“I need…something to drink,” she said, her throat dry from crying out in pleasure.
“I’ll get some water. Joe, release her restraints.” Rodgers disappeared through a door.
“Which one first?” Joe asked, smoothing a hand over her belly.
“My legs. I think they’re almost ready to cramp.”
Joe undid the buckles on the tethers around her ankles and helped her stretch her legs out to their full length. She groaned, her tight muscles thanking her for the much-needed stretch. Lifting her wrists, she brought her arms back over her head to her tummy. She wiggled her hands. The handcuffs jingled, metal on metal.
Joe moved to her side and planted a kiss on her mouth. “I don’t have the key,” he said, standing up. “We’ll have to wait until Rodgers gets back.”
“Can you help me sit up?” She really needed to move around.
“Sure.” He took her wrists. “When I pull you up, scoot your bottom back so you don’t slip off the edge.”
“Okay.”
Joe pulled her up, stepping around the edge of the bench, then positioned himself between her knees.
Rachel shook her head, slinging her hair back once she was fully sitting up. “I must look a mess,” she said, suddenly shy.
Smiling, Joe moved in closer, taking her face in his hands. His gaze roamed from her lips to her eyes then held there. “I am in awe of you,” he said softly, his expression serious and sincere.
Rachel’s heart skipped a beat. His eyes were so calm and steady, and he made her feel like she could find “home” in the circle of his arms. All of her timidity and inhibitions fell away when she was near him. That’s why she had given in to him so easily in the kitchen. She’d given herself to him in wild abandon, and in her heart, she knew there was no turning back now.
“Here’s your water,” Rodgers said, breaking the spell.
Joe kissed her forehead and stepped back. “Do you have the key for the cuffs?”
Rodgers snapped his fingers. He handed the bottle of water to Joe and ducked over to the shelf where he had stored a few things. He grabbed the key and quickly returned.
After her wrists were free again, she drank a half bottle of water within a few seconds. “Wow, I needed that,” she said, smiling.
Rodgers had slipped his pants back on. “It’s getting late. I think I’ll call it a night.” He turned to walk out the door. “You two can stay as long as you like. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight. And thanks!” Rachel gave him a wave.
“Anytime.” He nodded at Joe then went on through the door.
She looked up at Joe. “To tell you the truth, I really need a shower.”
“So do I. What do you say we conserve water and take one together?”
Rachel grinned.
Chapter Six
The warm water rained down on her from the huge showerhead, soothing her tired muscles and slicking her skin. They had returned to the main house, and she had invited Joe to her own suite. Rachel had always loved her bathroom, fitted with its huge shower and deep, jetted tub. It was one of the perks of working for the firm. She had wonderful accommodations here at the compound.
She drew in a long breath, a smile forming on her lips. Joe stood behind her, his arms around her waist, a bar of soap in one hand. He made slow circles with the soap over her tummy. She rested her head back against his shoulder and slid her arms up around his neck. The water warmed her, but Joe’s hands moving over her slick skin heated her core. This felt so right, so absolutely complete, she didn’t know how it could get better than this. She moved against him, shifting her butt and grinding it against his groin. He kissed the side of her neck then ran his tongue over the outside of her ear.
“Man, I’m never going to want to leave,” he said, hugging her tightly.
She pulled her arms from around his neck and turned to face him, her body slippery against his. She reached up and held his face in her hands. “I don’t want to talk about you