Hidden Depths Page 14

  "Whoa, Gia. Back up the crazy train. Haven't you known him for like a decade or something? And he's managed to stick around that long. Besides which, you guys just got together. A week... that's a little early to be getting all wigged about the eventual break up."

  Gia sighed, flopping back down into the chair.

  "I know. I just don't want to look like an idiot for even trying this thing with him. It's foolish, it'll never work, we don't fit... and I've never been big on setting myself up for guaranteed failure."

  "Who says it's guaranteed anything?"

  She rolled her eyes. "Nice attempt at a pep talk, but let's be real."

  "I am being real. You haven't managed to scare him off yet, so obviously he can handle the whole package that is Gia. And he still wants to date you, right? So the opposites thing doesn't apply."

  "Sort of... except we aren't dating. We're just sleeping together."

  Aaron was completely silent. Nothing. She wasn't even entirely sure he was breathing. She squirmed in her chair. When he still said nothing, she finally asked, "So, now you think I'm a tramp, right?"

  He burst out laughing. Hard. When he finally managed to catch his breath, his face was red and his eyes were all watery. But he was shaking his head. "No, not a tramp. That's not what I was thinking."

  "Okay, then what's so funny? Come on, I could use a good joke."

  "Honestly?"

  Gia shook her head.

  "Well okay... my first thought was, a no strings, just sex relationship... where can I get one. That was quickly followed by, this guy is an idiot for not wanting more with you. Which was then followed by..."

  He stopped, looking at her like he was waiting for something. Or debating something. "Go on."

  "Well, who decided it was only sex? Cuz if I had to hazard a guess, it was you not him that placed it in that category."

  He was right, but there was really no way he could know that. "Why would you think that? Conventionally, men always want sex and women always want more."

  "Yeah, well, you're not exactly conventional. And, I met him, remember? I got the impression even then that there was something more between you. I figured if someone was putting on the brakes, it was most likely you. No offense intended."

  She shrugged, nodding her head kind of side to side. "None taken. I guess I'm more transparent than I like to think I am."

  He smiled. "Not really. I have to admit, the 'alternate reality' was another big give away."

  He looked at his watch then looked back up at her. "We're closed in about fifteen minutes. Want to just call it a day and lock up now?"

  She looked at the clock, surprised by how late it had gotten. "Yep. Let's lock up."

  They wandered around the quiet shop, not uncommon for a Thursday evening, putting things away, closing blinds, flipping off lights. After just a couple minutes, they headed to the front door together.

  Suddenly Aaron, stopped in front of her, turning back to face her.

  "Maybe you should give him a chance, Gia. I think this uptight lawyer might just continue to surprise you."

  Gia was shaking her head before the words were even out of his mouth. "Nope. It's sex. Good sex, granted, but nothing else. I intend to enjoy it while it lasts, and hopefully we can be friends when it's over. But, thanks for listening to my whining tonight."

  Once outside, Gia turned and locked the door behind her. When she spun back to face her car, Josh was there waiting for her.

  Despite her words from only moments before, her heart did a little skip, jumping at just the sight of him.

  Oh yeah... only sex. Sure.

  Now if she could only convince her heart of that!

  * * * *

  Josh watched her walk out with that damn tattooed giant, and he couldn't stop the surge of jealousy. He wanted to march over to Gia, plant his lips on hers and stake his claim. Right in front of the guard dog.

  But he couldn't. It was against the rules. Her rules! So instead he stood there like an idiot, with a ridiculous grin pasted on his face, nodding politely to Aaron.

  It hadn't even been a week, and Josh was already tired of keeping this secret. He was thrilled that Gia had finally seen that there was something between them. Something he had wanted for years. Something he had sworn would never happen. He wanted to shout it to the world, tell everyone they knew that Gia actually considered him worthy of her attention. Instead, he was forced to hide everything.

  You'd think after all these years, he would be good at hiding his true feelings. For some reason though, this bothered him. A lot.

  Pushing down his frustrations, Josh was able to offer a more sincere smile of greeting to Gia. It would have to be enough that she at least looked pleased to see him.

  "Hey, baby. I thought maybe you'd be up for a late dinner."

  Her smile faltered a bit. He continued before she could remind him of the 'no public' rule, "I brought food from the restaurant. I thought we could eat at your place. Sound good?"

  The smile returned as she stopped next to him. "Sure. That sounds great. I could definitely do with a little food."

  "I figured. You never seem to eat much when you're working."

  He leaned forward to kiss her before he stopped himself. Instead, he reached to grab her hand. He wanted to touch her somehow, and figured that was more discreet.

  She squeezed his hand before pulling back and reaching into her purse for her keys.

  "Follow me back to my house?"

  Gritting his teeth, Josh nodded.

  "Oh, and don't forget to..."

  "Park in your garage. I know."

  He turned on his heel and walked back to the driver's side of his Jag without saying another word.

  Chapter 24

  Josh parked and followed her in through the garage door. When he came over, she had taken to parking in the driveway, leaving him in the garage. A pain in the ass when he had to leave before her in the morning, but she only had a one car garage.

  Once inside, he dropped dinner onto the kitchen table. As soon as his hands were free, he grabbed Gia, pinned her against the counter and fisted his hands in her hair. He pushed hard against her before finally settling his lips against hers for the kiss he'd wanted from the moment he saw her.

  Now that he had her back in his arms, a little of the frustration started to melt away. Just as she melted into the kiss. But there was still something pushing at him. He wanted her... now. Here in the kitchen.

  He palmed her ass, lifting her and setting her on the kitchen counter. All without lifting his lips off of hers. He pulled her hips, bringing her right to the edge, pressing her against his shaft. He was already hard and aching.

  Pulling his lips away, he sucked in a breath and asked, "How hungry are you?"

  She nipped and kissed at his neck, licking a trail down his throat. "Very. But not for food."

  On a growl, Josh managed to ground out, "Good," before pressing his mouth back down on hers.

  After another minute or two, he needed to feel her skin against his. He pulled back long enough to remove both his shirt and hers. Deciding the hook would take too long, he simply pulled down the cups of her bra, pushing her breasts up and out. The nipples were a tempting pink, hard and pouting at him with the little rings shining silver. He dipped his head, sucking first one, then the other. Suctioning hard, he bit down, licking the tip in apology, before biting down harder the second time.

  She moaned and thrust her hips up, her body showing him what she wanted without words. He needed to be inside her.

  "Lift your hips Gia." When she didn't move fast enough to please him, he barked out, "Now!"

  She leaned back on her hands, raising her ass of the countertop. He popped the button and slid down the zipper on her jeans. Yanking both jeans and underwear out from under her, he quickly pulled them down her legs. When they got hung up on her boots, he swore, then yanked those off too, laces be damned.

  When she was finally free of her pants, he wasted no time slidin
g two fingers through her folds. She was already soaking wet.

  "Aahh, hell baby. You heat up so fast. It drives me fucking nuts."

  She twisted her hips against his fingers, before sitting upright to undo his jeans. She pushed them off his hips, tugging his boxers down below his erection.

  When the cool air hit his cock, followed quickly by her fingers wrapping around him, he threw his head back with the pleasure. He thrust his fingers inside her, matching pace with his hips as he slipped through her hand.

  When he felt her starting to tighten around his hand, he pulled out, grabbing her hips and pulling as he thrust forward.

  With her hand around his shaft, only a few inches made it inside her wet heat, teasing him, tempting him, spiking his desire even hotter.

  He gripped her hips hard, mentally willing her to get her hand out of the way as he pulled out just a bit, before thrusting in as hard as his body would allow.

  Her hand was gone and he was buried balls deep inside her.

  * * * *

  Gia cried out, unable to contain her pleasure, uncaring of who might hear her through the thin walls of her townhouse.

  He thrust again, harder even still, thrilling her with his unrestrained passion. She leaned back on her hands, pushing against the counter, using the leverage to meet his thrusts, adding her strength to his.

  "Aaahh, fuck Gia. You feel so good. Hot... tight."

  He thrust again, obviously giving up on words, his breathing ragged and fast.

  She felt the first tremors of orgasm starting low in her belly. The little flutter was followed immediately by the tingling warmth. It broke open before she could even take in a breath, ripping through her core, tearing her apart.

  She felt her pussy walls, clenching him, trying to hold him inside, though she didn't really want him to stop. Thank God he didn't. If anything, he sped his pace, driving into her hard enough to clack her teeth together if her mouth hadn't been so far open seeking the oxygen her orgasm denied her.

  Before she could even get one breath, she felt his ass clench, his fingers digging into her hips, as he plunged into her once... twice... on the third time he stilled. She felt the hot spurts of his come pulsing inside her. The heat, his grip, the short little thrusts he used as he rode out his pleasure all combined to send her body spiraling through another orgasm of her own. The second one was slower, longer than the first, rolling through her in waves.

  Her arms finally gave up the fight and she collapsed backward onto the granite countertop, not even noticing the chill against her overheated skin.

  Josh leaned forward, resting his head against her belly while they both struggled to recover their breathing.

  When she could finally form words, she opened her mouth, a little surprised when a giggle emerged. She never giggled.

  After another moment, he finally spoke. "That was...fantastic. Amazing. There really are no words."

  "Seems like you're doing a pretty good job finding words there, counselor. Pretty good words, too, I might add."

  "Trust me, they don't do justice to what just happened. I've never come so hard in all my life. That was..."

  "I know. I'm actually surprised your legs are still holding you upright. My arms gave up."

  Josh chuckled, "Well, I must admit I have my knees locked."

  All of a sudden, he froze, the smile fleeing as his face settled into a look of shock... or maybe terror.

  "Gia, I... fuck. I forgot a condom."

  Trying not to be offended by just how terrified he looked, she forced a smile she didn't really feel. "It's fine, Josh. I get the Depo shot."

  She actually felt his body sag with relief. Finding herself swinging from utterly sated to seriously peeved, she pushed herself back into an upright position, giving him a little shove to dislodge his softening anatomy. When she was mostly free, she swung her leg half over him and hopped off the counter.

  Once standing she strolled naked across her living room and into the bathroom for a little clean up, leaving Josh standing behind her.

  Hopefully staring.

  A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed that yes, he was indeed staring. It also reminded her just how fast that softening anatomy of his could recover.

  After a quick potty stop, and a moment to clean up, she emerged from the bathroom to find him standing there, still staring after her, though he had taken a moment to at least pull up his jeans.

  She raised her eyebrows, silently questioning the somewhat baffled expression he wore. After a moment, he cocked his head to the side, running his hand through his hair before crossing his arms in front of his chest.

  "You know, I think maybe you took that the wrong way."

  "Took what the wrong way, Josh?"

  "Well, of course I'm relieved that you're on birth control, but not because I don't want..."

  "No, I get it. You want kids. Just not...now." Not with me.

  "Well, yes. Kind of. It's not even really not now, just the timing is bad. We've only been together a week, Gia."

  "It's fine Josh, really. I get it, I really do."

  "Okay then... so why do you seem angry?"

  She sighed. Apparently she could add perceptive to his list of qualities. "I'm not angry, not really. It was just a gut reaction. You seemed a bit too happy to hear I was on birth control. It's fine. Honest."

  In an effort to convince him that all was forgiven, she sashayed up to him, adding a little extra swing to her hips.

  When his mouth opened, but no words came out, she smiled. There were definite advantages to being naked.

  When she reached him, she went up on her toes, pressing her body lightly against his, before pressing her lips gently against his throat. She scraped her teeth down the cord in his neck, nipping at his collarbone.

  That was all the more convincing it took.

  He tossed her over his shoulder and carried her off to her bedroom. She knew she should be annoyed by his high handed behavior. He was developing a tendency to physically move her wherever he wanted her.

  She loved it.

  Chapter 25

  Friday night, the group of friends all decided to meet up again at The Tavern. Kelly had called and invited Gia even before Josh had called and told her about it early Friday afternoon. It was to be expected, really. The longest she had gone without seeing everyone had been the three weeks Josh had been gone. And that had been her choice, not theirs. She knew they had all met up at least twice while he was away, she had just opted not to go.

  Which was exactly what she was contemplating doing tonight as well. She was pretty certain that she could easily be 'too busy' and no one would question it. Friday and Saturday were her busiest days in the shop. And evenings were the busiest times. Now, she could easily leave Aaron here with Billy. They were usually slower by around eight anyway, and they could always call her if there was a sudden rush of unscheduled tattoos. A highly unlikely scenario at best. But, it was her shop. It was probably best if she just stayed here.

  Gia sighed. She may be willing to fib to everyone else, but she really needed to at least be honest with herself. She didn't want to go tonight. Not that she didn't want to see her friends, or even spend more time with Josh outside the bedroom. But that time 'in' the bedroom was the crux of the problem. She wasn't entirely sure she could spend an entire evening with Josh and their friends... friends that knew them as well as anyone possibly could... and not give away their secret.

  For the next couple of hours, Gia flipped and flopped, deciding one way, then the other as to whether or not she was going. When Josh dropped in around six, she was just cleaning up from her previous appointment. She still hadn't come to any conclusions.

  A quick glance at her schedule told her that she had thirty minutes before her next, and final appointment for the evening.

  "Hi there. So, I wanted to talk to you about the bar tonight. Can we go out back for a minute?"

  "Sure."

  Josh followed her through the shop, noddin
g his head in greeting to both Billy and Aaron who were still working on their customers.

  As soon as the walked through the door to the back alley, Josh had her pinned up against the wall, his lips against hers.

  After an all too brief kiss, that still managed to make her head spin, he pulled back to smile down at her.

  "Hi."

  She couldn't stop the little gurgle of laughter. "Hi, back at ya."

  "So, about tonight..."

  He let the words trail off, expecting her to fill in the blanks.

  "Ummm, yeah. I'm not sure it's such a good idea for both of us to go. And since I should really be here anyway..."

  "Uh uh, Gia. No way."

  "No way what?"

  "No way are you going to bail on our friends and use me as an excuse."

  "It's not an excuse. I just don't think it's a good idea. I mean, there is no way they're not going to be able to tell that something is going on with us. Look at this! You still have me pinned against a wall, Josh, in the alley. They're going to know."

  "So what if they do?"

  "You agreed to keep this just between us..."

  He interrupted again, "I know, and I have... and I will. But, that doesn't mean that we can't be in the same room together. That would actually be more of a tipoff than anything else. I mean, it might work for tonight, but long term? No way."

  She hadn't thought of that. She puffed out air, blowing her bangs out of her eyes in the process. Sometime during his little rant, Josh had finally backed up a couple steps, leaving her free to push away from the wall. He was now standing in front of her, hands on his hips, looking every inch the pissed off lawyer.

  She gave him a little half grin. "You know how hard this is for me to admit, but you're right."

  "Damn it, you know that would... wait, what did you just say?"

  "I said you're right."

  Now he just looked completely puzzled. "I expected you to argue some more."

  "Clearly. But the truth is, that would be a dead giveaway. So, instead we need to set some rules."

  * * * *

  Josh rolled his eyes. Of course they needed more rules. At least according to Gia. He wanted more rules about like he wanted another hole in his head.