”
    “How come you haven’t had sex without a condom since being with me?”
    “Really?”
    “I’m just curious. I’m happy you practice safe sex, but I would think in seven years you would have had a few serious relationships.”
    “I haven’t.”
    “Not one?”
    “I’ve been busy. The road takes its toll. During the season, I’m too focused to have a relationship, so