Page 51 of Tongue-Tied

After trying aimlessly for too long, my vision falls apart, and my cock feels oversensitive. I lean over to rummage around in my drawer and pull out some lube. Then, I lie back to envision the scenario again.

The guy morphs into Dex, and I let it take shape in my mind. Dex grinding against me on the dance floor. Him telling me to turn around in the stall. His hand around my shaft, mine around his, his low groans vibrating against my neck. Christ, so good. I liked turning Dex on. Liked having the power to make him lose his mind. In my fantasy, I pretend it doesn’t come easy for him, that he has trouble seeking pleasure with someone other than me so easily. My hand flies, and I moan shamelessly.

One more minute, and I lose control, spilling over my hand and onto my abdomen. The guilt of daydreaming about my best friend consumes me, so I quickly clean up the evidence as if someone will see it.

But the orgasm helps take the edge off, and I’m able to get lost in the romance I’m reading.

When my phone buzzes with a text, I ignore the message until I’m finished with the chapter. Afterward, I lift my cell and read Dex’s message.

Hey, all okay?

God, why does Dex have to be so sweet?

Sure, why wouldn’t it be?

Um, because of what happened between us. I know you, and you’re overthinking it.

Well, I know you, and you’re not.

Touché.

My phone ringing in my hand startles me, but I hit Answer, seeing it’s Dex.

“I don’t want anything to happen to our friendship,” is the first thing out of his mouth. So maybe it is bothering him more than I realized. I feel even more guilty jacking off to him now.

“Me neither,” I admit. “But it already feels different.”

“Let’s talk it out.”

I get comfortable against my pillow. “I just can’t believe that happened.”

“Because it was with me?”

“Partly, yeah.” I take a moment to gather my thoughts. “But also because, well, you seemed into it, but maybe it’s just because?—”

“Yes, I was into it,” he says so matter-of-factly it makes my breath catch. “How could I not be? You’re adorable and hot, smart and creative, your love of books is stinkin’ cute, and?—”

“Okay, now you’re laying it on too thick,” I cut him off, unable to process those compliments. “You could’ve had anyone last night.”

“But I only wanted to hang with my best friend and enjoy our second fake date. I know you won’t believe me, but so will others. There will be someone who comes along?—”

“To take me on a fake date?”

He huffs out a laugh. “It might’ve been fake, but parts of it were very real.”

We’re silent for a beat because I can’t find any words right then.

My heart climbs into my throat as I say, “Thanks, Dex. For being you and an awesome best friend.”

“So we’re okay?” His tone is tentative.

“Absolutely.”

He breathes out in relief. “What do you have going on later?”

“After last night? Nothing, and I’m glad for it.” I hear him snicker. “How about you?”

“I took a shift,” he replies. “Taking you on dates is expensive.”