“Sam, do you have a couple of minutes?”

At the words and light tap on the door, Samantha Brooks swiveled around, reenergized; her pulse skipped a beat at the sight of her colleague. And lover. Eve Penn had leaned around the door frame to make the inquiry and a lock of auburn hair fell forward against her cheek.

Sam grinned as Eve tucked it behind her ear for what was probably the hundredth time. By the end of the day, the shoulder-length mass of curls had usually won out against both clips and hair products. That suited Sam fine. She loved how it shimmered in the soft light falling through the windows behind the desk, the blinds partially closed against the July heat. The trim black skirt hit just above her knees, accentuating shapely legs encased in black stockings. Tailored to fit Eve’s voluptuous curves, the matching jacket enhanced all things feminine in a nonthreatening, nonsexual manner.

Yet as she leaned forward, Sam caught a glimpse of red lace cupping one smooth breast. Sam couldn’t resist a partial grin; catching her bottom lip between her teeth, she flicked the inside with her tongue. Her own nipples peaked as her small breasts tightened at the unexpected treat. Heat, delicious and primal, pooled between her legs. Sitting straighter, she gazed at her lover of nearly three years and felt the familiar trip in her heart rate before the steady acceleration.

Sam had fumbled through a few high school disasters, though she never considered herself anything but heterosexual. In law school she’d fallen fast and hard for David. Sex had been sweet and fun. The three had been acquaintances, even studied together occasionally, but there wasn’t a close relationship at that point. Then David had died and Sam’s world had collapsed.

Devastated, Sam had leaned on Eve. The friendship had continued after they started clerking at the law firm six years ago. They moved up through the ranks at about the same pace and now enjoyed the status of senior associates.

Glancing at her watch, she couldn’t believe it was after seven. With the advancement up the ladder came the added responsibilities. A meeting with one of the junior associates about a case had taken longer than anticipated and she needed to talk to one of the partners for his input on how to proceed with the case. She’d just updated her calendar when Eve knocked.

Sam took off the glasses she used while working at the computer, holding them by the bow. Smiling, she said, “Sure. Go ahead and shut the door. It sounds like the maintenance guys are hanging some new shelves down the hall.”

Eve smiled mischievously, green eyes sparkling as she closed the door with the distinctive click of the lock.

Turning back to her desk, Sam tapped a few keys on the laptop and the sounds of Billie Holiday whispered from the speakers. Except for a handful of people, the building was always empty at this time on a Friday night. The partners and associates of various levels would have left by six, along with the paralegals, clerks, and runners.

Desire clawed at the back of her throat as her skin warmed with keen awareness, nerves jangling from head to foot. The locked door meant only one thing. Eve wouldn’t wait until they got home to their condo to set the pace for the evening’s adventures.

“I just got off the phone with Roman,” Eve said, excitement texturing her voice as she crossed the room, thick carpet muting her steps, and eased herself between the chair and the desk. Sam stared, fascinated, as the flush spread along her slender neck and colored her cheeks, making her green eyes more vibrant than usual. Standing in the V of Sam’s legs with her butt propped on the edge of the desk, Eve took the glasses from Sam’s fingers and slipped them onto the delicate bridge of her nose. Sam had long ago come to consider the gesture as a kind of physical endearment. Eve peered over the dark frames and Sam laughed, resisting the urge to kiss her breathless.

“And...?” Surprised at how calm she sounded, considering the nervous anticipation that had kept her in a state of arousal most of the day.

She’d felt happiness before. Her life, though not charmed, hadn’t been one of deprivation either. Far from it. Money wasn’t everything, though. It didn’t make up for the emotionally starved family meals and general lack of affection in her family, where children were tolerated and then only because they did as they were instructed. Love tended to make things messy, and as far as her father was concerned that kind of behavior wasted time and cluttered the air.

“And he’s headed to the hotel,” she said, giggling like a teenager. “He sounded nervous.”

“Imagine that,” Sam said, tilting her head and lifting a brow. “Being asked by his best friend to have sex with her lover could make a guy a bit nervous.”

Her stomach fluttered at her own words. Heat burst there and radiated outward to her breasts, nipples poking against the lace of her bra. An empty ache settled between her legs. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed a man inside her until they began talking about the possibility of inviting a third to their bed. There was no going back. Hunger had become a living thing.

Eve sighed and smoothed her hands up her legs, pulling the fabric of the skirt with them. “He said he could think of little else. I know how he feels. This week has lasted forever.” Eve toyed with the hem, teasing. Lust coiled tight in Sam’s stomach at the mingling of mischief and desire in Eve’s eyes.

If the partners or other colleagues knew what lay beneath the conservative clothing and level-headed manner, they’d be shocked to the tips of their deerskin loafers.

Having graduated in the top six percent of their class, Eve’s quick, logical mind and litigation skills had won many cases and settled countless others before they made it to trial. While her success with the firm commanded professional respect, Sam loved her confidence, loyalty, and passion for life. Her heart hadn’t stood a chance. Eve’s spontaneity still took Sam by surprise and encouraged her to stretch beyond the boundaries she’d never understood anyway. Made her restless. Eager for more.

“My glasses are going to hurt your eyes,” she said, her gaze following the motion as Eve’s hands revealed the red trim of her stockings. “Stand up. I don’t want your suit to get wrinkled.”

Eve stood and Sam leaned forward to hold her close, caressing the full curves of Eve’s hips, savoring her purely female scent. Easing back, Sam undid the three buttons that held Eve’s jacket closed and smoothed her hands under the material; she felt the soft flesh of Eve’s tummy quiver. Sam trembled in response. Eve shrugged, letting the jacket slide down her arms. She turned slightly and laid it across the back of the wing chair beside the desk.

Sam’s heart rate kicked up at the sight of Eve’s breasts above the red lace of the cups, her nipples tight and dark. Eve had the most amazing breasts. Large and firm and tempting as hell. Sam wanted them in her mouth, but dragged a fingernail across one hard crest through the lace instead, loving the sound of Eve’s quick indrawn breath. Eve was a vocal lover and her little gasps and moans drove Sam wild.

“He’s going to have to work hard to keep my attention with such temptation within reach,” Sam said softly, finding the side zipper of the skirt and lowering it.

The material whispered against the silk of Eve’s legs and stockings. As Eve bent forward to step out of the skirt, balancing on the arm of Sam’s chair, one nipple won the battle with the lace and popped free. Sam couldn’t resist the luscious tip; she caught it between her lips and sucked strongly. Watching as Eve’s eyes closed, she circled the tight bead with her tongue before flicking ruthlessly as Eve struggled to keep her response quiet.

Removing the glasses, Eve laid them on the laptop as Billie sang of how it kept on raining in her full, throaty voice. With a soft purr, Eve thrust forward against Sam’s mouth, cupping one hand beneath the breast and offering herself, her green eyes fiery and hot as they met Sam’s.

Sam pulled the lace down to bare her other breast, then treated it to the same tender assault. Her blood thrummed through her with the scent of Eve’s skin, heated and flushed with arousal, and the stroke of her lover’s hand down her neck and into the shadows of her jacket.

Eve’s curious fingers found Sam’s nipple, then pinched lightly. The pleasure-pain shot straight to her pussy and she moaned against all that soft, fragrant skin. Pulling back, gently holding Eve’s nipple captive between her teeth, she laved the peak with her tongue.

“Ah...baby,” Eve whispered. Warm breath sent a shiver down Sam’s spine as Eve stabbed her fingers into Sam’s straight black hair. The two Chinese sticks fell to the carpet, dislodged from the sleek knot Sam had tied it in that morning. “I need you inside me.”

Releasing Eve’s breast, she kissed the tip, wet and glistening from her mouth. “Slow down,” Sam murmured, leaning back in her chair and gripping the arms. No matter how many times they made love, Sam couldn’t get enough of this woman.

When she’d first realized that the attraction for Eve was clearly more than friendship, she’d tiptoed around her confusion. In high school, there had been a girl who had been as curious as Sam and they’d shared some kisses and touches. That had been awkward, making both of them giggly and feeling a little naughty for doing something outside of the lines. There hadn’t been the can’t-catch-your-breath free fall that comes when you love someone. Sam had felt that with David. When he died, she believed a part of her had died with him. She loved men. The way they looked and smelled and tasted. She had never considered the possibility of feeling that for a woman and the power of it had taken her by surprise. Not just any woman. This woman.

“You know this is one of my favorite outfits?” Sam said, admiring the sight of her lover in nothing but the red lace she’d given her last Valentine’s Day. Eve’s expression softened as they both remembered the gift exchange that day. Not only had Eve worn the beautiful satin and lace confection from Sam, she’d worn her gift to Sam as well.

Their loving that day had been achingly tender. The gentle face-to-face intimacy had made it painfully clear that Sam missed the feel of a man between her legs. She’d been unable to hold back the tears, and it became Eve’s mission to find a suitable man for their bed. That gift--a strap-on dildo--had been the impetus for the unusual request they’d taken to Roman. And tonight’s meeting.

Sam’s mind automatically shied away from the activities for the evening. Desires that they’d talked about and agreed on. Though her mind may not be ready for the reality of the situation, Sam’s body throbbed with the possibilities and promises of the night. Right now, though, she wanted to make Eve come. Fast and hard.

She smoothed her hand up Eve’s thigh until her palm rested over the scrap of lace that covered her neatly trimmed hair, loving that she endured the waxing to keep the curls smooth and neat. The warmth beneath her hand and the sweet scent of Eve’s sex drew her in. Her thumb slipped beneath the lace and found the moist crease of heavily aroused lips, then withdrew to circle the tight nub of her clitoris, wetting it. Eve jerked at the caress. Sam’s breath quickened as she retreated to enter the tight sheath again.

“Stop teasing, baby.” Eve’s plea, coupled with the lifting of her hips, sent a surge of excitement through Sam. She knew what Eve wanted. Listening to a lull in the hammering at the end of the hall, she tongued the lace-covered clit; the chance of a knock on the door sharpened each sensation. The thought of putting on an after-hours show for the night crew had her creaming her panties. Unable to resist a second longer, she snagged the thin straps at Eve’s hips and pulled the silk and lace down her legs.

The silk hit the floor even as she stroked the warm skin above the stockings. She helped Eve up on the edge of the desk, spread her legs, parted the sexy lips with her thumbs and set her mouth to Eve. Eyes locked on Sam, Eve clamped her mouth tight over the scream she would have loosed in their bed. Her taste never failed to fascinate and excite, and Sam held her thighs open wide, feasting on her lush pussy. Eve rocked her hips slowly, lifting against Sam’s mouth, holding her exactly where she wanted with her hands and soft thighs.

Sam circled her clit with her tongue, then slid down to delve deep between plump lips, returning again and again to suck relentlessly on the sensitive nub. Eve’s soft moans spurred her on. Slipping two fingers into her, Sam fucked her with a fast, twisting stroke Eve loved. Her body’s gyrations became erratic and she jerked against Sam’s mouth. Her hands fisted tight at Sam’s nape, pulling the hair in a pain that simply served to heighten Sam’s arousal.

Eve’s taste sent lust pounding through Sam and she held her steady, demanding an orgasm as she continued the ruthless assault. She could feel the tension pulling Eve’s muscles taut, and she moaned softly against the wet heat. She wanted her cum, sweet and tangy in her mouth.

Ever conscious of their surroundings, Sam loved that her lover couldn’t contain the low purring in her throat as Eve gave in to the dual attack on her pussy.

Hands still clasped in Sam’s hair, Eve held her between widely spread legs and Sam devoured, heart hammering in her ears as she drove Eve to the edge.

Suddenly the pressure of Eve’s fingers changed, and Sam opened her eyes to meet eyes cloudy with desire. Only a thin ring of intense green surrounded her dilated pupils. The rapid rise and fall of her breasts, nipples tantalizingly bare, made Sam wish for their bed at home where she could lay her out to touch and tease at will. Sam would drink in her cries and moans, each one fueling her own desire, until she couldn’t resist fucking Eve’s clenching sheath with far more than her fingers.

“I’m going to come.” Eve mouthed the frantic words, inaudible above the soulful strains of Billie. Sam quickened the pace of her fingers and closed her lips tightly around Eve’s delicious clit, stroking with a firm pressure of her tongue.

Reaching down between her own legs, Sam touched her engorged clit through the thin material of her slacks. Her hips rocked in rhythm to Eve’s, sweeping her toward a powerful climax. Captivated by the movements, Eve came, her juices slick and sweet on Sam’s tongue. Continuing to suck the pulsing folds, Sam quickly followed her into orgasm, throbbing against the pressure of her own hand.

Eve’s body clung to her fingers as she slipped them from between the wet creases. Sam smiled and leaned back in her chair, staring at her lover sprawled across her desk, Eve’s full breasts overflowing the lace as she leaned back on her elbows to catch her breath.

“I’m sorry. After talking to him, there was no way I could wait until later to get this started,” Eve said after a few moments, adjusting her bra before hopping off the desk and leaning over to kiss Sam. She moaned softly against Sam’s lips. “You are going to make him wild.” Her eyes glowed at the prediction.

“That’s what you want, right?” Sam asked. “Roman out of his mind with lust.”

Turning around, Eve pulled on the jacket, then bent to retrieve her panties, giving Sam an amazing view of her voluptuous rear. Caressing Eve’s hip, Sam leaned forward to kiss the curve of her butt cheek, then let her continue to dress.

Eve stepped gracefully into the skirt, zipped it, then ran her fingers over her hair, tucking that wayward strand behind her ear again. Even with all the wild curls, Eve still didn’t have the disheveled appearance that Sam was sure she herself did.

“Sure. He has excellent control,” Eve said. Sam imagined a man had to have a certain degree of control to work as a bouncer in a strip club, as Roman had right out of high school. The club where Eve had danced. Everyone had their limit, though.

“He’s going to need it.” Sam suspected there was unfinished business between Eve and the man who had been both friend and protector throughout her life.

Fully dressed again, Eve smoothed the jacket and skirt, checked her stockings to ensure they hadn’t snagged during their lovemaking. She picked up the hair sticks from the floor, laid them on the desk, then met Sam’s gaze.

Sam’s satiated expression must have changed to something more pensive. Eve kissed her softly before running her thumb along the edges of Sam’s lips, repairing the lipstick she was sure had disappeared between Eve’s legs. Not to worry, though; Sam would be completely composed when she walked through her office door. On the outside anyway.

Her stomach clenched at the thought of meeting Roman tonight. Sam knew that before the night was over she would spread her legs for a man she’d never met. Brookses didn’t do things like this. She smiled grimly at that. Sam had done many things that her family didn’t approve of. This would simply start a new page.

“You’re going to love him. I promise.” Eve’s hopeful expression turned to one of chagrin, and Sam arched her brow. “Don’t say it,” Eve said, placing her fingers against Sam’s lips just in case she did have something to say.

Eve’s obvious excitement about tonight swept the family clutter from Sam’s brain. Since she hadn’t actually met him yet, her mind called up the various photos Eve had of her friend scattered throughout their home. Handsome. Tall, big. He dwarfed Eve’s petite form. Shaggy dark blond hair that changed to sun-streaked shades in the summer, a look women would pay a fortune to replicate. And clunky glasses that shielded vibrant blue eyes set in a round, smiling face.

Eve wore those dark frames in one photo, their faces close together as they stared up at the camera Roman held. When Sam had asked about the photo, Eve said they had been lying on their backs on a blanket at the park. The joy at being together was blindingly obvious.

Other photos captured Roman watching Eve as they hammed it up in a photo booth. One in particular, taken by a friend at their senior prom, showed Eve wrapped in Roman’s arms, her face tucked securely against his chest as he towered over her. The barest of smiles curved her lips, eyes closed. Roman’s expression always made Sam’s chest ache. Unguarded. Raw. It must have been excruciating to be so close to the woman he loved and not express it physically.

He’d worked at the topless club as a bouncer on the nights that Eve worked, but also completed his degree in computer technology, specializing in security. His talents were in high demand. He traveled the world, hacking into his clients’ security systems, identifying the weak spots, then making them virtually impenetrable. For this, his clients paid unbelievably large sums of money.

Sam wasn’t sure why Roman had never been a candidate for their bed before last week and she wouldn’t worry about it. The two friends talked regularly. Roman had been aware of Sam’s presence in Eve’s life. On the occasions when Roman’s love life, or more specifically a current girlfriend, came up in phone conversations, Eve’s reaction each time was predictable. She became quiet and sexually charged.

Their lovemaking, always wild and adventurous, bordered on insane on those evenings, as appetites became voracious. Eve’s thoughts of Roman with a woman seemed to ignite longings that had never been explored. Not even innocently. Eve accepted her sexuality and loved women--but she also loved Roman. Sam wanted this night for Eve as much as for herself.

She sucked one of Eve’s fingers into her mouth, teased the slender digit with her tongue, then released it. Green eyes blazed. Sam stood, took Eve’s hands and pushed them down at her sides, then leaned in to kiss her lightly. It wasn’t enough. Framing Eve’s face, Sam angled for a full taking of her lover’s mouth, sweeping her tongue along, then between her lips, dueling passionately.

Eve traced her fingers along Sam’s waist, then down the slight slope of her hips as they swayed against each other, the gripping need so familiar. Though Sam had brought about her own climax and wanted very much to do it again, an all-nighter at the office was out of the question. Anyway, they had to meet Roman. Nerves tightened her stomach and nipped her ardor.

Sensing Sam’s withdrawal, Eve stepped back, practically glowing with desire. “Let us do this for you,” she said. “You will adore him. And he will love you.” With that declaration, Eve looked at her. “Am I ready?” she asked. But what she really meant was: does it look like I just had sex?

“You’re more than ready,” Sam said. But am I ready? she added silently. Love. Confusion. Desire. So many emotions trying to gain the upper hand.

*

Eve closed the door with a quiet click of the latch and walked with the confidence of a woman who had gotten exactly what she’d needed while in her “meeting” with a colleague. What she and Sam had was no one else’s business, though having sex at the office was a risk they didn’t take often.

Thoughts of the upcoming evening had her so hot all day she could barely concentrate. Her body still hummed with that orgasm.

Sam. Roman. Together. Her heart fluttered at the images. There had been times in the past when it had crossed her mind, but Sam hadn’t been ready.

Be honest, Eve, at least with yourself. She hadn’t been ready either. But thoughts of Roman had a way of stealing into her brain at the oddest times, making her hot all over. Eve had seen Roman many ways, but naked had never been one of them. Baggy swimming trunks didn’t count. The images of him naked and fully aroused--and he would be, because Sam’s tall lithesome form and stunning looks did that to men--had Eve breathless. And she wasn’t really sure why. The thought of him kissing and touching Sam’s body with his big gentle hands sent heat snaking through her, raising goose bumps in its wake.

Sam would love him as Eve loved him. Eve wanted more than anything to give this night to Sam. She was honest enough to admit that the idea of watching Sam being thoroughly fucked by Roman tonight had her so excited she could probably make herself come again just thinking about it.