Emily leaned forward, her green eyes bright with conviction. "Soph, I'm going to tell you what you told me. You won't know if you don't try. There's nothing wrong with getting your freak on, and being conflicted is totally reasonable, but it doesn't mean the only option is pulling the plug."
Sophia snorted, but a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "Using my own words against me, huh? That's low, Carter."
"Hey, if the advice fits," Emily shrugged, grinning. Her expression softened as she continued, "Look, maybe what you should be doing is figuring out what your boundaries are so you have time to get used to it before you need to tell Jake."
Sophia's brow furrowed. "Boundaries? Like what, a safe word for my ego?"
Emily rolled her eyes. "I'm serious, Soph. What are you com
Emily strode into the gleaming lobby of Mitchell Financial, her heels clicking decisively on the polished marble. The usual receptionists and junior associates greeted her with warm smiles, used to seeing the fiancée of their star Ryan Mitchell."Evening, Ms. Carter," called out Janice from the front desk. "Surprising Ryan?"Emily flashed a tight smile, her stomach fluttering with anticipation. "You know me, can't stay away." She made her way to the elevator, mind racing. It had been weeks since she'd seen Ryan outside of hurried dinners and distracted phone calls. His big merger was finally wrapping up and her massive project was finally done and dusted - time to celebrate and reconnect.The elevator dinged open on the executive floor. Emily's heels sunk into plush carpeting as she approached Ryan's corner office. Muffled sounds filtered through the heavy oak door. Was that...?Emily's hand froze on the doorknob. A woman's breathy moan. Rhythmic thumping. "Oh fuck," she whispered.
The clink of glass against the marble countertop echoed through Sophia's cozy kitchen as she poured a generous glass of ruby-red Merlot. Emily's mascara-streaked face stared blankly ahead, her eyes puffy and red-rimmed."Fuck it," Sophia muttered, setting down the glass and grabbing the entire bottle instead. She pressed the cool glass into Emily's trembling hands. "You need this more than I do, babe."Emily's fingers curled around the bottle's neck, her engagement ring noticeably absent. The weight of it felt both comforting and dangerous - a lifeline and a weapon all at once. She took a long swig, relishing the warmth as it slid down her throat."I can't believe that bastard," Emily choked out, her voice raw from crying. "After everything we've been through..."Sophia perched on the kitchen stool beside her, placing a reassuring hand on Emily's shoulder. "He’s a fucking idiot, Em. You deserve so much better than that cheating asshole."Emily's mind raced, replaying the horrific scen
Emily stared blankly at the TV, a week after the break up and her third day in a row wearing Sophia's oversized pajamas. The bottle of wine on the coffee table was already half empty.Sophia bustled into the living room, keys jangling. "Alright, Em. Enough wallowing. We're going out tonight."Emily groaned. "I don't think I can face people yet. My mascara's probably fused to my face at this point.""That's why showers exist, honey." Sophia plopped down next to her. "Come on, a few drinks will do you good. Get you out of this funk."Emily's stomach churned at the thought. But Sophia's determined look told her resistance was futile. "Fine. But I'm not wearing heels. Or anything that requires a bra.""Deal." Sophia grinned. "We'll hit up The Iron Horse. No one there gives a shit what you look like."As they got ready, Emily caught her reflection in the mirror. Christ, I look like death warmed over. But maybe that was fitting. The old Emily had died the moment she opened that office door.
The smell hit Emily like a freight train - stale beer, cigarette smoke, and something distinctly mechanical. Her nose wrinkled involuntarily."Jesus, Soph. Are you trying to get us killed?" Emily muttered, eyeing the leather-clad patrons.Sophia just laughed, leading them to the bar. "Two rounds of five shots. Your strongest stuff," she told the bartender, slapping down some cash.Emily's eyes widened. "Are you insane? We'll be on our asses before midnight.""That's the point, babe. Now shut up and drink."As the bartender lined up the shots, Emily felt eyes on her. She tugged at her dress self-consciously, wishing she'd worn jeans instead.Sophia leaned in close, her breath tickling Emily's ear. "Stop fidgeting. Every person in this joint thinks you're smoking hot."Emily snorted. "Yeah, right. I look like a librarian who took a wrong turn.""Trust me," Sophia said, grabbing the first shot. "You're turning heads. Now let's get fucked up and forget about that cheating bastard."Emily
Emily raised her shot glass, the cheap tequila sloshing dangerously close to the rim. "Another round for us ladies," she announced with a crooked grin. "Care to join, mystery man?"Lucas' eyes crinkled with amusement as he regarded the two women. The dim bar lighting cast shadows across his rugged features, making him look even more intriguing. "Isn't it a bit odd, drinking with someone old enough to be your father?"Emily's heart skipped a beat. Fuck, he was hot for an older guy. She tried to keep her cool, but her cheeks flushed traitorously.Sophia, ever the wingwoman, jumped in with a smirk. "Odd isn't the word I'd use. More like... intriguing." She winked at Emily, who rolled her eyes.Emily managed a shy smile, her gaze locked on Lucas. The tequila had loosened her up, but she still felt a flutter of nerves. What the hell was she doing, flirting with this guy? But after the week she'd had, she deserved a little fun."Age is just a number," Emily quipped, raising her glass. "You
Emily popped the caps off two beers, the familiar hiss and sharp scent filling her small kitchen. She handed one to Lucas with a coy smile, then hoisted herself onto the countertop."Cheers," she said, clinking her bottle against his. As Emily sipped the cold beer, she began unlacing her boots, hyper-aware of Lucas' eyes on her. The hem of her dress inched higher, revealing more of her thighs. As she bent to pull off her second boot, she felt Lucas move closer. When she looked up, he was standing between her parted knees, his piercing blue eyes locked on hers.Her heart raced. Fuck it, she thought. I deserve this.Without hesitation, Emily reached up and pulled Lucas into a searing kiss. He tasted of beer, his stubble was rough against her skin. As his strong hands gripped her waist, drawing her to the edge of the counter, a small voice in Emily's mind whispered a warning. But the heat of Lucas' body and the intoxicating rush of desire drowned it out completely.Lucas' lips crashed
Emily gasped as he tore the delicate fabric of her thong away. Her head fell back, exposing the pale column of her throat as Lucas' fingers slid inside her. Pleasure coursed through her body, igniting every nerve ending."You feel so good, baby girl," Lucas growled in her ear, his hot breath fanning across her skin. Emily's hips rocked against his hand instinctively. Her mind reeled, overwhelmed by sensation. This was reckless, desperate. But after the betrayal and heartbreak, she craved this raw connection."Please," she whimpered, not even sure what she was begging for. More? Less? To forget? To feel?Lucas curled his fingers, hitting a spot that made her cry out. "That's it, let go for me," he urged.Emily clutched at his shoulders, nails digging into taut muscle. The coarse hair on his chest scraped her sensitive skin as he leaned in closer. "Fuck," she hissed through clenched teeth. Heat coiled low in her belly, building to a crescendo. Her inner walls clenched around his fing
Emily's eyes fluttered open, squinting against the harsh morning light streaming through her curtains. Her head pounded, as mouth dry as sandpaper. As memories of the night before came flooding back, a mix of exhilaration and unease washed over her.She glanced at the muscular arm draped across her waist, following it to the ruggedly handsome face of Lucas, still peacefully asleep beside her. Emily's stomach did a little flip. ‘Shit,’ she thought. ‘What the hell did I do?’Part of her wanted to kick him out. But another part longed to stay wrapped in his strong arms, to feel that delicious ache between her thighs just a little longer.As if sensing her inner turmoil, Lucas stirred. He rolled towards her, one piercing blue eye cracking open. A slow, satisfied smirk spread across his face."Good morning, baby girl," he rumbled, voice husky with sleep. Emily's breath caught in her throat. "Morning," she managed to squeak out.Lucas propped himself up on one elbow, openly admiring her.
Emily leaned forward, her green eyes bright with conviction. "Soph, I'm going to tell you what you told me. You won't know if you don't try. There's nothing wrong with getting your freak on, and being conflicted is totally reasonable, but it doesn't mean the only option is pulling the plug."Sophia snorted, but a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "Using my own words against me, huh? That's low, Carter.""Hey, if the advice fits," Emily shrugged, grinning. Her expression softened as she continued, "Look, maybe what you should be doing is figuring out what your boundaries are so you have time to get used to it before you need to tell Jake."Sophia's brow furrowed. "Boundaries? Like what, a safe word for my ego?"Emily rolled her eyes. "I'm serious, Soph. What are you com
Emily leaned forward, her green eyes glinting with curiosity. "So, what exactly did you two get up to? Any juicy details you can share?"Sophia shifted in her seat, the wine glass cool against her fingers. "Oh, you know. Just basic 'do as you're told' stuff." She took a long sip, buying time. Fuck it, she thought. In for a penny... "And, uh, orgasm denial."Emily's eyebrows shot up. "Orgasm denial? Damn, girl. You jumped right into the deep end, didn't you?"Sophia felt her cheeks flush. "Yeah, well. It was... intense." She remembered Jake's fingers teasing her, bringing her to the edge over and over. Her thighs clenched involuntarily."I bet," Emily said with a knowing smirk. "How'd you handle that?"Sophia snorted. "It was
Lucas greeted them at the door, his quiet "Evening, ladies" a stark contrast to Emily's exuberance. Sophia felt herself relax a fraction as she stepped into the cozy living room, inhaling the mouthwatering aroma of whatever was simmering in the kitchen."Wine?" Lucas offered, already moving towards an open bottle on the counter."God, yes," Sophia replied fervently. She accepted the generously filled glass with a grateful nod, sinking into a chair at the dining table.Emily plopped down across from her, practically vibrating with poorly contained glee. Sophia braced herself for the inevitable interrogation."Sooooo," Emily sang, drawing out the word. "Were you texting Jake?"Sophia took a long sip of wine, buying hersel
Flopping onto the sofa, Sophia dug her spoon into the ice cream and flicked on the TV. Jeremy Kyle's voice filled the room as she curled her legs underneath her."You ARE the father!" Jeremy declared dramatically onscreen.Sophia snorted. "No shit, Sherlock. Look at those matching unibrows."As she shoveled another spoonful of ice cream into her mouth, her mind drifted back to last night. Jake's hands exploring her body, his lips on her neck, the way he'd pinned her wrists..."Fuck," she groaned, squeezing her thighs together. Her eyes darted to her phone on the coffee table. Should she text him? It had been mind-blowing sex, but Sophia wasn't looking for anything serious. Maybe she could proposition him for a casual arrangement?"Get it together, Bennett," she chided herself. "You're not a lovesick teenager."But as she tried to focus on Jeremy Kyle's latest DNA test reveal, all she could think about was Jake's sculpted abs and the way he'd whispered "little one" in her ear.Sophia
Sophia's eyes fluttered open, consciousness creeping in along with a dull ache in her muscles. She rolled over, arm reaching out, but found only cold sheets beside her. "Jake?" she mumbled, voice rough with sleep. No response.She sat up, blinking in the harsh morning light streaming through the gap in the curtains. The room was empty, Jake's clothes no longer strewn across the floor where they'd been hastily discarded the night before. "Well, shit," Sophia muttered, running a hand through her tangled curls. A folded piece of paper on the pillow next to her caught her eye. She snatched it up, unfolding it with fingers that trembled slightly.A phone number was scrawled across the paper, along with the words "Text me later, little one."Sophia stared at the note, a mix of emotions swirling in her chest. Part of her wanted to crumple it up and toss it in the bin. Another part wanted to grab her phone and text him right that second."Get a grip, Soph," she told herself. "It was just a
"Lay down on your back, knees bent, legs open, hands above your head," Jake commanded, his voice low and gravelly.Sophia felt a shiver run through her body as she complied. "Yes, sir," she breathed, arranging herself on the plush hotel bed.Her heart raced as Jake knelt between her parted thighs. His blue eyes burned with intensity as they roamed over her exposed form. Sophia fought the urge to squirm under his gaze.Jake's lips lifted in a slight smirk as he lowered his head. He pressed a feather-light kiss to her ankle, then slowly made his way up her calf.'Fuck,' Sophia thought, her breath catching. 'How does he make this feel so good?'When Jake reached the sensitive skin of her inner thigh, Sophia couldn't contain a whimper. His stubble rasped deliciously against her flesh as he nipped and sucked marks onto her skin."Jake, please," she gasped, her hips lifting involuntarily.He chuckled darkly. "Patience, little one. I'm savouring you."Finally, finally, his mouth landed on he
ANYTHING FOR YOU, SOPHIA: Chapter TwoJake's strong hands caught Sophia's wrists, pinning them behind her back in one fluid motion. A thrill shot through her as he hooked his feet over her ankles, spreading her legs apart."Thought you could tease me, huh?" Jake's voice was low and husky in her ear.Sophia's breath hitched. "Maybe I like teasing you."His free hand danced up the inside of her thigh, leaving goosebumps in its wake. "And maybe I like putting you in your place."She squirmed against his grip, torn between wanting to break free and aching for his touch. "My place? And where exactly is that?"Jake's fingers finally reached her core, eliciting a gasp. "At my mercy.""Cocky bastard," Sophia muttered, even as her hips bucked involuntarily, the movement splashing water everywhere.His chuckle vibrated against her back. "You love it."She bit her lip, refusing to give him the satisfaction. But as his fingers began to move in maddening circles, coherent thought fled. All she cou
The night of the gallery opening...The breeze ruffled Sophia's auburn curls as she leaned into Jake's warm embrace. His fingers traced lazy patterns on her waist, sending delicious shivers up her spine."Bet you a tenner Lucas and Emily are plotting their bedroom antics right now," Sophia whispered, nodding towards the couple walking ahead.Jake's deep chuckle vibrated against her. "No bet. Those two are probably scheduling positions by the hour."Sophia snorted, her hazel eyes dancing with mischief.Jake grinned, his sun-bleached hair falling rakishly over one eye. He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. "But then… I've got plans for you that'd make a sailor blush."Heat pooled in Sophia's belly. Damn, she’s known him mere hours and the man knew how to push her buttons. She forced herself to focus on the little shops and houses lining the street. Anything to distract from the growing ache between her thighs."You're all talk, Summers," she retorted, aiming for nonchalance and missi
As Lucas mixed batter and the bacon began to sizzle, Emily poured two steaming mugs of coffee. She breathed in the scent, savouring the moment.Fuck, when did domesticity start feeling so damn good? she wondered, watching Lucas flip a pancake with practiced ease. The sight of him, all tousled hair and relaxed muscles, stirred something warm in her chest."What're you thinking about?" Lucas asked, catching her stare.Emily sipped her coffee, buying time. "Just... how nice this is," she admitted softly.Lucas set down the spatula and walked over to her, his movements fluid and deliberate. He stood behind Emily, his warmth enveloping her as he pressed a gentle kiss to her shoulder."It is nice, yes," he murmured agai