The pleasure was sharp and originating from the deepest part of her, and it was building, spreading from her belly to her toes and fingers, and she knew it wouldnt be long before she went over the edge one more time.
No, Rick said, his voice firm and low. Not yet.
Josie opened her eyes to the most wondrous sightthe gorgeous, intense stranger whod arrived in her life via special delivery, courtesy of the universe, was no longer a stranger. His face was alive with passion and affection. It had openedto her. He truly cared for her. He wanted her.
He wanted something special and real with her. She would have no more doubts.
Please, my sweet Josie, feel me, Rick said, his eyes scanning her face.
I need you to stay right here with me. Feel exactly whats happening between us. With that, Rick reached beneath her and gathered her close to his chest, all the while pushing himself farther inside her body, rotating and thrusting and rubbing, all of which made Josie wonder/how am I supposed to be the orgasm crossing guard here, holding up a big red stop sign smack in the middle of Ecstasy Street?/ Rick suddenly cupped her face in both his hands, pushing one last time, his eyes locking onto hers with seriousness, with purpose. Now, he said.
She exploded. She heard him call out her name, as if from a distance.
And in that suspended moment, where it felt like they were perched together on the very top of the worlds biggest roller coaster, there was nothing to do but hold on to each other and enjoy the ride. The sensations began to roll through them, first a fireball, then a wave, and next a river, flowing on and on until it calmed, spreading heat and peace through them both.
After several long minutes, Rick was the first to move. He stroked the side of Josies face, then placed quick little kisses all over, from her nose and forehead to her neck and shoulders. When he finished, they both sighed, held on even tighter to each other, and listened as their breathing found a perfect rhythm.
Suddenly, Ricks body went rigid, as if hed felt a stab of pain. Josie stilled, too, wondering which steel plate had shifted or which pin had sprung loose inside him.
Where does it hurt? she asked, her hands firm on his upper arms. What should I do? Tell me what to do!
His back began to shake. Was he crying? Rick, please, tell me whats wrong! Josie pushed him away so she could determine if the pain had left him speechless. She discovered he was laughing, not crying.
Someone is licking my toes, he said.
Genghis?
God, I hope so, he said, before he burst into laughter.
Josie peered down Ricks bare body to the foot of the bed. Her dog had both front paws on the mattress, and the gleam in his beady brown eyes revealed how he longed to join them.
Down, boy! she commanded.
Genghis didnt budge. His pink tongue flopped out of his mouth as he panted happily.
Get off the bed, Genghis. Go on, she told him. Please.
More happy panting. No moving.
Rick nuzzled his nose into the crook of Josies neck. It appears your dog doesnt take you seriously, sweetie, he whispered, kissing her collarbone.
Story of my life.
Youve got to be firmsay it like you mean it. He nibbled his way down her right shoulder. Give it another try.
Josie glared toward the foot of the bed, where Genghis waited, his furry helicopter tail revving up for a takeoff. She made her voice as low and serious as she could. Down! she barked. Get off! Now!
The dog hopped down.
See? Rick was busy licking her cleavage, unaware that all Genghis had done was trot around to the side of the bed, where he now crouched in his ready-to-play position, butt up in the air and paws stretched straight out in front of him. A pair of shredded boxer-briefs dangled from his teeth.
He just needs to know whos the boss around here. Rick stayed buried in her breasts. Dogs want to know whos the leader of their pack. Its a relief to them when they know someone is in charge.
Josie leaned down and kissed Ricks tousled hair. Of course, she said, trying not to laugh. Well discuss this further when were out shopping.
Rick raised his head, frowning. Were going shopping?
Josie leaned her head in Genghiss direction. Seventh floor, mens undergarments, she said cheerfully.
Youre going to have to put her in the car if she cant stop growling, Bea said, thoroughly annoyed with Liliths antics. Were trying to remain incognito, remember?
If I put her in the car, then shell be whining and barking in addition to growling, Roxie said.
Doesnt somebody manufacture a soundproof muzzle? Ginger asked. I mean, for Gods sake, theyve invented everything else. I was surfing the Web the other day and found this new poop scoop that scrapes it up, bags it, and ties it closed without you ever having to bend over or touch anything.
Bea squinted at Ginger in the shadows. Your dogs doo-doo is the size of a Lincoln Log. You could pick it up with a pair of eyebrow tweezers.
What do you need a contraption like that for?
Shhh! Here comes somebody! Roxie waved her hand in the darkness under the huge old elm tree. Its a guy! Its a guy!
Oh, my God, Ginger whispered. She had a man up there. You were right, Bea!
But wait, Roxie said. How do we know he came from Josies apartment? He could have come from anywhere. He might even live there.
Bea nodded. Youre right, Roxie. Excellent point.
A door opened on the second floor of the white stucco building. A curly-haired woman came to the railing of her balcony with a big scruffy dog at her side. Though they didnt need it, the porch light provided some beyond-a-reasonable-doubt illumination.
The three women under the tree turned to each other and nodded in silent agreement.
Good night, Rick, Josie whispered in a voice loud enough for anyone to hear.
The man turned around on the sidewalk and blew Josie a kiss, saying, Till the morrow, sweet Juliet. Then he headed back up the street, hands in his pockets, a swagger in his stride.
I do not freakin believe he just called her?Juliet, Ginger whispered.
No ones ever called me?Juliet!
My God. Did you get a good look at that man? Roxie craned her neck around one of the lower tree branches. Hes absolutely gorgeous. Hottie McHottness.
Bea glowered at her.
I meant that in an objective-reporter kind of way, Roxie added.
And he just called her?Juliet! Ginger repeated. I think Im going to cry!
For Gods sake, Bea said.
They watched the man stroll up half the block before a shiny black Lexus pulled to the curb.
Thats the same car! Ginger said, her voice getting squeaky.
Then the man Josie had called Rick walked around the front of the Lexus and got in the passenger side.
The women watched in silence as the shiny black luxury car drove past them quite slowly, the driver acknowledging their hiding place under the elm with a barely discernible nod of his head. The car came to a stop at the intersection before it turned north. Liliths growling escalated.
I got the plate, Roxie said, already whipping out her cell phone to jot down the numbers. I have a buddy in major crimes who can run it for me tomorrow.
Good work, Bea said.
What is going on here? Ginger said, shaking her head in disbelief. Were being followed! That guy in the Lexus is following us! He followed us from the bistro to Josies!
Or he thinks we followed him, Bea said.
Ginger took a step back from the tree, pulling her jacket tighter around HeatherLynn. Im scared. I think we should tell Josie shes in some kind of danger, that her so-called Romeo is some kind of criminal or something. We should call the police. This isnt something we should be involved in.
Bea sighed, straightening from her crouch under the tree. Ginger, we dont know what or who that Rick guy is. He could be on the board of supervisors or a congressman, for all we know. He could be a professional athlete or a friend of her brothers, for crying out loud.