Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 17

Setting up the griddle, Avery stopped with her hand on the plug. "Is this going to change once we have sex?"

"Is what going to change?"

"This easy going, fun stuff. Our morning ritual."

Colby took her in his arms, pulling her close. "Why should it? This is us, who we are. The only difference will be we get to have fantastic sex the night before. And if we play our cards right, the morning of, as well. I promise, the only changes will be for the better."

"Really?" She seemed vulnerable and afraid.

Colby wanted to comfort her. He held her close, kissing her cheek and nuzzling her neck from behind. "Brutal Honesty—making love is great. And it gets better the more you do it."

"I won't be your first," she said, her lip trembling. "You'll be mine...."

"There haven't been that many, Avery. Three other girls, that's it."

"If you loved me so much, why did you date them?"

"Brutal Honesty? I didn't think you cared about me. I mean, we were friends, but the times I asked you out, you wouldn't go."

"Except to prom. I went to that."

"Yeah and we had a really great time. I want that back," he replied.

"Me too. Life is so much better now, though. I don't have to see my parents anymore. I don't have foster parents to ruin my life. I still have you and the guys. I don't know if I'd have made it, to where I am now, without the three of you. Stan's a goof and Gavin's a twit, but despite that, they're great—just like you."

"Am I a goof and a twit too?"

"Sometimes," she conceded, snuggling closer. "But you've always been there for me, and I don't know if I ever told you how much I've always appreciated that."

"Did I ever tell you how much I appreciated how great you were when my folks divorced? You saw me through some dark times."

"So did Stan and Gavin."

He smiled, nodding. "We need to find Gavin a woman. Ideas?"

"I was thinking of getting him a blow up doll for Christmas."

"Be nice."

"I'm not exactly Miss Popularity."

"Gavin doesn't need the prom queen, just a personable woman, who won't eat his soul for lunch."

"I'll see what I can figure out."

They made their pancakes and were about to serve their food when Colby's phone rang.

"Hey, Colb, it's Stan. You got jumper cables?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Alice's car won't start. Mine starts fine, but no jumper cables."

"You had a set. We bought them a few months ago. What happened?"

"Gavin."

"Oh."

Gavin had a flawless track record of borrowing things and never giving them back. So far, he was 0 for about 300. Usually, they didn't loan out their things to him, unless they were there when he finished, and could take them back.

"Where are you?"

"At Alice's. Not what you think! I came to pick her up for brunch."

"Okay. Give me a few minutes. We were just about to eat."

"Ohh, did my man hook up with—"

"No! Not like that, Stanley."

"Invite them to breakfast. I can put this in the oven and keep it warm," Avery suggested. "I can make a few more and fry up some potatoes and onions and make grits."

"I heard," Stan said. "Man, I have to suppress a drool. Avery's a hell of a cook. Hey, Alice," he put his hand over the phone. "Okay, cool!" he said a few moments later. "We'd love to. We can drive over in my car and eat, then maybe you could help me with the cables?"

"Sure. See you in a few."

"Fun! Our first official meal with friends." Humming, Avery went back to the kitchen, mixing more batter and chopping up potatoes and onions.

Colby offered to help her, but she was more comfortable in the kitchen than he was. He volunteered to make the bed and straighten up. While Avery cooked, he cleaned. It felt good to be domestic. He was far better at it when he was with her, than when he was by himself. He found he didn't mind setting her cozy apartment to rights. He sometimes had trouble with his own place, but Avery was particular about being neat.

Once he'd straightened up, he dressed before taking over meal prep. Avery dressed quickly and came back just as the last of the pancakes finished cooking. She stirred cheese into the grits as Colby checked the potatoes. Moments later, there was a knock at the door. Colby answered after glancing through the peep hole.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 16

The temptation to rub against her palm was too great for him to ignore. It was an unforgivable breach, but he couldn't help it. Such were the quirks of the male anatomy. He clenched his buttocks, gradually raising his hips so that she cupped all of him. The slight difference in pressure made his cock twitch. Biting his lip, he repeated the process, shifting slightly from side to side.

Avery mumbled and wiggled slightly, but didn't wake or move her hand. Taking another chance, he continued to use her hand to get him off. If she woke while he did this, there was no way he'd talk his way out of it. He had no excuse, no cover story, which only excited him more. He didn't consider what he'd do if he came. There wouldn't be enough apologies in the world to cover that. Instead of risking it, he slid out of bed again and went to the bathroom. He wanted a shower, but the pipes rattled and clattered so loudly in the morning, he'd wake her. Instead, he grabbed some of her hand lotion and dropped his pants.

The lotion was cold, so he rubbed his palms together to warm it before applying it where it was needed. Stroking quickly, he thought of Avery. He tried to imagine the pressure of her hand on him, bringing him to climax. She would stroke just so, dragging her fingers up the shaft and back down, kneading, clutching, squeezing. With a strangled gasp, he felt his groin tighten and the inevitable climax grew near. Closing his eyes, he lost himself in the moment.

"Oh, my God!" The door slammed shut and Avery screeched in the hallway.

Unable to stop, Colby came, trying to hide his nakedness. Avery fell silent, but he knew she was there—listening. Cleaning up after himself, he washed his hands with plenty of soap and toweled dry. Mortified, he opened the door.

Avery sat in the hallway, head on her knees, shoulders shaking. He wasn't sure what to do, so he knelt beside her, reaching for her arm. It took a moment, but he realized—she wasn't crying.

"Oh, Colby, I'm so sorry. I had no idea you were in there!"

"The door doesn't lock."

"Yeah, not usually a problem. Feel better?"

Groaning, he sat heavily on the floor, head down. He was so embarrassed, he could hardly think. He wanted to explain, or apologize, or fall through the floor and let the ground swallow him.

"Little bit. Nothing like the real thing...."

"What were you thinking of when I came in?"

Frowning, he tried to remember. He smiled, shaking his head. "You have to promise not to get pissed."

"Why? Were you thinking of what's her tits from the movie?"

Colby chuckled. "Oh, no. Not her."

"Spill. Brutal Honesty," she said, nudging him.

"Brutal Honesty," he replied, raising his head so he could look her in the eye. "You. I was thinking of you."

"While you—"

"Jacked off. Yeah. Don't hit me." He held up his hands defensively.

Instead of hitting him, Avery dove into his embrace. "No guy ever did that before," she said, almost gleefully.

"Not that he ever told you about," he countered.

"Well, that's true. Then again, it would be creepy if it was some other guy."

Colby laughed. "But it's okay for me to abuse myself while I think of you?"

"Yes, because you have the right to. No one else does."

"Thanks. It's your fault, you know."

"That you were jacking off in my bathroom? How's that my fault?" Her chin raised as her attitude flared.

"Because you were cradling my junk in your sleep."

"I wasn't!"

"Wasn't my imagination," he replied, annoyed that she didn't believe him.

"Sorry about that."

"Don't be. It was a great way to wake up."

"And to think, I was just going to offer coffee."

"I'd like coffee, too."

"Good. You're fixing it. I need to pee."

"Think of me while I'm gone," he said as he stood.

Avery laughed as he helped her up. "I'll touch myself and think of you."

"Or, you could let me touch you while I think of us together."

It took her a moment to puzzle through what he'd said. "Soon, I promise." She closed the door.

Colby left her to do her business and went directly to the coffee pot. It was just starting to brew when Avery walked in. She was dressed in her baggy, pink flannel pajamas that were covered with panda bears and pigs. Furry pink slippers covered her feet. She padded around the kitchen getting out the ingredients for pancakes. This was their tradition, he made coffee and she fixed pancakes whenever he spent the night.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 15

"I'll be quick."

"Can I take a shower?"

"Sure. Got your clean undies?"

"Yeah."

She reached for his bag, but he beat her to it. Remembering the condoms rolled up in his boxers, he took the gym bag from her.

"No worries. I got this." He chucked it on the couch.

"Just trying to help a brother out."

Colby stopped, turning to face her. "No offense, Ave. I don't really wanna be your brother."

Avery raised an eyebrow and smirked before heading to the bathroom. He heard the door shut and the water start running. Instead of waiting for her to finish, he brushed his teeth in the kitchen and cleaned up the last of the dishes. By that time, Avery was done. He grabbed his bag and got a quick shower. He put on his pajama pants and wandered into her room.

"You want me in here, or on the couch?"

Instead of replying, Avery stared at him, her jaw dropped. Colby frowned. What was wrong with her? Had she completely lost her mind? He always asked her where she wanted him to sleep. Suddenly self-conscious, he took a step away from her, his hands moving nervously around his body. He felt like he should cover up, but wasn't sure what part to conceal. Avery continued to stare.

"Goddamn, Colb. There's a hot bod under all that clothing," she breathed.

Colby ran his hands over his body. Surely she'd seen him without his shirt before? Apparently not. She was struck dumb by the sight of him. The heat of her gaze warmed him and he felt the blood rush south in a most uncomfortable way. All he needed was for her to freak because he had a hard-on in her bedroom. She'd think he was some sort of lecherous pervert. His hands inadvertently found their way to the fig leaf position. He wanted to cross his legs, but forced himself not to.

"You can sleep in here," she mumbled, staring openly at his groin. "Nothing's gonna happen," she stated more firmly, her eyes rising to his face.

"Yeah. Sure. Of course. Nothing. Yeah.... I should probably sleep on the couch, babe." He pointed awkwardly over his shoulder.

"Why? Do you think I'm going to rape you in your sleep?"

Colby chuckled uncomfortably. "No, I'm kinda afraid you won't."

"You can sleep in here."

He was going to lie on top of the covers, but she pulled them aside.

"It's freezing tonight. You can sleep under the covers. But no funny stuff, or you'll be singing soprano."

He held his hands from his sides and put an extra pillow between them. "I will do my best. But what I do in my sleep, I can't be castrated for. And when I wake up with wood, you can't yell."

They'd already had that difficult conversation the first time he slept in with her. He'd woken, not only cuddling her, but with his erection resting happily between her butt cheeks. It had taken some fast talk, and a few internet searches, for her to believe that he had no control over that.

Her eyes drifted to his groin again and she gulped. "I won't yell," she promised.

Colby turned out the light and climbed into bed. Avery lay on her side, facing away from him. He did the same on the other side of the bed.

"Night, Ave," he said.

"Night, Colb."

"I love you," he added softly.

"I love you, too. I won't make you wait much longer," she said. "I promise. I just need a little more time."

"Got all the time in the world," he replied, eyes drifting shut.

He felt movement on the other side of the bed as Avery rolled over and kissed him. Actually, her lips brushed his ear, but it was meant as a furtive kiss. Smiling, he snuggled down under the covers and fell asleep.

Colby woke with an unfamiliar weight on his chest. His eyes fluttered open and were greeted with a tangle of red hair. Avery lay with her head on his chest and one arm and leg draped over him. One of his hands fondled her breast. The other clasped her ass. Slowly and carefully, he moved his hands so she wouldn't be angry when she woke. He really needed to pee, but wasn't sure how to get out of bed without waking her. He'd never had a woman use him as a pillow. The rare times that women had slept over, they'd stayed on their side of the bed.

Easing over, he slid to the edge. Avery snuggled onto his pillow instead, sighing contentedly in her sleep. Colby quietly used the bathroom and went back to bed. Avery was sprawled diagonally across it. He chuckled, shaking his head. He didn't know how he'd get back in without disturbing her. It was cold in the apartment. He shivered and walked to the other side of the bed. There was just enough room for him if he curled up in a semi-fetal position.

Avery scooted over a little when he climbed in. He was able to stretch out his legs, but had to lie on his side. He dozed off, waking again with Avery on his chest. This time, her hand had crept down, cupping his groin. Agony and bliss at once. It felt good having her touch him, but it frustrated him as well. He liked the change, though. In all the times they'd shared her bed, she'd never used him as a pillow, or grasped his dick in her sleep.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Under the Western Sky is a story that could have easily been ripped from today's headlines only it takes place in the 1970's ~ Under the Western Sky by Dellani Oakes

  

Buy Now!

It's small town Nebraska in the late 1970's and life in the small Midwestern town is quiet and uneventful. That's what Libby Marshall and Bobby Menedez think until Bobby's cousin, Ramon is beaten by a group of white boys. Racial tension is high after the beating and it's soon revealed that something quite evil lies hidden Under the Western Sky.

Bobby Menendez has it tough, he is a Mexican teenager in a small town that has more than its share of racial tension. On top of that, he is dating Libby Marshal, a blond hair blue eyed white girl. This doesn't go unnoticed by the local bigots who are determined to make Bobby's life and everyone he loves, hell. Betrayed by his best friend, Bobby is left to face his enemies on his own all the while trying to protect Libby.

A plan is hatched and traitors close in on all sides while unlikely allies appear to fight at Bobby's side. Secrets are exposed and the people Bobby thought he knew, reveal their true nature. In an effort to protect themselves and preserve their "perfect" town, it is decided Bobby must die. This is when all hell breaks loose!

Under the Western Sky is a story that could have easily been ripped from today's headlines only it takes place in the 1970's. I could almost hear the hiss from the turntable as the Santana record played while Bobby and Libby danced together. Dellani Oakes does an awesome job at depicting the era as well as the issues that plagued that period.

Under the Western Sky is filled with action, romance and suspense which will leave readers glued to the pages or eReader which ever you prefer. I give it 5 stars.

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 14

Avery got out chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup and whipped cream. Funny that she had all that and no ice cream. She drizzled the syrups and sprayed on the cream while he put up the ice cream and washed and dried the scoop. She presented him with the bowl, toasting him with a grin. Her finger dipped into the whipped cream. Before she could pop it in her mouth, Colby took it and licked the cream off.

Her eyes followed the movement of his tongue on her finger and felt the pressure of his lips as they closed around the length. Shuddering with delight, she repeated the swipe of cream. Colby licked her finger again, shuddering himself.

"If you keep doing that, Avery, I'm gonna end up licking whipped cream off more than your finger."

Her puzzled frown cleared as understanding dawned. Her eyebrows rose and she opened her mouth.

"And don't say yuck, please?"

"I wasn't going to," she admitted softly. "I was imagining...."

Colby couldn't find words. He felt as if all the air had left his lungs. Avery swished off, calling over her shoulder, "Come on. I've got a movie."

One luxury that Avery allowed herself, was a Netflix subscription. She couldn't afford to go to the movies, but she loved them. She kept a basic subscription and had something new every couple of days.

"What's up?"

Avery liked a good adventure film, but she also loved chick flicks. Colby hated the love stories, but watched them stoically. He knew why she liked them. Happy endings made her feel as if life really wasn't so bad. At least someone was living happily ever after, even if it wasn't her.

"Just wait." She settled on the couch.

Colby sat next to her, getting comfortable as she started the movie playing. Distinctive music began and he grinned. One thing they both loved—Eighties action films. This one was a favorite. They watched it every chance the got.

"Running Man," Colby smiled.

"Nothing like seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger in his tight spandex," Avery declared.

"Except for seeing the hot Latina in hers. What's her name?"

"Maria Conchita Alonso. Why can't you remember that?"

"I don't have to. You remember it for me." He settled more comfortably as the movie began.

They finished their ice cream and set their bowls beside them on the floor. Avery sat close, her head on Colby's shoulder. He put his arm around her, resting his head on hers. Soon, her soft, slow breathing told him she was asleep. Instead of bothering her, he let her sleep. He wanted to fondle her, but figured she'd wake up, angry with him for being a pervert. Instead, he enjoyed the movie until she woke about twenty minutes later.

"I always sleep during that part," Avery admitted, stretching. "I guess I find it boring."

Colby chuckled. She was telling the truth. She always dozed off and woke up in the same spots every time they watched it.

"Pause it? I need to pee." She hopped up, picking up their bowls.

"I'll get those. Go pee." He took their bowls to the kitchen and washed them while she went to the bathroom. "Want nachos?" he asked when she came out.

"Pretzels and beer," she declared.

"You got it!"

"I'll get the pretzels, you get the beer." She opened the bag and dumped some of the Snyder's honey mustard pretzels into a bowl.

Colby opened two IBC's and carried them into the living room. As soon as he was settled, she clicked the remote. They watched the rest of the movie while nibbling pretzels and sipping their root beer. Part of the Running Man ritual was to yell warnings at the screen, and groan when they were ignored. They both cheered when the unscrupulous host got his comeuppance.

Once the movie was over, Avery opened the DVD player and put it in the envelope. Colby cleaned up the dishes. When he came back, Avery had set up Call of Duty. She handed him a controller and they started playing.

Long into the night, they rushed around shooting enemies and blowing shit up. They both wore headphones because of the neighbors. When they won a particularly difficult objective, Colby whopped, picking Avery up. Usually, he spun her in a victory circle. This time, he kissed her as he swung her. Breathless and dizzy, he set her down. She smiled up at him.

"I like that. You should do that more often."

"Which? Spin you, kiss you or win?"

She nudged him with her elbow. "All three." She glanced at the time. "Speaking of three."

"Damn, is it really that late?"

"Yup. First dibs on the bathroom," she said.

"Go. I'll clean up."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 13

Avery gasped, biting her lip. A ragged inhale was the only sound she made. Leaning forward, she pressed her breast into his anxious palm.

"Brutal Honesty," she whispered hoarsely. "I'm scared to death, Colby. But it feels so damn good when you touch me. Just not—everything—not tonight. But kiss me, please? And touch me. Just—you know—"

"Over, not under," he concluded.

Avery nodded. Colby smiled, leaning forward. His fingers smoothed the fabric of her shirt, pressing on either side of her nipple, making it pop forward.

"I can work with that," he murmured. His lips circled her nipple. It might be beneath the fabric of her shirt, but it couldn't hide from him. The tip of his tongue slicked the cloth as he drew her breast into his questing mouth.

Avery moaned, arching her back. Colby raised his hand to her other breast. His thumb teased the nipple of her right breast as his teeth taunted the left. She tried to raise his head so he kissed her mouth, but he stubbornly refused, renewing his efforts on her chest. His teeth rasped the cloth over both nipples, before visiting her cleavage. His palms pressed her breasts together as the tip of his tongue flickered between them. He drew a hot, moist line from the top of her shirt to the base of her throat.

She made a strange, strangled sound as he continued to knead and lick. Colby knew he didn't have to touch her anywhere else. He could make her cum just by working her chest. Unfortunately, everything he did to excite her, had an equally devastating effect on him. He could feel his erection burning and throbbing in his pants, begging for release. He wanted her to touch him, but knew if she did, the outcome of the night would be more than she bargained for. She was giving him so much more than she ever had, he didn't want to take too much.

"Oh, God!" she gasped. "Does everything feel this good?"

"Better," he growled, his face deep in her chest. "That hot, wetness you're experiencing, that's for me," he continued. "Because you're mine, Avery. All mine."

She giggled, spoiling the mood. "You're going all primal on me, Colby. All mine," she growled, in a fair imitation of him.

Disgusted, he rose from the couch. "Thanks. I needed you to laugh at me, Avery. I can't be responsible for what I say when my dick is engaged." He adjusted his pants without regard to her. He didn't care if it upset her. He needed some relief that he obviously wasn't going to get from her. "And you are mine, god dammit!"

"You don't own me, Colby Thatcher!" She sprang from the couch. Anger colored her cheeks. She burned red where his beard had rubbed her tender skin.

He knew he'd said all the wrong things, but he couldn't think of another way to say what was in his heart. "I don't want to own you, Avery."

"You just said—"

"I don't want to fight about this."

"You said that I'm yours. That sounds like ownership, Colby."

"Dammit, Avery! I'm yours, too. Okay? It's just a way of telling you how much you mean to me. It doesn't mean that I want to possess you. It doesn't mean that you aren't still your own person. It just means—it's a way of declaring my devotion to you. We're exclusive."

"Of course we are. You think I've ever let any other man touch me like that?" She raised her hand to smack him.

Colby caught her palm, kissing her fingers. "I don't wanna fight, Avery." He drew her close, his lips drifting up her arm. He put her hand behind his head as he kissed the bend of her elbow and up to her shoulder. When he reached the hollow of her throat, he stopped.

His hot breath woke all the feelings again. Avery shivered, closing her eyes with pleasure. Colby didn't move, didn't kiss, didn't lick. He exhaled slowly, tickling the hairs on her neck. She shivered with delight. He didn't make another move until she wriggled against him, bringing his lips to hers. This time, he let her guide his head where she wanted, even tipping his chin so she could kiss him. He opened his mouth and she kissed him deeply, slowly, with excruciating thoroughness.

"You're killing me," he groaned. "God, I want you."

"Not tonight," she whispered. "I can't."

Silently fuming, Colby nodded. "Let's have some ice cream," he suggested.

"Okay." She led the way to the kitchen.

Colby watched the way her hips moved in her jeans. He hadn't noticed, mostly because she always wore long sweaters and baggy shirts, but she had an amazing ass. He'd always been more of a breast man, but he could picture at least three ways to get nasty with her ass. Not that she'd let him—or that he'd even try—but it made him smile.

"What are you doing?" She stuck her head out of the kitchen and glared at him.

He realized he'd stopped walking. Standing in the hallway, sporting a ramrod boner, he looked sheepish. "You really don't want me to tell you, Ave. I promise."

"Pervert," she smirked, throwing a dish towel at him.

He caught it, clamping it to his groin so it wouldn't fall on the floor. Groaning, he followed her into the kitchen. She had the ice cream on the counter and asked him to get two bowls down. He set them on the counter and she grabbed the ice cream scoop from the caddy by the stove. Colby took it from her, wielding it with skill, twirling it on his fingers. He'd done a stint at an ice cream shop back in high school. He served up the rocky road, loading their bowls with perfect scoops.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 12

"You could say you think it's drugs."

"They can't do anything about what I suspect."

"Meanwhile, you could have a drug dealer next door."

"Yeah, well—"

She sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. Colby noticed she was dressed differently. She had a top on that actually showed her figure. Her hair was styled and she had on makeup that didn't look like a sad clown.

"You look pretty," he said, smiling. "Betcha thought I wouldn't notice."

"I knew you would eventually. I was timing you to see how long it took. Because you had a freakish experience, you're off the hook."

Colby put the grocery bags down. Taking her in his arms, he pulled her close. "If I hadn't had the freakish experience to distract me, I would have noticed right away." He dropped his chin, kissing her lightly on the lips.

Avery sighed happily, her hands running up his back, and opened her mouth a little. Colby took advantage of the invitation, deepening their kiss. He was careful not to be too passionate, but it was difficult to rein in his feelings, now that he was able to express them. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off.

Breaking away suddenly, Avery pushed him away. "The ice cream!"

Colby chuckled, reaching into the bag. It was wrapped in a paper bag and double bagged in plastic. He put the paper wrapped box into the freezer. Avery unpacked the other groceries.

"Thanks. I hate going out at night."

"No problem, babe. I don't mind."

"There you go with babe again."

"Does it bother you?" He frowned and took her hand. "If so, I'll try and stop—"

"No. It doesn't. It's just going to take some getting used to. In a good way." She tugged his hand, leading him to the couch.

They cuddled up together. Suddenly a little nervous, Colby scooted away from her. Avery yanked his shirt front, pulling him close again.

"Brutal Honesty," she said, making their special promise sign.

It was something they'd decided on years ago. They always tried to tell one another the truth. Sometimes, the truth hurt, hence the Brutal Honesty warning. Colby steeled himself for a diatribe. Avery held his shirt in both hands, head down, shoulders hunched.

"We've always been honest, Ave. You can say anything, you know that."

"That was before you were my boyfriend," she murmured.

"Anything."

"I'm scared," she whispered. "I'm absolutely terrified. I'm a mess, Colby...."

"What did that monster do to you, Avery?" Layered with concern, his voice was a husky gasp.

"Nothing. I swear. But he tried. I fought like hell, and his wife watched! She wanted him to—hurt me. I remembered everything you taught me and I nailed him in the balls. Wham! He rolled on the floor in pain and she came after me with the broom. I thought she was going to kill me."

"I didn't know, Ave. You never told me."

"That's when the social worker showed up. I thought I was done for."

"You never told me any of this before. Why?"

"Because I knew you'd kill them. I couldn't make a murderer of you, and I couldn't be responsible for sending you to prison. It would have been my fault. I'm sorry."

Colby took her chin raising her head. Blue eyes met dark brown ones and he smiled. "You did the right thing. I would have killed them both, or tried. You know I'm not like that, right? I'm not going to hurt you. And I won't force you."

"I know. I'm sorry. I hate making you wait."

"Don't make me wait too long, okay? You're beautiful and you have amazingly perky breasts," he teased.

Avery smacked him playfully. "Enough girly talk!"

"What's girly? I said you have great breasts." He reached for her, wiggling his fingers near, but not quite touching her chest. "I wanna do rude things to them," he continued, not caring if she got offended.

He was being complimentary. She could deal with the crassness for a couple minutes. She had to know how desirable she was.

"I want to touch them and lick them," he continued, fingers tantalizingly close, but not quite there. "I want to bury my face between them, and only come up when I need a breath of air."

"They're just boobs, Colby," she said softly.

"No," he whispered, gazing in her eyes as his fingers drifted closer. He could feel the heat from her body. One breath more—

She inhaled deeply and her nipple danced against his index finger and thumb. They both gasped, feeling a jolt go through them.

"They aren't just boobs," he finally managed to say. "They are perfect hemispheres of bliss." His hand closed gently over her left breast, rubbing ever so tenderly across the erect nipple.

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes ~ Part 10

 "That was quite an admission, Ave. And it makes me very hopeful that soon you'll be ready to let me—whatever you want to let me do. I'm a man, I think in primitive terms. I can't help that. But I want more than just the sex. I hope you know that. It feels weird and great saying I love you. I love you."

Colby stared a long time at his phone before tossing it on the table. He didn't know if Avery would call back or not. That wasn't an easy admission for her to cope with. He hoped that she wasn't crying again. He felt like enough of a douche as it was. If she was crying because she'd shared her feelings with him, that would be horrible.

What am I doing? What am I even thinking? I have no idea. This is all pretty odd for me. It's strange for Avery too. I know it is, but—what are we thinking? What if this doesn't work out? Can we go back to being friends?

"I'm making myself fucking crazy!" he yelled.

Television held no allure. Instead, he turned on his game console and accessed Call of Duty. Maybe a few missions would help him clear his head. He went on Avery's favorite channel, but she wasn't there. He left and went to her second choice. She wasn't there either. Frustrated, he scrolled through the choices and found one Narlee Doosh Fux. There were only a few players on. He joined a team and started playing.

There was a character there named Prima Donna. She wasn't speaking, but she moved and fought like Avery. It wasn't her usual name, but he was sure it was she. He didn't let on that he knew, but watched carefully. When he was certain, he picked up his phone and sent her a text.

"I had a girl and Donna was her name...." Why he knew the lyrics to the old Ritchie Valens song, he had no idea.

You dick, she sent back.

Nope, but I have one. Wanna see? I'll take ya a picture.

You would not!

He wouldn't and they both knew it. His formative years had been spent in the company of a very proper grandmother.

How did you know it was me?

He quit texting and called. "Because no one else uses that particular death-wish style. I'd recognize it anywhere. So, are you talking to me now?"

"I got your message." Avery was very subdued, but cursed when her character died.

"And?"

"And I want something, too. I don't know what yet. I'm not good at this shit, Colb."

"You do fine. You'll get better at it. It's just me. My expectations are low."

"Oh, thanks!" She took a deep breath, ready to yell at him.

"I meant that I'm willing to take this slow."

"You weren't when you were over here."

"You showed me your tits, Avery. And you had your hand on my dick. You do know how the male body reacts to that sort of thing, don't you?"

"Yes, unfortunately. I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry."

"No, don't be. It was pretty great. We just need to work on timing."

"Why are you so good to me?"

"Because you let me be."

"You're sounding like a girl again, Colby."

"I'm not, and I've got the balls to prove it," he countered as he shot an enemy player.

"Yuck."

"If telling you how I feel is gonna make you say yuck, I'll just hang up."

She shot someone who'd come up behind him.

"Not mentioning balls would make me not say yuck."

Colby had to work through that statement before replying. "Okay. I'll refrain from mentioning testicles. But I reserve the right to use balls as a curse word."

Avery got shot. "Balls!" she screamed. "Okay, I concede that one. But nothing else. And no pictures."

He chuckled seductively. "The only way I want you to see them is up close and personal."

"Yuck, Colb."

"What can I say? You never used to get upset with this kind of thing. I've heard you talk this kinda trash hundreds of times."

"In general terms, not specifically your—Shit! Balls!" She got killed and he got hit right after her. "Your balls. In reference to me seeing them. Dammit, Colby. You know what I mean."

He did. Just like they had discussed the breasts of super models and movie stars. Not hers. Never hers.

"This is going to take some getting used to for both of us," Colby said softly. "But I'm willing to give it a try."

She paused. "Me too."

"You wanna come over?"

"You could come here."

©2021 Dellani Oakes

Game Junkies ~ A Love in the City Romance by Dellani Oakes Part 9

 

"What a day of surprises. Stan asked out the blonde goddess, and you kissed Avery after ogling her tits."

"I didn't ogle!"

"Yeah, right. You're a man—they are breasts—you ogled. Admitting you have a problem is half the battle."

Colby burst out laughing. Gavin was right, he had ogled and more than just a little. He'd copped a feel or two (or three) as well. Not only were they nice looking, they felt good too. Just as he imagined, warm, soft, perfectly formed hemispheres of bliss.

"Dude!" Gavin yelled. "I do not want to know that!"

"Know what? I didn't say anything."

"You were waxing poetic on the configuration of Avery's—assets."

"I wasn't!"

"Swear ta god! I'm going to have to go wash my ears, man. And scrub my eyeballs. Cause you've given me two images I don't want to carry another second."

"Perfectly formed hemispheres of bliss...." Colby repeated, sucking in his breath sharply.

The phone went dead. Colby laughed, tossing the phone onto the couch. It rang as soon as it hit the cushion. He looked at the caller ID—Stan.

"Hiya! How did your coffee date go?"

"Turned into a late lunch. We're going to dinner tomorrow. Alice has to work until six."

"Cool, Stan! Happy for ya, man."

"She's so tall! It's great. I don't have to bend way over to kiss her. She likes the fact that I'm like nine inches taller. She can wear heels. Didn't know chicks dug heels that much. But okay."

"I kissed Avery."

"You—you what?"

"Kissed. Four lips, two tongues. Hot lust."

"Dude!" Stan sounded very impressed. "And she let you live? Must have been a hell of a kiss."

"It wasn't bad." Colby tried not to sound too smug, but he was sure he'd failed miserably.

"Well, hot damn! I'm happy for ya. Now we just need to find Weasel Dick a woman."

Weasel Dick was Stan's name for Gavin. He wouldn't explain the derivation, and Colby was pretty sure he didn't want to know anyway.

"We can try. Hey, you and Alice wanna grab a coffee with me and Avery?"

"You and Avery—like a couple? For real?"

"Yeah. We're gonna give it a try."

"Took you long enough. Jeez! I was beginning to think I'd have to crack you over the head, so you'd see it."

"See what?"

"How much you love her, man. You're like totally oblivious to it. Kind of like I am to everything else." He chuckled.

"I knew I loved her. I didn't know she loved me. She hid it pretty well—at least from me."

"Dude, man, it's cool. You came to the right place for this. Any sooner or later, and the universe wouldn't have made it happen."

Stan was very spiritual in his own, space cadet way. He didn't believe in organized religion, but had strong beliefs in a higher being. Colby, who was raised Catholic, could respect his views, even if he didn't understand them. In his way, Stan was a better Christian than most Christians. He just called himself something else.

"I'll ask. I never went on a double date before—you know, not like when it mattered. The occasional blind date in high school. That kind of thing."

"Yeah, I'll bring it up with Avery."

"This is totally weird, man. I'm trying to wrap my mind around you two. I mean, I see the love, but wow. This is spectacular and freakish. Oops, call coming from my lady love. Later!" He hung up.

Colby lay on his couch, eyes on the TV without seeing the action or listening to the sound. He was stunned by his own actions that day. Avery loves me. I love her. One day, I may actually have sex with her! Fuck! Yes, idiot, that's one word for it. Oh, shut up!

The more he tried to turn off his mind and relax, the more it yammered at him, hammering the inside of his skull mercilessly. You should call her. You can't let that statement be the last thing she says to you tonight. You have to tell her—Tell her what?

He didn't know. He wasn't the most experienced man, but he wasn't lame either. He'd always considered himself to be capable of reading a woman. He'd obviously failed miserably with Avery, but that was her fault too. Dammit!

He picked up his phone and dialed. She didn't answer, so he hung up. He couldn't think of a message he could leave that wouldn't sound ridiculous, stupid or mental. A few minutes later, he decided he was being an idiot and a coward, so he called back. It went to voicemail again. Taking a deep breath, he spoke.

©2021 Dellani Oakes