Page 85 of The Jellybean Dilemma

My smile grew wider the longer I thought about his offer. “Oh, I think it would help tremendously.” I drank in his fully clothed body, anticipation building inside me. It was a welcome relief from the apathy.

“Anything for you.” He started by untucking his shirt, lifting up the hem just enough that I got a tantalizing glimpse of those gorgeous abs. Then he slowly undid the top couple buttons, his heavy gaze on me the entire time.

I couldn’t look away. I’d seen him naked often, but this was different. This was solely for my benefit, an acknowledgment from both of us of how pleasing I found him. The buttons were undone to his navel now, and I sucked in a breath. He smirked, turning around to take the shirt off.

Maybe he’d thought to tease me by taking away the view of his front, but he’d underestimated how gorgeous his back was. As the shirt slipped down and he tugged off the sleeves, I studied his defined shoulders, letting my gaze roam freely over that exquisite tattoo I adored.

Then he turned, tossing the shirt at me. “Souvenir for the lady?”

I inhaled deeply, his scent of peppermint and cedar turning me on even more.

He strutted over, “I won’t touch you unless you want me to, Jellybean.” His throat bobbed, his stormy eyes darkening with tormented emotion, and his voice growing husky. “But I’ve missed you these past few days.”

Guilt hit me then, and I stared at the floor.

“Hey, none of that.” He squatted until I looked at him. “You’re working through some heavy shit. I get it. I’m just saying I’m here to help if you’ll let me, and maybe we could make some new memories.” A dazzling smile spread over his face. “I like making memories with you.”

My cheeks heated as I thought of all the fun we’d had, all the new positions we’d tried. “I like that too, Greg.”

He stood up, offering me a hand. “What do you say then? Are you in?”

I stared at his palm beckoning me, and it felt like a lifeline. I slid my fingers across his warm skin to grip his wrist, sucking in a sharp breath when he yanked me to my feet, pulling me flush against him. “Yes.”

“Good. I’ve missed you, Jellybean.” His lips brushed over mine.

“I’ve missed you too.” I slid my hand over his collarbone, gliding until I gripped his upper arm, then I tilted my chin up for another kiss.

He groaned. “Maybe we should do an exchange?” His touch mesmerized me, and his voice dropped even lower when he asked, “How much do you like that shirt?”

The pajama shirt I wore was older, a button-down, and nothing I was in love with. I shrugged.

His mouth brushed over mine as he tugged on the buttons of my shirt, a devilish glint appearing in his gaze. “Brace yourself.” Then he ripped it apart, buttons flying everywhere.

I gasped as he shoved the fabric off my shoulders. His hands came up to skim my breasts down to my stomach one more time, and I clung to his arms, so my knees didn’t buckle.

“What’s next?” he asked.

“Socks.” I smirked, letting go of him before I stared pointedly at the black socks covering his feet. “Nothing worse than a beautiful strip tease ruined by awkwardly removing a pair of socks. There’s no sexy way to get them off, so do it now.” I smiled hungrily. “Then get on with the good stuff.”

Resigned to my flawless logic, he bent over, pulling off his socks and tossing them to one side. “Better?”

My nod was quick as he reached for his belt. As he undid it, I had a flashback to Kevin in the bathroom, trying to undo his belt. I felt the color drain from my face.

“Rhonda?”

I whispered, “His belt got caught.”

Greg’s voice was low as he murmured, “Shit.” The belt was gone in seconds, then his hands cupped my cheeks again. “Stay with me, Jellybean.” He grabbed my wrists, placing my palms on his bare, warm chest. “I’m right here.”

The feel of his smooth skin brought me back. I spread my fingers wide, unable to cover his entire pecs with the span of my hands. The small patch of chest hair beckoned, and I ran my nails through it lightly, following the trail down past his belly button. I heard him swallow, could see the evidence of his arousal pushing at the front of his pants.

“I’m waiting, Greg.” I kept my tone light, teasing as I ran a finger along his waistband.

His answering smirk tinged with relief as he stepped back, hands on his fly. The zipper went down, revealing red plaid boxers and a delicious bulge begging to be touched. “The question is, how much scenery do you want?” His pants hit the floor.

“All of you, Greg. I need all of you.” His eager erection sprang out as he lowered his boxers next, and I couldn’t look away.

Chapter Twenty-Five

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