9/5/2008

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This book is for sale to ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It contains substantial sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which may be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

All sexually active characters in this work are 18 years of age or older.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover Photo Credit: Roslyn Barrett

Used under a Creative Commons license.

Cover Design: Selena Kitt

Just Between Friends © 2008 Dakota Trace

eXcessica publishing

All rights reserved

Just Between Friends

By Dakota Trace

Chapter One

Isabella Carnetti watched as her very best friend in the world, Seth Anderson, washed his prized car, a 1966 Mustang convertible. As he continued to spread suds, Isabella kept stealing glances at him over the top of the trashy novel she'd been trying to read for the last several minutes. The louse wasn't helping matters either, she thought, as she watched droplets of water and soap run down his chest.

They had been friends since grade school. Even though he'd been a year ahead of her in school, he'd still maintained their friendship when it hadn't been cool to have a younger girl tagging along behind him. Isabella couldn't remember the exact moment when she'd realized he was a man and a very attractive man at that. It had happened somewhere between her sophomore and junior year in high school. She'd matured painfully late and none of the guys at school had ever noticed her. She was just another one of the guys who hung around together after school.

Now that both she and Seth had been out of school for five years, she thought the attraction she'd felt for her friend would have lessened over time. Instead, if anything, she'd become more attracted to him, and it didn't help when he purchased the house right next door.

"Hey, Bella, get off that duff of yours and come help me wash the car," Seth hollered, breaking into her thoughts.

"Get real, Seth. That's your baby. I don't dare touch her," she yelled back, setting her book down, picking up her water bottle, and walking over to where he was still soaping the car.

"Aw, come on, Bella. You know you want to touch her." Stopping his washing motion, he had an evil glint in his eye as he coaxed her closer.

When she got with in a few feet of the car, Seth grabbed the bucket of warm sudsy water and threw its contents at her! Ducking, Isabella laughed as most of the suds had missed her.

"Very funny, Romeo, but I don't need a bath." Wiping off some stray suds, she walked around the front of the car with an innocent smile, or at least she hoped it was innocent. "I gotta run, Seth. I have some things to do before I go over and fix the old man's supper."

"You're gonna leave before the waxing?" Seth pouted. This subject was an ongoing battle between them.

"You're a big boy, Seth. You can wax her all by yourself, but you're not going to con me into it. Have one of the guys come over and help you. I know for a fact Garth would love to get his hands on her.”

"Like hell he will," he growled in a good-natured tone. "Come give me a hug before you go, shrimp."

Laughing, she stepped close enough to give him a one-armed hug but she wasn't surprised when he plopped the warm soapy sponge on her bare back.

"I do believe you need to cool off.” She smiled and dumped the entire contents of her cold water bottle down his back in retaliation.

“Son of a…” Gasping as the cold water ran down his back. She darted away from him. Immediately, he went after her.

"Oops." Giggling, she backed away from him. "Now remember, you started it." When he shook his head, she squealed before turning on her heel and running for the house. Skidding inside the door of her house, she shoved the door shut behind her. Flipping the lock, she went to her room and pulled her wet-shirt off.

The noise of a sharp intake of breath from the doorway caught her attention, and spinning around, she saw Seth standing in the doorway!

* * * *

Staring in the mirror above her dresser, Seth could see every inch of her bare breasts, even with her back to him. While Bella was not blessed with large tits, she had very prominent nipples. Raspberry in color and hardening in the cool breeze, the sight of her nipples made him lick his lips. Wanting to lick and suck the tender buds, Seth wondered what she would do if he did.

At that moment, Isabella had become more than just his best friend. Now an attractive woman that whetted his appetite for hot sex, she was making his cock harden behind his zipper.

"Seth, get the hell out of my bedroom," Isabella shrieked as she crossed her arms over her breasts. Angry now, for he was invading her private space, she glared at him.

However, Seth didn't move right away. Licking his lips, he propped himself against the door jam. Watching her with smoky eyes, he waited to see if the little tease would give him another glimpse.

"Damn it, Seth. How the hell did you get in here?" Isabella asked hotly as she grabbed a clean shirt off the dresser and tried to keep her dignity.

"Keys." Jingling them in his hand to show her, he pushed them into the pocket of his tight jeans before moving further into the room.

"What are you doing? I told you to get out!" She backed away as he came even closer, grabbing a towel off the top of her laundry basket.

“You're wet, Bella. I thought I'd help dry you off.”

"What? I can dry myself off!" Snatching the towel out of his hands, she added. "Now take your butt downstairs and I'll be down as soon as I get dressed."

"I'd rather help you, Bella. What are you afraid of? I'd never hurt you,” Seth explained as he retained his hold on the other end of the towel.

"Seth, stop it, I don't want you that way." She continued to tug on the towel but, with a casual twist, he managed to jerk it right out of her hand. Grabbing her arms, he peeled them away from her breasts. Reaching out, with a light touch, his finger traced one nipple with the barest of caresses. He smiled in satisfaction as it hardened beneath his touch.

"Beautiful.” He leaned forward with the intentions of tasting the tempting morsel.

"Ahh…nooo…I can't let you do this," Isabella gasped as she shot out of his reach, jerking her shirt on over her head, as she headed down the hall towards the stairs.

Standing in Isabella's bedroom, Seth's harsh breathing filled the quiet. He had never realized how sexy his best friend was until now. Feeling his cock throb unrelenting, he couldn't remember when he'd been this quick to arouse before. Soothing a hand down the front of his jeans, he pressed hard against his erection to relieve some of the pressure, but it didn't help much.

One thing was clear to him, he definitely needed to pursue the attraction he felt towards the girl who had tagged along after him since grade school. It is clear, she's no longer one of the guys. She's a woman, and damn sexy one.

Dropping the towel back onto her hamper after drying himself off, he walked back downstairs to find Isabella gone. She’d probably over to her old man's to get supper ready for him. With her mother gone, Bella had taken her place as far as tending to her father. He had been hospitalized last year due to a terrible auto accident. When they released him, the doctors had told a tearful Isabella her daddy would never walk again. Her mother, who'd been in the car with him at the time, hadn't even made it to the hospital. She'd died on the side of the road where the eighteen-wheeler had hit them. So all Bella had left for family now was her daddy and himself, but he wasn't having ‘familial’ thoughts about his little Bella anymore.

* * * *

Isabella drew a deep breath before entering her father's house. She had to get a grip on herself before she saw her dad. She knew if he could see her, he would know right away she was upset. Looking down her shirt, she saw the hardened points of her nipples. Because her breasts were small, she seldom bothered with a bra.

What the hell got into him? Does he think I'm another one of his love'em and leave'em girls? She knew Seth had come to look at women as another notch in his belt. I won't be another notch for him to brag about.

Pushing open the back door, she paused in the mudroom and kicked her shoes off. "Dad!" she called as she walked into the large homey kitchen.

"I hear ya, Isabella. No need to yell." Her father's voice came closer as he wheeled himself into the kitchen accepting a kiss from her as he got to the table.

"I wasn't yelling, Dad. Just didn't know if you were out back or in the house." She yanked a skillet out of the cupboard and set it on the stove.

"Sounded loud to me," he grumbled as he picked up the newspaper on the table but the phone rang, and he dropped the paper, picking up the cordless phone.

Ignoring her dad's conversation, she continued to throw together his supper wanting the task to be done as fast as possible. Having already decided to catch the all night movie marathon at the local drive-in, she wanted to get there in time to find a good spot to park.

"That's fine. Come on over," her father said before hanging the phone up.

"Having a guest for supper, Pops?"

"Yeah, he said he wanted to play some cards with us tonight."

"Cards?" Looking over her shoulder at him she almost burnt herself on the pork chops as she remembered her promise.

"Yes, cards. You promised me a chance to win back my money."

"Pops, I made other plans for tonight. I'm sorry."

"Isabella Marie, you'll stay and play cards with me because you promised to." Scowling at her, he was now angry.

In a moment of self need, she reacted. "And what are you going to do if I don't?" Regretting her words, she tried to laugh them away, but her father was unimpressed.

"I'll get out of this chair and kick your ass," he threatened, just to give her a hard time. "You told me yesterday you'd stay and play cards with me."

Knowing he wouldn't really kick her ass, she nonetheless knew she'd promised, and she relented. "Okay, Pops.” No movies for me tonight.

"That's more like it,” John grumbled as he wheeled himself out of the kitchen, in search of the cards.

* * * *

Seth smiled as he met Bella's father, John, on the front porch. He knew what he'd planned was down right sneaky but he couldn't resist. He'd given John the excuse of having nothing to do on a Saturday night, and promptly found himself invited to the weekly card game that John and Bella held.

"Evening Seth," John greeted. "How's that little car of yours running?"

"Great."

"Looks good too. But who botched up your wax job?" John shook his head at the sight.

"I have to talk to Bella about that. The little brat called Garth over and he started waxing it before I could stop him. Speaking of which, where's she at?" John started laughing at him.

"She's in the kitchen."

"I'll be right back. I have a woman to talk to about a wax job." Seth headed towards the house.

Bella was reaching up into the cabinet above the stove for plates when a warm pair of arms surrounded her and the hands attached to them cupped her breasts. Freezing in mid-reach, she gasped.

"That wasn't a very nice thing for you to do, Bella," Seth whispered into her ear.

"What? Calling Garth?" She whimpered as he squeezed her nipples between his fingers.

"Oh, I know a certain woman who's going to fix that for me. But I was referring to walking out on me this afternoon."

"What?" she fumed as she futilely attempted to turn around in his arms. He held her still with her back against his chest.

"Shh," he whispered as he continued to hold her against him. "Don't turn, just stay like this." He gently nipped her earlobe. "Now, as I was saying. You left me in your bedroom, holding a towel that smelled like you with a raging boner."

"Seth!" she protested as she felt heat flood her face.

"Shh," again he soothed, as he continued to rub and squeeze her nipples. "Why did you stop me, Bella? From the sound of your breathing right now, I bet I could've made you come from just sucking on your nipples."

"Oh… please stop," she gasped as she felt the tugging of her nipples deep in her womb. If she wasn't careful, he was going to make her come from just tugging on her nipples.

"Stop? I don't think so, sweetheart." He started to turn her in his arms, lifting her shirt up at the same time. Behind them, the bang of the front door echoed through the house.

"Pops…" she protested, meeting his gaze. Sighing, he looked down into her frantic eyes, pulling her closer to comfort her.

"Relax, Bella. I won't do anything in front of your dad," he assured her before releasing her. Stumbling away from him, she turned back to the sink.

Walking up behind her again, he just leaned over enough to whisper in her ear. “Don't think this let’s you off the hook, Bella. The next time I get you alone, I'm going to strip you out of that t-shirt and taste those sweet nipples." Giving her nipples a gentle squeeze, he pulled a gasp from her.

As pleasure exploded between her thighs, Bella held her breath and waited for the pleasure to ebb away. Maybe he won't realize I just creamed my panties.

Seth stared at his best friend's expression, narrowing his eyes with suspicion. Grabbing her hips, he pulled her back against him.

"You naughty little girl, you just came, didn't you, Bella?"

"Seth, please." Gasping, she tried to pull away from him.

"Answer me or I'll find out for myself.” His voice was threatening as he slid the tips of his fingers into her waistband.

I can't let him check my pussy and risk Pops seeing. "Yes…I did."

Seth grunted and left, going to the bathroom to wash his hands.

It was none too soon, because John wheeled himself into the kitchen.

"When's supper gonna be done?" he asked his flushed daughter, who was standing by herself at the sink.

"A couple of minutes, Pops." She tried to control her voice, still shaken from her encounter with Seth.

"Where did Seth go?"

"I told him to go clean up," she said, nodding to the bathroom.

As she placed supper on the table, Bella was careful to keep her eyes from straying towards Seth. After serving her father and Seth, she took her own plate to the counter.

"Bella, why don't you come over and sit down?" Seth asked as he took a bite of his chop.

She sat down and hoped that he would behave.

Leaning into her ear, he whispered, "I don't bite real hard and only if you want me too.”

"Stop it," she hissed at him before shoving a fork full of food into her mouth.

"Or what?" He reached under the table and pinching her inner thigh.

"Isabella and Seth, behave," John scolded when he became aware of their fooling around. “You're acting like kids!'

* * * *

Later that night after the card game Seth left, Isabella cleaned up the kitchen and started for the door to go home.

"Stay for a little bit, Isabella."

"Ok, what's up, Pops? You never call me Isabella unless I'm in trouble."

"You're not in trouble, Bella. I just want to talk to you about this thing with Seth.”

"What thing?" She plopped down on the couch, knowing he was going to have his say.

"He's sniffin' around you like you're in heat." Her father wheeled over to where she was sitting.

"Dad, he's been my best friend forever but he doesn't think of me that way." Knowing she was lying, she tried not to look at him. I can't talk to him about this, it's too embarrassing.

"Who you lying to Bella, me or yourself? That boy wants you bad, he's as horny as any guy I've ever seen."

"Pops!" she protested, but not with much enthusiasm. She knew he was right.

* * * *

Isabella sighed, as she made her way up the walk to her dark house. The discussion with her father had disintegrated into an argument. He just didn't realize she was twenty four, and he had no say in whether she not she was intimate with anyone. He's right, Seth is trying to get in my panties, but it's my decision whether or not he does, not my father's.

Walking in the door, she tossed her keys on the stand and locked the door behind her. Moving down the darkened hall, she kicked her shoes off and shrieked as a man grabbed her from behind.

"Relax, Bella. I'm not going to hurt you." He kissed her neck before turning her in his arms…

"Damn it, Seth, you can't just come in my house and grab me!"

"Why not, when inside you want me to?" He tried to slip his tongue between her lips, but she continued to stand there, not moving.

"What's wrong, Bella? Why aren't you kissing me back?”

"I'm not doing this with you, Seth. You're been my best friend since I can remember, and I'm not going to ruin that.” Her voice was cold and frustrated.

"That's why we'd be perfect together, because we are already friends. I just want us to move to the next level, Bella. Is that too much to ask?”

“You can be such a bastard. Who says it's all your decision?" She pushed him away in frustration. “You're trying to bully me into it, and not giving me a choice.”

"I'm honest about wanting a woman and not leading her on. I'm not saying we have to get married tomorrow, Bella, but I still have needs, and so do you if you'll let yourself feel them.

Moving to the couch and sitting down, she fired back at him. “Yes, I have physical needs, but do you realize how many women you've dropped like hot potatoes? Well, I do, because they coming running to me asking why.”

Seth laughed, thinking she was joking. "What? All the women I sleep with know the score or I don't take them to bed."

"What do you think, that turns their emotions off? No, they get involved, fall in love, and then you break their hearts. Let's face it, buddy, you're pure hell on women!” Bella got up off the couch and turned on several lights, only to gasp in dismay when she saw the seduction scene he had planned for them.

In the middle of her living room floor, he'd spread out her down comforter. Next to it was a small bucket holding a bottle of red wine, her favorite. Looking further to the legs of her coffee table, she saw two lengths of silk he'd tied there. What the hell was he planning to do to me? My best friend has a secret kinky side? He's into bondage?

Groaning, she walked out of the room, not knowing whether she should be upset at his forwardness or flattered. The assumption she would just let him tie her up was one huge step beyond jumping into bed with him. In Bella's mind, the image of her body bound and pleasured, made her thighs clench in need. Okay, Seth sees me as a woman now, but can I be what he wants?

"Bella, where are you going?" Seth's frustrated voice called after her.

"Never mind where I'm going-you can go straight to hell, Seth!" She ran up the stairs to her bedroom, she knowing she didn't really mean the words, but she was confused and upset about his change toward her.

* * * *

Sitting in the living room, Seth shook his head as he heard the door slam at the top of the stairs. Looking over at the wine and comforter, he realized his plans for the evening were down the drain. Walking over to the comforter, he knelt down on it. The satin duvet covering the down filling was silky to the touch. The wine was in perfect reach to share with her, and best of all, the silken bonds he loved to use on his lovers were waiting for him to wrap around Bella's slender wrists.

He wasn't sure when the desire to sexually dominate a woman had encompassed his every carnal thought. He just knew he loved to drive a woman crazy with desire to tease every inch of her body until she was begging for release. It was the ultimate sexual high for him, to push her over the edge and know he alone was responsible for giving her that release.

Kicking his shoes off, he decided to wait until Bella calmed down and tackle her reserves in the morning. Grabbing a handful of t-shirt, he peeled it off and over his head. What he planned on doing was not playing fair but he decided that he was too horny to care. Shutting the light off, he settled himself down on the comforter after stripping his jeans away. Maybe Isabella would peek in on him in the morning.

* * * *

When Bella wandered downstairs the next morning, she was in search of a cup of coffee but instead she got a full frontal view of Seth. Standing there, she couldn't help but devour his magnificent form with hungry eyes, and his exposed manhood drew her eye. He was just rousing.

Opening his eyes to a new day, Seth to his delight, saw Bella standing the open doorway. Feeling her gaze on his exposed manhood, he lay still, feigning sleep while he thought about her nipples and her hot bod. Knowing what would happen to his cock as he concentrated on these thoughts, he watched Bella's face as his cock hardened before her eyes.

Jerking her eyes away from it, she focused on his face but couldn't help but glancing at his need. Still thinking he was asleep, she found that myth shattered as he open his eyes and reached down to run this hand up and then down his cock.

"Seth, what the fuck are you doing?" Gasping and in obvious shock he was masturbating in front of her, she was still drawn to his touching himself, unable to look away. Bella had seen cocks before in pictures and even some in person but they had all been soft. Nothing in her limited experience had prepared her for this.

“Shh, I want you to watch, to know what you're missing." With those words, he groaned as his fist began to move faster and faster.

* * * *

Bella stared at him, mesmerized by his flying fist. At the tip she could see drops of pre cum leaking out of the slit. As his fist went to the top of his cock, he rubbed his thumb over the head, smearing the wetness all over the head and then back down his shaft.

"Oh, baby, don't you want this?” Gasping out a plea, he now cupped his balls. “Go ahead, touch ’em, Bella, if you want to.” Bella edged closer to him as she watched the furious stroking. Half of me wants to touch, but if I do, I'll be just another woman to him. The head of his cock was swollen now, as large and colored as a plum. From the gasps and groans escaping him, she realized he was getting close to his climax, and she had never seen male ejaculation before. I can't believe he's doing this in front of me.

* * * *

Isabella's gaze acted on Seth like a strong aphrodisiac. He could already feel his balls tightening in preparation for release. Seeing his little friend was very curious, he wanted very much for her to like the show.

Bella leaned forward and set her hand on his thigh Damned, if I don't want to touch it. "Oh, my, Seth, it's so big and angry looking. Does it always get that way? Does it hurt?" She was mesmerized as the head of it swelled further and the color became darker.

"Haven't you ever watched a guy come before, Bella? Yes, it always get this way, but it doesn't hurt.” He moaned louder now as his hand became a blur stroking his cock.

Suddenly, Bella was afraid for him, the veins in his neck and right arm stood out with his effort. Oh, god, I want to touch it! With slow and hesitant motions, she reached out her hand and rubbed her fingers over the head.

“That's it, Bella, I'm gonna come!".

"You are?" Should I take my hand away?

"Yes!" Shouting out the words, Seth's face tightened as his cock jerked, his seed exploding out of the head of his cock to land on his stomach and chest, except for one stray drop which found Bella's palm. His muscles relaxed and Bella realized that she had not pulled away quick enough, spotting the drop of semen now rested on her palm. Seth lay there on his back panting as she contemplated how her body had been christened by her best friend's seed. Is there no going back to what we were? Is our future relationship destined to be sexual or not at all?

Reaching over, he grabbed his t-shirt, but paused and inquired, “Did I get any on you, Bella?”

Coming out of her trance of sexual thought, Isabella answered. “Yes. Please wipe it off. Seth, I just don't know what to say to you. It's too much, to fast.”

Seth wiped the cum off her hand, and then attended to his stomach and chest. Sitting up, he moved closer to her and tried to take her into his arms, intent on a kiss. “This is how aroused you make me, Bella, but I'd much rather have sex with you than just with myself.”

He moved in for a kiss, but she moved her lips away. “I don't know, Seth. You're tempting me but you aren't listening to my concerns. How do I make you listen?

His eyes went glassy and in a sullen voice, he told her what he knew. “You'll want me, Bella, someday. I will still be around when you want me, but don't come unless you're prepared for sex, because that's the kind of relationship I want.”

Bella listened as the front door opened and closed firmly behind Seth, wondering if there was anything to be done about this situation. Holding her head in her hands, she groaned out loud, frustrated by her inability to get through to him. I don't want to lose him as a friend, but he seems bound and determine to make me a lover or nothing at all.

Chapter Two

When Bella finally got around to going to work, she found a note trapped under the windshield wiper on her car. Staring at it for a moment, she knew it was from Seth. Setting it on the seat next to her, Bella backed out her driveway and headed towards work. When she pulled into the parking lot of the hospital, she grabbed her bag with her scrubs and headed in, ignoring the note.

"Hey, nurse Bella!" A four-year-old patient called out as she wheeled herself over to Isabella.

"Hey there, Marissa, how ya’ feeling today, pumpkin?" Bella asked as she crouched down in front of the girl.

"Better, I got to eat some toast for breakfast."

"Well, that's great, pumpkin. I see you're up early today."

"Yeah, Mr. Seth, is gonna come and play with me today," Marissa told her happily. "I like Mr. Seth. He has the coolest games to play."

"I'm glad. Why don't I wheel you down to Mr. Seth's play room, pumpkin?" Since the accident had taken the use of Marissa's legs, she'd been seeing Seth three times a week for special pediatric physical therapy.

"Thanks nurse Bella. You're my favorite nurse!" the little girl exclaimed.

* * * *

Later on in the day, Isabella sat with Marissa and Seth in the hospital cafeteria eating ice cream. Wanting to sit on the booth seat but unable to decide which adult she wanted to sit next to, Marissa was nestled between the two of them. Bella felt this served a duel purpose, satisfying Marissa, and keeping Seth at arms length. Seth placed a bowl of strawberry ice cream in front of Marissa and then handed Bella her plain Jane vanilla. Seth had a serious sweet tooth, Bella noted, shaking her head, as he dug into his double fudge chocolate ice cream.

A thought intruded into her head. When he marries, and he will, his wife will be forever cooking up all sorts of delicious goodies for him. Oh, my god, if it isn't me who marries him, I'll lose him. Instinctively she knew a wife wouldn't put up with her presence in his life.

"Seth, I gotta go potty." Marissa announced her need to the two adults.

"Well, munchkin, I think nurse Bella will have to handle this one." Sliding out of booth, he picked her up to let Bella out of the booth. As Bella took Marissa from him he brushed the side of her breast with his hand. Looking up at him swiftly, she saw him smile down at her. Leaning down, he whispered into Marissa ear and the four-year-old giggled.

"Telling secrets are we, Seth?" Bella scolded him and took Marissa to the bathroom. When Marissa was done, Bella helped her clean up. Looking up from washing her hands, Marissa asked a question beyond her years. “Do you like Mr. Seth?” Innocently asked, the question would have to be answered in some manner.

"Yes, I like him. He's my best friend." Hoping that would end Marissa's curiosity, Bella did a double take at the next question.

"So are you going to marry him?"

"What?" Isabella sputtered.

Out of the mouths of babes.

“Well, pumpkin, it doesn't always work that way. Sometimes being best friends is all two people get to do, because there's a different kind of love involved in marriage.” She couldn't believe she was skirting the topic of sexual love in marriage with a four-year-old girl.

“But don't you love Mr. Seth?"

Unable to answer that question, Bella opted to escape under the cover of ice cream. "Why don't we go back out and finish our ice cream?"

"Yea, ice cream!".

Yet no amount of ice cream could cover up the question growing in Bella's mind. Do I love him?

* * * *

Walking out of work that night, she was not surprised to see Seth leaning against her car. Sighing under her breath, she walked over to her car.

“Hey, Seth, shouldn't you have gone home all ready? " Pulling her keys out of her pants pocket, she continued. “You get an hour before I do.”

"I just wanted to say thank you for helping with Marissa today. She seemed to do better today in the therapy having you there."

"No problem. She's a doll, but I don't think that's why you're here." Bella tossed her bag into the back of her car but when she went to straighten up, he pressed his body to hers.

"Seth, I'm not going to have sex with you, especially not here." Her voice was as stern and cross as she could make it, and she knew she sounded harsh to the guy who had been best friend.

"Bella, how can this be wrong when it feels so good?" He nuzzled her neck.

"Seth, stop please and listen to the things I'm telling you." Her words seemed to make no impression as he found her ear lobe, licking and sucking on it.

Lifting her hands from her car, Bella tried to turn and push him away, but he growled out a command at her.

"Keep them there." Sliding his hands down her body to her stomach, he pulled her hips back, his breathing rough in her ear. "Do you realize, I was half-hard the whole time we were together today? Even with Marissa there, I wanted you so bad. How can something this hot be wrong?"

“I just can't, Seth." Gasping, she felt his hardening manhood pressed against her bottom.

"Why not?" he pleaded, truly not seeing what she was so clear to her.

"I don't want our friendship to be ruined."

"I think we've gone past being just friends. We're grown up now, and you're not one of the guys anymore. I know you're the only woman I want right now.”

Shaking her head in denial, she let loose. “Yeah, Seth, you want me now, but what about three months from now? If I let you have me? Then where will we be? Try to look beyond your dick for once.”

He seemed unaffected by her words, relying on his old standby. “You want me, Bella. All I have to do is tease those gorgeous nipples and you'll come right here for me."

You fucking bastard, you don't think I know that? That's why this is so hard on me. She gasped as his right hand left her hip to settle on her breast.

"So what's the issue? Why won't you say yes?" Spinning her around, he tried to kiss her, like he wanted to throw her over the bumper of her car and fuck her right there.

"I've been telling you, Seth, but you aren't listening. I won't be your next fuck. I want more before I let you have your way and tie me up.”

"I won't hurt you, Bella, if that's what you are worried about.”

"It's not about that, Seth.” Her voice showed her total anger and frustration at his lack of understanding. “It's about you investing yourself in me, I don't want to be just a quick fuck."

Then from the shadows a light arose, a glimmer of willingness to understand. “Then what is about this, Bella. Talk to me and make me understand why being my lover would ruin our whole relationship."

"Yes, Seth, it's about talk, romance, and caring.” Knowing it would take time to explain it to him, she became even more frustrated. “I can't just give you instructions, because I don't know them myself, but there has to be more. We have a foundation of friendship, but it can't just change into sex overnight."

"But it has too soon, or I'll go nuts.” It was obvious he was aroused when he pulled her hand down to his erection.

"Damn it, Seth. It's not just about that rod in your pants, as much as you think it is. Why don't you just leave me be. If it has to be that way, we don't have to be friends anymore." She hated saying that to him, but maybe this couldn't be solved, and she simply had to let him go. I can't go on forever, fighting him off.

"If you could feel this buried deep inside of you, Bella, you wouldn't say that. Don't you know how great that feels?"

"No, I don't, Seth. I happen to be a virgin. I don't have any of your sexual experience. Does that make this any clearer to you?”

"What? Are you serious?" Dumbfounded, he stared at her. He knew she didn't have a lot of experience but he'd always assumed she had some.

"There's no way in hell I'm going to let you break me in and then toss me away like the rest of your conquests. Good-ye, Seth." Turning, she got into her car and started the engine.

Seth tried to wrap his mind around the thought of Bella being a virgin but all that succeeded in doing was making his erection grow another inch from his sudden desire to deflower his friend. Then he remembered his one firm rule with women-avoid virgins at all costs.

He reached into her window to stop her.

"No, Seth, let me go." Pulling away, she wondered if she'd maybe given him enough to think about. Or have I lost my best friend?

Watching her drive out of the parking lot, he considered her bombshell. She's going to be mine, no doubt about it, but maybe I do need to slow down a bit.

* * * *

Bella decided against going home, knowing if Seth saw her car, he would more come over to pester her about the little secret she'd exposed. Instead she decided to check out the movie marathon she'd missed for the card game last night. A good movie is just what I need to relax..

* * * *

Seth glanced at the clock on the wall and, seeing it was after midnight, wondered where the hell she was. Pacing in his sun room, he considered a different approach to seducing Bella. First, she was his best friend and she knew all about how he operated with women, so he would have to change his approach. Next, it occurred to him how he'd always treated Bella like every other one of his male friends. Looking back, he now realized she wanted to be treated like a woman now, not a guy. If I treat her like a woman, make her feel pretty, desirable and safe with me, maybe she'll feel more comfortable.

* * * *

Bella pulled into her driveway after two, cutting the headlights so it wouldn't alert Seth of her return. After locking her car, she started towards her house but realized her efforts at stealth had been in vain. Seth walked right up to her, wearing nothing but a pair of thin, faded boxers.

"Good night, Seth." She moved around him.

"Bella, don't go. Let's talk, just talk." His voice sounded different somehow, like he really did want to talk.

She was unlocking her front door before she sensed he might be serious. If he does want to talk, can I afford to say no?

“You've been running from me for the last two days, and I'm sick of it." He had moved to the bottom of her front step and was just standing there half-naked and too cute for words.

"No, Seth, you've been chasing me for the last two days and I'm sick of it too." Turning to face him, she hoped he was sincere.

"I wouldn't have to chase you if you would quit running from me."

That's true, but does he see the other side of that equation?

"Seth, I'm not going to argue with you. You're either willing to build a solid, long-term relationship with me or you go back to your sex bunnies. “ Bella paused, sighed and added something she had not yet revealed to him. "I think I could love you, Seth, forever and ever, but I'm not willing to trade that for a few hours in your bed."

"How about we take it one step at a time?" He found it hard believe he was making the offer. I've never gone this slowly with a woman, but there's something different here.

"What?" Is he serious?

"Go out on date with me, Bella. No hanky panky, I promise.” He moved closer to her, his voice pleading. "I promise to behave."

Not sure if she could believe what she was hearing, Bella felt some progress might have been made, but her instinct told her she should press the issue. "Seth, listen to yourself. You've never done the dating thing. You're about a series of one-night stands, love'em and leave'em. Why would you suddenly date me?"

When he responded his voice got low and very serious-sounding. “Because it's what you want, Bella, and I need you.”

The answer was more than she'd hoped for and it encouraged her to push further. “And while we're dating, you'll only date me?” The quickness of his answer astounded her.

“Done. Only you, I promise.”

"Seth, go home. It's obvious you need some sleep as you're a different person than the one I know." She turned, opening her front door to leave him, but he cried out in the most desperate, pleading voice she'd ever heard.

"Isabella, look at me, I'm begging you to give me just a chance. If I go home now, without a spark of hope, how will I sleep?” He placed his hand on his stiff erection, to show her his naked need.

Turning around, she frowned. "Now you're backtracking big time, Seth, putting on a sexual display. Are we still in disagreement about this being all about sex?”

"I'm sorry. It's just I knew this little girl, Bella, and she was my best friend but now she's a grown woman, Isabella and she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I want to know her better. Please give me that chance."

Hope and skepticism warred inside of Bella. Skepticism warned her about the Seth she knew and, a voice hissed in her ear, he only wants in your panties. Hope whispered softly in her other ear, championing her desire to believe he could change and more importantly, he would change for her love. In the end, there was only once choice to be made.

How can I not take the chance to win his love? Would I ever forgive myself if I said no?

"I'm not going to decide on anything tonight, Seth. I'm tired and it's been a long day, but come over for coffee in the morning and we'll talk more."

* * * *

When Bella came downstairs, the next morning she found Seth in her kitchen sipping on cup of coffee and reading her paper.

Making himself at home but at least he's not all over me.

Pulling out a can of Coke, her preference over coffee, and popped the top. Guzzling down half of the cool beverage, she found herself surprised he hadn't acknowledged her presence. Glancing at the clock, she saw that auction time was nearing.

“Ready to go?” She pulled her hair up into a ponytail.

“No, not really, but I suppose we must.”

As she headed towards her car, he followed her. When she opened her door, she saw he was waiting beside the passenger door. “What are you doing?”

“I thought we could ride together. After all we're going the same place.”

“Oh, did you now?” Laughing, she got in and leaned over the seat to pop the lock for him. As she reached down to start the car, he covered her hand with his.

“Wait, Bella, we need to talk.”

“Seth, can't it wait? I'm still thinking about this, and you haven't done anything to convince me changing our relationship is my interest. Do you ever plan to talk about anything but the hard thing between your legs? Now, we're supposed to be at the charity auction in a half hour, so I suggest you think of what you're willing to do to impress me that doesn't involve your dick.” Bella was firm and Seth could see she wasn't going to allow him to backtrack from his promises last night.

“Okay, Bella, but please don't take forever to decide.”

“Well, that's entirely up to you, Seth. Show me what I'm missing and perhaps I'll take the chance and become your girlfriend.”

As they pulled out of the driveway, she glanced over at him. He had a very thoughtful look on his face, one she'd never seen before. Maybe, just maybe, he's beginning to understand.

When they arrived at the charity auction, Bella was ushered back stage for her part in the auction. They'd convinced her to be auctioned off to the highest bidder for charity, the winning bidder getting a date with her. The other nurses had assured her it was a good way to meet a guy, but she wasn't sure she believed them. Handed a slinky dress to change into, she sighed, but it was all for a good cause, she told herself.

Dressing and getting made up was a whirlwind and before she knew it, the announcer was introducing her to the crowd.

“Our next bachelorette is a full-time nurse who loves working with children, going to the drive-in, and being outdoors. Please welcome, Isabella.”

Straightening, she walked out, pasting a big smile on her face.

“And here she is, the lovely Isabella. If you bid on her, you'll get an evening of her time, which you'll spend having a romantic picnic, followed by a midnight stroll down by the waterfront. Who would like to start the bidding?”

Isabella tried to see out into the crowd but the bright stage lights blinded her.All she could hear was male voices calling out bids. The bidding started at five hundred dollars and appeared to be ending at eight hundred.

“Eight hundred, going once, going twice…”

Bella felt relieved it was over.

“One thousand!” The voice was clear as a bell to Bella. Seth's voice echoed out from the back of the room.

He just bid a thousand dollars-for me.

“One thousand, going once, going twice…sold to the gentleman in the back. If you want to come up and escort your date off the stage, sir, you can make your payment to the cashier.”

Striving for patience while Seth made his way to the stage, Bella smiled, but when he stepped onto the stage to retrieve her, all she wanted to do is kick him.

If he thinks this is his way into my panties, he is sadly mistaken.

“Relax, Bella, nothing is going to happen that you don't want to happen.” Escorting her like a gentleman down the stairs, he placed his hand on the small of her back. By the time they got to the cashier's desk, Isabella thought perhaps she should cut him some slack, but then he slipped up.

Pulling out his checkbook, he wrote a check for his bid but as he handed it to the young lady behind the desk, he smiled and winked at her. When he turned back to Bella, he saw she was frowning.

“Now, what did I do?”

“Nothing you don't always do, Seth Anderson, it's just your nature. My problem was thinking I could make it go away. Don't you have to change now for your turn on the auction block?”

“I will in a minute, Bella, but tell me, why are you angry?” Sitting down on a bench near the changing room, he beckoned her to join him, but she went inside to get out of her dress.

“I'm not really that angry, Seth. I'm flattered at the thousand dollars, but is it just money you're willing to spend to satisfy your lust for my body, or do you want to go on a romantic date with me? It's your inconsistencies that have me so confused. You spend a thousand dollars on a date with me, but as you're paying for it, you flirt with the cashier. Which Seth do I get, the romantic, or the hopeless flirt, the one who wants every pretty face he sees?” She struggled with the zipper on the back of the dress and gave him a stern eyes to go with her words.

“Bella, you wound me. You don't think I can have a serious relationship?”

“Seth, how long have your most serious relationships lasted? Maybe three months?” She puffed as she twisted her arms behind her back, still fighting with the stubborn zipper.

“Sixteen years.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I've know this wonderful person and friend for sixteen years, and now she's become a beautiful woman, and I want to move our relationship to the next level.”

“That's different, Seth, and right now you're endangering that relationship big time, because you're treating it so cheap.”

“A thousand dollars? I wouldn't consider that treating her cheaply.”

He's right, that's not cheap. Maybe he does deserve a break.

“Damn it, this zipper.” She hissed at her inability to loosen it.

A sudden hiss of fabric and the curtain was jerked back and Seth stepped into the room with her. “Turn around.”

“Seth, not here!” She looked around, expecting everyone's attention to be on them.

“I'm not going to do anything here, Bella, but let me unstick that damn zipper before I have to go on stage.” He spun her around so he could get a good look at her zipper and began to work on it. “I'm going to prove you wrong, Bella. I'm going to show you I can have a serious relationship…with you.” He placed a quick kiss on the back of her exposed neck before exiting the changing room.

As Bella stared at herself in the changing room mirror, she thought about what her mother had said about Seth just before she died.

“You look after that boy. One day he'll make a great husband, Isabella, if you wait for him to grow up.”

If Mom saw the romantic value and worth of Seth as a husband, why don't I? Am I not giving him the chance to change?

Taking a long look at herself in the mirror, Isabella sighed. At first she was resigned, but then a smile lit up her face as the decision was made.

I have to try it. If I don't I'll never know if he can be a great lover and husband. Besides, if he messes up, I can always kick his ass.

When Seth took his turn under the spotlight, he listened as the auctioneer rattled off his statistics and what he was offering to a potential date. When the auctioneer opened the bidding, Seth wasn't surprised at how quick the bids climbed but the final bid shocked him-fifteen hundred dollars. Shoring up his patience, he waited for the woman to come and claim him, hoping it Bella had bid on him. He gulped when he saw it was Carmen, one of his cast-off former lovers. She beckoned him over as if she now owned him. Seth knew this wasn't a good thing.

Bella waited outside the changing room for Seth to change out of his tux, which wouldn't have been bad except the blonde woman, Carmen was shooting daggers with her eyes in Isabella's general direction.

Carmen paid the cashier and walked by Bella, warning her, “Don't interfere this time, Isabella -Seth is mine.”

“Carmen, I didn't interfere the first time, he just dumped you. If you think you're going to change his leopard spots, be my guest. Seth is a big boy, he can decide for himself.” Bella couldn't believe she was angry because Carmen was back in his life, but she was.

“When you fail, and you will, don't lay the blame on me.”

About that time, Seth exited the changing room. “Ready to go?”

“Yes, quite.” Wrapping her arm around Seth, she walked off, ignoring the seething Carmen.

* * * *

When Bella turned the key, shutting the car off in her driveway, she sat there in silence, not knowing how to tell him she was going to give him a chance. I don't want him to think this means I'm going to jump in bed with him right now, and Carmen is back in the picture, so maybe I shouldn't say anything. After all Carmen might win him back, she's so much more stunning than me, so there might be no need.

“Penny for your thoughts, Bella?” Seth's soft voice drew her attention as he turned in the seat and rested his back against the car door.

“Well, I don't know if they're worth that or not.” She laughed to break the tension.

“Talk to me, Bella. I can tell there's something going on in that head of yours.”

“Nope, actually there isn't. I did all my thinking for the day. I'm planning on relaxing on the couch and watching mindless movies for the rest of the day. Care to join me?”

“Sure. But I have to run over to my house first. I'll be back in a few.”

“Okay. See you in a little while.”

No sense in telling him anything now.

The real reason Seth had wanted to come home was to do the one thing he'd sworn he would never do. He was going to call his dad and ask for advice on how to woo Bella. Having made his mind up, he was going to prove to Bella he was capable of a serious relationship with her.

Dialing his father, Seth laid out the situation to him. “So what do I do, Dad?”

First there was his father's rich baritone laugh. “Well, it's about time, you realized what was right in front of you. Isabella has been waiting for you to grow up and see her as a beautiful woman.”

“Come on, Dad. I need to know how to convince her I'm serious.”

“Court her, Seth, shower her with affection, non-sexual affection at first and throw in flowers and candy, or whatever you young people give as gifts. Take her for long walks in the moonlight and be romantic.”

“Aww, Dad, she'll see right through flowers and candy and I may end up with them thrown in my face.”

“Seth, you're not listening. You know the girl. If flowers aren't her thing, find something that is. I didn't say it would be easy, but I know you're capable of doing it. The important thing is to show her she's more than a one-night stand. You need to show her you want to be with her a long time, that is, if you do want to be with her for a long time?”

Seth paused. “Yes, Dad, I think I do, but I've never felt that way about a girl.”

“Good, Mission number one, son, is to keep your dick in your pants for a while.”

Seth almost choked on the water he had been drinking.

“Dad, you're talking about my sex life.”

“Yes, and nobody knows better than me about sowing wild oats. I was young once too, but when I met your mother, I knew it was time and she was the one. If you know that about Bella, be a man and don't let her down.”

When Seth entered Bella's living room, he found her curled up in the corner of the love seat, flipping channels. Settling down next to her, he snuggled up close, but when she opened her mouth to speak, he hushed her.

“Don't say it. We're just gonna cuddle and watch TV, no words, just relaxation.”

Wow, maybe he is changing,… but for how long?

Chapter Three

Bella dozed off in the middle of the movie they were watching and when she awoke, she found she was stretched out on the couch in front of Seth. From the soft snores she heard from behind her, she knew Seth had dozed off too. Rolling over to face him, she looked up at his sleeping face.

He does make me feel safe when he's around.

Her peace ended as the telephone rang. Rolling over, she reached for the phone. Silent for a moment to listen, she laughed and told the caller. "You might want to take that up with Seth." Then she hung up the phone and Seth's interest was piqued.

“Who was that?” Seth asked, his tone cautious as he sat up.

In a grouchy just-woken-up mood, Bella answered, "Your freaking date." Walking over and turning off the television, she looked at the clock and was surprised to see it was almost supper time.

Seth rolled his eyes. "Aren't you the one who talked me into auctioning myself off for charity? Besides if you didn't want me going out with another woman, you could have bid on me like I did you."

Turning, blue eyes met green across the kitchen. Sighing, she set her soda down on the counter.

"Okay, okay, forget it, Seth, I was just ribbing you. Who you date and when you date them, is not my call."

"Is that right? What if it was your call? Say I wanted your permission?” Seth looked at her with a devilish grin, knowing he'd asked something she hadn't expected.

"Why would you want to do that? You're a player, Seth, and players don't need permission."

“Now you're ignoring the question. What if I don't go out with Carmen until you tell me it's okay?” Seth smiled knowing he was pressing the issue.

“Why would that matter?” Isabella asked, but it was a stall to think about his offer.

Would he really not go out with Carmen if I didn't let him? Is he serious?

“It should matter to you, Bella. I'm making the offer right here and now. I won't go out with Carmen until you say I can.”

“But she paid for your time, to the charity, in front of hundreds of people. You can't do that.”

“The hell I can't. I can stall her forever if I want.”

Bella paused, unsure of her best friend for perhaps the first time in their lives. “Okay, I'll think about that one and I'll let you know.”

* * * *

Impatient as hell, Carmen waited outside in her car, fuming as she saw her man inside with the little slut who had stolen him away once before. Remembering how his arms felt wrapped around her, she knew Seth was the lover she wanted pleasuring her. The man had unbelievable stamina when he we was between her thighs and even his kinky little habit of tying her up made her wet with desire. Drumming her fingers on the steering wheel, she knew she'd have to convince the bitch that Seth was hers.

* * * *

Bella shut the lights off and watched Seth return home. Wandering into the living room and flopping down on the couch, she picked up the throw pillow Seth's head had laid on.

It smelled like him, so manly and good. I do want him inside, but his manner is holding me back. I need to talk to Liz.

Hugging the pillow tight, she picked up the phone.

Liz had become a second mom to her since her mother had passed on; but more important than that, she was Seth's mom, so she would have some insight on handling her headstrong son.

When Liz answered, Bella explained the situation to her.

Liz's initial response, a soft chuckle, surprised Bella. “What's so funny, Liz?”

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh, but I was wondering when that hard-headed son of mine would stop playing the field and see what had been right in front of him. Now that he has, he has to learn a whole new way to deal with women.” Liz had the advantage of knowing her son had already asked his father for advice, so she knew his attitude had changed.

"He's behavior has been so strange as of late, telling me he wants my permission to go on this date with Carmen. It's so unlike the old Seth, it's freaking me out.”

"Why does that scare you, Bella?" his mother asked.

Bella paused. "I…guess, if he… really…”

“If he really does change you'll have to give him a chance, maybe?”

“Yeah, how did you know?”

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, Bella. His father was the same. Before he met me, he went through women like a revolving door."

Sitting on her couch, Bella was beginning to get a glimmer of understanding. “So what if I did say no to his date with Carmen?"

“My suggestion? Instead of not letting him, tell him to go and see if he can resist the temptation to be sexual with her. Carmen would be a true test. If he could go out on this date, and at the end of it, he could tell her no sex? If he can tell her no, he's made his choice and means it. It would show who he wants. However, there's risk involved, and it will take a lot of courage from you to let him take that test.”

“Do you think I have that kind of courage, Liz?” On the edge of her seat waiting for Liz's answer, Bella realized that, between the smell of Seth's cologne on the pillow she was hugging and the excitement of the moment, she was wet with desire.

I can't believe that talking about this is even making me wet.

“Only time will tell, Bella, but I think you have all the qualities he needs. I don't know if you know it or not, but before Seth bought his house, he got into a huge argument with us about it. There was a better property closer to us. Seth made at least a dozen excuses as to why he wanted to buy that particular house. For every excuse Seth made, his dad shot each one down, until he got to the heart of the matter. 'Because Bella, lives next door.' And his dad dropped it. He knew a losing battle when he heard it.”

"Wow, I just thought he wanted someone to wax his car." Bella tried to break the tension with a joke but it wasn't working.

"I don't think it has anything to do with his car, Bella. I know you're worried he's going to hurt you, but love is like that. If you don't ever take a chance, you'll never find it.”

"I guess not, but I wasn't expecting it to be so scary.” Bella squeezed the pillow harder, burying her nose in it.

"But it can be the best thing that ever happens to you when it works out. Do you trust him, Isabella?"

Bella stalled, not because she didn't know the answer, but because admitting it to Liz meant she was going to have to take a chance on Seth. “ Yes. He's my best friend and always will be.”

* * * *

“Seth, you're a hard man to track down,” Carmen announced as she knocked on his office door. Looking up from his paperwork, a necessary evil of his job, he looked at her with a blank look, hoping she wasn't here with the goal of messing up his plans with Bella.

“Carmen, I wasn't expecting to see you today.” He pulled off his glasses, which he only needed for reading.

Sauntering over and perching on the edge of his desk, she asked. “So, when are you planning on tying me to the bed again, Stud?”

“Excuse me?” His face reddened as he glanced at the open doorway. Anyone could walk by and hear her.

“Come on, Stud, you know the date is superficial. At the end of the night, I will end up where I want to be, tied to your bed while you fuck me senseless.” She trailed a red painted fingernail up his sleeve. “But if you want to call it a date, that's fine, as long as I get my prize at the end of the night.”

Glancing at the clock behind her, he knew he had to get her out of his office. Bella and Marissa were due to arrive any minute.

“What night is good for you?” He shoved the papers into a folder.

“Any night, Stud. I don't even care if it's a work night. You're worth the sick day.” Carmen purred, before her lips settled in a little moue men simply found irresistible.

“Let me check what night Bella and I are going out and I'll get back to you.” Seth ushered her to the door as he tried to stall her.

“Excuse me? Why are you going out with her when you could have this?” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her ample tits against him.

“You weren't the only one who won a date at the auction.” Seth realized he enjoyed taunting his old flame with Bella.

“What can that little mouse give you that I can't? I remember how hot we were together, Stud? I want that again. You can't tell me you've have forgotten.” She pouted as he untangled himself from her arms.

Uncomfortable with the memories of the time spent in bed with her luscious body, he shifted. He was different now. It was the last thing he would have expected.

“I'm sorry but I have a patient waiting for me.” With a firm hold, he turned her toward the door.

“What's the rush? Your patient can wait. I'm sure you would much rather play with this body, wouldn't you?”

He kept guiding her forward until they were standing out side of his office. Pulling the door closed behind him, he decided to do some damage control. The last thing he needed was Carmen making a scene. He gave her the “old Seth” smile. If Bella let him go out with Carmen, he wanted to be able to tease the other woman.

“Sure, baby, I want to play, but I have to go now. I promise I'll call you soon as I can.”

“You better, Stud.” Standing on her tiptoes, she fastened her mouth to his. She let loose her tongue to play with his but his response was less enthusiastic than she had expected. Still pissed, she broke off the kiss and stomped her foot. “I bought and paid for you, Seth. I expect to get my money's worth. And that pathetic display wasn't even close.” Walking off in a huff, she left Seth to deal with his new found knowledge.

Seth had let her have her way, but in his lack of effort he'd discovered something. He'd felt nothing, no spark or passion for Carmen. This was the strangest feeling for him, to have a beautiful woman he'd lusted after mere months ago and now, she had no effect on his libido.

I can do this! I can be loyal to Bella.

Seth entered the therapy room, expecting to find Marissa and Bella waiting for him, but his Bella was nowhere to be seen. He glanced at the other nurse, Linda, who attended Marissa

“Hey Linda, where's Bella at?”

“She came down, but then came back to the nurse's station saying she wasn't feeling all that well and asked if I could fill in.” Linda continued her combing out of the little girl's hair, when Marissa added her two cents.

“Nurse Bella saw you with the woman with yellow hair, and she got upset. Then she took me back to nurse Linda.”

Seth forced a smile on his face while dread filled the pit of his stomach. Looking at Linda for verification of Marissa's story, he hoped in vain wasn't true.

'”She did seem upset. Her eyes were quite red.”

“She cried when she saw you kiss her, and she didn't want to be near the yellow haired lady. Did she make nurse Bella sick?” Marissa's story was as innocent as the four-year-old herself, and it confirmed Seth's worse fears. Feeling ill himself, Seth reassured Marissa about her favorite nurse.

“I don't think so, sweetheart, but as soon as we get done playing, I'll check on her.” Seth wanted to hunt Bella down and explain but Marissa had to come first. Lifting the girl out of her chair with ease, he knelt with her on the mat.

“Ready to play, sweetheart?”

“Yea!” she squealed as she gave him a quick hug.

“Well, let's get to it.” Hoping his therapeutic work time with Marissa would take his mind off the apprehension in his gut, he wondered how his best intentions had blown up in his face.

After his session with Marissa, Seth headed for the nurse's lounge in search of Bella. He knew she was still here because from his office he could see the parking lot and her car was still parked next to his. Knocking on the door to the lounge, he popped his head into the room. Looking up from her coffee and newspaper, Bella surged to her feet, intent on leaving.

Glancing around the room, he realized they were the only two people in the lounge so he shut the door behind him and twisted the lock.

“What do you want, Seth, as if I don't know? If you're looking for a double dip, you're out of luck, Romeo. I don't do leftovers. What the fuck made me think I could trust you?” Bella glared at him, challenging him and confirming she'd seen Carmen kissing him.

“What are you talking about? I saw you kiss her and it looked real to me. Do you think I'm stupid?” She pulled away from him when he tried to take her hand.

“It's my reputation, isn't it, Bella? That's the crux of the problem you're having about dating me? You've seen me kiss my lovers before, right?”

“What does that have to do with it?”

“Think carefully about what you think you saw. Did I slide my hands to Carmen's ass or squeeze one of her tits? Did I pull her against me or lift her up to align her pussy against my cock? Or did you see me standing there, just letting Carmen kiss me?”

It hit Bella right between the eyes. She'd seen him kiss his lovers before and he was right. She hadn't seen him respond to Carmen's kiss. “You mean you let her kiss you, and…”

He finished her sentence. “Felt absolutely nothing. For the first time ever with a woman, I might add. It's rather scary, if you want my honest opinion.”

It was hard to believe, but somehow the pieces fit for Isabella. I'm not sure why but I believe him. Reaching out, she took his hand. “Okay, I believe you, Seth, but where do we go from here?” Her question was a double edged sword, meant to find out what he was thinking. Will he push for sex right here, returning to his old habits?

Letting out a huge sigh, his relief evident. Seth seemed to relax for the first time since he'd entered the room.

. “Can I hold you for a couple of minutes, Isabella? I feel like a total bastard now. I hate hurting you and disappointing Marissa," he whispered, his voice tight and soft, seeking her permission, something Seth rarely did.

"I'm sorry I overreacted, but it looked just awful. Is Marissa okay? I know she was upset to see me upset.” Moving into his arms, she let him hug her and rested her cheek against his shoulder, ignoring the flash of desire settling in her loins.

“She will be when she sees you're okay. You're her favorite nurse, remember?” Seth tipped his head, smelling the clean sweet scent of her chestnut hair and relishing the warmth of her body. He sighed as his cock stirred and he got confirmation of what he'd suspected. The sexy Carmen didn't turn him on but Bella did. Maybe this is what Dad meant by maturing and becoming a responsible man

Unable to control his thoughts, he found that, with his erection stirring, they turned to sex, and having Isabella this close to him didn't help. He pushed those thoughts away. No, I was lucky to not lose her today. I'm not going to be stupid and fuck this up!

* * * *

"Bella!" Seth called from the back yard. It had been a week since the kissing incident with Carmen, and he was still dodging the blonde vixen. Standing by the grill, he flipped the burgers. Like most guys, he loved to grill.

"Just a second, I'm coming," she yelled from the kitchen.

"Not yet, you're not, sweetheart, but I'm going to make you come like crazy when you make up your mind.” Seth muttered the words so she couldn't hear him but he couldn't help thinking of that day. This last week had been one of the most difficult times he ever experienced, but he wasn't going to fail at this, just because he was horny. This is too important to me.

"Here's that plate you wanted.” Bella interrupted his thoughts and she was thinking of kissing him, but when he focused his hot gaze on her, she froze. He had that I-want-to-eat-you look in his eye, which meant he was thinking about having sex with her again. The look aroused her and frightened her at the same time. While he'd been suppressing his libido, she'd been thinking about him almost 24/7 and her desire for him was simmering just beneath the surface. She now realized what was going to be the most important part of their first time. I want to be the one to initiate it. It's the only way I can be sure he isn't reverting back to his old habits.

"Thanks, sweetheart." Taking the plate away from her, he made sure he brushed her arm as he did.

“No problem.” She seemed visibly affected by his touch. She glanced away and busied herself by grabbing the used plate they had brought the raw meat out on.

"So, where are we going tomorrow night?" Seth asked as he leaned back and eyed his beautiful friend across the patio table they shared.

"Tomorrow night?" Bella seemed confused.

"Our charity date. You said Friday would be good."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot.” She hadn't forgotten, in fact she was looking forward to it with an odd combination of excitement and dread.

"I've been holding off Carmen. She calls every day, but I need to go out with you. Have you made a decision about whether or not I should go out with her? She won't put up with this forever.”

Hours later, Bella sat there with a shocked look on her face. Her body was humming with unfulfilled desire and she definitely had a date with her vibrator later. Damn that man, he was driving her up the wall. Standing up, she paced about her room knowing a decision had to be made or she might exhaust Seth's patience with her. Realizing she wouldn't have a coherent thought while her body was frustrated she yanked off all her clothes. Lying down on her bed, she reached into her drawer for her vibrator but she felt only empty space where her it usually sat. Sitting up on one arm, she pulled the drawer farther open to see inside. Where the hell is my vibrator?

"Looking for something, Bella?" Seth asked from the doorway, his hands tucked into his pockets, leaning against the open door. Busy with her search for her vibrator, she hadn't heard him. Flopping back on her bed, she vowed not to kill him.

Startled, her hands went to pull up the sheets to cover her nude body, but she suppressed them. "Are you getting a good look, Seth? You simply walk into women's bedrooms now?” Looking at his eyes, she could tell he was entranced by her glistening nakedness, and wondered if he even could speak.

"That's not even fair, Bella. You're not just any woman to me.”

“Well then, what do you want?”

“I just wanted you to feel what I have. To be crazy with desire and not be able to sate it.”

Approaching the bed, he gasped at the vision of her breasts with their sharp, rosy nipples. Looking closer, his hunger evident, he took in her long legs, and her bare pussy mound. Oh God, she waxes. I can't wait to bury my face in it.

Taking a deep, cleansing breath, he got hold of himself before it was too late. Reaching in his pocket, he took out her vibrator and laid it on the bed beside her. “I'm going to leave you with two things, Isabella, your vibrator and a promise.”

Looking her over, he grabbed the sheets and pulled them over her nakedness. “I've come to a decision and it wasn't easy. My actions are making your decision harder. I can see that now. I've decided to remove my negative influence from the equation. From now on, I don't mention sex, look at you with raw desire or talk about your body. The next move in our physical relationship is yours to make, for better or worse. As far as Carmen's persistence about our date, when she calls me tomorrow, I'm going to set up a date, take her to dinner as promised, and explain things to her. I don't want her-I want you.”

“Why the one-eighty, Seth?” Bella asked, curious as to what had brought on this change of attitude.

“I can be a better man, Bella, one worthy of you, but it means nothing to say it if I won't stand behind it.” For a moment the silence between them grew.

During the silence, Bella mourned what she had once hated, the loss of her best friend's sexual appetite. Just when I'm close to saying yes, he decides to withdraw his smoldering sexuality, leaving me to be the aggressor.

“Is this permanent? Or is Seth the lover still in there if I make a move to bring him out?”

Seth's breath released all at once, like the weight of the world was lifting from his shoulders. To hear her say there might be a chance was enough reward for the risk he was taking. Now more certain he was on the right path, he told her. “Oh he's still here, but he's not going to play unless he's invited to. From now on he puts you and only you first.”

“And if I never ask him to play, Seth?” She had to ask, but she was more interested in how he acted than the actual answer. If he turns on the ego and tells me what I am going to do, it's the same old Seth, but if he takes it calmly and walks away, then I have a tough decision to make.

“Then so be it.” Winking at her, he turned and walked from her bedroom softly whistling.

* * * *

Bella paced back and forth the next afternoon, smoothing down the long swirling skirt she wore. Not very comfortable in the skirt, she wondered what the hell she'd been thinking when she'd offered a picnic and a late night stroll at the waterfront.

She'd gone to Seth's favorite deli to get the feast for their picnic and had arranged to have a horse-drawn carriage take them to the water front. Everything was in order and she knew it, but it didn't stop that 'pins and needles feeling'.

"Hey there, you look good.” Turning to look at him as he greeted her, she thought he did too. He looked sweet in khaki shorts and a polo shirt and she felt overdressed.

"Don't say a word about the dress."

"What? You look beautiful, Bella."

"I feel like a fool. I don't do dresses, romantic picnics and moonlit strolls. What the hell am I doing?"

"Stop, Isabella, you're putting yourself down, and I won't listen to it," Seth growled as he looked into her eyes. “You look damn fine, and there's a gentleman here who wishes the pleasure of your company.” Extending his arm for her to take, he made a gentle bow.

Looking into his eyes, it was what she didn't see that made her crazy. The good enough to eat look is gone but now I wish it was there. What was it he said? I have to make the first move to initiate our intimacy?

Seth moved to the fridge to fetch the little used picnic basket, but when he turned around, Bella was gone.

Upstairs in her bathroom, her ragged breathing barely under control, she splashed some water on her face and tried to regain her composure. Even though he'd given her back her vibrator, the buzzing tool no longer seemed to be enough to satisfy her. I came three times last night, but I still want him. He used to talk about burying his cock inside of me, and I think that's what I need right now, but how do I ask him?

Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself, and told herself she could handle the situation. Running a brush through her shoulder length hair, she told herself the arousal would pass and she would be fine. Looking in the mirror, she saw her differences for the very first time. Gone was the tomboy, the girl who never fit in with the other girls or cared about what the other girls cared about and in her place was a young, beautiful, developed, and horny woman.

"Bella, there's a carriage outside," Seth yelled from the bottom of the steps.

"Hold the horses, I'm coming!" she yelled back, almost wishing she had his cock buried inside her right now.

When she walked down the stairs, Seth bowed low, and with a flourish of his hand, spoke words she would have never expected to hear from him.

“Milady, your carriage awaits.”

Chapter Four

“Come on, Seth.” Bella darted for sunny beach after the carriage ride was over. Kicking off her sandals, she sighed in pleasure as the warm sand teased her feet.

"Wait up, baby," he hollered as he toed off his loafers, still hanging onto the picnic basket. Bella was in the process of spreading out a blanket on the warm sand.

Bella dropped to her knees, starting to unload the picnic basket. Handing Seth a sandwich, she continued to pull things out of the basket, trying to occupy herself. I can do this, she assured herself.

Seth watched Bella continue to flutter around him and he got the idea she was nervous. When she opened a bag of chips with more enthusiasm than necessary and they spilled all over the blanket, he decided enough was enough. “Baby, what's wrong?”

"Sorry, Seth, I don't know what’s come over me.” She felt the flush of arousal on her face and hoped he didn't notice.

“Isabella, look at me." She didn't really want to, but felt she had to. Looking up at him, she flashed a smile, hoping to assure him everything was fine.

"Relax, I'm not going to pressure you for sex."

"And if I want you to?" Pushing her face close to his, she watched as his eyes darkened as her face drew close to his. She watched as his eyes darkened and his grin was naughty.

"Are you sure, Bella?" He had to be sure it was her mind considering the situation and not just her hormones.

"Yes, as sure as I've ever been.” Gasping out the throaty words, she pushed herself at him, pressing her lips to his. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she toppled them both over, forcing him back on the plastic water bottle which broke under their combined weight.

Seth took charge now, like she wanted him to. Rolling her over onto the dry area of the blanket he ran his fingers through her chestnut locks. Tilting his head, he deepened the kiss and thrust his tongue into her moist mouth.

The chips became the next casualty of their passion. They crunched underneath Bella as she wrapped her legs around his trim waist. Arching her body up, she could feel his erection pressing down on her aching pussy. Writhing against the heat of his body, she let herself wonder what he might do.

Needing to breathe, he jerked his mouth away from hers, pulling air into his tortured lungs. Cradling her to his chest, he gasped and got control of his libido, something he would not have done a month ago.

Seeing him cool their passion, something she would never have expected out of Seth, the ladies man, she wondered what was wrong. “You don't want to, Seth?”

“Are you kidding, Isabella? If you want me, I want you, but we can't do this here, Bella. We'll get arrested, or worse.”

What a great lover I am. The first time I approach him, and I do it where we could get arrested for public indecency, if not public nudity. Laying her head down on his chest, she took in his scent and the rapid beating of his heart while she waited for their desire to subside. She wanted him so badly, and she still felt his erection. Lifting her head, she suggested a plan.

“How about we finish our picnic and go home? We need some alone time, together, without the world watching.”

“That sounds good to me, Bella.” Sitting up, he brushed the crushed chips off her back.

When Bella climbed back into the carriage she realized how sleepy she was. After the initial passion and their barefoot stroll, she felt closer to Seth than ever before.

After Seth sat down beside her, he draped his arm across her shoulder and pulled her closer. She snuggled into him but realized after a few moments the driver was not headed back home.

“Where are we going?”

“Relax, let me pamper you for a bit,” he explained as the driver continued to tour the sleepy neighborhoods near the beach.

“But Seth, I thought I might… “ she protested, not sure what to make of his slower pace, and she had to remind him of her desire to be with him.

“So the shoe's on the other foot now, Bella? You're horny and want to play?”

“I just don't understand you! It's like you've had a personality change. Are you sure you're not high on something?” she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Nope, I'm just high on Isabella. She's all I need.” Kissing her, he added. “You might as well get used to the new Seth. He's going to woo you.”

Two weeks ago, her response would have shocked her but now, well, she wasn't the same Bella. “Maybe we should just sleep together and get this sexual tension over with.” Pillowing her cheek against on his shoulder, she waited for his response.

“You'll never be something to get over with, Bella, and I don't look at making love that way anymore. When we make love, I want it to be earth-shattering for you, like nothing you've ever experienced.”

Earth- shattering sounded so good the banked embers of her desire flared to life again. “You're just teasing me to get even.”

“I don't tease, I always please.” He leaned his head against hers.

“Promises, promises.” She spoke the words but inside her feelings were quite different. I hope he pleases, and soon.

* * * *

The next day, Bella opened the door to her father's house, setting down the groceries on the counter. Seth followed, shutting the door behind them.

“Pops?”

“I'll be out in a minute, Bella. Did you bring that boy with you again?” Her dad yelled from the front, his voice eager.

“Yeah, Pops, he came with me.”

“Great, I can kick his ass at cards again.”

“I heard that old man!” Seth retorted as he kissed the back of Isabella's neck.

After supper and a few hours of cards, Pops pushed back from the table. “That's it kids, you've wiped me out.” Wheeling himself past Bella, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Night, sweetheart. Don't forget to lock up when you leave.”

“Night, Pops. I'm going to clean up the kitchen and then head out.” Giving him a quick hug, she savored his love, thankful he was still with her.

“Night, Seth. I'll see ya tomorrow.”

After her father wheeled himself out of the living room, Bella started to gather up the cards when Seth stopped her.

“One more hand?” he asked with a wink.

“What do you have in mind?”

“One hand, Bella, winner takes all.” He gestured to the pile of pennies in the middle of the table.

“What? You've all ready won all my pennies. The majority of those are Pops.”

“What if we play for something else?” He held his hand out and warily she took it, letting him pull her onto his lap.

“And what do you want to play for?”

She gasped when he nuzzled her neck before whispering in her ear, making her body shiver with awareness.

“Well, that sounds interesting, but can you promise it will be solo if I lose?” she asked content to let him explore the inner whorls of her ear with his tongue.

“Absolutely. I promised not to push and I won't. I'll have to say, it won't be easy.”

No, I don't plan on making it easy for you.

“One hand, Isabella. If you win, the pot's yours. If I win. you do it for me.”

Bella hoped her hot, flushed face was not showing as much of her desire as she suspected. It would be sinful, embarrassing, but so very exciting.

Worried at her lack of verbal response, Seth asked, “So what do you say, Bella? Do we have a bet?”

This is so perfect, it's like I'm asking for it but don't have to. All I have to do is lose a lousy hand of cards.

“I deal, Deuces are wild.”

Excited at the possibilities, she moved off his lap and shuffled the deck and dealt the requisite five cards. Picking up her hand, she tried to maintain her poker face as she glared at the two kings she'd received.

Damn it! Kings, when I want to lose. Seeing Seth take only one card gave her hope. He must have a good hand too. Thank God.

She looked at his face for a sign of how his card came out but as usual he was stoic when it came to his hand. Knowing she didn't want another king or a wild deuce, she decided to hold her jack and ten of clubs, and draw only one card, to minimize her chances of winning.

Picking up the new card, she couldn't help groaning when it was a deuce. Now she had three fucking kings, a hard hand to beat in two-handed poker.

“Didn't get it did you?” he asked and she responded glumly even though, in truth, she had gotten what anyone else would have wanted. That deuce would be great if I didn't want to lose.

“No, it wasn't what I hoped for.” True enough, but not the whole story.

There was nothing to be done, as she had more than likely won the hand, so she put her cards down and displayed her three damn kings.

Seth examined her cards, still showing no indication of whether he had won or lost. “Ohh, three cowboys, very good, sweetheart, but not good enough, I'm afraid.”

With concise movements, he laid down a jack of hearts, followed by the ten, nine and eight of hearts, then he paused. “Think I have it?”

Bella knew he rarely bluffed, but she had to pretend to sound disappointed that she had lost, even though that was the furthest thing from the truth. “Oh, I am sure you have it, you always seem to have more luck than sense when it comes to cards.”

Seth flipped the two of hearts to make his straight flush.

Now I have to get myself off in front of him, but do I dare tempt him into helping?

On the drive home, Seth found the mere thought of Bella naked and moaning in lust was enough to make him rock hard. He knew she could see he was hard, and despite his lust, he was going to offer her away out. As he shut off the ignition, he turned to her and spoke.

“If you're not ready, we can forget about it until you are. I don't want you to feel you have to do this, Bella.”

“I'm ready, Seth, but I want some ground rules.”

“What?”

“You wait five minutes to give me a chance to get ready. When you come up, I want you to strip before you enter my bedroom. You never take your eyes off me as I'm doing it and you'll do everything I ask, no questions asked.”

“Agreed.” Seth smiled like the cat who swallowed the canary.

* * * *

Darting up the stairs to her bedroom, she felt a fire in her blood, a flaming maelstrom of desire burning hotter than anything she'd ever felt in her life. In great haste she shed her clothing, dropping them on the bedroom floor. Crawling between her cool cotton sheets, she waited with naked arousal pumping in her veins.

* * * *

In the car, Seth drew in deep breaths, filling his lungs with the sweet scent of Isabella, and hoping his self control would not desert him. Opening the car door, he walked up the sidewalk, realizing the stiff cock in his pants was obvious. I'm not going to use it tonight. I have to wait for her to be ready.

Stripping his clothes off, outside of her bedroom as she commanded, he opened her door, his cock throbbing and standing at attention.

Bella caught sight of his cock and stared at it with obvious hunger.

“Seth, it's so big and hard. Does it ache when it gets that way?” She was curious to know if his cock ached as much as her pussy did.

He narrowed his eyes, reached down and cupped his aching balls, before wrapping his hand around the shaft… “It throbs and burns with desire for you, Bella. Can I see you now?”

She let the sheet fall away from her body, and his eyes were drawn to the pebble-hard nipples on her pert little tits.

“Do they always get so hard that fast?”

“Yeah, for the last few years they have, but until you touched them, I'd never come from them being touched.” Running her fingers over them, she sighed in pleasure and they stiffened even more than he thought could be possible.

“Need some help?”

“Well, we'll see, maybe later.” Wanting to tease him, she ran her hand down to her bare folds, touching her slit, knowing he could see the dampness glistening on her flesh.

“That's it, Bella. Touch it. It looks so wet. Are you pulsing down there like I am?” He rubbed his thumb over the head of his cock and smeared the drop of fluid across the head and then down the shaft. “Oh, God, it's taking all my resolve not to fuck you right here and now.”

Bella was having a hard time concentrating on anything other than him standing next to her stroking his cock. Unable to resist, she slipped a finger inside her cleft, feeling her inner wetness.

“How wet are you? I'd love to taste you. Maybe one day soon you'll let me.”

Finding it difficult to speak, she nodded her head as she watched his hand fondling himself. Letting a second finger fill her tight pussy, she timed her movements to his, forcing her fingers to stroke in and out, in what she hoped was a rhythm that, someday, he would do with his hard cock. “Seth, I want your mouth and tongue licking my nipples.”

He lifted his hand to cup her pert tit.

“No, just your tongue and teeth.”

She moaned low and long as his tongue rubbed across her nipples. She swallowed hard, as she was on the edge of release. Looking over at his stiff cock, mere inches away from her, she saw it wagging as he bent over her to service her breasts, and she knew it was inevitable, that she would want it inside her. This feels wonderful, but it won't be enough.

“Seth, it feels so good…” She never finished the sentence as the quivering started, and she was overcome by pleasure.

When it receded, a soft groan escaped her. Opening her eyes, she saw him standing over her, his cock rigid with his need.

“Damn, sweetheart, you went off like a rocket. I almost came myself just watching you. I could feel your entire body quiver.”

“It was so good, but is there something I can do to help you get off?”

He smiled and nodded. “There are plenty of ways to get me off, but I don't want you to do anything you're uncomfortable with, Bella.”

“I want to. Really.”

“Here, take my cock and grip it as tight as you can.”

Bella had only touched one cock in her life, when Seth had masturbated in front of her, so his warm hardness felt foreign and very powerful in her hand. “I won't hurt you if I squeeze too hard?”

“No, Bella, I squeeze it much harder than you ever would, so don't worry. Just hold it and stroke up and down with your hand. Start slow and I'll let you know when to stroke it faster.” Damn, her hand feels ten times better than mine.

Bella pulled long and slow on him and Seth panted his approval and enjoyment. It's so damn hard, and it feels so against the palm of my hand. Like something I should handle.

“Oh yes, just like that, baby, except I need it harder and faster.”

She jerked at the fleshy monster, quickening her pace and pressure as his breathing grew ragged.

Within moments, he gasped and cried out. “I'm close, Bella, please…oh god…tongue the head of my cock, and then…move out of the way.” The last thing I want to do is come in her mouth and ruin it.

Desperate to please him, Bella ran her tongue over the head and around the glans, savoring the salty taste of his cock, and in her excitement she forgot his other advice.

Under her lapping tongue, Seth's cock spurted his load, and although Bella pulled back at the last moment, she got a glob of semen on her chin. The rest of his load coated her breasts and belly.

“I'm sorry, babe. I didn't come in your mouth, did I? I would love to but not without your permission first. The last thing I want to do is turn you off.”

“No, it didn't get in my mouth. Was I all right? It doesn't look like I screwed up.”

“You were amazing, Bella, and you've relieved a lot of my tension. Now let me clean up the mess I made on your sexy body.”

After Seth used gentle strokes of a warm washcloth to cleanse away the mess from her tummy and chin, he asked a question that intrigued her. “Do you know where your g-spot is, Bella?”

“It's a myth.” She looked at him as she couldn't believe what he'd just said.

He shook his head. “No, it's not. There's a sensitive spot inside your vagina that will make you come like crazy, harder than you ever have.”

Oh, that's intriguing, but how do I find it? “Where is it?”

“It's on the upper wall, you probably haven't ever felt it because your fingers are too short to reach, but I have an idea on how you could experience it, if you trust me.”

Now, she looked at him with suspicion. Is he trying to pull a fast one?

“Hold out your hand, Bella.”

She did so, not understanding what his point was. She soon realized what he was trying to prove when he placed his palm against hers. His fingers covered and extended well beyond hers.

“It's simple, Bella, My fingers are much longer than yours.”

“So I have short fingers.”

“Longer fingers mean more depth penetration.”

A light went off in her head when she realized what he was offering. “Seth! You want to,…oh no, I can't.” Desire flared inside her and seconds later, she knew she was wet again.

“Shhh. They'll be like a dildo, only I can move them to reach that special spot you need stimulated. It will be like having a live dildo that you control.”

It was crazy but the idea of coming on Seth's fingers was turning her on. It

seems like everything to do with him is having that effect on me! Am I slut?

“This is another way to pleasure you, Bella. I promise to only do what you ask me to. You'll call the shots. Any time you're uncomfortable, we'll stop. But feeling you come on my fingers will be the sexiest thing either of us could experience.”

Damn him, if he isn't right.

“I can't believe I'm going to do this.” Pulling his hand to her mouth, she sucked his first three fingers like tiny cocks to wet them for her pussy.

“I bet you do the same thing for your vibe, don't you?”

“Yeah. It has to be wet.” Panting, she moved his hand down between her splayed legs.

Seth was visibly excited again. “It's just like giving a blow-job, Bella. The way you wet my fingers and your vibe, is just like sucking cock. When you're ready, I'll even let you do that to me.”

“Maybe.”

She answered as she positioned his fingers the exact way she wanted them before slowly opening her folds, pressing them against her opening, and burying them in her moist heat.

Watching the slow insertion of three of his fingers in her hungry pussy, Seth's eyes nearly popped out of his head. I can't believe how hot that looks and feels!

Taking a firm grip on his wrist, Bella started moving his hand like she would her vibe. “Oh, Seth, you can reach much deeper.”

He nodded. After giving her time to adjust, he curved the tips of his fingers back towards him, pressing against the upper wall of her sheath.

“Oh yeah! That's the spot? Press harder, Seth, harder!”

A deep moan spilled from her as his fingers found her mythical g-spot. Her pussy started weeping even more juices as she fucked her slit with his fingers.

“That's it Bella, use my fingers to make yourself come.”

“Faster.” She yanked on his wrist and moaned with relief when he did. She couldn't stop her next command. “Wiggle them inside me, Seth!” Pushing her hips against his hand, she waited for him to do as she asked. She cried out in extreme pleasure as he did. “Yes, oh god, yes!” She held his hand against her as her orgasm seemed to rise out of her toes.

Seth watched, knowing she was imminently close to coming all over his fingers. He felt her tight vaginal muscles gripping his fingers, and saw her beautiful eyes snap shut as she focused on her approaching orgasm. Wanting her to enjoy it more, he slid his thumb over her swollen clit while wiggling his fingers as she had demanded.

“Seth!” She screamed like a wild thing, possessed by pleasure. “Kiss me, damn it.” Her plea was followed by a groan and familiar quivering signifying her release was near.

Seth captured her mouth with his, just as she bowed off the bed. His kiss muffled her scream. Tearing his mouth away hers, he watched as his best friend convulsed on his buried fingers. Groaning himself, he rubbed his now hard cock against her leg.

“Yes!” She screamed as her clit exploded once more under the firm rubbing of his thumb. One orgasm obviously wasn't enough to tame her pent-up desire for him, as another rolled through clamping pussy.

* * * *

Both Bella and Seth lay on the bed breathing hard as the world calmed and righted itself. Seth still felt the warmth of her wet folds around his still fingers as he was still inside.

“Thanks, Seth, that was intense. I guess it's not a myth after all, and I would never have thought to try to find it without you.”

“No thank you. I thought I was going to go crazy if I didn't get some relief. You're beautiful when you orgasm.” He started to slide his fingers out of her, but she stopped him by grabbing his wrist.

Panting, she tried to explain it to him. “Don't pull them out yet. Until I calm down, any movement starts it all over again for me.”

“Interesting. Now, I know how to tease you after sex.”

She could almost see the wheels turning in his head. Ah, hell, I don't think I should have admitted that. “Seth, don't you dare!” But her protest was too

late.

Seth rolled over her, pinning her in place with his free arm, he sealed her mouth with his before starting the motions she herself had just shown him, she needed. Breaking the kiss, he locked his eyes on hers, which were once more glazed with passion.

“Oh, my God, Seth!” Bella screamed as his fingers pressed hard against her newly awakened g-spot.

“Once more, baby.”

“Yes!” She arched against him, her body once more racked with waves of pleasure.

This time he was quick to remove his fingers while she was still in the throes of her release. I think I've asked as much as I dare. She's come for me, three times tonight, and a caring sensitive man would let her rest now. Lifting his hand, he saw the clear strands of wetness covering his fingers and his mouth watered with the desire to taste her. He sucked on his fingers, tasting her sweet nectar.

“Damn, you taste good, Bella,” he whispered, before she kissed him.

When she yawned, he realized he'd read the situation correctly.

“I can't imagine why I'm so tired.” She tried to joke but ruined it by another yawn.

He smiled, gathered her close and pressed a kiss against the top of her head. “Close your eyes, sweetheart. I'll hold you until you fall asleep.”

Chapter Five

Bella woke the next morning feeling more refreshed than she had in some time, but as she stretched and looked around her room, she saw Seth was gone. She was disappointed to not find him still with her, but she didn't want to jump to conclusions. She hoped he wasn't reverting back to his one-night stand behavior. He was wonderful last night, but I don't want to assume anything.

Her phone rang, startling her.

“Hello?” Mumbling the greeting around a yawn, she hoped it was Seth calling to at least check on her.

“Was it good?” The tart, feminine voice was angry-very angry.

Confused as to the woman's meaning, Bella inquired. “Was what good?”

“Sleeping with Seth, of course, you fucking slut!” Carmen hissed out the words and Bella realized who she was dealing with.

“Well, good morning, Carmen. Are you so insecure you need to harass Seth's friends, now?”

“A little more than friends, I would say. I watched your house all night and Seth didn't leave until a half hour ago. Now you're trying to plead innocence? Come on, he was wearing nothing but his boxers when he came out!”

“Spying, Carmen? How desperate!”

“Well, I'm glad he's got you out of his system, because now he'll come crawling back to me. He knows the difference between a real woman and a girl playing at being one. You can't give him what I can.”

“And what would that be, Carmen? A willing sex slave or an STD?” Slamming the phone down on the blonde bitch, Bella made her decision.

* * * *

Seth climbed out of the shower and heard his phone ringing.

“Morning, sexy.” His caller ID showed it was Bella.

“Don't you 'morning, sexy' me, Seth Anderson. Your bitchy former girlfriend just called to harass me and what's so romantic about you slipping out before I woke up? Sounds like one night stand behavior to me.” Bella's mood had gone from warm and fuzzy to irritated and pissed.

“Carmen?”

He cursed her under his breath, but he knew Bella was more pissed about his leaving without waking her. Why didn't I think of how she'd feel waking up alone? I fucked up again. I have to pay more attention to curbing my old habits. Not knowing what defense to use in light of his past behavior, he decided to address the Carmen issue instead.

“Ah, damn, Bella, I'm sorry she called you. I didn't even know she had your number but the bottom line here is, she won't go away until I show her I'm not interested in meaningless sex with her anymore.” Seth never expected to hear what came out of his best friend's mouth next.

“So pick the damn phone up and call her. Make the fucking date with her, do what you have to, then get your ass over here and we'll talk.” The phone clicked as she hung up.

“Bella? Isabella? What the fuck?” Seth pulled the towel off and began to dial Carmen's number, but there was no answer. Grabbing a pair of running shorts, he slipped them on and shoved his feet into his flip-flops, heading next door.

When he stepped out of his house, he had the great misfortune of seeing a black Mercedes pull in with, the current pain in his ass, Carmen, sitting behind the wheel. Well, now he could talk to her, but what would Bella think about him making his date with Carmen in her driveway? Carmen exited her car, slamming the door behind her.

“Okay, enough of the evasion, Seth. I won't be put off any longer, so you can play with that little slut friend of yours.”

“Tonight, Carmen. I'll pick you up at six.”

Looking down at Carmen, Seth admitted she was still beautiful but he also remembered how they had nothing in common outside of the bedroom, how her demanding personality had made him feel overwhelmed and smothered.

Seth glanced towards Bella's house, nervous. I'm not comfortable standing here with Carmen. When Bella opened her back door to retrieve her morning paper, he put Carmen off. “Wait right here, Carmen.”

Moving to the back door, he pulled Bella out of the house and up against him, knowing Carmen was watching. Maybe this will get my point across to Carmen. Finding Bella's astonished eyes, he tipped his head down and whispered to her, “Kiss me, Bella. Kiss me like we did last night.”

“Seth, Carmen is watching!”

“All the better. I want her to see and realize I'm serious about you, that there's no room for her in my life, ever.”

Bella stared up at Seth, uncertain. She was torn. He was trying to prove to both her and Carmen, he was serious about her when his actions this morning said otherwise.

“Then why did you leave this morning, Seth? A simple, 'I have to go' before you left would have been more than enough.”

“I'm sorry, Bella. I slipped up this morning. I know it doesn't excuse my behavior, and I promise I won't let it happen again. I simply wasn't thinking of anything other than how good we were together last night and how a long, hot shower was going to feel.”

Wanting to believe him, Bella heard the angry tap of Carmen's heels coming up the walk behind Seth.

Carmen had fumed when she watched Seth wrap his big, gorgeous body around her competition. She could only stand it so long before she had to do something about it. Heading up the driveway towards the embracing couple, she was going to get rid of the other woman. He would be hers and as soon as she got her brand on him, he would be living with her.

“Come on, sweetie, let's make a day of it. I've let you have your fun but now it's time to go.”

Seth turned, making Carmen think he'd actually listened to her command. “I've told you, Carmen. I will pick you up at six. It's that or nothing.”

“Seth, she's a child and probably a virgin. Does she even have a clue how to please a man of your tastes?” Carmen changed her tactics as she brushed her fingers across his semi-hard shaft. Obviously the little mouse, coaxed a bit of response out of that impressive pole, but I can do better. “I'll bet its been awhile since anyone has swallowed this magnificent pole. We can be at my town house in ten minutes, or better yet, we can do it right here. I wouldn't mind showing her how it's done.”

Bella glared at Carmen, and then spit out her words. “Who's the slut now? If that's all you want, Seth, go with her. I'll be better off without you. I don't share.”

Seth knew without a doubt, he was at a crossroads. He could stay with the familiar path or he could change his life and go down the path he hoped would lead to Bella. Now's the time to act like a responsible man. I'm tired of the one night stands and superficial relationships. “I'll see you at six, Carmen.”

He was so abrupt with his response, it left no doubt to the blonde. He was serious. She was shocked when he picked Bella up and carried her into the house, letting the back door slam shut behind them.

* * * *

“I can't believe you did that!” Bella said in wonder as he sat her down. “No one has ever done anything like that for me before. Are you sure, Seth? She's going to be pissed when you pick her up for your charity date.

“You told me to call her, and then we would talk. Why can't we talk right now?” He ran a hand through her hair, and then realized she was trembling. “What's wrong?”

“I don't know. This is all moving too fast, and I don't have any control. When she called, I was going to send you over there and have you get her out of your system, but now, I… “

“Isabella, what are you afraid of?” he asked, hoping she would find the courage to tell him.

“I'm afraid…afraid you'll stay once you return to your old life, but maybe that's where you belong. I am asking too much from you.”

Seth gave her careful consideration and knew he had to choose his words with care. “Someday, Bella, after we're married and Carmen is long gone, you're going to realize this was the turning point in our relationship. And I hope you'll laugh at the absurdity of it.”

“Boy, you have sure jumped the gun, Cowboy! We're having issues even forming a relationship, and you think I am going to marry you?” She pulled away from him.

“It's going to happen, Isabella Carnetti. I'm committed to you now.”

“Committed like this morning? Your idea of commitment is different than mine.”

“Really? So I only imagined you coming all over my fingers last night, Bella, screaming as you came?” His green eyes showed he was hurt by her throwing his mistake back in his face.

“Don't give me those hurt-little-boy eyes. I've seen you use them on countless women many times.”

Now he was mad! He trapped her against the fridge with one arm. I'm going to get to the bottom of this. There's going to be honesty in this relationship! “Who the hell do you think you're fooling?”

“Let me go!” She struggled against him but he was too damn strong. You bastard, are you going to do me right here, against the fridge?

“Who are you lying to, me or yourself?” He unbuttoned her jeans and pulled both the jeans and her panties down to expose her bare folds.

He's going to do it, the fucker, the wonderful powerful bastard, he is. Bella shivered as Seth kept her pressed against the fridge as he dropped to his knees in front of her. She assumed he was going to untie her tennis shoes.

“Seth, what are you going to do…” Her words were cut off when he parted her folds and exposed her clit to his mouth.

After a few licks to her clit, he slipped first one, then two, and finally three fingers inside just as he had last night. Surging back to his feet, he began applying pressure against her newfound pleasure spot. “Leave if you want, forget all about the incredible pleasure we bring each other, Bella, but if you like it, and want it, I don't want to hear anything in the future about you not wanting me. I realize we have things to work out but I also know you want me as much as I want you.”

Bella's face flushed red with desire and embarrassment as, for the first time in her life, she confronted the need to embrace her emerging sexuality. She pushed against his fingers, taking them as deep as she could before she added the words she knew he needed to hear. “You win, I want this.”

Seth realized Bella was on the verge of discovering something buried deep in her sexuality, so deep he was certain she wasn't even aware of it. Her emergence called to something inside of him and knew he had to take the sex one step further for both their sakes. Grabbing her wrists in one hand, he pulled her up, pinning her arms above her head. In this position, just his fingertips were inside of her, and he knew she couldn't get the depth and penetration she needed.

“Seth, you bastard!” No, please don't take them away. I need your fingers to make me come.

“Beg, Isabella. Beg for what you want. Just tell me.”

“Please let go of my hands, so I can…” She didn't complete the sentence. It was too embarrassing to ask him for that. When did my body betray me and decide it needed his special brand of dominance? I used to be happy just being his best friend.

“So you can do what, sweet Isabella? What do you need so badly, you're willing to beg for it?”

She looked into his intense eyes. You fucker, you know but you are going to make me beg for it. And I need it so badly. She kept her eyes locked on his before saying the words he wanted. “To fuck myself, Seth…I want…to come on your fingers.”

“Good girl, Bella. I know how hard it was for you to face your need, so here's your reward.” Letting go of her wrists he began to rock his hand against her warm cleft while curving his fingers to press against the bundle of nerves on her upper wall. With ease, he took her weight as her first tremors of her orgasm overwhelmed her.

* * * *

Seth stared at his reflection in the mirror as he got ready for his date with Carmen. He had a good idea of what it was going to take to convince Carmen, he wasn't interested any more. He wanted to make sure he got his point across to the blonde but he didn't want to hurt her any more than necessary. Not that I think her emotions are involved here. Its more a dose of healthy pride and jealousy that has her pursuing me. She reminds me of a child who doesn't want a toy until someone else has it.

* * * *

Isabella was pensive. She wanted to trust Seth, but it was hard. Will he act like I hope he will or will he give into temptation and take his pleasure? I'll never really know if he gives in. Preparing dinner for her dad, she was shocked when he asked, “Bella, what's wrong?”

“It's Seth. He has to go on his charity date tonight and I'm worried.”

“You think he might like her more than you?”

Bella squirmed at the question. Does he? “No, I guess not, but I'm still worried.”

“Can you make him care about you?” her father questioned, his eyes full of concern.

“No, and sometimes, I am not sure I want him to, but sometimes…“ The words stuck in her throat.

“And can you prevent Seth from loving this woman, if he does?”

Her stomach lurched at the thought and she didn't want to answer.

“Can you, Isabella?” His voice was stern.

“No, I can't!” she blurted out the words in frustration and fear.

“Then stop worrying. What will be, will be,” he assured her, his tone soft and understanding.

* * * *

Seth tried to pay attention to what Carmen was yakking about but his mind kept wandering back to Bella. He had it bad for his best friend, and sitting here with Carmen proved it. He had no interest in the lush blonde, where six months ago, he'd been all over her. I don't just want Bella sexually, I think I'm in love with her.

“Seth, are you even paying attention to me?” Carmen asked him, her voice irritating. She was upset he wasn't fawning over her as he had before.

“I'm sorry, Carmen, I was just thinking. What were you saying?”

Now the frustration became apparent on her face, as tears appeared, and then briefly she looked away, using a ploy that had worked many times in the past. “Seth, I've missed you and realized I wasn't giving you all you needed before. I would like to try to do that now, if you'll let me.”

“It may be too late for that, Carmen. I'm involved with Bella, and beyond that, I question your sincerity. When we met, Carmen, neither of us was looking for more than a toy to play with and then discard. I changed. I need and want a serious relationship and I think I can have that with Bella.”

“You haven't changed, Seth, you just found a new toy to play with. You're the same man you were. Let's go back to my place, let me give it my best effort and if I can't get you to rise to the occasion, then I'll back off. Prove to me you've changed, because I don't think a leopard can change his spots so easily.”

Seth thought about Carmen's offer. If I go there, and let her try to seduce me, will I have really changed or will I slip back into old habits? Suddenly Seth knew he had to go through with this to prove to both himself and Carmen he was indeed a changed man.

“All right, let's get the check and I'll show you.”

Looking like a lioness who had just glimpsed her prey, a sly smile spread over her face, at what she saw as certain victory.

* * * *

At home, Bella snuggled on the couch with the shirt Seth had forgotten the night before, watching an old romance movie. Gradually she dozed off listening to the murmur of Michael Douglas trying to woo Kathleen Turner. As she slept, the stress of her current situation with Seth, crept into her dream.

Carmen had slipped into something more comfortable, which had turned out to be a barely there black negligee, with crotchless panties. Isabella stood in the corner of her nemesis house and watched as Carmen started to do a lap dance that ended with Carmen's blonde bush inches from Seth's face. Bella wanted to cry when she watched Carmen seat herself between Seth's splayed legs and unzip her best friend's pants. As Carmen took his hard cock into her mouth, Bella wanted to turn away from the horrible sight but found herself locked in place. When Seth began to groan and praise the blonde's oral skills, the tears began to trail down Bella's face.

Bella awoke to find herself crying. The dream had been horrid and she was certain it was probably being mimicked across town at Carmen's home. I was a fool to let him go.

* * * *

Across town, Seth was indeed sitting in Carmen's living room with a livid Carmen. She was dressed exactly as she had been in Bella's dream. But instead of arousing Seth with her lap dance and oral skills, he sat on the couch unaffected. As a last resort, Carmen turned the tears on as she had earlier in the evening.

“Seth, what's wrong with you? Don't you want me? Why aren't you stiff? Two months ago, you would have been hard as a rock by now.”

Seth spoke with a detached voice, as if he was reciting data. “I tried to tell you. I'm not interested, Carmen. It's too late. If you got hurt here tonight, you have no one to blame but yourself. I tried to explain it to you and you choose not to heed my words.”

Her eyes wide, Carmen blurted out the only thing she could fall back on. “What did you take?”

“Take?” Seth did not like where she was heading with this.

“Yes, you must have taken something to stay soft, or perhaps you don't even know because she gave you something. Yes, that has to be it. There is no way you want that flat board of a tramp more than me.” She continued to blubber before throwing herself at him.

Seth pushed her away from him. “Carmen, this is ridiculous. Just accept it, I don't want you.” Seth had seen enough. I've changed and I'm in love with Bella. My dad was right.

* * * *

“How did it go?” Isabella wasn't sure she wanted to know when Seth walked in beaming, as if he had the time of his life tonight with Carmen. He looks like she satisfied him.

“Bella, it went just as I hoped, but we need to talk.” His hands went in his pockets, like he was nervous, and she stiffened expecting the worse.

He's going to let me down easy, tell me he's sorry but it's over. She couldn't help her emotions from rising up and taking control. “You didn't sleep with her, did you?”

Seth was shocked before anger swept through him, and it was all he could do to control it and not say something he would regret later. She doesn't trust me.

“No, I didn't and I'm surprised you could say that, let alone think it. If you have to ask, then I doubt you're going to take my word on what happened tonight. If you want to know what happened call Carmen. I'm sure she'll be happy to tell you what a bastard I am.” Turning, he stopped at the door. “The funny thing is, Bella, I'm in love with you.” The door slammed shut behind him.

Isabella dropped to the couch and began to sob, knowing she'd made the worst mistake of her life, all because of her own insecurities about her ability to please a man of Seth's nature. Dragging herself off to bed, she decided to call Carmen in the morning, and then go over and swallow her pride and apologize to her best friend.

An hour later, Bella tossed the blankets off, reached for the phone and dialed Carmen's number. She could barely believe her ears when the sniffling woman answered.

“Did you have fun with Seth, Carmen?”

At first she was met with silence, then anger spewed into her ear. “You bitch, how dare you mock me. What the fuck did you do to him? He's such a stud and now he's a wasted on a woman like you. You can't warm his bed like I can, and I have a mind to come over and…”

Bella hung up the phone. He let her try to seduce him and walked way. She failed and he was true to his word. He actually backed his talk with action. I've been such a fool. It was all the proof she needed. Walking to the window, she watched Seth as he bunked down in his sun room. Pulling his t-shirt on over her bikini panties, she ran down the stairs, across the damp lawn and slipped inside the sun room.

Seth sat up just as she launched herself at him, catching her as he fell back against the hammock.

Bella sobbed against his chest and clung to him, while he tried to comfort her. “Baby, what's wrong?”

“I'm sorry, Seth. I should have trusted you. Tell me it isn't too late!” She lifted her head, her eyes red from crying, pleading with him.

“You called Carmen, didn't you?” He searched her eyes, not sure what to expect out of her. Dare I hope she's finally willing to give me a chance? He waited warily for her to answer. Relief flooded through when she spoke.

“Well, I called and I can't even say I spoke to her. She yelled at me. You really pissed her off, Seth. No man has ever done anything like that for me. You have your chance, Seth.” She took a deep breath. “Can I stay with you tonight? Will you hold me like you did last night?” When he closed his eyes, she felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. Was she too late? Had she waited to long to trust him?

She held her breath as he opened his eyes, in their depths she saw acceptance.

“Come here, Bella.” He pulled her close enough to steal a kiss, before pressing her head against his chest. “Good night, baby.”

Tears leaked from her eyes, this time from relief as she listened to the steady beat of his heart under her ear. “Thank you, Seth.” Whispering the words against his heart, she let herself sleep.

Chapter Six

Bella awoke to the feel of a hard erection against her. Looking down, she saw Seth was hard as a rock, the length of him was pressed directly against her pussy. Stifling her moan, she rubbed against it. Damn, that feels good. Seth didn't stir as she rubbed against him, and she whimpered as the pleasure increased, pressing her clit harder against his shaft. It would be so easy to come right here, but it seems selfish of me after what he did last night. I want to give something to him.

Leaning further back, she noticed one arm was raised above his head, resting on top of the hammock while the other was draped around her waist. Using gradual movements, she lifted the heavy arm and draped it over his other. Seth muttered and shifted. Bella froze and watched him settle back down. When a soft snore escaped him, she smiled. Looping the ties at the top around his wrists, she tied them loose enough he could get out of them with ease but not right away, when he awoke.

Bella then turned her attention to the part of him she wanted to please, the hard shaft tenting his soft cotton boxers. Trailing barely there kisses down his chest, she worked her way across his flat stomach to the edge of his boxers. Giving a quick tug on the waistband, she sighed with pleasure as the head of his cock, a light plum color, rose to greet her. Reaching out she touched the head and smeared the few drops of wetness she found around it.

Seth moaned as if he was waking, alarming her. If I'm going to do this, I need to do it now. Rearranging her body, she moved her head down to his crotch and eased his shorts down to free the rest of his thick cock. Sticking her tongue out, she licked the underside of his shaft like a kitten, feeling the pulse of his heart under her tongue. I feel so naughty doing this, but I could become addicted to this feeling. Tasting the salt and pure male muskiness of him, she swallowed the head of his cock and began to suck.

Suddenly, Seth mumbled her name, making her think he was awake, but when there was no struggle against the bonds, she realized he wasn't quite there, he was in that special place between sleep and consciousness. She bent her head back to him and curled her tongue around his glans and tugged.

When Seth awoke, confusion reigned over his senses, he felt the wet pressure of a warm mouth suckling at him, but he couldn't move his arms and didn't know what was going on. However, trying to make sense of what was holding his arms was the last thing on his mind as he savored the pleasure coming from his groin. Lifting his head, he groaned when he saw his cock sliding in and out of Bella's mouth. He dropped his head back when she wrapped her hand around the base of his shaft and began to stroke him in time to her teasing tongue. This was the last thing he'd expected when she crawled into his arms last night.

Wanting to help her pleasure his aching cock, he looked over his head to see why he couldn't move, and saw the loose ties wrapped around them. He tried to focus on freeing his hands but each time she went down, she swallowed more of him, breaking his concentration.

“Bella, baby, please stop for a sec.” His breath hissed out of his lungs when she mumbled something and the vibrations teased his cock. “Ah, hell.” Where the hell did she learned to suck cock like this? I can't believe she's trying to deep throat me! He jerked as she sucked him deeper into her mouth taking him all the way down her throat, making a slight choking noise.

Seth was panting as he tried to give her some guidance. “You don't have…to take…it…all…”

Bella ignored his gasps as she focused on the hard flesh inside her mouth. Despite her lack of actual experience, she was a huge fan of erotic stories and she wanted to try everything she'd ever read on him. Pulling off of him until only the head was in her mouth, she breathed on it while teasing it with the tip of her tongue, employing another tidbit she'd read. I'm feeling my way but from what I can tell, he's enjoying it, so I must be doing something right.

Taking a deep breath she once again tried to pull him in as deep as she could. She found the feeling intoxicating.

"Bella, damn it, you don't know how good that feels."

She looked up and locked eyes with him. His breathing was harsh and his cock jerked in her mouth. Releasing him for a moment, the request that slipped from her lips floored him.

"I want you to come in my mouth, Seth. I've read men love it when a woman swallows their load and I want to make this perfect for you."

He could of have sworn his dick got harder just hearing her say that and he jerked at the ties around his arms. "Isabella, are you sure you want to do this?"

She licked the underside of his cock before answering him. "Oh, I do, Seth. I want to feel of you against my tongue and taste you." She pressed his cock against his stomach and leaned in to nuzzle his sack. A dark growl of pleasure sounded above her head. She smiled against him before taking the sound as approval, which dared her to be more adventerous. She ran her tongue over him before sucking one of them into her mouth. Now using more of her erotic reading, she hummed with his testes in her mouth. If he liked me humming against his cock, I bet it feels even better against his nuts.

Seth fought for control as the little vixen between this thighs tortured his aching equipment. He fought to hold on until she released him with a pop and pulled his rock hard cock down and shoved it back into her mouth. He gritted his teeth as the seed churned in his balls. I need to warn her. I know she said she wanted a mouth full of my cum but she's a virgin and doesn't know what she asking. "Baby, I'm going to come, if you don't want…ohhhh…"

Although he never finished his sentence, Isabella thought he was sweet to warn her. She savored the salty blast of seed coating the back of her mouth. Doing her best to swallow every drop, she wondered how women managed it. By now, Seth was shaking and moaning out his climax, and it was all she could do to keep his turgid shaft in her mouth.

He yanked hard at his bonds and freed his hands. Grasping her shoudlers, he pulled her away from his sensitive cock and held her against his chest. "Oh my god, you were so good." He pressed his mouth against hers and kissed her, delving deep inside and tasting the remnents of his seed. It wasn't the first time he'd kissed a woman after a blowjob. But damn if it's ever been as erotic as kissing Bella.

Bella ripped her mouth away from him and slid back down, searching for any stray drops of seed she could find. She reached his now softening cock and began to lick it gentle laps.

"Oh god, enough, Bella. I can't take any more." He rolled out of the hammock with her and pinned her to the floor under him. Pressing her arms above her head, he rested his forehead against hers, trying to catch his breath.

Bella savored the feeling of him pressed against her but something was nagging at her. "Did I do something wrong, Seth? I know I'm not a Carmen but I can learn."

Seth laughed and shook his head. "You did nothing wrong, sweetheart, in fact if you did it any more right you would've had to peel me off the ceiling." He brushed his nose against hers and then sighed. W e're lovers now as well as best friends and I swear to god, I'm not going to fuck this up.

* * * *

Stepping under the hot spray of his shower, Seth let the heat sooth him as he savored the memory of Bella's mouth. She'd blown his mind away with her curiousity and ready acceptance of his desire. There's no doubt in my mind, she's not as innocent as she claims. I could see the awe and curiousity in her eyes as she blew me. I am going to love showing her everything.

* * * *

Bella had just stepped out of the shower herself when the phone rang. It was Marissa's mother inviting her to a birthday party for the four-year old. Accepting the invitation for both her and Seth, she took the address down, thinking how nice it would be for Marissa to see her and Seth together again after the Carmen incident.

* * * *

In the shower, Seth never heard the door open, but when he reached out to grab the towel, someone grabbed his wrist. Assuming it was Bella, he pulled and pressed the body against his to only find it was Carmen. He jerked away from her as if he had been burned.

"My, my, stud. If you want me, you can have me right here." She reached for the tie on her dress." Her eyes devoured his naked body. Pushing past her, he exited the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist.

"What the hell are you doing here, Carmen? Didn't last night convince you, I don't want you?" He stalked out of the bathroom in search of clothes. When was the last time it bothered me to be naked in front of a woman? It was hard to believe but true. He didn't want Carmen looking at him.

"Aw, come on, Stud. I don't believe that little show. There's no way you could walk away from this." Seth turned to look at her as he jerked his shorts up. He saw red as he took in the soft D-cups and the blonde curls at the junction of her thighs, and found himself longing for pert tits and bare pussy.

"Why continue to play this game, Carmen?"

"Come on, Stud, you know you want to tie me to the bed and fuck me." Carmen crowded him, pressing him up against the bathroom door, sliding her hand down his shorts and grabbing his cock. Pushing at her grasping hands, he tried to pull away. He sucked in a sharp breath when she wrapped her hand around his nuts, and gave them a threatening squeeze. He let his hands drop to his sides. "That's better Stud. Let momma play. I will get you hard, and you'll fuck me. I'm not going to let that slut next door take what's mine." She swooped down and enveloped his dick in her mouth. It was at that moment, the worst possible moment, Bella appeared in the bedroom door. But Seth's lack of response, since Bella had just sucked him dry, saved him, as his best friend watched the blonde try to arouse her man.

Damn, the woman just won't give up. Sharp, the first thing Bella noticed was the tight grip Carmen had on Seth's nuts, and knew that unless he wanted to cause himself physical injury, he couldn't jerk away from the woman. He looks pissed.

Carmen released him with a plop and hiss of frustration. Seth's manhood was only semi-erect, which objectively Bella knew was just his honest reaction to having a woman's mouth around him. I can't blame him for that, and he's nowhere near as hard as he was this morning.

Bella waited for Carmen to loosen her grip on Seth's nuts before letting the bitch know she was no longer alone.

"It looks like you're the one that needs the lessons, Carmen."

Seth's heart nearly jumped out of his chest when he saw his new lover standing against the open door frame. She had a very displeased look on her face. God damnit, I am in deep shit here.

"Bella, sweetheart, this isn't what you think." He used Carmen's distraction to push her hands away and jerk his shorts back up.

Bella pushed off the door, heading towards the naked blonde. "You mean, I didn't just see a desperate woman trying to take something that belongs to me?"

"He was mine first!"

"But he's mine now, bitch, and I keep what's mine." Bella's movements were so quick, Seth couldn't believe his eyes. She had the woman's arm twisted up and behind her back, before he could blink.

"Seth!" Carmen looked at him in desperation.

Bella looked at her lover and questioned him. "She's not welcome here, correct?"

"Quite unwelcome, in fact."

"All right then. Be a sweetheart, Seth, and grab the bitch's dress for me. I do believe it's time I take out the trash."

When Carmen heard Bella's words, she began to struggle. However Bella's years of karate training served her well and she didn't have much trouble making the blonde march down the stairs and out the front door of the house. Carmen shrieked when she realized Bella was going to force her outside in the nude. She pleaded with Seth and Bella.

"Please don't do this to me! I'll go away!"

"Too late!" Seth punctuated his words by balling up the dress and tossing it as far as he could. Bella watched in satisfaction as it landed mere feet from the curb.

Bella turned and followed Seth back into his house, ignoring Carmen's cries and the honking of the passing motorists. As soon as the door slammed behind them, Bella pressed Seth up against the wall and wrapped her body around his. Pulling his head down to hers, she warned him. "You're mine now, Stud, and I won't tolerate any other woman having you," she growled in a playful tone, "except for maybe Marissa."

She gave him a playful nip on his lower lip before stepping back. "Now go get ready. We're supposed to be at her party in less than ten minutes."

Seth smiled. What a woman. Damned if she isn't all mine. Then a thought occured to him. "Thanks, Bella, for not jumping to conclusions. I don't know if we'll ever be rid of that woman but you just proved you're strong enough to handle it."

Bella flushed under the compliment. "Go get dressed, Seth. Or I'll leave your ass here."

* * * *

"Nurse Bella, you came!" Marissa squealed when she saw Bella in the doorway.

"I wouldn't have missed it, Marissa, and I even brought a friend of yours."

"Hey there, Miss Marissa. I hear it's your birthday." Seth stepped up behind Bella and wrapped his arms around her waist while he greeted the little girl.

"Oh, thank you, nurse Bella. Mama didn't know if you were going to be able to get Mr. Seth to come."

"No problem sweetheart. Mr. Seth pretty much comes when I call, now." Bella smiled back at Seth and glanced at Marissa wondering how the little girl knew she would bring her new lover with her. Damn, here I am thinking of Seth as my lover and I can remember a time in my life when all I wanted to do was play Cops and Robbers with him. Back then even the thought of kissing a boy was icky. I sure have grown up.

"The cake and ice cream is ready in the activities room, if anyone would like some," Marissa's mother told the dozen people gathered.

"Did you get the right kind, Mom?

"Yes, sweetheart, chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream because they are nurse Bella's favorite."

Bella looked over her shoulder at her lover and arched an eyebrow. Seth held his hands up in defense. "You wouldn't believe how many times she asked me, Bella. Was I supposed to lie to her?"

Bella turned and picked up the birthday girl. "Marissa, it's very sweet of you but this is your birthday party and I was looking forward to having your favorite cake and ice cream."

Marissa seemed to stop and consider it for a moment. "But this way, I could make sure both of you came." Then she whispered into Bella's ear. "Don't tell him but I know Mr. Seth loves chocolate."

* * * *

Laying her head back, Bella watched Seth drive, happy with how Marissa had liked the gifts they'd bought on the way to the hospital.

"Tired, baby?" Seth picked up her hand and placed it on his thigh.

"Maybe, or I'm coming down off the sugar rush from all that cake and ice cream. I feel lazy, but happy Marissa had such a good time."

"Yes, she did. It was good to see her smiling."

They pulled into their driveway and, as they came to a stop, Seth turned to her. "Bella, I want you to stay right where you are. I want to pleasure you the same way you were generous enough to give me."

Oh, this sounds interesting but I don't feel like moving. "I'm game, Seth, as long as I don't have to move."

With a grin, he unbuckled her seatbelt. "Understood." Opening his door, he rounded the car to her door. With in moments, he held her craddled against his chest and carried her up the walk. After fumbling with the door, which Bella ended up opening for him, he moved through her kitchen and carried her up the stairs to her bedroom.

Laying her down on the rumpled bed, he wandered around the room, going first to her dresser, rummaging through her top drawer, and then to the bedside table. Taking a silk scarf he found, he drapped it over the lamp and cast the room with a romantic glow. Bella swallowed when he held two more scarfs in his hands. I'm not sure about this… It excites me but I don't think I'm ready for him to tie me up.

"Seth, I'm not ready to be tied up."

Seth sat down on the bed next to her. She could see desire in his eyes but no frustration at her denial.

"I understand, Bella. I'm not planing on using these to tie you up…yet. I want to explore your body and give you as much pleasure as possilbe. Instead of tying you up, I am going to tie these to the head board. I want you to hold them while, I explore."

"Really?" Pushing herself up on one elbow, she touched the side of his face. If he can resist tying me up, surely I can hold onto the scarfs for him.

"Make no mistake, Bella. I want to tie you to our bed and spend hours teasing your hot little body, but I won't until you show me you're ready for that. I want to take a step in that direction without making you nervious. By hanging onto the scarfs, it will give you the illusion of submission but still the reality of knowing you can let go at any time. I hope you don't but I can understand if you do."

Instead of answering him, Bella took the scarves from him and tied them around the slats of her head board. Wrapping each one around her hand twice, she laid back against her pillows.

Seth swallowed, before touching her cheek. "Thank you, Isabella. You don't know how happy you just made me. And that deserves a reward." He pushed up her shirt and bared her pert tits and hard nipples.He tugged her shorts and panties off with one efficent movement leaving her bare pussy glistening in the soft light. Damn that's more like it, much better than blond curls and huge tits.

Bella watched the hunger grow in Seth's eyes, and felt her pussy gush in anticipation. She wondered where he was going to start, and didn't have long to wonder.

Seth swung his legs up on the bed, and laid down on his stomach after pushing her legs open.

"You look so delicious." Placing both legs over his shoulders he pulled her labia open and took a long lap up her creaming slit. He held her open with his fingers on one hand while thrusting two of his fingers on his other into her creaming sheath.

"Seth, oh my god, please lick me." She tugged on the scarves as he did. She felt his tongue caressing her clit as his fingers began to curve in a way that was becoming familiar to her. Oh god, he's going to lick my clit while he's rubbing that special spot. I'm going to go crazy.

Seth listened to Bella's breathing and knew he was pleasuring her. He had to fight the inclination to make her beg for it. It's enough, she has gone this far. I finally got my chance, I don't want to blow it by pushing her to far, to fast.

He pressed deeper inside of her, monitoring the contractions of her muscles but not curving his fingers to massage the spot she wanted, while continuing to lick her hard clit.

Bella stared at the dark head between her thighs. She gripped the scraves so tight, surprised she hadn't cut off circulation to her own hands. He teased every inch of her throbbing pussy except for the one she wanted. I bet if I tell him press there, he will.

"Seth, please press against my specail spot. I want to come so bad."

Seth lifted his head and locked gazes with her. She knew just what I wanted to hear.

"Gladly." He followed up by pressing his fingers against her spot and sucking on her clit. Listening to her cry of release,he pressed his aching cock against the bed while lapping up her cream.

* * * *

Bella knocked on the open door to Seth's office and he looked up and smiled at her.

"Sweetheart, I wasn't expecting to see you until lunch."

"I brought someone down to say goodbye. She's checking out this morning."

Seth saw Marissa behind Bella, and her eyes were bright with excitement.

"Mr. Seth, they told me I can go home with Mommy and Daddy today!" The five-year-old bounced with pleasure in her chair, but then she frowned. "But will I still get to see you and nurse Bella?"

"Congratulations, Marissa, and don't you worry, your mom has made several appointments to bring you back into see me. I think I can make sure nurse Bella's here when you come in." He cast a glance at Bella, who smiled and nodded.

"Great. Bye Mr. Seth." Bella moved behind Marissa's wheelchair, but whispered an invitation in Seth's ear. "Lunch, lover, the cafeteria in an hour? I want to talk."

"Sure thing."

* * * *

An hour later, Seth met Bella at the elevator. As they started to descend in the empty car, Bella moved closer to him, drawing in his citrusy scent, and asked the question that troubled her. "Why didn't you take my virginity last night, Seth? I would have let you."

"What! I can't believe you just asked me that. You're becoming shameless."

"You say you want me, you love me, and I'm ready to feel you bury your cock inside of me. I love your fingers but I have a feeling I'll love your cock more."

This is the last thing I expected. Seth pulled her close. "I was waiting for a sign from you, baby. I didn't want to assume you were ready. That would've been the old Seth. You've held onto your virginity for a long time, so I figured losing it had to be special to you."

With a sudden jerk, the elevator came to halt and Bella would have stumbled if not for Seth's grip on her. "Oh, no. This damn elevator is gonna get stuck again."

Seth reached for the emergancy phone before winking at her. "But there's no other woman I'd want to be stuck with." He turned his attention to the person on the phone and gave them the information. Hanging the phone up, he pulled Bella back into his arms "It's going to be at least an hour before they can get us out."

A wicked thought crawled through Bella's brain. He says he's waiting for a sign from me, so why don't I give it to him right here, right now? I am sure an hour is long enough to lose my virginity, and imagine the memory it would be! I doubt either of us could get on this elevator without remembering.

"How about right here, right now, Seth?"

"My god, you're incorrigible. Are you serious?"

Bella answered by reaching for the drawstring on her scrubs. Untying them, she pulled the string out and handed it to Seth. His jaw jerked as her pants hit the floor and her shirt was quick to follow, leaving her standing in front of him in nothing but a tiny pair of black lace panties. When she caught him staring, she pivoted, showing him the thong disappearing between the cheeks of her ass. "You like? I found them in the back of my drawer. They were a gag gift from Garth. I think the joke's on him."

"Why's that?"

"Because he told me it was the only way I would ever catch your attention."

"He was wrong, Bella. Not to say that those panties don't make my blood pressure rise. God, you look sexy as hell."

He sobered, now taking on a serious tone as he took her hand. "Are you sure you want to do this here?"

"Seth, I don't think I would ever be able to ride in this elevator again without remembering being taken by the man I love."

Upon hearing her words, Seth made his decision. Reaching out, he slid a finger under the crotch of her panties to test her readiness. He was met with the wet heat of her desire for him. "Damn, baby, you're soaking wet."

"I feel wet, Seth. And so ready to become your woman." She pressed up against his fingers, loving the feel of them touching her although she was anxious to experience his thick cock. As his fingers glanced over her special spot, she pleaded with him. "Oh god, Seth, I'm ready to come now. I need your thick cock inside of me, so I can come all over it."

"Put your hands on the hand rail and bend forward with your back arched for me." Bella did as he asked even though she wasn't sure how he planned on giving her what she wanted. I need to trust him, he knows what he's doing. He'll give me what I want.

"Good girl. You're so wet! I'm going to slide in nice and easy." He slid her panties down her legs while he praised her. As he dropped them to the floor, he remembered the string from her scrubs, she'd handed him. "Bella, baby, what would you like me to do with this?"

She looked over her shoulder at him, saw the tie he was still holding and took it from him Smiling at him micheveously, she tied it around one wrist and then to the hand rail before resuming the postion he had asked of her. If that doesn't tell him I'm willing to try his little fetish, I don't know what will. I still can't believe how hard I came last night.

Looking at the opposite wall, she could see their reflections in the mirror mounted there, and the look on Seth's face would have scared her two weeks ago, but now the hunger in his eyes only drove her appetite. She watched as he slipped off his pants and boxers, revealing the erect hardness she wanted with every fiber of her being. When he stepped behind her, she expected him to bury his cock in her. Instead she felt him glide along her cleft but not into her. She wiggled her hips, physically begging him to enter her.

"Shh, baby, not so fast. You have no barrier left but I'm a hell of a lot bigger than my fingers, and I don't want to hurt you."

"Fuck that. I need you now, Seth. I need you deep inside of me, making me your woman."

"Naughty girl. I said not yet." Seth drove home his words with a sharp slap against her left buttock. Bella moaned in surprise. I don't know why that turns me on. I should be pissed because he's not giving me what I want.

"Please, baby. I'll be good, but I need to come."

"I know you do, Bella. I'll make you come hard but when I say." Seth held his breath, not sure how Bella was going to react to his dominent side. Have I pushed her too far?

Bella locked gazes with Seth in the mirror. She could still see the love and desire in his eyes. He wasn't trying to demean her. Lowering her head, she acquiesced to his control, knowing he would never hurt her, just drive her wild with naked desire."Okay, when you say."

"Such a good girl, baby." He continued to rub against her, while he remembered and cursed the fact he hadn't thought to bring a condom with him. Bella panted.

"Please, Seth, I need you."

" I want to fuck you so bad but I don't have a condom with me, Bella."

"I don't care. All I need is one good hard stroke, and I'll come all over you. I'll get you off with my mouth, I swear." Bella gripped the handrail and waited for him to decide. So arsoused now that her whole body tingled, she simply couldn't go without his shaft buried inside of her.

"Okay, baby, I'll give it to you." Lining himself up with care, he slid his wet shaft against her portal before pressing it inside, hearing her gasp as his cock head breached virgin territory. Resting his forehead on her shoulder, he controlled his careful insertion with remarkable resistence to thrusting into her virgin tunnel.

However, Bella had other plans as she braced her arms against the hand rail and thrust her hips back against him. Simultaneously, she triggered three related actions. Seth's cock sank to the hilt in her wet pussy, and in delight her best friend smacked her bottom, making Bella explode in the most intense orgams of her life.

"Oh my god, I'm fucking coming!"

Behind her, Seth breathing was harsh as he fought to control his body, as inside her pussy, his cock was close to exploding as her vaginal muscles tensed around it. Grabbing her writhing hips with his hands, he snarled at her. "Naughty little girl, I didn't tell you to come."

Bella almost didn't heard him through the intense pleasure radiating from her pussy. Behind her, Seth smacked her ass once more as punishment, but that only made the pleasure spike sharper.

"Seth, I'm gonna come again! Please fuck me harder!"

Seth stared at her pleading face in the mirror and took pity on her. He thrust his hips against her and took his first full stroke, savoring the rippling muscles of her pussy.

She screamed in the empty elevator as her orgasm ripped through her, and she bucked against his shaft. Between her clenching muscles and her bucking, he came, too, swearing as he jerked his cock out and spilled his seed on her lower back. Damn it, I didn't mean to do that.

However, there was little time for regret as their heavy breathing had barely calmed when the elevator jerked to life. The lover's scrambled back into their clothes, knowing they'd made a memory they would cherish forever…

"I love you, Seth," she whispered.

"No, baby, I love you and I always will." He pressed a quick kiss against her temple.

Chapter Seven

Carmen paced back and forth in her living room, waiting for Lynne to arrive. She hated inviting the woman into her private life but she needed an ally to enact her plan of revenge against Isabella. When the doorbell rang, she rushed to answer it and stood there looking at the raven haired temptress. Carmen noticed Lynne had dressed in one of her 'fuck me' outfits. The short mini barely covered her ass and the crop shirt showed an amazing amount of cleavage along with her bare belly.

"You like it? I think it will get him hard."

"And right into my bed," Carmen added.

"I don't care which bed we have him in, sweetie, as long as we share, right?"

"Of course, his cock will satisfy both of us, while the slut watches."

* * * *

Following the smell of grilled chicken, Bella wandered into Seth's kitchen. She snuck up behind him and wrapped her arms around him.

"Miss me?"

"Always. Can the cook have a kiss?" Seth was being careful to keep it light between them. He was still shaken up by what had happened in the elevator.

"Sure he can." Pressing her mouth agasin his, she tried to rub her breasts against his chest.

When the kiss ended, he pushed her back to look at her, and saw she was wearing a tight tank top, short shorts, and her hair in a ponytail, showing off her body in a way she never had as a tomboy.

"I love the outfit, baby." Seth winked at her, wondering if she realized she was changing.

"Good, I never would have felt comfortable enough to wear these if you hadn't shown me how sexy I am."

"You are sexy, Bella. And you don't need me to show you that. But I'm flattered, you want to dress this way for me. Now be a good girl and set the table. The chicken is almost done and we are having company tonight."

"We are? Who?" Bella went to the cabinet to get the dishes.

Seth admired her body as she reached for the dishes before answering her. "It's someone I met at the hospital when she stopped to see a friend's sick child. We got to talking and I convinced her to come over tonight."

"And?"

"The rest is a surpise, baby, but I know you'll love it."

As she went about setting the table, Bella found it hard to control her curiousity about who Seth had invited to dinner with them. The doorbell rang and she nearly jumped out of her seat.

"Sweetheart, can you get the door?" Seth called from the kitchen.

Seth didn't want Bella to see him, but he needed to see the look on her face, so he peeked through the slit in the kitchen door. She won't be telling our kids about losing her virginity in an elevator but she'll tell them about opening this door. For the first time in his life, he realized how important memories were.

Bella opened the door, half expecting to see some woman from Seth's past but her jaw hit the floor at the woman who stood in front of her.

"Oh, my God! Alison…Alison Krauss is standing on our steps." Gasping at the presense of her favorite singer-violinist in the world, she'd forgotten her mannners.

"Hello. I'll bet you're Seth's Bella. I'm Alison, and Seth asked me to play for you." Alison held her free hand out and in her other, she held a battered up violin case. Slowly, after remembering her manners, she shook Alison's hand.

"Seth Anderson!" she yelled over her shoulder.

"Right here, baby." He placed his hands on her shoulders.

"You invited Al…Al…"

"Alison Krauss." He finished her sentence as he urged Alison to come into the house.

"To play for me?"

Alison giggled at Bella's reaction.

"Only if you move, baby, and let her in."

Realizing she was blocking the door, she moved back. "Sorry."

"It's okay. I get that more than you know. Where should I set up?"

"Down the hall, to the right is the dining room."

Alison slipped inside and down the hall, leaving Bella to come to terms with the reality of Seth's gift.

"I can't believe she's here." She turned and hugged her lover as tears welled up in her beautiful blue eyes.

"Hey I didn't mean to make you cry!"

"Oh, you goof, I can't believe you did this," she whispered as she kissed him.

After dinner, Bella cuddled with Seth as Alison finished singing "When You Say Nothing At All." With tears still in her eyes, she realized Seth had changed in the way she had hope for.

Seth followed Alison out to her car to thank her for making an appearance and thrilling his new lover.

"I can't thank you enough, Alison. You just made me some huge brownie points."

"No problem, Seth. You hang onto her. She seems like someone special."

` "Believe me, I know, and neither hell nor high water will drag me away from her."

* * * *

Carmen got up to refresh her drink, as she and Lynne had been going over the plan for the last two hours, trying to get the tiniest details correct. If all went well, they would unleash hell on Isabella Carnetti and Seth Anderson would be the means of her destruction.

* * * *

Bella began to struggle against the bonds that hplding her on Seth's bed, when he began to tease her mercilessly for what seemed like hours. With the muscles of her inner thighs trembling with desire, she'd been kept on the razor's edge of her orgasm longer than she had ever experienced.

"Please, Seth! I can't take anymore teasing. I need to come!" Trying to push her wet sex against his mouth, she fumed when he pulled away.

"Patience, Isabella, you'll get what you need." His green eyes were full of cockiness but she believed him, at least until a figure appeared in the doorway. Large tits and long blonde hair, it was Carmen, and she was shaking her head.

"Keep it up, Stud, but don't let the slut come. I want her frustrated when she watches us fuck."

"Seth? Get her out of here. You love me remember?"

"Relax, Bella, this is the old Seth, not the wimp who's been courting you. I got tired of waiting for you to be what I wanted, so I went to Carmen. She'll do exactly what I want, when I want it. You're nothing more than a toy for our amusement now."

"I'm not your toy! Let me go!"

"Oh, yes you are. Every woman is Seth's toy. Your mistake was believing you could change that." Carmen laughed, filling the room with diabolical glee.

"But I don't want this." Bella struggled harder now, but the ropes weren't budging.

"You lying bitch, you're wet all the way to your knees. If you wanted him any more the sheets would be soaked!"

"Seth, please." Bella whined.

"Sorry Bella, but I belong to Carmen now."

Bella jerked awake in Seth's bed, and saw him sleeping beside her.

It was all a dream. Why can't I let go of my fears? Looking at the clock she saw it was almost four in the morning and she had to get up for work soon. Curling up beside his warm body, she fell back into a doze to catch what little sleep was left for her.

* * * *

The next evening after work, Seth had a baseball tournament, so Bella went over to her dad's house alone to make him supper.

"Pops!" she called out as she moved into the kitchen. When there was no response, she followed the sound of the TV into the den. What she saw her stopped her dead in her tracks. Heat rushed to her face as she saw her dad's girlfriend, Ellen, sitting on his lap and it was obvious, they weren't expecting company. She must have made a noise because Ellen's head came up.

"John. Your daughter's here. Stop that!"

Her father said nothing, his face buried in his girl-friend's breasts.

"Oops, sorry, Pops, Ellen." Bella backed out of the room. She had meet the woman several months ago when her dad had started dating her. He'd met her through his support group after her mother had died. Ellen was alot like her mother and had grown kids of her own. But just as she didn't want her dad intruding into her love life, she didn't want to know about his.

"Isabella, wait!" John called out as he wheeled himself around the corner, but Bella was already out the door.

"There's nothing to explain Pops. I should have realized when I saw Ellen's car in the drive that you were busy."

John rolled up next to her car. "I knew you were coming over, Bella. It was my fault. I lost track of time with Ellen. We need to talk to you. Will you please come back in?"

Bella gazed at her dad, and knew she owed it to him. Sighing, she pulled the keys out and followed her dad back into the house, where she found Ellen, in the kitchen making coffee.

When she got back into her car an hour later her head was spinning. Ellen had asked her father to move in with her when she moved to Hawaii in two months. She wasn't sure what to think of her father leaving. Part of me wants to throw a fit about him even considering leaving me but I know he's a grown man and I'm an adult now, not a needy little girl anymore.

When Seth walked into his house, Bella was in the kitchen making dinner, and while the smell of her cooking was tempting, Bella could smell his sweaty uniform. As she bent over the oven door, he grabbed her ass and began to feel it. Since she was wearing a sun dress and not her normal jeans and t-shirt, he could slip his hands all over her lace panties.

"Dinner will be ready in a little bit but, Seth, you need to get out of that stinky uniform and jump in the shower. Right now, big boy, or you're not going to get anything from me."

Seth sensed there was more to her tension than just his sweaty condition. "Baby, are you alright?"

"I'm fine but I would like to talk to you after dinner."

When he came back downstairs, his dining room had changed. The linen table cloth his mother had given him but he'd seldom used was spread across his table. His pyrex tableware had been replaced with delicate china of which he wasn't sure of the origin. The room itself had been darkened and the table was lit by soft candlelight. The atmosphere was one of romance and the only thing out of place was him, with his old torn t-shirt and cut-offs.

"Would you mind, dressing for dinner, for me?" Bella spoke from behind him.

Turning around, he went back upstairs and came back down five minutes later wearing slacks and a silk shirt. Bella smiled and he knew he had pleased her.

Seth remembered to pull out her chair and when she sat down, he kissed her. All dinner long Seth watched her with intent eyes, barely noticing the the food he ate. Not used to seeing Bella in this light, he thought her more beautiful than ever.

"Bella, let's go away for the weekend."

"Where would we go?" She seemed excited by the invitation.

"I'll take you up to my cabin. It can be quite a romantic place. At least, I think it can."

She'd heard about the cabin, he'd inherited from his dad, but what she'd heard didn't make her think of romance. In his past, Seth had taken his buddies there to drink, and an occasional woman for a carnal weekend.

Already knowing what his answer would be, Bella still couldn't resist asking. "Whatever would we do up there all alone in the woods?"

Seth smiled and took her hand. "Well, if you're bored with me, there's a stream not half a mile from the cabin where we can go fishing."

"Fishing, well that's exciting. Why do you think I'd get bored with you?"

"I hope not, Bella, but you did ask."

"I don't think I'll be bored but I was just trying to figure out what was going on in your head. Do you plan on doing kinky things to me?"

Seth pushed back from the table and came around to kneel beside her, not caring if he dirtied his slacks. "I'd like to, very gently, in a non-threatening way, show you my desires, but I can't promise I won't get carried away.

Hmmm, carried away, it should make me uneasy but I find it more arousing than scary. "So you'll be tying me down and taking avantage of my innocence?" Bella batted her eyeslashes to add to the effect.

"Yes, but if you want to get started now, we could go upstairs and…" He didn't finish, just letting the thought lie in her head.

"Well, I know you won't hurt me, so I'm willing to let you play this weekend." Bella hugged hiim and then remembered she wanted to discuss her Pops with him

"This is off the subject. Pop's girlfriend has asked him to move to Hiawii with him. That's after I walked in on them with Pops's face buried between her breasts, and he sure wasn't looking for his glasses."

Seth chuckled a bit before touching her face, "I'm here for you, baby. Whatever your dad decides to do, I'll try to take care of you as well as he did." Now Seth knew a relationship was more than just kinky sex at the cabin or romantic dinners. Helping Bella through this hard time with her Pops would cement their relationship and give her the emotional support she needed.

* * * *

Carmen was out sunning herself on her balcony when her cell rang. It was Lynne with astounding news. She'd heard from a friend at the hospital Seth was taking Bella to his cabin this weekend. At first Carmen was pissed, as she'd been invited to the cabin twice and now he was taking his tramp there. That little slut isn't worthy of spending a weekend at Seth's cabin. As she calmed, she realized the lover's plan fit nicely in with hers and Seth's cabin was the perfect secluded spot for her revenge.

* * * *

Bella stood on her father's porch, her keys in hand. Chewing on her lower lip, she hesitated. Do I want to talk to him and Ellen about this or do I just accept Pops leaving?

"Are you going to stand there all day or come in?" Pops had just been inside the door, watching her.

"Do you want me to fix supper or is Ellen fixing it tonight?"

"Bella, I'll always want you around, and it has nothing to do with fixing me food. Now, get in here. Ellen will be here soon and I'd like to have dinner with my two favorite girls."

"Pops, I need to get this off my chest. I'm happy you've found someone, and Ellen seems like a nice lady. If you decide to go to Hawaii with her, I won't be childish about it. I love you and I want you to be happy."

"Well, sweetheart, I still don't know if I want to move. I have to consider the dojos and some day you'll have kids. I don't know if I want to be so far away. But thank you for telling me how you feel about it."

"Just let me know what you decide." She turned as they heard a car pull in next to hers, it was Ellen.

"I really want to be around to play with my grandkids. You and Seth will have some beautiful kids together."

"Kind of jumping the gun aren't we?" Chuckling, she greeted Ellen. "Good to see you again, Ellen. It seems Pops has volunteered us both for kitchen duty tonight."

"Oh, that's wonderful. The kitchen is the best place to get to know each other."

Looking up at Isabella, John saw she was uncomfortable with his comment about her and Seth's future offspring, and he wondered if his daughter knew how serious Seth was about her. However, John didn't get a chance to confront Bella on Seth as his daughter grabbed Ellen's hand and hustled her off to the kitchen.

"Come on Ellen, lets go to the kitchen."

"Of course." Ellen winked at John and mouthed the word 'patience' as she followed Bella into the house.

After dinner, John cornered his daughter in the den. "Enough of this, young lady, we're going to talk about you and Seth."

"Pops!" Bella threw a look at Ellen for possible help.

"Just listen to what your dad has to say, Bella." Ellen consuled, looking at John with a stern look.

"Bella, I guess you don't understand how committed that boy is to you. He visited me last week and in the old-fashioned way, he asked for permission to marry you, Bella."

"He what?" Bella was shocked. Oh, my god, I can't believe he actually went to my dad and asked permission. It's so embarrassing, but so sweet. He must be more serious about this than anything before in his life. "What did you tell him, Pops?"

"I told him yes, of course, but warned him he best take care of my little girl."

"Aw, Pops. I can take care of myself!" Bella wiped at the tears in her eyes. She was touched that Seth was so dedicated to her.

* * * *

Bella stood in the breakroom, looking out the window. She nearly jumped out of her skin when a pair of arms wrapped around her.

"Hmm, have I told you lately, how lovely you are?" Seth whispered into her ear.

"No but you can. Compliments are always welcome." She smiled at him. "I hear you've been talking to Pops. Anything I need to know?"

"No, I wanted his opinion on something." He tried to distract her by sucking on her ear before he worked his way down her throat.

"Seth, you liar! You asked him for permission to marry me."

"And that's bad, why?" he retorted in defense.

"Don't you think you should've asked me first? Even though it was kind of romantic."

"I knew your dad would tell you, and I wanted you to find out from someone other than me how serious I am. Did it work?"

"Yeah, but are there any more surprises I need to worry about? You aren't planning on anything weird, are you?"

"Well, now that you mention it, close your eyes."

"This isn't going to be any of your freaky sex stuff is it?"

"No, just trust me. Just close them." He kissed her neck, breathing in her ear. "You are under my command and must do as I say."

Bella giggled. "That just might be my downfall." She closed her eyes and felt him toy with her ear and the hair around it. He must be putting something there. God I hope it's not a worm or something equally gross. She remembered a time he'd pulled pranks like that.

"Can I open my eyes?"

"Yep." He gave her neck a kiss as he answered.

Bella opened her eyes and stared at her reflection in the window.

"It's beautiful."

"Just like the woman wearing it."

" How did you know I loved tiger lilies?"

"You forget, I'm not just your lover, Bella, I'm your best friend. I know what you love." Seth thought about what his dad has said about finding out the things she liked and he basked in his newfound wisdom.

"Thank you, and before I forget, I have something for you."

"You do?"

"Yep, consider it a gift for this weekend. I left it in your office, in the top right hand drawer."

"Do I need to get it now?" I wonder what the little minx is up to now. Ever since the elevator she's been keeping me on my toes.

"No, you won't need it until this weekend, when I'm sure it will come in handy."

"Okay, you've piqued my curiousity. I bet what ever it is, has you wet. Should I check?" His hand moved, resting now on her thigh, inches away from the drawstring of her scrubs.

"Not now, Seth. But I do think you should check thoroughly before we leave for the day."

"Come with me, baby. I want to see this present you left."

"You can't start anything here." Bella wanted to make it very clear to her lover. I loved what happened in the elevator but I don't want to get caught in his office doing the wild thing, considering the open door policy of the hospital.

Not long after, Bella found herself wearing Seth's gift, pressed up against his closed office door. The padded handcuffs, held her arms behind while he lowered her scrubs. In the position she was in, she couldn't even touch him but he had unrestricted access to her intimate parts. She marveled at how she was on a hair trigger these days, and she seemed to be in a constant state of need for this man. I can't believe I'm letting him have control over me but I trust him.

Kneeling at her feet, he looked up, he gave her a stern look… "Such a naughty little girl, Bella. You're going to come right now and right here for me." He was serious as he parted her naked sex.

"What about you?" She was desperate to please him.

"Relax, baby. I'll get mine eventually."

"Not fair!" Bella pointed out, her teeth clenching as he slipped two fingers inside of her while sucking on her clit. When his fingers found her spot, shepanted. "Oh my god! I'm so close." She was tettering on the edge already and the smug bastard at her feet knew it.

Seth praised her as her thighs trembled around his hand. God, I love how responsive her body is. She gets off so quickly and powerfully.

Seth lifted his mouth, wet with her juices and looked up at her face. Replacing his mouth with his thumb, he rubbed her clit as he continued to wiggle his fingers inside of her. Surging to his feet because he knew he would have to muffle her scream of pleasure, his fingers thrust faster inside her, coaxing her to fall into her climax.

"That's it baby, come for me."

Bella shrieked as she cascaded at full speed over the edge. There's no chance to hold it, I'm gonna come here in his office. I can't stop it. She buried her face against his shoulder as her orgasm washed over her.

"Good girl," Seth praised as he quickly withdrew his fingers, knowing he didn't have any more time to dally. As he pulled her scrubs back up and undid the cuffs, Bella saw the evidence of his desire tenting his chinos.

"Let me take care of that, Seth." She touched the turgid flesh through his pants, but he pushed her hands away.

"Not now."

"But why?"

"I want to be close to the edge for you this weekend, so I can give all you want all weekend long."

She giggled as she opened the door. "Then don't forget the other thing in the bag."

Seth reached for the gift bag the cuffs had been in, not realizing he'd missed anything. Reaching inside, he found what Bella had left. Pulling out the two dozen ribbed condoms, he smiled. Oh my god, my baby does want to play, and has some lofty expectations. I hope I didn't create a monster, I can't satisfy.

* * * *

Later that night, Seth was giving Bella a foot massage, rubbing her aching feet until she was close to melting into the couch.

"Have you given any thought to what's going to happen this weekend, Bella? Honest communication is essential here. I want to answer any questions you have before we arrive at the cabin."

"Are you kidding? I've barely thought of anything else, Seth." Feeling the conversation could turn kinky, she whispered. "What are the ground rules going to be Seth? Am I supposed to call you master and beg at your feet?"

Seth smiled and shook his head. "Do you feel you need a safe word?" Seth asked the question and hoped not because he'd never used one with his previous lovers.

"A safe word? What's that?" Bella looked at him with unease. Surely he's not going to do something to me that would require one. I know he likes bondage but I sure hope he isn't into pain!

"Just like it sounds, baby. It's a word that either partner can use if they become uncomfortable with what's occuring. I've never had to use one. I don't beat my women, Bella. I restrain them while I do unspeakable things to their bodies, to drive them out of their heads with pleasure. I hope you trust me enough not to need one."

She saw how the subject bothered him, and how her needing a safe word might upset him. If I ask for a safe word, he'd give me one but I know it will hurt him. "I don't think I need one, Seth. I trust you and I know you'll answer my questions honestly."

Seth's face showed relief and he smiled. "Then ask and I'll answer them."

"You said you aren't in to beating your women but will there be pain involved?"

"Not much, sweetheart. My desire is to pleasure you sexually, to push the limits, so we both have fun and explore your sexuality. No whips or canes but if you are a bad girl, I may be tempted to give you a good old-fashion over-the-knee spanking."

Bella squirmed in her seat at the thought of his hard hand spanking her ass. If his spankings are any thing like the swats he gave me in the elevator, I might just come from that alone.

"Bella?" He was concerned he might have shocked her.

"Spankings sound good." She gave him a sexy look. "Tell me, Seth, what's the kinkiest thing you'veever done to a lover?"

Seth was surprised she was asking him such a question. Realizing she wanted honesty, he tried to think. "Tsk-tsk. If you want me to spill my dirty little secrets, you're going to have to give me something in return."

"Hey! I don't have any dirty little secrets!" Bella shot him a dirty look for even thinking she had.

"Right, Bella. You maybe have been a virgin until I took you but you're not the little miss innocent you would have me believe. So, it's your choice, either a secret for a secret or I'll close up like a clam."

"All right, all right. What do you want to know?" Bella groused as she pulled her feet away from him.

"When did you first realize I was a man and not just your best friend?" He expected her to mention the day at the waterfront on their picnic date, but he got a surprise.

Bella's face flushed but she answered with confidence. "My junior year in high school. You were a senior, captain of the baseball team. I was watching your baseball practice, and the coach sent you to fetch some equipment left outside. Well, you weren't wearing much, just a pair of tight cut-off shorts, and your muscles were rippling as you picked up the bat bag. I was shocked that I got aroused by you. Right then you weren't just my best friend anymore."

"I had no idea. Damn, I wished you would have said something then. Think of all the time we've lost, but then again, maybe I wouldn't have been ready."

"No, you wouldn't have been, nor was I, but now…" Isabella looked at him through those now knowing eyes. "It's your turn. What's the kinkiest thing you've ever done?"

"I had a girl who wanted to wear those nipple clamp things, the ones with the chain between them."

Bella put her fingers over her own nipples as he spoke as if she could feel the pain of the clamps herself.

"But for her wearing them was only the begining. She wanted me to lead her around by them and eventually…pull them off her."

"Ouch! Oh, my god that must have hurt like crazy."

"I know, but she seemed to be into it. Perhaps she was a masochist."

Bella had a question she'd put off because she wasn't certian she wanted to know the answer. "Are you into anal sex?" I need to know if he wants to try this weekend.

"I've done it many times, Bella, but only if the woman enjoys it. Some women love it more than regular intercourse. But I don't think that's why you asked, I think you want reassurance about this weekend. I don't plan on it."

"Why not?" What's wrong with doing it with me?

Seth paused, reflected, and came up empty. "I don't know. I guess I just figured you weren't ready for it."

"I see." Bella filed away that thought for future reference.

"You cheated, Bella. You have to answer two of my questions now. Why have you waited so long to be with a man and why did you choose me?"

"Hmmm, I would have to say confusion. The only man I wanted was my best friend, and I wasn't sure I wouldn't ruin that relationship in trying to build a romantic and sexual one. Plus, for years he was oblivious to the fact I was a woman."

"What a bastard he sounds like." Seth chuckled.

"Yeah, I've called him that on occasion." Bella smiled as she said it.

"Has he learned his lesson?"

"Well not learned…let's just say he's learning." She giggled.

"Oh, and what is he learning?"

"Hmmm, that padded cuffs work just as well on his wrists as they do on mine?" Bella's eyes lit up as Seth raised his eyebrow at her.

Chapter Eight

Bella once again had a nightmare about Carmen. She was sweating when she woke up and, as much as she tried to put it out of her head, she found she couldn't and turned to her father for a solution. These damn dreams have to stop. Why can't I be secure in my relationship with Seth? He's proven he only wants me. Bella rapped twice on the door of Pop's house, a habit she'd taken up since catching her father making out with Ellen. She normally waited a moment and then walked in, but this time the door opened in front of her. She smiled at the woman who was becoming quite the fixture at her dad's.

"Oh hi Bella, are you here to make John's dinner?" Ellen looked happy to see her.

"If you don't mind having me in the kitchen. I needed to talk to Pops but I figured I talk him after we ate."

"No, I love having you in the kitchen with me. After having those boys of mine, I love having the company of a woman. It's almost like having a daughter."

Bella smiled at her, happy their relationship was warming. "Okay, let's get to it. I'm hungry."

After polishing off the stir-fry, they retired to the den, which was fast becoming a comfortable ritual, Bellla noticed. She decided to breach the subject she'd come over for.

"Pops, Ellen…I'm going away this weekend with Seth to his cabin, and while I am not worried about him, I feel uneasy about an ex of Seth's showing up. She just won't accept he doesn't want her anymore. Anyway, Seth tells me his cabin isn't too far out in the woods to not have cell service, so I have a huge favor to ask of you. If I don't call and check in every night by eight, I want you to assume something is wrong and send someone out to check on us."

"I can do that, but why are you so stressed about this woman, Bella?"

"It's probably nothing, Pops, but I've been having some pretty violent nightmares about her, plus I had to throw her physically out of Seth's house the morning she tried to sneak into his shower."

"Rather bold woman to go after a man who's already taken." John's face was red at the thought of another woman making moves on his daughter's man. "Are you sure she's out of the picture?"

"I'm hoping so but I can't help but think she hasn't given up."

"Well, I can't guarantee the cops will show up on my word, Bella. Maybe you should inform the local police there about the situation."

"I didn't want to involve them, Pops, if I don't have to."

It was then Ellen interjected. "I have the perfect solution. If you end up needing someone to check on you, Bella, I know a man who owes me a favor, several in fact. He would be perfect."

Bella stared at her as if she might be somehow connected to the mafia.

Ellen laughed at the expressions on both John and his daughter's faces. "It's not the mafia or the CIA, guys. My son, Dominic, is a police officer. Just give me the directions to the cabin, Bella, and I'll give him a call. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to do it."

* * * *

It was Friday afternoon, and Bella watched Seth mow both of their lawns in preparation for leaving this evening. Watching with a great deal of hunger as the sweat ran down Seth's bare chest, Bella started to get wet at thoughts of what the weekend might bring. When he came around again, pushing the mower past her, she took the hand towel sitting next her and snapped him on the ass.

"What the hell, you little minx," Seth chatised as Bella pretended to be engrossed in the magazine on her lap

Rubbing his ass, he continued his mowing, but Bella concocted a plot which would get her some sexual satisfaction. He has to shower before we go out to dinner, but who says the shower has to start in the bathroom?

Slipping off her lawn chair, she snuck over to where the hose was coiled up. Pulling out the length she needed, she turned it on, waiting for him to come back around the house. I'll spray him, like a naughty little girl, and hope he decides to punish me.

"Isabella!"

Seth stiffened as he came around the corner and the cold water hit his hot body. Bella squealed, throwing the hose at him, and running to her house. It was important he pursue her, so as she closed the screen door, she yanked off her shirt and flashed him her tits. He'll chase me now.

"Isabella Marie Carnetti!" Seth yelled as he entered her kitchen.

Making a quick tour of the ground floor, he didn't find her, but he heard the water running in the upstairs shower. So that's where her sexy ass went. Moving up the stairs, he detoured to her bedroom for something he knew would be there. Riffling through her dresser drawers he found what he was looking for a pair of silk stockings. They were perfect for tying up a bad little girl in her shower.

Entering the bathroom, he found it hot and steamy. "Bella, it's time for your punishment." Calling the words, he at first heard nothing but then a girlish giggle came from the shower.

"Have I been a bad girl?" She peaked out of the shower at him.

"Oh you know you have been, baby, and all bad girls get punished," he muttered as he unzipped his shorts and stepped out of them.

"What did I do that made me such a bad girl?" she asked as he stepped into the shower with her. "You looked so hot in more ways than one, so I thought you'd enjoy being cooled off." She looked at his hand and saw the silk stockings in his hand and knew that she had accomplished her mission. Goodie, he's gonna tie me up.

"Is that what you thought, you little vixen? Well, we'll see what you think when I get you hot." She smiled at him and turned away, placing her hands behind her back, crossed at the wrists.

Some one wants to play but she's not quite in the position I want. Pulling her hands back in front of her he spun her around, lifting them and tying them to the showerhead just above her head.

"Going to have your way with me now, big boy?" she taunted in a husky voice, daring him to do his worse.

"Maybe, or maybe something else." He gave her a soft slap on the tom because it was wet it hurt a bit more. He wanted her to know he expected her to take a spanking when she'd earned it.

Oh, that was nice but not hard enough. I bet if I beg for it, he'll give me more. She wiggled her ass at him, and challenged him. "Hmmm, is that how you punish good little girls, Seth? And here I thought I was a bad little girl."

He stared at her for a moment. "Yes, you are." He growled the words and let loose a hard slap to each one of her cheeks. This time he got the reaction he'd been waiting for, a sharp gasp as she squirmed against him.

Then he switched tactics, for this bad girl was obviously enjoying the spanking a bit to much. "Hmmm, sometimes bad girls do get what they want." He took her defenseless left nipple into his mouth, and sucked on it until he felt her quiver against him. Switching to the other bud, he tongued her until he got a moan out of his bound lover.

"Seth please, touch my pussy, I want to come." He lifted his head and locked eyes with her, letting the swollen length of his cock brush her labia. He kept his eyes locked on hers, as he lifted her off her feet and lifted first one leg and then the other, holding them to his hips. "Wrap your legs around me if you want more, baby."

Trapped by her growing need, she obeyed in an instant, and she thought she had finally driven him to burying his cock inside of her. Balanced on him with her hands tied to the shower head above her, she waited for him to join their bodies. "Please, Seth, do something. I need you to fuck me."

He did something but it wasn't all she wanted. Reaching behind her, he grabbed her ass cheeks and began to slide her back and forth along the swollen length of his cock, teasing her by gliding across her wet slit and hard clit but never entering her.

"Naughty girls beg to come. They don't deserve to, because they've been bad, but if they beg enough…"

"Please, Seth, I've been very naughty but I'm begging for you to fuck me. Please fuck me." She was now making an effort to move her thighs, trying to line his cock up with her opening.

It was easy for him to stop her by taking her hips in his hands, holding his dick pressed against her clit. "I'm in control here, Bella, and I'll fuck you when I wish, how I wish and as I wish. I'd planned for this to happen this weekend, and I didn't bring one of those damned condoms in the shower with me."

"In the caddy. I put one in the caddy." She smiled at him hopefully, not knowing even if she begged, if he would fuck her. The uncertainty of her situation sent cream gushing from her slit to coat his cock.

"Are you the Isabella I used to know, you naughty sex-starved girl?" He let loose of her bottom and grabbed the condom. It was challenging to slip it on without being able to see, but he finally managed.

"Please slide it all the way in me, Seth. I want every inch you'll give me."

"Slow, baby, slow." He did as she said, listening to her moans of pleasures and gasps for more. His sheer girth made her squirm and want to plead as he filled her.

"More, please, oh god, please give me more."

"Good girl." He gritted his teeth and made several shallow thrusts against her.

"Harder, please, Seth, give it to me harder!" Tears of frustration were ran down her face.

"Shhh, baby, don't get upset. This is supposed to be about pleasure. I'll give it to you, I promise." He exploded into action, shafting her as hard as he could, as he had with many other women, but this time it was different. He was different. I love her and she's my entire world. We're going to be together forever.

He was jerked out of his thoughts when she started to quiver in his arms and exploded around him. Watching her eyes roll back in her head, he kissed her passionately. "Oh yeah, come hard for me, Bella, you naughty little girl." He gritted his teeth as his own explosive climax tore through him. It feels so wonderful to fill her and come together, just like we're a real couple. He carried her out of the shower on weak knees and gently set her down. Drying her off, he led her back into her bedroom.

"Damn, Seth, that was the hottest sex ever. I love you."

She giggled as a thought occured to her. " I'll have to be a naughty girl more often."

"I'm sure you will be. Get dressed, naughty girl. We'll stop and grab a sandwich on our way out of town. If we leave now, we can be at the cabin by seven o'clock."

* * * *

Carmen had finished her packing, all that was left to do was pick up Lynne and drive north to the cabin. She smiled knowing Seth would never expect her to ambush him there. She knew where the secret key was kept from the few times she'd visited in the past. Briefly she thought of ditching Lynne, as she didn't want to share Seth, but knew she needed her to help overpower him. Patting the pocket of her coat, she felt the taser in her pocket. I'm going to be prepared for Ms. Karate this time. That shit won't work against this little electric toy. Grabbing her car keys, she headed for the door.

* * * *

Dozing off during the drive up to Seth's cabin, Bella was woken by a kiss from her prince, and she opened her mouth willingly to let her tongue dance with his.

"How's this for romance?" he asked as she looked around the small cabin nestled in a clearing not thirty feet away. Although it wasn't quite dusk yet, she could tell it would be beautiful as the sun set.

"Very nice, Seth. I could girl could get use to this."

Neither of the lovers realized Carmen and Lynne were inside the cabin ready to enact their vengeful plan.

Seth got out of the car and went around to do the gentlemanly thing and open the door for Bella, lifting her out of the car. "Just like a married couple, Bella. I want to carry you over the threshold."

Had Carmen heard his words, she would have shouted with glee, for it would be much easier to over power Seth while he was carrying Bella. Seth easily covered the distance to the door, and Bella kept her face buried in his chest, savoring the scent of her man.

"Seth, I love you and I just want you to know…"

"That's good to hear, Bella, but can you be a good girl and pull the key out of my right hand pocket and unlock the door for us?"

As Bella fished the key out, Carmen whispered inside the door to Lynne. "Now remember, I'll stun him, you cuff him. When I stun him, he should drop her, so be ready to grab his arms. And watch out for the little bitch, she has some kinda training. If she gets her hands on you, you'll wish she hadn't."

Bella found the key, opened the door, and Seth kicked it the rest of the way open. He stepped into the darkened cabin, and was sightless as his eyes adjusted to the darkness. Bella thought she smelled a woman's perfume, but she reasoned she must be dreaming.

Something brushed against her arm where it was wrapped around Seth's neck and there was a zapping noise. The smell of burnt hair filled Bella's nose as Carmen pressed the trigger. Seth gave a choked cry as electricity shot through him, and he stumbled, nearly dropping Bella.

"No!" Bella's scream of denial echoed through the clearing. Laying on the floor, she saw a raven haired woman grab Seth's arms and yank them behind him. She heard the snick of handcuffs before her attention was drawn to the second woman in the room. Carmen squatted down next to her and waved the stun gun in her face.

"I'd like to see you use that Kung Fu shit against this!" Carmen followed her words with a sharp jab to the left side of Bella's breast before hitting the trigger. Bella swore as darkness beckoned.

Bella awoke some time later, uncertain how long she'd been out, to the steady smack of flesh on flesh. She could hear the soft moans and cries of someone having sex. Lifting her head, she was scared to look and her head pounded visciously from the taser.

What she saw shocked her, as she was sitting just a short distance from the bed, tied to a chair. Seth was tied to the bed, his arms wide spread while Carmen knelt between his spread legs, while the raven haired woman behind Carmen humped her from behind. All three were naked excepted for straps wrapped around the dark-haired woman's ass and legs. She's fucking Carmen, like some freaky porno gone bad.

"Aw come on Stud, this used to make you hard as a rock, watching two bitches getting it on. You can't tell me, watching Lynne fuck me, doesn't trip your trigger. Fuck me harder, Lynne. Impress the stud!" Carmen panted as she stroked the unresponsive flesh between Seth's thighs, and then took it back into her mouth.

Bella then realized the straps around Lynne were attached to a strap on cock. She watched in misery, while Lynne renewed her vigorous thrusts into Carmen's pussy. Bella tried to make eye contact with Seth but found it impossible, as Seth had closed his eyes and pressed his head back against the headboard in denial.

After Carmen climaxed with a wail, she crawled away with a pissed-off look on her face that Seth was not yet hard. "What the fuck is wrong? She wouldn't have given him anything, because they were planning on getting it on all weekend."

"Carmen, do me. I'm so horny. Maybe he'll get hard if you fuck me."

"Not likely," Seth muttered as he jerked once more on the cuffs. They've been trying for the last hour to get a rise out of me but I can't stop worrying about Bella. She's been out too long.

Carmen's reply sent both relief and horror through him. "Ah, the little slut's awake. Now I doubt you getting fucked will turn him on anymore than me Lynne, but maybe if we give his bitch a turn at being fucked. Now that might turn him on. What do you say, slut? Does the thought of Seth watching us fuck you

make your little pussy wet?"

"No." Bella shook her head, her eyes misting with tears of frustration. I've never felt so helpless in my life. Looking around for a clock, hoping itwas close to eight o'clock, she was glad she'd taken the initiative with her dad.

Carmen sauntered over to the chair, shoving Bella's legs apart before sliding her hand under Bella's skirt.

"Leave her alone, Carmen! The person you're pissed at is me!" Seth's command was met with a smirk. Bella cried out as Carmen's fingers reached their goal and shoved inside of her resisting flesh.

"Hmm, dry as a bone, I guess we'll have to do something about that." She motioned Lynn to come over, who crawled off the bed, with the fake cock sticking out obscenely from her body.

Bella cringed as the phallus was pushed within inches of her face, wrinkling her nose at the pungent smell on female juices.

"Oh, look, the little slut, doesn't like the smell. Shove it in her mouth!" Carmen implored Lynne.

Bella shook her head in protest as Lynn grabbed her, pinched her nose, and slid the lytex cock into her mouth, gagging her. This is nothing like the warm throbbing thing Seth offers me. It's cold and slimy.

Behind the women, with a burst of violence, Seth tugged on his restraints as he watched the women rape his lover's throat. I can't believe this is happening. I wanted this weekend to be special for Bella.

Lynne pulled back from Bella's stuffed throat and spoke quietly to Carmen. Seth couldn't hear what was said but Bella protested before bursting into to tears.

"You're right, Lynn, that's perfect." She undid the ropes tying Bella to the chair, leading her to the bed and forcing her to stand over Seth, straddling his face.

"No, I won't!" Seth pulled his head away from Bella's crotch.

"Start licking or your little slut is going to be in a lot pain in about two minutes," Carmen ordered as she grabbed Bella's shoulders trying to push her rival's pussy into Seth's face.

"Bella, I'm sorry about this. It's not what I intended." Seth was desperate to comfort his frightened lover, but Isabella had that deer-in-the-headlights look.

"Best you lick her to get her wet, because I'm gonna fuck her tight litte ass in few minutes."

"You bitch! You're so depraved you'd rape an innocent girl?" Seth screamed the accusation at his cruel ex-lover.

"Innocent? Not the way I see it. But if you don't want to get her juicy, then fine, I'll just go in dry."

"Okay, okay, I'll do it. Just so you don't hurt her worse, you fucking bitch. I can't believe you're doing this to her. I'm sorry, baby, but it's best I get you wet." Carmen howled with triumph as he extended his tongue lapping at the soft folds pressed against his mouth.

Bella stiffened with shock and denial as she felt her lover's tongue on her pussy. Her horror and muted anger was not at Seth, but at the two nasty bitches, who held them captive, whom she could not lash out at as they had the upper hand. He's only trying to make it less painful for me, but I don't want to have my first anal at Carmen's hand. I want Seth to do it. Tears ran down her face and she blubbered and wailed at the thought of her impending anal rape.

By this time, Carmen had tilted her foward so Seth was not lapping at her rosebud. In other circumstances, she would have been in seventh heaven, but at this moment she looked at the old style grandfather clock and prayed her father had already called for reinforcements. It was almost eight-fifteen. Oh God, please let them come, I don't want my first anal experience to be like this.

"Oh I do believe we finally figured out how to get him stiff, Carmen," Lynne observed as she grabbed Seth's semi-erect cock in triumpth.

* * * *

Ellen was at John's and she'd been watching the clock for the past hour. Bella stilled hadn't called. Even giving the lovers the benefit of doubt, she couldn't believe they'd wait over an hour to call. Laying her hand on John's shoulder, she got his attention.

"I think I should call Dominic, John. Something's not right. She should've called. Even with the time difference, it's after eight at the cabin."

"Call him, Ellen, but if she calls, you're explaining it to your son."

Ellen picked up the phone and hastily dialed her son's cell. She prayed he was close and would find her new-found daughter safe.

* * * *

Bella sobbed as Carmen forced the strap-on into her wet pussy. It isn't fair. Seth has me so hot I want to come but I don't want that bitch to be the one to make me!

"Look at this bitch, she's so wet, I'm gonna slide into her ass easy." Carmen gloated from behind her. Under her Bella could hear Seth's rough breathing as Lynne continued to stroke his now hard shaft. Somehow she knew he wasn't enjoying this any more than she. She whimpered as Carmen jerked the cock out of her and then pressed it against her rosebud to announce where she planned to drive it next. Like any anal virgin, Bella's rectal muscles stiffened to face the assault.

Seth must have felt her stiffening, for he warned her it was the exact opposite of what she should do to mitigate the pain. "Please relax, baby. It'll hurt more if you clench and fight it."

She looked down between her open thighs to see his wet face. "I'll try…arghhhhh!" Her words were interrupted by a surge of pain as Carmen, wanting to inflict as much pain on Bella as she could took the opportunity to thrust the strap-on through her anal ring with a crisp popping sound. With half a latex shaft up her ass, Bella screamed and all hell broke loose in the cabin.

Three things happened all at once Bella's scream, Carmen's sinister laugh of vengence and the thud of the cabin's front door being slammed open. All four of the naked people on the bed froze accept Bella, who was in such pain, she barely recognized help had arrived.

The man in the dark uniform took in the scene and could tell from the hand cuffs and rope, either these people were into BDSM or there was something fishy going on. From the look of mingled horror and pain on the face of the girl on the receiving end of the strap-on he guessed it was the latter.

"What the hell is going on here!"

Carmen scrambled to reach her stun gun laying on the sidetable as Bella cried out in agony at Carmen's ripping the dildo from her sore ass. Before Carmen could reach her stun gun, the cop knocked it to the floor, kicking it under the bed and out of her reach.

Furious, Carmen screamed as she attacked the officer. Dominic couldn't help his reaction. feeling the naked blonde's tits against his chest, but he could control what he did about it. Right now wasn't the time, but soon he would show the little bitch who was Master. It took him only moments to restrain the raging blonde and he turned to her raven-haired accomplice, glaring at her. Not as impulsive as her friend, Carmen, Lynne lifted her hands in surrender before kneeling on the floor next to the bed.

"Now someone tell me what the hell is going on!"

After everything had been sorted out, Bella stood next to the bed, wrapped in a blanket. She watched as Seth shut the door behind the officer and his two charges. He was letting Lynne go because Bella and Seth had decided not to press charges. Bella didn't want the embarrassment of showing up in court, not that Seth could blame her. Carmen, on the other hand, was being taken in for assulting a police officer.

"Do you want to stay the rest of the weekend?" Seth sat down next to her, wrapping his arms around her.

Bella shook her head. "I'm sorry, Seth, I know you wanted to make this weekend special but I would love to have you take us home and hold me in your arms all night."

"I understand sweetheart," Seth whispered against her temple. I hope she's not too traumatized by this encounter.

* * * *

After sending Lynne on her way in Carmen's car, Dominic pulled his squad car off the beaten path. Under normal circumstances, he only did so when he was patrolling for speeders and doing paperwork but tonight he had an entirely different agenda in mind.

He had Carmen drapped over his knees, her ass bare and pink from the slaps he'd all ready given it.

"Thank you Officer Dominic, another please."

Dominic smiled and delivered a hard smack. The blonde squealed and squirmed on him.

"You're a naughty girl, aren't you?"

"Yes Officer Dominic, I'm your naughty little girl and I deserve to be punished."

"Yes, you do. How many strokes was that, naughty girl?"

"Six, Officer Dominic. I need another," Carmen begged, for she'd never been so turned on in her life. This dominant male was even better than Seth had ever been, taking complete control of her, to her excitement. He delivered four more stinging spanks to her behind making it an even ten the agreed on punishment, before rolling her over and kissing her a great deal of passion.

"Thank you, Officer Dominic. More please. I'm afraid I've been so naughty ten might not be enough."

Wants more does she? This one has potential. He opened her blouse to expose and inspect her voluptuous breasts. Leaning over, he whispered in her ear the words he wanted her to say with each chastising slap of her tits. He targeted her left breast and slapped her naughty tit and she recited the words.

''One, I promise to be Dominic's loyal bitch as long as he lets me… "

Epilogue

Bella spent the next two months in bliss, recovering from what happened at the cabin, content with her relationship with Seth. Their sex life had returned to normal. In fact, better than normal, and someday I'll marry him.

After taking a well deserved day off of work, she was not prepared for the knock on her front door. Looking at the clock she knew it was too early for Seth to be coming home from the hospital, and he didn't knock. She opened the door and was shocked to find Carmen and Dominic on her doorstep. Dressed to the nines, they smiled at Bella. Bella hadn't seen her rival since that day at the cabin, but she'd heard through the gossip mill Carmen was a changed woman and wondered if it was true.

"Dominic, Carmen…I wasn't expecting you."

"Seth told us to come over for the party."

Bella gave them a puzzled look as the phone behind her rang. "Excuse me." It was Seth. "Honey, Dominic and Carmen are here, talking about a party. Is there something you forgot to tell me about?" She was a bit perturbed he'd invited friends over tonight, because she had plans for his sexy body, involving a new pair of shackles and a tube of KY jelly. She was finally going to let him in her ass.

"Yeah, baby, just a few friends. No big deal. I've called the caterer, so you don't have to do anything but look gorgeous and let them in. I'll be home soon." She scowled at the phone when she heard a click.

Damnit why the secrecy? He didn't even tell me who else was coming

Returning to the door, she invited Dominic and Carmen in, but before she could close the door, Liz and Ethan drove up, followed by Pops and Ellen, and a caterering truck.

Fuming at her absent boyfriend, but trying to be gracious to her guests, Bella didn't know what to do. I wish he'd at least told me why all these people are showing up. What the hell is the occasion for this party?

Ellen and Liz saw the strain on Bella's face and took over mingling with the rest of the guests. More people arrived two close friends from work, Ellen's other two sons, Seth's best friend Mike and Marissa and her folks. The caterer's took over her house while Bella talked with Marissa, who was so cute in her pretty dress. The door bell rang again, and she let in a band and a tall stranger who smiled piously at her.

That's it! Where the hell is he! He's got strange people I don't even know coming in my home. I'm gonna kill him…well maybe I'll fuck him senseless first.

She reached for the phone to call him at work but Pops rolled up behind her and tumbled her onto his lap. She scowled at him as the phone dropped to the floor.

"You're not going to reach him at work, sweetie. Just remember, things aren't always as they seem." Pops smiled at her as Ellen joined them.

“There's a very good reason for this party, Bella, and if I were you. I would smile. You won him, and now that I have Dominic, I don't know why I tried so hard to get him back. You won and I'm sorry I was such a bitch and I hope one day we can at least be friends.” Incredibly, the praising, consoling words came from Carmen and Bella was struck with the irony of the situation.

This is like a weird dream, with Carmen praising and advising me. Why wouldn't Seth be at work? Why should I be smiling with all these people in my house and what the hell is she talking about me winning?

Bella had no chance to consider all the questions as the doorbell rang again. Looking at Ellen who had been letting in the guests, she saw the woman shake her head. “No, I can't get this one, honey. It's for you.”

Clamoring off her father's lap, she answered the door. Opening the door she was filled with an odd mixture of relief and anger. Seth stood there looking wonderful in a cream colored tux, and smiling at her like he had swallowed the sun.

“There you are. What's going on Seth? You've got me so confused, I don't know whether to be angry with you or kiss you.”

Seth didn't answer her but instead went down on one knee, taking a small jewelry box from his pocket.

Oh no, he's not going to… oh my God, he is.

Isabella was vaguely aware of the guests gathering behind her to watch Seth, do the one thing she never would have expected. Ethan and Liz looked proud, as if at some point they had feared this level of maturity was beyond their son. Ellen was staring straight at her a mixture of wonder and pride in her eyes as if she was seeing off the daughter she'd never had. Pops for all his masculine bluster, had tears running down his handsome face. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Carmen blow her a kiss while she locked eyes with Dominic, as if by sheer force of will, she could have him do the same thing Seth was doing.

"Isabella, there were times when I never thought this day would come. In fact, I was afraid of it, but thanks to some good friends, the best family, along with the most beautiful but stubborn best friend a guy could ever have, I grew up. Now with your father's permission, I take to my knee and offer myself to you, and you alone in marriage. Isabella Carnetti, would you marry me?" He paused for a second before adding. "And should you say yes, it's happening right now, because I'm not giving you a chance to change your mind."

Bella put her hand to her mouth and realized the enormity of the risk he was taking, but her heart melted and pounded a resounding yes in her chest which she now needed to get past the lump in her throat. She looked at the faces gathered around, trying to make a memory for years to come, when Seth got nervious at the lack of response.

"Come on shrimp, waddya say?"

"I say yes! Yes, yes, and yes! I love you, Seth!"

The End

ABOUT DAKOTA TRACE

Dakota hails from the home state of the Hawkeyes, corn and pigs. Surrounded by children’s laughter and the corn fields, she crafts her stories. She enjoys writing romances and sci-fi/fantasy stories. She is a romantic at heart, so even the sci-fi stories have an underlying romantic plot. She started writing at the tender age of fourteen and hasn’t stopped since. Although it is a mystery to most where she finds the time to write. Aside from being a full time wife and mother, she also works the dreaded overnight shift at a clothing company.

To find out more about Dakota visit her at http://dakotatrace.wordpress.com/

If you enjoyed JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS, you might also enjoy:

THE CHOCOLATE MADE ME DO IT

By Dakota Trace

Annabelle is in love with the creamy chocolate confections Zephyrus Raincloud crafts in his shop, “The Delights”. While it wouldn’t take much for Annabelle to fall in love with him, she’s leery of risking her heart on a man who can’t see past the color of her skin to the warm affectionate woman she is. After one brief encounter, she swears it can’t happen again. But Zephyrus has decided she now belongs to him. How far will this chocolate maker go to seduce her into his way of thinking?

Dark Angel Review by Frost, 5/5 ANGELS!

…(S)mooth and tasty, a delight to enjoy. A truly romantic story with a sensual subtext and hope for a happy ending propels the reader through this scintillating and delicious read. A light touch with the sexuality and a strong emphasis on romance and affection make this a fine addition to the Chick Lit genre, a read-at-one-sitting enjoyment which will leave readers hungering for both good chocolate and a good man.

Warning: This title contains graphic language and sex.

Excerpt From THE CHOCOLATE MADE ME DO IT:

“Zephyr.”

“What?” He turned away from the door to look at her impatiently.

“She’s locked us in.”

“I know, but I don’t understand.”

“Here.” She handed the dry erase board to him. She watched as he read the note. “I guess there’s one good thing.”

“What’s that?” He looked at her warily.

“Well, two actually. One is that I’m locked in my favorite chocolate shop which means you get to feed me all kinds of yummy things. And two, I’ll have time to finish the rest of your paperwork.”

“Wait a minute. What do you know about doing financial or accounting paperwork?” He frowned.

“Everything! Where you may be the master of chocolate, Zephyrus, I am the master of finance.”

When he continued to look at her as if she had grown three heads, she frowned, “What? I’m a financial advisor, and yes, I am degreed and licensed.”

“Okay.” He watched her turn back towards the kitchen. “Where are you going?”

“To get my fee.”

‘What!” He reluctantly followed her into the kitchen. He found her at the work counter where he had just finished coating his raspberry brownies. She had one in her hand and had it halfway to her temptingly open mouth.

“What do you think you are doing?” He watched her take a bite out of the brownie. When she moaned softly, he stilled. Was this how she always reacted to his brownies? Annabelle turned towards the shocked man standing in the doorway, swallowed her little taste of heaven first, then smiled broadly at him.

“You make the best brownies I’ve ever tasted. As for what I’m doing, well, your sister and I made an agreement-I do your books and get the financial details in order and she feeds me your chocolates.”

“Is this how you always react to my brownies?” His eyes turned darker as desire flared in them.

“You mean as if I’ve died and gone to heaven? I’m sure I’m not the first to tell you that. You know that you are damn good at making chocolate delights and other yummies.” She caught her breath in response to his heated stare.

“Well, I try.” He watched her take another bite out of the brownie; when she moaned again, he felt himself harden behind the fly of his jeans.

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9/5/2008

Date:

9/5/2008