“My doctor thought that might be the case, too.I was working flat out at the time.And before I got the new show, I was worrying a lot about my career.Things have been good withHandymen, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had no real direction, that I’ve just been coasting.”
“Everything you just said would cause me stress.I don’t think any of those things would put me in the mood.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”Nick gnawed the inside of his cheek, as another of his deep-seated fears rushed to the fore.“And a while back, we had a cancer scare with my mom.She’s fine, but I still worry.”
“Of course you would.”Her eyes watered, but she blinked the moisture away.“I’m glad your mom’s okay.”
“Thanks.”
She stroked his hand, making soft circles around his knuckles.Despite having just bared his soul, Nick felt movement in his pants.He’d never thought a knuckle rub would turn him on, but coming from Claire, it worked.
“Nick,” she said, “I’m not a doctor, but I know from experience that stress can take a toll, sometimes when we least expect it.If Kristy couldn’t understand that, then you’re better off without her.”
He nodded.“We weren’t together long.We kind of fell into bed early on and things seemed great, but my issues crept up quickly.Then, of course, it all fell apart.”
“Has it happened since?”
“I haven’t slept with anyone since Kristy.I’ve had erections, but, well, let’s just say there haven’t been any opportunities to experiment with a woman.”He let out a strange laugh.“I can’t believe I’m telling you this.”
“Hey, look at me.”She waited until he did.“I appreciate how much it took for you to share everything.Thank you.And you will have moreopportunities to experiment.In fact,” she said, touching his knee, “I can think of one woman who would love to experiment with you.”
Nick swallowed hard.“You mean it?”
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m extremely attracted to you.And to be honest, I haven’t slept with a man since Arthur died.I’m unbelievably horny.”
“You’re unbelievably sexy, and you make me smile.”
“I say we throw caution to the wind.”Claire leaned in, as close as she could with the steering wheel in the way.“How would you feel about taking me home?No pressure, no expectations.We could just cuddle, if you wanted, or watch some TV.But…if you find yourself in the mood, we could whip out the old scientific method.”She rolled her eyes.“Sorry.I thought I’d stick with the experimentation theme.I should be clear I’m really talking about fucking.”
“Yeah, I got that.”Nick laughed.“Are you sure?”
Claire nodded.“Yeah.I think we both need a little boost.We could just help each other get back in the saddle again.”
“Back in the saddle.”
“Would that be okay with you?”
“Oh, yeah.”Nick stuck his key in the ignition, his own engine revving at the same time.“Giddyap, partner.”
Chapter Twelve
As Claire searched for her key in her purse, Nick slid up behind her.He brushed his fingers against her hip, letting her know he’d given up the idea of watching TV altogether.
“You’re so fucking hot,” he whispered in her ear.
As shivers ran down her spine, she arched her back.Her ass met his pelvis.He gripped her hips with both hands, holding her against him.
Oh my.
He was hard and ready.
Racy thoughts flew through her brain.They were out in the country, with no neighbors anywhere near.It would be so easy to lift her dress and have him remove her panties.He could take her right here on the porch.Or, equally tantalizing, she could turn and drop to her knees, unzipping him and taking him in her mouth.Her panties grew wet as she considered the possibilities.
It had been so long—too long.
Her hand shook as she tried to put the key in the lock.
“Here,” he said, taking the key.“Let me.”
