Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 10

slowly lets the helium escape. I deflated but did my best to hide it.
    "We did have a connection," Wolfgang said. "I felt it too. I went into this not knowing if it'd be a one night stand, or something more. When you made that crack about being paid, it hurt because I thought we were getting along, and then suddenly you weren't taking me seriously."
    "You didn't let me explain."
    Wolfgang glanced back over his shoulder. "I let Sam explain."
    "He's a jerk sometimes."
    Wolfgang smiled, but it was pained. "Yes, but he meant well. Did he tell you why he did this?"
    "He said I needed to get laid."
    Wolfgang winced. It was a cute expression. My anger melted a little more despite my desperate attempt to keep it between us. Wolfgang reached for my hand. His touch was electric. I was a goner even as he threaded his fingers with mine. "I saw your picture on Sam's MyWeb page," he said, "and I had to have you, even if just once. I asked him about you, and yes… he did say you needed to get laid." He smiled up at me. "What serendipity, sweetie." He looked away briefly, and when his gaze returned to mine, he wore a serious expression I wanted to kiss off his face. "I agreed because I had to meet you, and it was the only way I could convince Sam to go along. Tying you up was his idea, getting close to you…" He licked his lips and offered me a small but sincere smile. "I only wanted to meet his hot friend."
    ****
    He bound my hands (in front of me for my comfort this time) before we left the Boneyard. I let him drive my car back to my old apartment under the guise of helping me pack. I knew that wouldn't get done. Not tonight. But I wasn't up for waiting while Kenzie gave him—us—the third degree before we could escape to the spare bedroom, so my old place made sense. Wolfgang still had the key. He'd also made Sam promise to work until he called him, just like the first night. I wouldn't have to see Sam if I didn't want to; though Wolfgang and I were now back on good terms, I still didn't want anything to do with the one who started it all.
    I stood behind Wolfgang as he unlocked the front door. He had such a great ass, I couldn't help but stare. I missed the mesh shirt. He'd been working in a beige button down shirt with a chaotic splash of colorful dragons over his back, chest, and sleeves. I could picture his bare back though. I wanted to lick the length of his spine.
    "You should have tattoos," I said when he turned, imagining the fun of tracing them all with my tongue. Fucking brilliant. Maybe I'd be able to think straight after we finished what we started the other night.
    "I don't mar my body," he replied. He tugged the rope binding my wrists, and that thrilled me. I leaned closer. We still hadn't kissed, and it was killing me. Heading off the excitement before I could make anything of it, Wolfgang stepped out of my personal space with a knowing smile on those full, sexy lips. Though he looked up at me, I felt very small under his gaze.
    Once inside, I stood still while he closed and locked the door. He walked around in front of me and said, "Choose a new safe word." When I didn't reply, he slammed me against the door. The knob jabbed me in the back like a prize fighter, and I gasped from the pain. Before I could draw in a full breath, his mouth was on mine, smothering me in sweet, sweet ecstasy. He clamped his hands around mine so that while they were trapped between us, I still couldn't touch him. I could kiss him though. Finally. And I gave back as good as I got, which was damn fucking great. After several long delicious moments, I had to tear some focus away from his mouth so I'd remember to breathe through my nose. If I passed out and missed my chance to finish what we'd started, I'd kick my own ass. When I broke the kiss, twisting my head up and to the side to avoid his demanding tongue and suck in a few quick breaths, he bit down on my neck. It hurt and it felt fucking awesome. I bucked my body against him, but Wolfgang had a head for leverage and kept me pinned. Or maybe I wanted him to keep me there.
    "Don't move," he said, and walked off toward the kitchen. He returned with a glass of water.
    "I'm sorry, Wolfgang. I really am. I never meant to insult you. Shit, I'm so fucking happy I was wrong."
    "Talking involves moving," he said. "Don't make me spank you."
    "Fuck…"
    It slipped out. He glared at me, and while I barely knew him, I was certain there was a flicker of playful predator in those eyes. Would he be