We'd been cuddling like this after work every weekday for months with nothing happening. But on this day, feeling pleasantly content and having a gorgeous young woman in my arms, I leaned forward and pressed my nose to the back of her head, inhaling deeply. My eyes closed as I took in her wonderful scent. The hand that was wrapped around her waist began to snake upwards as the arm tightened, bringing my palm ever closer to one of her firm, fabulous breasts.

I wasn't even thinking, just moving, at least until Cherys' voice playfully teased, “David... are you being naughty?"

Instantly my eyes flew open and my hand froze.

“Oh, um, hmm," I sputtered as I let my hand drop back to her waist and I sat up straight, my chest no Longer pressed tightly against her back

Cherys giggled, a musical lilt like a forest sprite, and then she turned to face me, her eyes flashing dangerously.

“You WERE being naughty!"

"I can't help it. I'm just a guy and you're... well, you're you."

This seemed to delight Cherys and she deliberately rubbed her breasts against my chest while watching my face for a reaction.

"You keep that up and I can't be held accountable for the consequences," I said softly. "I haven't had sex in a very, very long time."

“What's wrong? Don't you get off enough every night?" Her smile was predatory and she leaned up to whisper in my ear. "You know, sometimes we can hear you grunting when you cum.”

Ny eyes went wide and as I turned to face her, I found that Cherys was also turning to look right at me, her eyes burning with an inner fire.

Her hand dropped to my crotch and she settled her palm over my bulge

“Do you want my help with this?"

There was an intense undercurrent in her voice, a promise of pleasure.

And as I contemplated what she was offering, my mind flashed back over the past few months. Cherys had always flirted with me, including over the past few months. ALL her flirty giggles and “accidental” rubbing of her body against me were nothing new; it was just that I hadn't been noticing it.

But today, finally feeling some sense that Brianna and I would be okay, that we could be friends, I was finally letting myself see the opportunities around me. Today, I finally began to feel the rush of sexual excitement around a pretty girl.

Cherys' face was just an inch away from mine. Her lips were so close, and she smelled so unbelievably sweet. ALL I had to do was lean forward and we'd be kissing. Who knew how far we could go? It wasn't Like we hadn't gone there before.

But I didn't want to go that far. My conscience made itself known and I reminded myself that this was Danielle's true love. The last time I'd been intimate with Cherys had nearly been disastrous for Danielle, leading to breakup and eventually to Danielle's rape. It's not that I thought all that could happen again, but those memories were harsh reminders of the concept of consequences.

And besides, Cherys had been flirting with me for over a decade without ever following through. She just plain loved to tease me.

I made my decision not to go any further, and Cherys saw it in my eyes.

She blinked slowly and then nodded her understanding. But before she pulled away, she asked, “Sure you don't want my help?"

My eyes set hard. "I'll wait until I'm alone tonight," I said with all seriousness.

Cherys sighed and then Lay back against the couch. The door opened just then and Danielle came into the Living room.

“Hey guys..."

FALL (September 2005)