There was a longing in his eyes and turmoil in his voice. She knew he didn’t want to betray his wife’s memory. Despite the emotional wound scarred across his heart, Susan could see the attraction was mutual. But she was not his wife.
"I’m not Julie. I don’t want to be. I’m Susan. But she’s gone and I am so sorry," Susan said softly, taking another step towards him.
His chest heaved in anguish, followed by a barely perceptible nod. He stared at the floor.
"I know it hurts. I know you loved her. I hurt, too, I ..." her voice trailed off, lost in the emotion of the moment. Love could be such a damnable thing. But it could also be so wonderful. Beautiful. Like she knew it would be with Jim. He wouldn’t hurt her, only love her. And she would be his everything, if he could just see.
His gaze lifted, solemn, true, clear and completely honest. Susan wanted to believe he could love again. That he could love her?
"I do want to go solar, but I thought, maybe ..." The words died once more. His eyes shimmered sorrow. Like he might cry. No, no, this wasn’t to be a sad moment.
"We don’t have to be alone."
"It’s been ... it’s been a long time." His voice was soft, reflective. Jim’s gaze dipped back to the floor.
Susan took another step closer. She wanted to hold him, care for him, and let him cry it out. To be his shoulder to cry on and kiss away the tears.
"Jim. I’m lonely. I know you are too. I’ve ... I’ve wanted you long before that though." She may as well just spill it. This awkwardness sucked and their friendship was the most important. The sex be damned.
"Me too."
A lump rose in her throat suddenly and strangled her, cutting off any response.
His gaze lifted from the ground, a fire burned there ... a hunger, and she gasped. Savage desire blazed in his stare, and his eyes swept over her. He moved towards her.
His arms were like thick cords of steel wrapping about her, and she met his mouth with furious need. Their breath became fire. Their lips mashed and she nibbled at his, urging him to open for her. Their tongues met, flickering with molten want as her body melted.
Crushing all of herself tight against him, she felt his erection straining at the loose khaki shorts slung low across his hips. She wanted it ... needed him ... craved this. His hands cupped her ass, squeezing with fevered lust.
The kiss deepened, his tongue invaded her mouth, exploring and battering hers with a primal need. She ran her hand across the outline of his cock, tracing its long, thick length trapped beneath the tough material of his shorts. He groaned his appreciation, and she captured it with her mouth.
