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Authors: Maya Banks

Tags: #General, #Fiction, #Romance, #Erotica, #Man-Woman Relationships, #Christian, #Romance Contemporary, #Best Friends

Seducing Simon (3 page)

BOOK: Seducing Simon
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Seducing Simon

A slamming door jerked her out of her wallow. Her feet thumped to the floor, and she whirled around to see Simon standing in the kitchen, fury blazing in his eyes.

She stood up, half in dread, half in hope. He should be ecstatic, not angry.

“Simon?”

His fist thumped on the bar as he slapped his keys down.

Toni stood across the room, unsure of whether she should approach him. She’d never seen him this angry.

“She was in bed with another man,” Simon bit out.

Toni’s mouth rounded to an O, and her breath escaped in a whoosh of surprise. She hurried forward, stopping in front of Simon. She reached a shaky hand to his arm.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly.

How could she feel this much relief when Simon was obviously in so much pain? But her heart beat a hopeful rhythm.

He let out an angry sigh. She wrinkled her nose as the smell of alcohol reached her.

“Simon, have you been drinking?”

He grinned crookedly at her. “You could say that.” Before she could respond, he stumbled over to one of the cabinets and pulled down a bottle of Jim Beam and a juice glass.

He looked back at her and raised a glass in question. “Wanna join me?”

“Simon…”

“What?”

“Don’t do this. She’s not worth it.”

He nodded his head. “I completely agree.” He walked around the bar and headed into the living room, the bottle dangling from his fingertips.

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Maya Banks

He set both on the coffee table and poured a generous amount of the liquor into the glass.

Toni eased onto the couch beside him. As much as she didn’t want him marrying another woman, his pain was nearly her undoing.

Simon drained the glass and plunked it back down, quickly pouring another round. His fingers clenched the glass as he brought it to his mouth, the tips white with the pressure he exerted.

“I went over there to surprise her, to ask her to marry me, and I find her fucking another man.” He shook his head, his lips twisting into a snarl. “What an idiot I am.”

“She’s the idiot,” Toni said through clenched teeth.

Simon quirked an eyebrow then his mouth relaxed into a smile. Some of the darkness receded from his green eyes. He reached out a hand to cup her cheek. “Thank you.”

She worked to keep from nuzzling into his hand. “For what?”

“For being here,” he said softly.

She edged closer still to him. She rubbed her cheek against his palm.

How much had he had to drink already? He’d just consumed two large glasses of Jim Beam, and apart from the occasional beer, Simon wasn’t a drinker.

He stared at her, his gaze slightly unfocused, but intently rested on her. She put her fingers out to touch his lips, wondering how he would react, wondering why she was being so bold.

His mouth felt full, sensuous against her touch. His hand fell away from her cheek, down to her shoulder then began a slow glide down her arm until his fingers met her hand.

Before her courage completely failed her, she leaned into him, slowly pulling her hand away from his lips until her mouth replaced her fingers.

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Seducing Simon

There was a short, jerky intake of breath on his part as her lips tentatively moved over his. She pulled away and tried to gauge his reaction to her advances.

He reached out a hand and thumbed her lip. She tried to breathe in, but she felt a hitch, and it stuck in her throat. Her heart beat erratically against her chest.

She wanted more of him, more than just gentle kisses and a few innocent caresses. She’d waited so long for him to look at her the way he was looking at her right now.

Placing her hands on his broad chest, she pushed him back against the couch. She smoothed her fingers over his shoulders and down his muscular arms. She loved the feel of his strength, the raw power that exuded from him.

Not taking even a second to contemplate her actions, not
wanting
to back away from the conscious decision she’d made, she swung her leg over his lap, and straddled his legs.

She stared into his eyes as she pushed her hands underneath his T-shirt and began to shove it upward. She gained confidence when she saw his answering desire. As she pulled the shirt over his head and it fell free, Simon pulled her against him, his lips sliding hotly over hers.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened their kiss, meeting his tongue in playful abandon. Her own shirt began to work itself higher as Simon’s hands slid underneath to cup her bare breasts.

Her body sang at his touch. Desire hummed through her veins. How she loved this man. She wanted to show him, to tell him, to make him see the depth of her feelings in a way she never could before.

To her surprise, he stood, hauling her with him, holding her tightly against his chest. Cradling her in his strong arms, he walked toward his bedroom. He kicked open the door and shouldered his way in. He laid

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Maya Banks

her down on the bed then backed far enough away from the edge to slip out of his jeans.

Toni rested on her elbow, taking in every inch of his gorgeous body as he rid himself of his clothing. She sucked in her breath when he pulled his briefs down and bared his straining erection.

Like a predator, he crawled onto the bed, need glittering in his eyes.

He straddled her body and grinned wickedly down at her. He tugged at her shirt until it slipped over her head. Then with a flick of his fingers, her jeans came unbuttoned, and he began pulling them down her legs, leaving her only in her panties.

He bent and kissed the skin between her navel and the silky underwear. Goose bumps dotted her abdomen, and she shivered as his tongue moved upward and circled the shallow indention.

He hooked his thumbs in the thin band at her hips and slowly pulled downward. Soon she was completely naked. No matter how many times she’d fantasized about such a moment, her dreams had nothing on reality.

He hovered over her, and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him down to her naked body. Heated flesh met hers, his hardness an erotic contrast to her softness. His hand twisted in her curly hair as he explored her mouth with his.

Need tightened every muscle in her body as he inserted his leg between her thighs. Their limbs tangled together, rubbing, then he nudged her legs further apart with his knee.

Every touch, every kiss, every caress was exquisitely gentle, as if she was the most precious thing in the world. Tears swam in her eyes, and her chest tightened so unbearably she found it hard to breathe.

She’d dreamed of him, of this moment for so long. Of loving him, touching him, showing him how good they could be together.

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Seducing Simon

Her breath caught in her throat as he slid inside her. The brief moment of discomfort was so fleeting it barely registered on her radar.

They fit perfectly, like they were made for each other.

He rose over her, holding her tightly as their sweat-slickened bodies moved in unison. His hands cupped her buttocks, then slid down to spread her thighs further. The tension in her belly grew until she knew she was on the edge of something truly wonderful.

His lips lowered to her neck, sucking, nipping at the tender flesh. She wrapped her arms around him as her orgasm rippled through her abdomen. She twisted and shuddered, and she gripped him even tighter.

“That’s it, baby,” he murmured against her ear.

He tensed above her and moaned low in his throat. She wrapped her legs around him as he surged more deeply into her. He expelled his breath in one long hiss before he relaxed and slowly sank down over her.

She sighed and snuggled deeper into his arms. He felt so good.

Wrapped around her like he owned every inch of her.

“I love you,” she whispered.

He shifted so that his weight settled to the side, and he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her against his chest.

“Starla,” he mumbled.

Toni stiffened.

“I’m so glad you came back to me,” he whispered.

Every hope, every dream came crashing around her. Humiliation replaced her earlier euphoria. She closed her eyes against the tears swimming in her vision. God, what a fool she was. What was she going to do when he realized she wasn’t Starla? Could their friendship survive such an awful mistake?

She wiggled slightly until she was enough away to see he was sound asleep. She had to get out before she completely lost it. Carefully, she

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Maya Banks

withdrew, sliding out of his embrace, praying he wouldn’t wake up and see her naked in his bed. She tensed as he stirred, but he merely swung his arm over his head and resumed his even breathing.

She collected her clothes and ran for the door, bolting down the hall into the living room. Tears flooded her eyes, spilling down her cheeks.

What was she going to do?

She yanked her pants on then pulled the shirt over her head. She wanted to scream, wanted to hurt someone as badly as she hurt right now.

She closed her eyes.
Stupid, stupid, stupid
.

She wilted on the couch, burying her face in her hands. What had been the most beautiful experience of her life now flopped in the final throes of a brutal death. And worse, she’d have to face Simon when he woke up and realized what a horrible mistake he’d made.

She sat there all night, dreading the morning when Simon would awaken to what they had done. She couldn’t sleep, couldn’t focus on anything but the moment he’d called her Starla.

Long after the first light of dawn peeked through the French doors leading to the deck, Toni heard the sound of Simon’s door. She tensed as his footsteps shuffled along the carpeted hallway.

Anxiety settled in and began eating away at her insides.

He walked into the living room wearing shorts and a T-shirt, his hair rumpled and his face haggard. He looked like hell. Much like she felt.

“Hey,” he said softly.

She swallowed, her mouth gone dry.

He padded over and sat down beside her, squeezing her knee with his hand.

“I just wanted to say thanks,” he said.

She stared at him. Was he out of his mind? He was thanking her?

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Seducing Simon

“I really appreciate you being there last night. You’re a great friend.” Realization began to dawn, and her heart tripped and sped up. He didn’t remember. It had to be the explanation. How else could he casually walk in as if nothing happened?

As much as the idea of him not even remembering making love to her stung, she was vastly relieved she’d been saved the humiliation of the whole messy ordeal.

She closed her eyes briefly, sadness mixing with the overwhelming relief. She had gone back to being the little sister, the best friend, anyone but the desirable woman she wanted him to see…

With a sigh, Toni gave up on sleep. The memory of that night burned too brightly in her mind. She crawled out of bed and headed for the shower. The guys would be getting off soon. As she usually did, she prepared breakfast for them and left it out for them to eat. After some dry toast, she locked up and left.

The morning was busy and passed in a blur. She took a quick lunch break and ate half a sandwich and some water. When she went back up front, Mrs. Hauffrey was waiting with her two poodles.

“Antonia, darling, how are you?”

“I’m fine, Mrs. Hauffrey. How are Fritz and Fifi?”

“Oh they’re lovely. Just here for a check-up.” Her gaze sharpened, her mammoth earrings dangling fiercely as she leaned forward. “Now darling, you know I’m not one to pry, but I saw you come out of the clinic yesterday and couldn’t help but be concerned. Is everything all right?” Her eyes were wide, innocence etched on her heavily made up features.

She even managed a look of concern.

Toni sighed.
Not one to pry, my ass
. The woman could pry a steel trap open with her teeth. Her eyes gleamed in excitement at the prospect of

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Maya Banks

juicy gossip. Well Toni wasn’t going to be fodder for the ladies group at the Baptist Church.

“Couldn’t be better,” Toni said with a smile. “If you’ll bring the dogs back, Doc will see them now.”

The look of disappointment on the older woman’s face was priceless.

She’d have enough to gossip about when Toni started showing. Which shouldn’t be too far in the distant future.

Shortly after four, Toni saw the last scheduled appointment out the door and began closing up. Exhaustion permeated every pore in her body. It would be a miracle if she could stay awake enough to drive home.

She trudged out to the parking lot and slipped into the seat of her Jeep. God, it felt good to sit down. It had been a crazy day in the office, and breaks had been few and far between.

Fifteen minutes later, she pulled up to the house and turned off the ignition. All the guys were home judging by the trucks parked in the driveway. Why did she feel so awkward about facing them now? Taking a deep breath, she got out and trekked toward the door. She needed her bed in the worst way.

Matt and A.J. were watching TV, and Simon was in the kitchen cooking. She walked by with a small wave. Honestly, it was all she could muster. Speaking would have sapped whatever remaining energy she had left. She ignored Simon’s inquisitive stare.

She didn’t even bother undressing once she got to her room. She tossed her purse down and crawled into the covers.

“Toni? Everything okay?” Simon’s voice reached her just as she felt him sit on the bed beside her.

“Tired.” It was all she could manage.

His hand rubbed her back, and she moaned softly. “That feels good.”

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Seducing Simon

“Is she okay?” Matt asked from the door.

He and A.J. crowded into the room and stood beside the bed where Simon sat.

“I’m fine,” she said, looking up at them. “Just exhausted.”

“Should you go to the doctor?” A.J. asked.

“It’s normal,” Simon said.

“How would you know?” Matt demanded.

BOOK: Seducing Simon
11.77Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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