Page 69 of Sterling Fight

“Just tell me then.” His tone grows sharper, and I glance up at him.

“I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”

Judd continues to stare at me, willing me to speak.

With a heavy sigh, I admit, “She said you were frigid. It was absolutely uncalled for and unnecessary. And before I could defend your honor or pride, Cadence was shooing Heather off like an annoying insect.” I should have said something. I’m his fiancée. I should have been arguing to the contrary.

Judd purses his lips and rocks his head a few times, then releases my hand and pops open the driver’s side door. He rounds his truck as I’m exiting my side and he takes my hand in his again, helping me out of the truck before leading me into the house.

We bypass the guest room and library and then stop inside the great room. Only undercabinet lights in the kitchen area are on, giving the room a warm glow.

Judd and I face off a second, and I’m worried revealing Heather’s jab has hurt Judd’s feelings.

“Did you buy anything tonight?” he asks, noticing a bag in my other hand. His eyes are trained on the paper sack. The blue in them like the bright flame at the first light of a burner.

“Judd,” I whisper, my throat growing dry.

“Can I see it?” He looks me directly in the eye. The heat in them scorching me. The desire a sudden inferno.

With shaky hands, I pull out my new purchase. “It’s called The Pickler.”

Judd stares at the item that I’m holding up like a magic wand and takes in the bulbous wedge and the surprising likeness to both a vegetable and the male anatomy.

“Not a very appealing name,” he mutters as we both stare at the device.

Meredith gave a very detailed and convincing sales job on how to use this product and what it can do to enhance my sexperience.

“Want to show me how it works?” Judd adds, focusing on me.

My head whips in his direction, my heart galloping as well. His question is a cross between asking for permission and an assumption I’d show him how I’d use this product.

I’m also instantly turned on. Darn Thursdays.

“Want to help me?” Toys-as-tools, Cadence said.

“Checking yes.” Judd’s breathless reply has my thighs clenching and another part of me pulsing. Touching myself with this product, while Judd watches or participates or whatever will happen, involves a layer of trust, and instantly, I realize I do trust him.

Snap-crackle-pop. The sexual tension is palpable between us, almost more intense than the thunderstorm last night.

Judd stares at me for another long minute before he demands, “Lose your panties.”

24

[Judd]

“You haven’t kissed me today,” Genie says quietly, lowering her eyes while still holding that damn purple pleaser in her hand.

“What?” I don’t mean to sound obtuse, because I’ve been thinking about kissing her all day. But I also know Genie is like a skittish cat, and I don’t want to see claws when I want to hear her purr.

Last night, she hummed with my mouth on hers, distracting us both from the storm, but in the light of a new day, I’m worried I’ve crossed a boundary that Genie set. She hadn’t wanted to kiss me only days ago, although she was certainly willing last night.

Our situation is only days old and I’m trying to navigate it as best I can without scaring her off.

Then again, it isn’t every day the woman of your dreams stands before you with a sex toy in her hand, looking all innocent while sinfully seductive at the same time.

“You haven’t kissed me,” Genie repeats, slowly looking up at me.

I rush forward, taking her face in my hands and kissing her fast and deep. If this woman wants kisses before I can touch her, so be it. I’ll give her anything.