Chapter Twenty-One

C hapter Twenty-One

A rna

W ell, there's nothing quite like the parents of your client - interviewee - potential fuck buddy - sexiest man alive - possible friend, arriving to kill the mood. I mean, if they didn't show up would I have introduced him to Barbara?

I had been jittery on the way over and arrived with no expectations other than realising a line in the sand had been drawn and tonight was not about work or the interview. Although, I did not foresee having barely made it through the door before we were all over each other.

When he grazed his mouth across my lips, the teasing and temptation of those subtle touches hadn't been enough, and I'd thrown myself at him with no remorse. I mean a woman in his presence could only maintain her composure for so long and he clearly had no idea how long it'd been since I'd been touched by a man, and one who smelt as divine as he did. Thinking about it, I wasn't sure I ever had.

"So, Arna, how did you and Andy meet?" Vicky's voice brought me back to the table as everyone dished up their dinner. It wasn't lost on me that she directed her question to me rather than her son, who I felt stiffen beside me. I liked that he was nervous right now, something about it made him more relatable. I realised quickly that his family were incredibly interested in what they had unintentionally walked into, and this also made me feel giddy.

"I work for Urban Pulse as an editor." I answered, standing to grab some of the noodles from the centre of the table. The food smelt delicious and even though I wasn't sure what Andy had planned for dinner this was not a disappointment.

"That online media site?" Dylan asked around a mouthful of fried rice.

"That's the one." I smiled. "It's a little strange but I was sent to interview Andy when one of my colleagues was unwell." I shrugged as if that explained everything.

Vicky raised her brows at Andy, but I didn't miss the way her eyes narrowed slightly and I wondered if she held the same unease with the profession as her son. Dylan laughed, rice flying across the table and Vicky glared at him in disgust.

"Bro, cover your mouth." Andy reprimanded before his mother had the chance.

"Your girlfriend works for the industry you hate the most. You have to realise the irony here." Dylan replied.

Andy choked on whatever he was eating, and I instinctively patted him on the back as all eyes followed my hand. When I looked over at Dylan though, I couldn't stop the giggle which erupted out of me. Everyone looked at me, Dylan and Rob grinning, while Vicky still appeared somewhat unsure. Andy, who was taking a large drink of his beer, shot me a quick glance and I tapped his thigh under the table reassuring him this was okay.

"Before you give this one a heart attack, I should clarify. I'm not his girlfriend." Andy glanced at me again gratefully, before he cleared his throat.

"Part of my contract is to have a feature written. Arna is writing it." He clarified, his voice unconsciously conveying his annoyance at the obligation.

"That makes more sense." Vicky quipped, but I noticed the way she seemed to relax a little at the clarification as Rob rubbed circles into her back.

"Curious that you would have her come to your house. Do you normally do that when you are interviewed, Andy?" Dylan was so obviously enjoying this and part of me was mentally high fiving him because hell if I knew what was going on either.

"Oh, be quiet Dyl, or we will tell Andy about what your mother found in your bedroom the other night." Rob said and Andy nodded at his dad in appreciation.

"Please do not remind me." Vicky said, shuddering. "I'm still having nightmares."

"Yeah, Dad told me about that. You should really expand your reading choices, little bro. There are much better picture books out there which wouldn't be as awkward if found by your mother." Rob and Andy both laughed, and Dylan mumbled something under his breath while he resumed eating quietly.

"Arna, tell us about yourself." Rob said, evidently trying to save his youngest son the spotlight.

Swallowing my mouthful of food, I gave them a quick run down. "Well, I'm an editor at Urban Pulse, but was thrown into the role as a journalist when asked to interview your son. I've been there a few years now and am hoping to move into a senior position soon. I live in the city, but not somewhere as nice as this," I laughed, in a self-deprecating way. "Before that I lived out in Crestwood with my dad and nan."

"Do you have any siblings?" Vicky asked.

"Nope, it's just me. Mum passed away not long after I was born, and I don't think Dad ever really got over it. He moved in with his mum and they raised me. Although it wasn't a typical upbringing, I couldn't have asked for more. They're the best." I smiled, more to myself at how lucky I truly was and was startled when Andy put his hand on my thigh, squeezing gently. The table went quiet, everyone lost in their own thoughts.

"So, tell me, what is my son like to interview?" Vicky said, breaking the silence before looking at Andy. It was clear she was proud of him and doing her best to host a conversation for his benefit.

I laughed softly. "Well, the first attempt at an interview did not go well. He was contemptuous and I was, argh, a shit show if I'm honest. I had no idea who he was or what sport he played. Isn't that terrible?"

"You'd be the first woman he's met who didn't." Dylan said more to himself than anyone else and I felt my eyebrows instinctively rise in shock. Huh.

"But, since then, he has been the best person I've ever interviewed," I added.

"I'm the only person you've ever interviewed." Andy said, humour in his tone.

"Exactly. No competition. Lucky for you."

"Oooooh, I like this one, Andy." Rob said chuckling and Vicky lent into her husband, placing a kiss on his shoulder. It was beautiful to see the obvious love between them. They reminded me of Marlee's parents in the way they only had eyes for each other, and I briefly considered how difficult it must have been for Dad to have lost his one true love so long ago.

"Well, if you ever want to interview someone more interesting and better looking, I'm available." Dylan said, winking at me.

"Just keep reading those magazines." Andy retorted, a mischievous smirk on his face. I loved this version of him, and I found myself mesmerised by how easily they bantered.

Rob and Andy quickly became engrossed in discussing the upcoming game this weekend with Dylan and Vicky interjecting occasionally. Whereas I spent the rest of the meal silently observing a family so deeply connected and with so much love and respect, that being around them felt like snuggling in the confines of a warm blanket. The night had taken a turn I did not anticipate, but one which was welcomed all the same. At the end of our dinner, Vicky embraced me as if she had known me for years and when she whispered into my ear before we parted, ‘ Thank you, Arna. I haven't seen my son so alive in a long time ,' I was lost for words. Surely, she didn't think I had any role in that?

Andy walked them down to the foyer and I took the opportunity to use the bathroom. When I was finished and Andy still had not returned, I headed out to the balcony and looked at the now darkened view of the city. It was so beautiful up here and I longed to move closer to the edge to see the streets below. My fear of heights was not going to allow that just yet, so instead, I leant against the bar and looked up at the star filled night sky.

I didn't realise Andy was back until he came up beside me with a drink.

"Vodka, lime and soda?" He asked.

"Perfect." I clinked my glass with his and took a sip.

"So, that wasn't at all how I thought tonight would go. Sorry about that." He looked genuinely disappointed which made me grin.

"Don't be silly. Your family is so lovely. Although, I don't think they were anticipating me being here."

"They weren't. As soon as we got into the lift, they all started with the questions. Was like a firing squad."

"I bet," I said giggling. "Don't bring many dates here then?"

"Never." He didn't elaborate and again I pondered the affable man beside me versus the one I was introduced to through online articles. They were polar opposites and it made me sad to think that while people thought they knew the real Andy Gloss, they had no idea.

"Well, I'm honoured. I've been in your apartment and met your parents. We should set the wedding date now." Andy barked a laugh and shook his head.

"Your middle name should be unpredictable ." He moved to stand in front of me and my body was instantly alert.

Jesus, the effect this man had on me.

"Like I said, tonight was not at all how I planned. I leave tomorrow for a game and am not home until Sunday. Will you have dinner with me then? Just me this time?" He looked so vulnerable, such a contrast to when he was with his family or on the field with his teammates and it tugged at my heart.

"I would love to. Although, I do like your younger brother. He's pretty funny."

He moved in, hastily kissing me on the cheek. "He liked you too. Asked me for your number." He said, rolling his eyes. "Little shit is always trying to get under my skin." He kissed the other side of my face, and I closed my eyes when he didn't move away, instead running his mouth across my jaw like he did before we were interrupted. I put my drink on the bar next to me and gripped the edge, worried I would sway with how unsteady I was whenever he was near.

I heard another clink as his own glass landed on the bar and then his hands were on either side of my face.

"I've wanted to kiss you again all fucking night, Arna." His brown eyes looked almost black without the light, and they stared straight at me as his breath caressed my skin.

"So do it." I whispered simply, desperate for him to act on his words.

He didn't need any further encouragement, tilting my head slightly before he brought his mouth to mine. My lips parted and our tongues brushed. This kiss was different from earlier as he took his time tasting me like he wanted to know every single inch of my mouth. His tongue swiped my lower lip and a sound almost akin to a whine mewled in my throat. His hands didn't stop moving, from my hair, down my back, to caressing my face softly and when he wrapped his arms around me and brought me into him, I moaned. Was it possible to barely know someone but still want to entwine yourself so deeply within them? I fisted my hands in the side of his shirt, pulling him closer and the groan which came from his chest made me feral.

Eager to finish what we started earlier, I reached up and undid the buttons on his shirt, tearing it down his arms while our mouths remained locked. I slid my hands up and down his broad back, delighting in how rigid the muscles were. His grip moved from my waist, up and over my chest and I felt my nipples tighten.

God, I wanted his hands against my bare skin.

He kissed down my neck and I thrust one of my hands into his soft hair while the other continued along his back.

"I need to see you." He whispered.

"Zipper is at the back." I said, any shame at him seeing my body overshadowed by how turned on I was. My nipples were now painfully hard, and I was throbbing all over just from his kiss. I couldn't imagine how it would feel to have him inside me, but oh my god if I was this aroused already, did I want to find out.

He kissed me again as he reached around and undid my dress, pushing the straps from my shoulders and slowly dragging the garment down my body. I shimmied my hips a little to help and it dropped to the floor. He stepped back, his eyes raking over my entire body now only clad in black lace undergarments. His chest heaved and holy shit his sex eyes were hot. The cool evening air swept across my skin but the heat pulsing through my veins was enough to keep me warm.

"So fucking beautiful." He breathed before he lunged and lifted me up, my legs wrapping around his waist as a small squeal escaped. Carrying me over to his spa, he placed me gently on top as he stood against the edge and again took my mouth.

His hands moved to my chest and he gently squeezed before reaching around and undoing my bra, never breaking our kiss.

When his palms touched my now bare skin and his fingers grazed over my nipples my resulting moan was animalistic. I always loved having my nipples touched but nothing had ever felt like this. This was electric, like a tingle beating deep in my bones, my entire being coming alive.

"Oh my god, Andy." I tipped my head back as my panting mixed with the sound of his kisses tracking down my neck. His tongue grazed my collar bone, and I placed my hands behind me on the lid of the jacuzzi, shamelessly pushing my chest out towards him. Accepting my less than subtle invitation, he flicked his tongue over one of my nipples before moving to the other and doing the same. My heartbeat increased, pulsing all over, my skin alight under his touch.

Were we moving too fast? Was this going to be more than just a one-time thing?

"These tits were made for me to suck on. Fucking perfect." He said and his lust filled voice induced images of all the salacious things he could do to me, my questioning instantly forgotten.

Moving down my stomach he took hold of the side of my panties and pulled the black lace down. His hungry gaze devouring my now spread thighs. Suddenly feeling a little vulnerable, I moved to close them but he stopped me, taking hold of my legs and keeping them open.

"Don't." He snapped and oddly, his self-assuredness sent a wave of pleasure straight to my core. "This is the hottest thing I've ever seen. Fuck, Arna, I could come just looking at you." He took my hand and rubbed it against his very hard cock to show me just how much he liked the view. I inhaled quickly as I stroked him through his pants. He pressed his hips more firmly into my hand as he began touching my breasts again.

"See how fucking hard you make me?" He commanded, heat flooding his face.

"Mmmhmmm." I acknowledged, unable to speak properly, my body lost to the all-encompassing pleasure.

"Lean back, I need to taste this perfect fucking pussy." He pushed me back down until I was flat against the top of the lid and the confidence of the movement reverberated through me. It was warm, the water underneath obviously set to a high temperature, the vibration of the bubbles causing little pulses to skitter across my skin. I closed my eyes, concentrating entirely on the feel of his hands along my legs as he bared me completely. I felt his languid breaths along the inside of my thighs as he placed a trail of kisses down each before slowly licking along the sides of my throbbing centre. Using his hands to gently spread me open, he flicked his tongue across my clit and I moaned, arching off the lid at the pleasure which shot through me.

"Andy, that feels so fucking good." As if my words were all the encouragement he needed, he reached under me and pulled me into his face, consuming me entirely.

It had been so long. So long since anyone had touched or taken – was it always like this? Had I forgotten the intensity of tactile gratification or was the potency of Andy the difference.

"Taste better than I could have imagined." He said as he took one of his hands from underneath me and began circling my entrance while he continued to feast.

Embarrassingly, I already felt the familiar build deep within and tried my best to hold it off as long as I could. To fight the temptation to just let go, because basking in this climactic moment was beyond my wildest dreams.

But the pressure was too much, too strong, too powerful and I lost myself in the way his mouth took what it needed while leaving me with an extraordinary thirst.

"I'm close." I panted, my hips thrusting into his face eager for more and I felt him smile against me.

"I know, I can taste it." His voice was impossibly soft with the blood pulsing in my ears.

The warmth of his finger as he pressed inside me was the final push and I couldn't hold on any longer. "Oh my god, Andy." I screamed, as he quickened the pace of his tongue and simultaneous thrusts of his fingers, until my body shook, a crucible of fireworks starting and ending with his mouth.

When I opened my eyes, he was again kissing up and down my thighs as his hands stroked my hips. I sat up slowly and he stood, our faces mere inches apart.

"You are my new favourite flavour." He breathed before pressing his lips to mine, coating my mouth with my own taste. I pulled him into me and moved my hands down to the front of his pants, desperate to return the pleasure, to taste him on my tongue.

He reached for my hands, stopping me when I grabbed his still hard cock through his pants.

"Let me." I whined, kissing along his jaw.

"Arna, the first time I come with you, it is going to be buried deep inside this pussy." He said, his hands easily sliding through my now drenched sex. "But for now, I need to stop touching you because I don't have any damn condoms here and I won't be able to resist you much longer."

I groaned feeling his frustration, although mine held the sweet aura of a recent climax. Poor guy probably had blue balls and now he wouldn't let me help him.

"How are you single?" I asked, truly unsure how someone so sexy, with the ability to have any woman he wanted and a tongue that could make angels weep, did not have a partner.

"That's the million-dollar question, right." His soft murmuring felt as though it held a hidden meaning but my post-orgasm drunk brain didn't allow me to think too much into it when he kissed me again before slowly gathering my clothes and helping me get dressed.