Page 81 of The Holiday Grump
“It’s pretty sturdy.”
He gave me a sly smile and helped me to sit on the back of the chair. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on tight as he drove into me. I was teetering on the edge in more ways than one, and each thrust built more pressure in my core, taking me closer.
“Harder,” I grunted, and he complied, his hands gripping my buttocks as he pushed into me, again and again.
He needed this. I could sense the immense relief as he came. I felt his release pumping inside me, and it sent me over the edge. I came apart, my arms tight around his neck, holding on to him in more ways than one.
Staying friends made sense. We could protect ourselves and avoid complications. But I couldn’t keep away from this man. He made me feel better than I’d ever felt with anyone. Other people could keep their babbling brooks. My happy place was right here, with my legs wrapped around him, his heartbeat pounding through me. How could I ever be happy again without him?
CHAPTER 27
Fredrik
Iwas supposed to stay away from this woman, not fuck her in the middle of my workplace.
“Now what?” I asked as I helped her down from the armchair I’d probably have to torch. “We’re… friends?”
Obviously, I couldn’t be just friends with her. Not if she ever took her shirt off. Not if she even looked at me like that. I would fall every time.
Her arms still around my neck, she pressed her naked body against mine. “Friends with benefits?”
I sighed into her hair, my hands tracing the curves of her back. She was unbearably hot and beautiful. Touching her felt like winning the lottery without buying a ticket. I could no longer protect myself from hurt. I only wanted to stay with her.
“Okay,” I said. “What kind of benefits are we talking about?”
I already knew I’d take anything she was willing to offer and would accept any terms. I’d sign the contract blindfolded.
Noelle smiled, picking up her clothes and dressing as she spoke. “We see each other at your place or here or anywhere private that works out? And we do this… or something else we both enjoy.”
“And do you have any other friends enjoying similar benefits?” I tried to keep my voice light, but even I could hear the jealousy.
“No! Of course not. I hope you don’t, either?”
I almost laughed at her uncertain expression. As if I had multiple ladies on rotation. I couldn’t think of anyone else. She’d snuck in and filled my entire world. My eyes followed her wherever she went, and my cock was constantly hard as I thought of her. If this was what friends with benefits felt like, I must have misunderstood the concept.
“There’s no room for anyone else in my mind,” I replied truthfully.
If she thought I was pathetic, at least I wasn’t misrepresenting myself. Other than hiding the true degree of my obsession. It made no sense to feel this way after knowing someone for such a short time. Maybe it was the sudden influx of sex hormones. My body wasn’t used to them.
Noelle pulled her sweater over her head, and two glistening eyes appeared, framed by mussed hair. “That is the sweetest thing anyone’s…” She took a deep breath and made an emotional noise as she crashed into my chest, wrapping her arms around me.
She mumbled the rest of that sentence, holding on tight. The hug lasted for a long time. With every inhale of her scent, I felt weaker and stronger at the same time. I didn’t want to let go, and it seemed neither did she. I wondered if other people in friends-with-benefits relationships were acting like this. This was the exact opposite of casual.
Eventually, I let her go and walked her upstairs. I didn’t want to leave her there, but at least the power was back on. The room felt warmer.
“Do you think it’ll blow the fuse if I turn these on?” She gestured at the ridiculous pile of Christmas lights covering the window.
“Should be fine. But I think they’d look better downstairs. You know, where they were.”
“You’re not changing your mind!” She laughed, a little incredulous. “I just took everything down.”
I shrugged. “Up to you.”
I felt different. Maybe my store could look different, too. I scooped her waist and pulled her closer, full of wonder that I could do so. That I was allowed to touch her. She sighed, relaxing into me like she belonged right there.
Still, her eyes held a hint of rebellion. “I’m keeping the lights up here. Otherwise, it’s too much too soon. Friends with benefits don’t decorate each other’s houses. Or workplaces.”
“Okay. Can I get a list of dos and don’ts? It’d be really helpful.”
