Circle of Friends, Part 2 Read Online Free

back.
    â€œYou’re one surprise after the other,” he told her.
    â€œBut in a good way.”
    He rubbed his thumb across her mouth. “In the best way. We’ll do it all, I promise. But not tonight. I don’t want you sore tomorrow.”
    He drew her close again. She put her head on his shoulder and rested her hand on his chest. Sleep was impossible, but she liked being close to him. She liked knowing what they’d done and that he’d wanted her for a long time.
    â€œI wanted you, too,” she whispered.
    â€œI’m glad.”
    * * *
    C RISSY NUDGED R ACHEL . “Is it just me or is that one glowing?”
    Rachel narrowed her gaze as she looked at Noelle. “She is. Worse, she can’t seem to stop smiling. Think she won the lotto?”
    Noelle tried for a serious expression, but she was just too happy. This morning, at her calculus class, several people had commented on her extraordinary mood. She hadn’t told them the cause, but she was happy to share the news with her friends.
    â€œIt’s Dev,” she said, then sighed. “We’re together.”
    Rachel nodded knowingly. “That’s code-speak for getting some.”
    â€œI haven’t had some in a while,” Crissy said. “I could use some.”
    Noelle grinned. “I would highly recommend it.”
    â€œBetter than the first time?” Rachel asked.
    â€œTotally different. Dev was fabulous. Patient and sexy and the things he can do.”
    Crissy fanned herself with her hand. “Is it me, or is it getting hot in here?”
    â€œIt’s not you,” Rachel said, sounding grumpy.
    Noelle ignored their teasing. “I’m so happy. I can’t believe this has happened to me. I married Dev because it seemed the only way to deal with the baby and now...it’s just amazing. I feel so connected to him. Is that natural.”
    Rachel nodded. “Women bond after sex.”
    â€œI feel it,” Noelle said dreamily. “I can’t stop thinking about him or wanting to be with him. I thought our marriage would be nothing but a duty. Now it’s so much more.”
    Rachel and Crissy looked at each other. “Be careful, honey,” Crissy told her. “You’re new to all this. Dev, making love... Don’t go getting your heart all soft and open until you know what his intentions are.”
    Noelle laughed. “He married me.”
    â€œFor two years,” Rachel reminded her.
    Noelle dismissed them with a wave. “You don’t understand. We shared something special. The more I’ve gotten to know him, the more I’ve liked him. Now...” She sighed again. “I don’t know how I got so lucky. And you know the best part? We’re already married.”
    * * *
    D EV WALKED INTO the kitchen, still not sure what he was going to say to Noelle. While last night had been great, it had also been a mistake. He didn’t want to hurt her, and in his gut, he knew that being lovers was the shortest path to that happening.
    He’d spent the entire day and all of his dinner meeting wrestling with guilt. How could he have done that? How could he have given in? He wasn’t supposed to be enjoying himself. Noelle was nothing but a responsibility. He was helping her because of Jimmy and the baby.
    Noelle greeted him with a kiss that heated his blood. In that moment, with her body pressed against his, it was all he could do not to push her onto the counter and have his way with her again.
    Instead, he forced himself to step back as he tried to figure out how to tell her they weren’t going to do that again.
    â€œCome see, come see,” she said as she took his hand and dragged him toward the hallway. “I know I should have asked, and I would have, but you were having that dinner meeting. I got home from my knitting class about an hour ago and I just couldn’t help myself. Are you mad?”
    Her eyes were bright, her