Page 47 of Ace My Heart

“Do you have any lube?” I whispered. There was no way he’d gotten me wet enough for his girth.

He nodded, grabbing a tube from the drawer and spreading it on himself with methodical efficiency. He leaned closer, until his arms caged my shoulders, and his knees were between my thighs. He spent a moment manoeuvring himself into position, then slid inside me.

Although it wasn’t painful, I did feel very stretched. I was so not into this. It felt more like I was conducting a business transaction than having sex.

Ben moved inside me rhythmically, like he was counting along with his thrusts. I closed my eyes because I couldn’t handle looking up at him. I felt his lips touch my shoulder and I placed my palms on his back.

“Mel, this feels so good,” he whispered in my ear.In what universe is this good sex?I wondered. I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I pressed him back from me, and when he looked down in surprise, I whispered, “Let me on top.”

His eyes darkened further, and his lips twisted in what might have been disapproval, but he complied. I straddled him, slippingdown onto him, rocking my hips back and forwards. I put my hands on the head of the bed, closing my eyes. Focusing only on the sensation, and not overthinking the rest. Things definitely felt better this way, with me in control.

Ben’s hands met my hips, and he held me still, thrusting upwards into me.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

He groaned, his body shuddering beneath me. Had he justcome? Just as I was actually starting to enjoy it?

I clambered off and sat on the edge of the bed as he lay panting. Disappointment flooded me, along with some other, gut churning emotion.

The mattress moved as Ben stood, walking into the en suite to discard the used condom. He returned, leaning against the door jamb.

“Would you like to sleep in here with me tonight?” he asked. I turned around and forced a smile onto my face.

“I think I’d better go back to my room,” I said as I stood, climbing back into my clothes. “Tomorrow’s a busy day.”

A brief flash of emotion lit Ben’s eyes, but he smiled understandingly. “Of course. If you’d feel more comfortable in your own room, then I’ll see you in the morning.”

He took my hand and kissed the back of it, then sauntered back into the en suite. I watched his impressive body move. That body should have been made for sex, but it just … wasn’t. I shook my head as I left the room, closing the door behind me. How was I supposed to face him in the morning?

The TV was on in the living room. Oh great! This was going to be one awkward conversation. I decided it wouldn’t help to pretend I couldn’t see him there, sitting on the lounge.

“I thought you were going to bed,” I said lightly, continuing to walk past like nothing untoward had happened.

“I couldn’t sleep – jet-lag,” he replied, not taking his eyes off the TV. “How was the Baklava?” he asked quietly.

I flushed. “It was great.”

“And … what about the sex?” He turned and fixed his azure gaze on me intently. I looked away, my stomach swirling. There was no point in denying it.

“It was …”

“He’s a bit old for you, don’t you think?” Joel interrupted.

“I like a man with experience,” I retorted on autopilot. Arguing with Joel was easy. Easier than thinking about what had just happened in Ben’s room.

He rolled his eyes. “I know I don’t get to dictate what you choose to do in your spare time, Mel, but just don’t do what you did in Melbourne. You’ve got a great opportunity here. Your ankle might not be exactly where I would like it to be, but your fitness is otherwise excellent. Don’t throw this away.”

I hated it when he talked sense.

“I think you care about what I just did with Ben more than you’d like to admit.”

His composure didn’t even falter, which instantly frustrated me. He climbed off the lounge and sauntered casually around it until he was standing in front of me, about a foot away. I looked up into his eyes.

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