Chapter 2

Breakfast was a joke. Jen and I were both hung over and preoccupied. Josh ended up eating most of it and tossing the rest in the trash.

"All right you two, spit it out. What's wrong?"

Josh looked at us expectantly, one eyebrow raised. Jen and I exchanged a look and shrugged.

"Are we all still friends?"

Another look passed between us. We both nodded yes.

"Do either of you regret what happened last night?"

Jen raised her eyebrows at me in question and I shook my head no. So did she.

"Then what's the problem?"

We both shrugged. I didn't feel like talking about it. Josh made a noise of exasperation and tried a different tack.

"Jen, would you like a tour? You didn't really get to see the place last night."

She agreed and they decided to start in the loft across the hall. I begged off to check on the laundry and they went without me. They were gone for a long time and I found myself wondering what they were doing across the hall. Was he kissing her? Was she touching him? It was none of my business. I had no claim on Josh; he was free to do as he pleased. So why did I feel like I wanted to throw up again? My headache was mostly gone, so it wasn't the hangover.

When they finally showed up, they were both happy and laughing. Josh started to show her around his living space and I wondered if he still wanted me to move in. I trailed along behind them, listening to Josh explain the work he'd done and what was left to do. We looked into the spare bedrooms, which were still empty. Josh hadn't had a chance to paint or furnish them yet. This was my chance.

"Josh, which one of these will be mine?"

With a firm, determined look, he grabbed my hand and pulled me out into the hall. Jen followed us out with a bemused expression.

"We'll be right back, Jen."

She laughed and flapped her hand at Josh in a "carry on" gesture as she turned back for the great room. My hand still firmly captured in his, Josh tugged me down the hall to his bedroom and closed the door behind us.

"This is your room, Lindsey. I thought after last night you understood that."

"What are you talking about, Josh? Last night was just one of those things. I thought we agreed this morning we were all friends."

"We are friends. We're also lovers. I don't want that to change. When you move in, I want you to sleep here, with me."

"What about Jen? She's your lover too."

"Jen and I had a talk while we were across the hall. We agreed that it was fun but that we're going to be just friends. Neither one of us is interested in continuing an intimate relationship."

"But you still want me?"

He pulled me against him and kissed me until my knees gave out and I had to cling to him for support.

"Does that answer your question?" His husky query sent shivers down my spine.

"Josh, why me and not Jen? I don't understand."

"You're my best friend, Lindsey. You have been since I was 13 years old. You're beautiful, smart, sexy, and talented. I just met Jen. She's nice and I think we'll be good friends, but she's not you.

"I have feelings for you, Lin. I have for a while now. I've wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how. Last night was the opportunity I've been waiting for."

"I don't know, Josh. It's too soon. I need time to get used to the idea. Your friendship is too important to me to screw up. Can I please just use one of the other rooms for awhile? I'm not saying no. I just need some time to think."

Josh was clearly unhappy. He studied me for a minute, hurt lurking in his eyes, before replying.

"All right, Lindsey. We'll do it your way. Take all the time you need, but you are going to have to come to me. You know how I feel. The next move is yours."

Jen and I spent the next few evenings painting my new bedroom and getting it ready to move into. Josh joined us almost every evening for dinner and helped us with the painting. Things had been awkward for Josh and me at first but we managed to work through it. Jen and Josh, however, settled into an easy friendship and their constant banter made the work go quickly. Determined to convince me that we could be friends and lovers, Josh was more touchy-feely with me than he used to be. It was a little unsettling to have him unexpectedly plant a kiss on the back of my neck, but I was learning to like it. My big worry was Jen. She was having trouble finding an apartment she could afford. She made jokes about it but I knew she was worried and so was I.

I was loading the dishwasher one night when Josh came to help. He rinsed plates and handed them to me as Jen went back to work in the bedroom.

"Lindsey, Jen hasn't found a place to live yet, has she?"

"No. I feel bad about it, kind of like it's my fault she's in this situation."

"I do to, but I have an idea I want to discuss with you."

"What is it?"

"How would you feel about Jen moving in here? It wouldn't take much to finish off that third bedroom."

"Really, Josh?"

"Yeah. I like Jen and we get along well. It's been nice having you guys over here each night. The place is too quiet with just me in it. I think it would be nice to have her here with us, if you agree."

"Why does it matter what I think? It's your place."

"No, Lin, it's our place and you have a say in it."

A small part of me was worried. What if they get together again? I still wasn't sure what my feelings were for Josh, but I didn't want to watch him and Jen going at it either. A wave of shame passed over me at my jealous thoughts and I decided to trust my friends.

"Then let's go ask her."

His grin matched my own and he drew me against him for a quick kiss before we went to find Jen.

Jen was thrilled that we asked her to move in, but she put some conditions on her acceptance. We weren't to consider her a permanent roommate because she was going to continue to hunt for her own place. If at any time any of us were unhappy with the arrangement, we were to say so immediately. She insisted on paying rent. Josh laughingly agreed and the move was on.

After a hectic 10 days, Jen and I moved in. The bulk of the move happened over the weekend and we were just now beginning to get unpacked and settled in. Jen and I had lived together for years, so sharing the small bathroom that connected our rooms was no big deal. Josh volunteered his huge shower and soaking tub for our use if we agreed to leave his razor alone. Sharing an impish smile, Jen and I agreed. Josh had a few things to learn about living with women. All razors were fair game -- he'd learn that one soon enough.

Construction on my studio would wait for a week or two while Josh finished up a custom project for an important client. Not minding the delay, I was planning to use the time to carefully plan the exact setup I wanted and start ordering some basic equipment. Most photography was digital now so I could work without a studio for a while without being at a serious disadvantage. I decided to keep plodding along in the cube farm and save most of the money I earned there for construction costs and the more expensive equipment I would need later.

Exhausted after a long day of lugging boxes, we ordered some Chinese food and sank into the soft squishy couches to eat. All three of us were wearing the same tired but content expression as we enjoyed the food and talked quietly about what else needed to be done. Jen had just asked me to pass the egg rolls when Josh suddenly sat straight up and started looking around. I looked at Jen quizzically and she shrugged in response. Since neither of us knew what the problem was, I decided to ask.

"Uh, Josh? What's wrong?"

"Did we let the cat out by accident? Where's the cat?"

Alarmed now, I shot a quick look at Jen before continuing. "What cat, Josh?"

"Your cat. You always have a cat. Where is it?"

"I don't have a cat."

Josh stopped and turned to me. His look clearly said I had lost my mind. Personally, I was beginning to think he had lost his.

"You don't have a cat?"

"No."

"You've always had a cat. We had a very long talk about this when we first met. You said you could never live anywhere without a cat."

The laughter bubbled out of me. He looked so serious and so upset that I couldn't help it. He frowned as I giggled. Jen started to giggle too, infected by my own contagious laugh. This seemed to upset Josh even more.

"What is so damn funny?"

"Josh, we were all of 13 when we had that conversation. I can't believe you remember it, let alone wonder where my cat is. There's no way to take a cat to college, the dorms don't allow pets and you know it. I haven't had a cat since I moved away from home."

"You don't have a cat?" Disbelief was still evident on his face.

"Nope."

Muttering something under his breath that I couldn't quite understand, Josh grabbed the pepper steak and went back to eating as Jen and I teased him unmercifully about the missing cat.

It wasn't long before the missing cat became a standing joke. If Josh left the door open to run over to his workshop, Jen teased him about letting the cat out. If he got groceries, I asked where the cat food was. Josh took it with good grace but every once in a while I would catch him staring at me with a secretive expression. He looked at me like that quite a bit these days and it always made me wonder just what it was he was thinking. If I asked, he grinned and refused to answer. Typical Josh -- he'd always been good at keeping secrets.

Two things about Josh changed. The first was surprising. Josh became a flirt. Jen was a bad influence on him and the two teased each other and flirted constantly. Suggestive phrases, a pinch on the rear end -- it never seemed to end. Josh would grab Jen and make loud growling sounds while nibbling on her neck. Jen would offer him a "quicky" between her dates. He always had some smart comeback about needing a rain check. They didn't seem to take it seriously, but it never failed to create a strange sensation in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't help wondering if there was more to it than what I saw. It didn't make dealing with Josh's second behavior change any easier.

Josh started asking me out on dates. The first time it happened, I was taken completely by surprise. I was making coffee one morning, still blurry with sleep, when Josh snuggled up behind me. Pulling me backwards into his arms, he dropped a quick kiss on my temple before resting his chin on my shoulder.

"Morning, beautiful."

Too sleepy to worry about him holding me, I rested the back of my head on his chest and answered, "Morning."

"Did you want to catch a movie tonight, maybe grab some dinner after?"

"Yeah sure. You want me to run it by Jen, see if she's up for it?"

"No, Lindsey," his lips trailed a line of tiny, feather light kisses up my neck to my ear, "I want to go with you. Alone. Just you and me -- on a date."

He nibbled on my earlobe while my heart skipped a beat. Josh and me on a date? His lips were doing incredible things to my pulse that made it hard to think clearly. The sex had been great. We were still friends. But what about Jen and the constant flirting? And what exactly were the feelings Josh had for me? 'I want to have sex with you' feelings or 'I want you to be my girlfriend' feelings? I was so confused and Josh's lips on my neck were not helping.

"Just say yes, Lindsey. Give me a chance."

I closed my eyes and made a wish. Please, if this doesn't work out, don't let me lose Josh's friendship. I opened my eyes and took a deep breath before replying.

"Yes."

It went well. The movie was great. Dinner was wonderful. Josh held my hand and bought me a rose. When we got home, he kissed me at the door and asked me out again. Each time I said yes. Every date was wonderful. He always kissed me at the door. The kisses got longer and hotter each day, and just when I started moaning for more, he would push me away gently and open the door. It was driving me crazy!

After yet another wonderful, frustrating goodnight kiss from Josh, I flung myself onto my bed and tried to figure out what the hell was going on. I punched my pillow in frustration just as Jen walked into my room.

"Lindsey, what the hell is going on with you and Josh?"

I sat up and leaned against the headboard of my bed. Jen came over and sat next to me while I thought about my answer. Might as well be honest with her.

"That's what I'm trying to figure out. Why?"

"You guys have been out every night this week. The two of you get home; you come in here and Josh heads over to the workshop. He spends half the night over there and you're so closed up anymore that you barely say hello to me. So I repeat -- what the hell is going on?"

"Josh goes to his workshop when we get home?"

Jen was clearly exasperated with me. She flipped her long, blonde hair over her shoulder and made a face at me before answering.

"Yes! He's over there right now sanding the crap out of something and snarled at me to put some safety gear on before entering the shop area. So I come back over here and you're sulking in your room and punching a pillow. Now spill."

I didn't make a conscious decision to tell her anything. I just opened my mouth and it all came pouring out of me: the doubt, the fear, my insecurity -- all of it.

"I don't know what's going on with us. We go out every night and it's wonderful. He kisses me at the door and gets me all worked up and then pushes me away. He flirts with you all the time and he never flirts with me. He said a while ago that he has feelings for me but never bothered to say what feelings. Does he like me, or does he just want to be friends with benefits? I think I may have feelings for him too, but I'm afraid to take a chance and mess it up. I'm so frustrated and horny and confused I could scream."

"Okay, first things first, Lin. Number one, Josh and I are just friends, nothing more. We've never done anything together since that once. Personally, I think he flirts with me because it makes you jealous and he knows I'm safe. I'm not going to actually take him up on it. Josh is great and under other circumstances I would fuck him silly, but I'm your friend, Lindsey. I'm not going to make a move on Josh and mess up my friendship with you.

"Number two, you told him you needed time. Yes, he told me what you two talked about in his bedroom that day. I think he's trying to give you the time you asked for. Maybe he's trying to get you used to the idea of being with him as a man, instead of looking at him and only seeing him as your best friend. I think he wants you to trust him not to hurt you. He told you that you would have to come to him. Maybe it's time you considered doing just that.

"Last but not least, Josh loves you. You love Josh. Jesus, it shines out of both of you so bright, it's like looking into the sun. How the two of you can be so blind about how the other feels is beyond me. Look at Josh, Lindsey, really look at him. The way you would right before you take a picture. You won't be able to miss how he feels about you, I promise. Take the chance, go to him. You won't regret it."

Giving me a saucy wink, Jen strolled out of my room and left me to think about everything she just said. It was a long, long time before I fell asleep that night.

When my alarm went off the next morning, I was remarkably clear-headed. I decided Jen was right and I should just let Josh know I was ready to be his lover. Even if things didn't work out, I was confident we would be able to maintain our friendship. I had nothing to lose by trying to make it work. After a quick shower, I pulled on my favorite tartan mini-skirt and blue v-neck cardigan before heading out to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. I was trying to decide how to tell Josh about my decision when he rushed out of his room carrying a necktie in his hand and wearing a suit.

"Can you help me with this? I can't get the damn thing tied right."

I couldn't help but smile at Josh's snarl of frustration. Taking the tie from his hand, I worked it under his collar and looped it into a Windsor knot.

"What are you wearing a suit for? I haven't seen you in anything other than jeans or chinos since graduation."

"I have a meeting with my grandfather this morning. He wants an update on the repairs and renovations for the rental units in the building. Then we're going to interview some applicants for the property manager position. I have to wear this get-up according to Grandfather to make a good impression during the interviews."

I stepped back to get a good look at him. The dark gray suit set off his olive skin to perfection while the cut of the jacket emphasized his broad shoulders and narrow, tapered waist. Josh looked amazing.

"You're making a hell of an impression on me. Yummy." I stepped close and pulled him down for a teasing kiss. He groaned as we separated, pushing me back from him a little.

"Lindsey, why must you tease me? You're standing there in that short little plaid skirt that reminds me of a schoolgirl, you smell absolutely divine, and if you keep kissing me like that I'm going to be very, very late. Be a good girl please, or I'm going to have to spank you. I can't be late this morning."

Josh's tone was firm and brooked no argument as he gathered up his files and keys before heading out the door. I grinned as I watched him depart. Josh had just given me a very wicked idea.

I hurried home from work that afternoon, desperate to get there before Josh, and put my plan in motion. I had already talked with Jen earlier in the day and she had graciously agreed to give us a little privacy. Fumbling in my haste, I quickly pulled off my shoes and stockings, replacing them with white ankle socks and white canvas sneakers. Next to go were my bra and my panties. The skirt I was wearing, while short, wasn't quite short enough so I rolled the waistband to expose another inch of long, lean thigh. I unbuttoned the top two buttons on my cardigan sweater and studied the effect in the mirror. Perfect. After pulling my hair into a ponytail and tying it off with a white ribbon, I hurried to grab the note I had prepared earlier and one of the straight-backed chairs from the dining area. I dragged the chair into the hall that separated the two lofts and placed it outside the door to Josh's workshop and office. Just as I sat down in the chair, note clenched tightly in my hand, the elevator doors opened with a soft ping and Josh stepped out.

"Lindsey, what in the hell are you doing sitting out here in the hall?"

"Principal Horton, sir, my English teacher, Mr. Lewis, sent me here for discipline, sir."

Josh halted in mid-stride, his mouth hanging open. I could see his eyes drift from my face to my outfit and on down to my long, bare legs. His eyes flicked back up to lock on mine and I saw comprehension dawn in the brown depths. Josh visibly straightened and took on an air of authority before coming to stand next to me.

"Well then, Miss James, why don't we go into my office to discuss your infraction."

Josh opened the door and led me over to the small office area he had set up. An antique oak desk dominated the center of the room. After setting his files down near the computer on the other table, Josh sat behind his tidy desk and gestured for me to hand him the note I was holding. I shifted nervously as he read it.

"Stop fidgeting, Miss James. It says here that you are to be disciplined for 'dress code violations.' Now I can see for myself that you are not wearing a bra, Miss James. Is that your only violation of the school dress code?"

Answering in my best shy, schoolgirl voice, I replied, "No sir, it's not."

Josh moved from his chair and came to sit casually on the front corner of the desk. He crossed his arms and studied me again.

"Well your skirt appears to be much too short, is there anything else you care to tell me about?"

"Please, Principal Horton, don't make me tell you. It's so embarrassing to be caught, sir."

"Miss James, you are aware that dress code violations earn you five swats, correct?"

I nodded.

"Then I suggest you tell me before you earn another five swats for insubordination."

"Yes, sir. I'm not wearing any panties and Mr. Lewis saw my bottom when I bent over to pick up my pencil, sir."

"Show me."

Josh's command was firm and it sent shivers up my spine. Slowly, I reached for the hem of my tartan skirt and lifted it to my waist. His nostrils flared slightly as he took in the view of my bare pussy.

"Turn around, Miss James."

Obeying his command, I turned and showed him the firm, bare globes of my posterior. I could feel Josh as he came to stand beside me. His hand drifted across my bare butt as he whispered in my ear.

"What did Mr. Lewis see, Miss James? Was it your lovely ass?" He stroked my rear again, "Or was it this beautiful, damp little slit of yours?"

Josh's warm breath on my neck as he asked his soft question was nothing compared to the feel of his fingers drifting over my mound, teasing my neatly trimmed curls.

"Just the rear, sir. I would never show Mr. Lewis my slit, sir."

"But it's such a lovely slit, I can't seem to keep myself from touching it."

Josh's finger slid between my legs and briefly stroked my damp slit, before trailing up to toy with the buttons on the front of my sweater.

"What about your breasts, Miss James? Are they just as lovely?"

"I'm not sure, sir."

"Well let's just take a look then, shall we?"

One by one, Josh tugged the buttons on my sweater until it hung open, clinging to my breasts. Pushing open first one side of my sweater, then the other, Josh bared my breasts to his gaze. My skin prickled under his scrutiny and I could feel my nipples start to tighten. Josh caressed each of them in turn before stepping away from me.

"Yes, they are beautiful but there is still the small matter of your punishment. Five swats for each violation of the dress code and you have three violations: no bra, no panties, and your much-too-short skirt. I believe that makes fifteen swats, Miss James."

I felt a moment of panic; I hadn't counted on a lengthy spanking and Josh seemed intent on administering it.

"Y-yes, sir." Josh noticed the hesitation in my tone.

"Tell you what, Miss James. Why don't we do five and then perhaps we can negotiate an alternative punishment to cover the other ten. Now brace yourself on the side of my desk and bend over."

I dropped the hem of my skirt, covering my bare ass and walked past him to the side of the desk. Bracing my palms against the edge I shifted my feet until I was bent over, my pert rear sticking out. Josh came to stand beside me and flipped my skirt up onto my back.

"I want you to count each swat, Miss James. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Principal Horton."

Josh caressed my left cheek before letting fly with the first swat. It stung just enough to make me wince.

"One."

Smack! Josh's hand landed on my other cheek.

"Two."

Smack! Ouch, that one hurt! I jumped and yelped as it landed.

"Three."

Smack! My ass was really burning now. Josh was casually twisting one of my nipples and the mixture of pleasure and pain was exquisite.

"Four."

Smack! The last one; I sighed in relief that it was over.

"Five."

Josh rubbed my stinging ass gently before sliding two fingers into my drenched pussy from behind. His other hand continued to play with my breasts as I remained in my bent over position.

"You seem to have enjoyed this, Miss James. Shall we continue with the spanking or would you care to discuss an alternative now?"

"Please, sir, no more spanking. I don't think my bottom can take much more."

"Very well, stand up." Josh removed his hands from my body as I pushed myself to a standing position.

"So what are we going to do with you, Miss James? You still have ten swats to work off."

"If I may be so bold, sir, it looks as though you have a lump in your pants."

"And what would a naughty girl such as yourself do with that lump in my pants?"

Josh was looking at me speculatively. I blushed under his scrutiny.

"Well, sir, I could lick it. I could suck it until you explode in my mouth. Or, you could bend me over the desk and ram it into me from behind, sir."

His eyes darkened as he loosened and removed his tie. Jerking me against him, Josh replied, "Now those all sound like fine ideas, Miss James, but first I want to find out if those lips of yours taste as good as they look."

With that, Josh lowered his lips to mine and kissed me thoroughly. His hands moved underneath my sweater to caress the bare skin of my back before moving lower to slide up under my skirt and fondle my still-warm butt. Moving of their own volition, my hands reached up and unbuttoned Josh's shirt, opening it to expose the hard muscles covered in skin that felt like silk under my fingertips.

Trailing a line of kisses along his jaw and down his neck, I felt Josh shudder as I scraped his nipples with my fingernails. Shoving him back against the desk, I unfastened his suit pants and slid them from his lean hips. Pulling his boxers down revealed that Josh was more than ready for a continuation of our activities. I knelt between his feet and caressed his jutting member.

"Permission to continue with my punishment, Principal Horton?"

"By all means, please proceed Miss James."

I took his hard cock into my mouth, swallowing him in one smooth gulp. Sucking hard, I started to slide his cock in and out of my mouth, swirling my tongue around his glans with each stroke. Josh groaned and leaned heavily on the edge of the desk, his knees quivering under my hands.

"Lindsey, stop." Josh tugged gently on my ponytail to get my attention. "I need to be inside you."

Pulling me to my feet, he turned and sat me on the edge of the desk. Taking my face between his hands, Josh traced my lips with his tongue before kissing me passionately. Pushing me back, he laid me on the desk and positioned himself between my hips. Looking into my eyes, Josh hesitated briefly. I reached up to touch his face, letting my fingers play over his cheekbone and along his jaw.

"This is what I want, Josh. I've waited long enough."

He captured my hand in his and kissed my palm as he slid his shaft into my body. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he plunged in and out of me. Josh placed one of his hands on my smooth belly and began to circle my clit with his thumb, while his other hand teased and pinched my nipples. Every time he tweaked one of them, I could feel the jolt run through my body straight to my clit. Continuing his smooth, steady thrusts, Josh set up a pattern of tweaking my nipple, rubbing my clit, and burying his cock to the root inside me. The sensations he created were incredible and I could feel my body begin to tighten, all of my muscles clenching as my orgasm began. I looked up into Josh's eyes to find him watching me intently as he relentlessly drove me toward release. My gaze locked on his as my world exploded.

"Joooossssssshhhhhhhh!"

I wailed his name as I came. Josh gripped my hips with both hands and started slamming himself into me furiously as my pussy spasmed around his cock. His pubic bone beating on my pulsing clit sent me into another devastating orgasm. Josh roared as his climax hit and he poured himself into me, pounding his cock against my cervix as he drove as deep as my body would allow. I could feel him spewing his seed inside me and watched him as he slowly stopped thrusting.

He put his hands on the desk, leaning on them heavily as he recovered. It took a few moments before either one of us was capable of moving. Josh shook his head slightly as he came to his senses. He sat me up and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me tight against his chest. With effortless grace, he picked me up and turned around, seating himself on the desktop and settling me in his lap, his softening cock still embedded in me. His breathing was still somewhat ragged as I nestled my head on his shoulder.

"Now would you care to tell me what brought that on?" His voice was a low rumble right above my ear.

"You did."

Josh pulled back and looked at me intently. "How so?"

"I've been so darn frustrated lately. You kiss me at the door, get me all excited, then push me away. This morning you made that comment about my outfit and spanking me; I decided enough already."

"Thank god! I was going out of my mind with wanting you, Lindsey. After every date, I would go to my workshop and spend half the night working until I was too exhausted to even think about making love to you. I knew you needed time but the waiting was driving me crazy. I hoped by sending you off to bed frustrated, you might make a decision a little quicker."

I grinned at him in response. "Well, it worked."

"Are you sure this is what you want? I don't want to pressure you into a hasty decision."