Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me. They belong to the fabulous Charlaine Harris.
A/N: This is just a little something that popped into my head. There's not really a rhyme or reason to it, it just is. It's all in Sookie's POV. I really hope it makes sense when you read it. It's the way it came to me so blame my crazy brain. Hope you like it. Oh, I didn't wait for my beta to get back to me on this, so any mistakes are mine and I'd appreciate it if you let me know if you find any so I can fix them. Thanks! xoxo Elle
"What are you doing?" I whisper angrily to Eric.
"I'm watching you."
"Well, you need to get dressed and get out of here before Bill gets home. Shit! He'll be here soon."
I look down at my watch and notice it's later than I thought. Eric doesn't move. He just lies there, watching me predatorily. I can't get mad at him because I like the attention, but he really has to go.
"I mean it, Eric. You need to get dressed."
"But, I love watching you. I'm hypnotized by your movements. So, if you want me to get dressed, you need to stop what you're doing."
Before I can reply I hear the front door open and close. Fuck!
"Honey, I'm home!" Bill calls out to me.
Oh. Shit.
"I want to taste you, Sookie. Will you let me taste you?"
I nod, slowly. I don't know why I'm consenting but I am. I want to feel, need to feel something. I should be going back out to my husband and not…
"Ungh…"
His hands ghost over my breasts, and I forget for a moment where I am—the darkened hall between the kitchen and pantry in my house.
Dinner party with all of my friends is going on.
I'm supposed to be hosting along with my husband, Bill. I came back here to grab another bottle of wine. I had no idea Eric was following me and if I did, I would have told him to go back to the dining room. Right now, I can't think of anything but how wet I am and how much I want to feel his tongue exploring every inch of my body.
His thumbs circle my nipples a couple of times, making them harden with each pass. I moan again but he places a finger over my lips to silence me.
"You have to be quiet or someone might hear." He smirks at me before sliding down to his knees.
My breath catches in my throat and I hold it in as I wait to see what he does next. His hands slide up the inside of my thighs, squeezing and caressing my fevered flesh. His fingers snake their way up to my hips, gripping the sides of my delicate lace panties, pulling them down and off me before I can exhale. His right hand slides across my thigh, his thumb moving up and down as it inches closer and closer to my center. My knees give out a little and I jerk towards the floor. Eric puts his left hand on my hip, holding me up against the cool wall. His hand slides down my thigh to grip the back of my knee. He hikes it over his shoulder and lifts my skirt a little more before running his tongue up the inside of my thigh.
His warm tongue teases my slick folds. He pulls back a little and moans, "Fuck."
I shiver and dip down into his hold. My head falls back as I feel his flattened tongue lick up my slit to my nub and down… and up and… down again. His tongue undulates over my slit, then flicks at my nub. He sucks, nibbles and licks my little bundle of nerves, alternating with a dip of his tongue into my center. My hands thread through his finger length blond locks, gripping tightly. He groans as I pull on his hair and sucks harder at my clit.
I can feel myself getting closer to orgasm as he slides a hand up my stomach to my breasts. He rolls the tip of one taut nipple between his thumb and forefinger. I bounce off the wall at his attention and hit the back of my head. I laugh and I feel Eric laughing against my mound. He hasn't stopped what he's doing and I'm just on the edge of coming. He pulls back slightly and looks up at me.
"Come for me, Sookie. I want to feel you come on my face."
Bill never talks dirty during sex, so hearing those words were all I needed to go over the edge. I bite down on my bottom lip to keep from screaming through my release and Eric continues rubbing my nipple and sucking at my nub. As I come down from my high, I drop my head, bending over at the waist. Eric removes my leg from his shoulder, gently placing my foot on the floor. I try to catch my breath as I put myself to rights. My legs barely stop shaking long enough for me to pull my panties on. Eric smiles up at me from his perch on the floor, and wipes his mouth on the back of his hand. He licks his lips before he gets up and walks back to the dining room with the bottle of wine. I can barely hear his explanation for my absence through the kitchen door—I stepped outside to get some fresh air on my way back—which is why he is delivering the wine to Bill. I would have to thank him later.
I make my way back to the dinner party after dashing into the powder room across the hall to make sure I am presentable. Surprisingly I only appear a little flushed, which can be blamed on the coolness of the night air. I smooth down the front of my skirt as I sit to the table and smile to myself. My mood is lifted and I feel like I can enjoy the rest of my evening. I chance a peek over at Eric who is smiling from ear to ear. He licks his lips and a shiver runs through me.
"Are you cold, sweetheart?" Bill asks. I shake my head knowing the true cause of my shiver and put my hand up to my face to hide my blush.
That was the first time I'd done anything with anyone other than my husband. And from the look Eric is giving me, it wouldn't be the last.
Bill and I were married right out of high school. We'd been together since our junior year and were happy as any newlywed couple could be—until Bill started ignoring me. We got to the point in our relationship where the only time he touched me was during our monthly dinner parties. He would put an arm around me as we greeted our guests and give me a little peck on the cheek at the end of the evening. Then things went back to how they normally were. We slept apart while in the same bed; no snuggling, no touching and NO sex. I thought it had something to do with me putting on a little weight. I quit working a regular nine to five and worked from home. Some days I would be in my PJ's and others I would get dressed to go in to the office one day a week or to meet a friend for lunch.
When I wasn't busy, I think I did eat a little more. My work is stressful and I confess I like to snack. Chocolate had become my best friend and I wasn't about to deny myself a guilty pleasure. Bill hadn't said anything about my being a size bigger until I couldn't get into what he considered his favorite dress. It was a six and apparently now I was an… eight. I guess I snacked a little more than I realized. I really hadn't noticed, much.
"Sookie, have you put on a little weight?"
"Um, I guess I have. I can't seem to get this dress zipped." It had a side zipper which was not budging at all.
"I think that means you need to exercise a little more. Sitting around doing nothing all day seems to have disagreed with you."
"What's that supposed to mean? I don't do "nothing" all day. I have work to do every day, the same as you."
"I would hardly call playing on the computer work," he snorted.
"I'm so glad to know what you think of my career choice, Bill. Thank you for your support."
"Now don't get all snippy. I didn't mean anything by it. But you can't tell me what you do is work when you're at home all day."
"There are lots of people who work from home. Are you willing to start an argument with me with over this? Our guests will be arriving any minute and you make me feel like shit before the evening can get started." So now my career wasn't considered work because I don't go into the office every day?
"I don't want to argue, sweetheart. Our guests will be here in an hour like you said, and you need to find something else to wear."
"Or I can just keep my fat ass upstairs while you entertain everyone. Yeah, I think I like that idea better."
"That's not fair, Sookie. You are not fat; I never said you were fat. You just need to exercise. And maybe stop eating so much."
I don't think I was meant to hear that last part, but I did—and it hurt.
That was when he stopped touching me. I hadn't really done much to lose the extra weight either. I liked having a little more meat in certain areas. I was nice and curvy and felt like a buxom blonde. Yeah, what a joke, right? I was floating down low self-esteem river and Bill was the wind in my sail pushing me farther and farther along.
We lay in bed talking for a bit and Eric decided to serenade me. I had no idea he had such a beautiful voice. I was nervous and didn't want to go home yet. I had the time to kill because we were at Eric's and Bill wouldn't be home until well after seven. It was the first time we had been together—well, had intercourse. I called Eric because I was upset after a fight Bill and I had, and he told me to come over to get out of the house and cool off. I knew I shouldn't have gone anywhere in my condition. I was upset but I couldn't stop thinking about Eric on his knees in front of me at last month's dinner party.
He answered the door fresh from the shower. I could tell because his hair was damp and he was shirtless. And maybe there was a droplet or three running down the front of his body. I didn't dare look down for too long because I was afraid I would not be able to control my hands. The sweatpants he had on were barely covering that delectable body part most women drool over—the precious 'V'. I had to take a deep breath to compose myself.
Eric is a gorgeous man and I knew he had the body to match without having seen it yet. Standing at six foot and a half, his long limbs were lined with expertly toned muscles. I could only imagine the amount of working out he had to do to stay in shape. That made me think about Bill telling me I needed to exercise. Then the tears started and they wouldn't stop.
"Come in and talk to me. What's wrong?" he asked, pulling me in the front door.
"I'm just feeling sorry for myself."
"I don't like the sound of that. Tell me what I can do to fix things."
I looked up to study his beautiful face before answering. I couldn't help but wonder how he was still unattached. As gorgeous as Eric is, he could have any woman he wanted. Hell, he could have a whole bevy of women just flashing his smile alone. That's what made me lose it. He smiled down at me, and I couldn't keep the words in any longer.
"I need… I need… I want you to make me feel better. I want you to… I want you. I want you, Eric. Please make love to me. Please?"
He nodded and pulled me into his arms. I looked up into his blue eyes and found myself imagining what it would be like to be the only woman he sees—the only woman he looks at, period. As a sexual creature; as a woman whose worthy of being worshiped and cherished and taken care of. He kissed me, softly at first, and then with fervor. As I ground my hips into him, his tongue slid across my lower lip and eventually found its way into my mouth. He tasted my lips and tongue and groaned as his tongue further explored the inside of my mouth. I'd never been kissed like that before. I had no idea that that was what I was missing with Bill. He'd been my first and only lover, and I felt like I had been duped. Eric's hands made quick work of my clothing and he laid me down on his bed, ever so gently. He parted my thighs with his large, warm hands and got to work with his lips and tongue where I wanted them the most.
After I came, he slid up my body, licking his lips teasingly. I felt embarrassed that he was seeing me naked for the first time and went to cover my nakedness with my arms. He kissed my arms gently all the way up to my neck. He licked up the side of my neck to my ear and hovered there.
"You are beautiful, Sookie. You don't have to hide from me. Let me see you, please?" he whispered.
I shivered and slowly pulled my arms away from my chest. Eric kissed his way down to my breasts, paying equal attention to both, murmuring "Beautiful," as he kissed, licked and sucked each nipple in turn. I'd never felt so comfortable in my own skin in my life. I wanted Eric to take me before I lost my nerve. I knew I shouldn't want it, but damn it I did. I felt his tip at my entrance and looked up into his eyes. He shook his head and cursed under his breath. He leaned away from me and reached over to the table by the bed, coming back with a condom. I was so lost in the haze of lust that surrounded us I didn't think about having or using protection. I guess he'd realized it at the last moment and cursed himself for not thinking of it before.
After he rolled the condom on, he placed himself between my legs again and teased my nub with his tip. I moaned and reached around to grab his ass, urging him on. I didn't want to beg but if he kept teasing me, I would. He kissed me again, slowly, passionately and deeply. Just as I inhaled his mouth-watering scent he pushed into me and I couldn't contain my moan. He stretched me in ways I hadn't thought possible. He must have been bigger than I realized but I didn't complain. He moved slowly, taking his time so that he didn't hurt me. Once he'd filled me completely I held still. I'd never felt so whole in my life. He was the missing piece to my puzzle.
"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
"No, no, I'm fine. Don't stop, please?"
He nodded and started rocking his hips against me. I couldn't think about anything else at that point. There was nothing but Eric and me and the love we made. My moans and his grunts filled the air, a sheen of sweat making our skin glow in the dimmed lamp light, the low thud of the headboard slamming against the wall. He went so deep that I felt what it meant to truly be one with another person. But I still wanted him to go deeper, I wanted him to make me lose all control and go wild! I knew after this I wouldn't want anyone but him, and that made me excited and anxious at the same time.
In the silence that filled the room after we screamed each other's names in ecstasy, my thoughts came crashing down on me. I'd gotten up to use the bathroom and that was when it hit me. I was an adulterer. I'd just had sex with my husband's best friend and although it was the best sex I'd ever had, it was wrong. I slid down the inside of the bathroom door and sat on my heels as I cried. After a few minutes at my pity party, I got up, threw some cold water on my face and went back into the bedroom to face Eric. I was ready to tell him this was all a mistake and that I felt like shit and was leaving, but he spoke first.
"What's going on at home? I notice at the dinner parties Bill's different with you."
I didn't know what to say or if I wanted to confess my issue to anyone. I didn't really have any girlfriends I could talk to and Eric was such a good listener. I decided to bite the bullet and let him know what was wrong.
"I think Bill isn't attracted to me anymore."
"What? I don't believe that for a minute? Sookie you're one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen."
And I was supposed to believe that coming from a man who looked like a supermodel? His dark blue eyes stare straight through to the essence of your being making you feel like the only person in the room when he's looking at you. His soft blond hair barely brushes the tops of his perfect ears. Yes, the man has perfect ears if that could be possible. His sharp jaw and straight nose have to belong to some Greek statue. His lips—he has the most beautiful, soft, full pink lips a man could possess. His broad chest and shoulders look like they can hold all the problems of the world and then some. The contours of his abdomen are reminiscent of Michelangelo's David. Utter perfection—smooth, and rippled like the hard marble they could be made of. And he's telling me I'm beautiful?
"Thank you, Eric but I don't think so."
"Sookie. Look at me. You are beautiful. I can't help but want to lick each and every curve of your body. They are what make you, you. I love the feel of your breasts in my hand. The way your hips allow room for me between your legs is just… I'm getting hard just thinking about it. The flat expanse of your stomach is perfect for me to snuggle up with. You're perfect. Don't ever think less of yourself because I won't allow it. You have to know, surely you see it when I look at you—feel it when I worship you with my hands and my tongue—that you are everything to me."
"Thank you. I don't know what to say." I feel the warmth of my blush spreading up my neck to my cheeks.
"You don't have to say anything. Come here and let me show you." And he did. With his hands, his tongue and his…
As Eric smirked at me revealing his beautiful white teeth, I couldn't help but flashback to moments before when he used those same teeth to remove my tiny lace and mesh panties from my quivering form. The flash of his pink tongue sliding over his full lips put in mind the things his tongue could do, and did do, to me. How it made me scream, clutch at his hair, beg him for more. I felt ashamed after that first time. I sank down on my heels, wrapped my arms around my knees, hugging them to my chest. The sobs ripped from me making my body convulse uncontrollably. What had I done? How could I have cheated on Bill like that? I know we were having our problems but I had no excuse for giving into my urges.
Not long after our interlude in the hall, Eric confessed his desire for me. We'd met for lunch and were talking about the first time Bill and I met. He left me with a lot to think about.
"You know I saw you first. I pointed you out to Bill and he took off after you to introduce himself. You seemed smitten with him so I backed off. I wanted you though. I wanted you so badly. But he got to meet you first. So, I swallowed my pride and waited in the wings for you. I just wish I would have… Anyway, what's done is done, right?"
"Eric, I had no idea. Why didn't you say something before now? Bill and I are married, we're happy." I mumbled that last part.
"Are you? Happy, I mean?"
"Yes." No.
"Are you sure, Sookie? You know you can tell me anything. I may be Bill's best friend but I'd like to think we're good friends too."
"We are but I don't feel comfortable talking to you about this. Not after the other night."
"You needed it. I wanted it. We both enjoyed it. It doesn't have to happen again. I won't pressure you."
"Thanks. I couldn't handle it if… well, what I mean is I want us to still be friends. I like you and I would be upset with myself if I ruined things with you."
"I think I would have done the ruining. I approached you."
"Yes, but I did nothing to stop you either."
"Let's just forget about it then. No harm, no foul."
But I couldn't just forget about it. He would smile at me and I would melt. Literally.
"Hello?" Who would be calling so late?
"I know I said I wouldn't call, but I need to talk to you. We need to talk. I'll come over."
"Do you know what time it is? Are you nuts?" I whisper.
"Not nuts. I'm drunk and it's a quarter after one. I need to talk to you. Listen, I'll be right over."
I slip out of the bedroom as quietly as I can, hoping Bill doesn't wake up. I've never had to sneak off to have late night phone calls before. This is not me. Eric and I talked days before and I told him we needed to stop this, whatever we were doing. I can't sleep at night. I can't think during the day. My thoughts are all consumed with Eric and it's too much. I want to be with him but I can't.
"You cannot and will not come over here. Do you know what would happen if you showed up and Bill caught you at the door?"
"I'm a good liar. I'd just tell him I need to crash at your place because I can't make it home. Talk to me, Sookie."
"What for, Eric? We did enough talking and I have nothing else to say. We're done."
"You don't mean that. You can't mean that. Tell me you don't miss me. Tell me you don't want me."
"I can't."
"Doesn't that tell you something? I want to be inside you right now. I can't sleep without you. I need you, Sookie. I need you now. Come over here."
"You're not thinking straight. If you were you'd realize there's no way I can drop everything and come to your place tonight."
"Why not?"
"I'm hanging up, Eric."
"Don't! Please, just talk to me. I need to hear your voice."
"Why are you drinking?"
"Because I can't have you. And I would have driven over there hours ago had I not picked up my bottle of tequila. I'm not as drunk as you think." He laughs.
That pulls me up short. I hear the bathroom door open and close and Bill's footfalls as he makes his way down the stairs.
"Sookie? Is everything all right? Who are you talking to?"
"Just Jason. He's having women trouble and needed to talk." I hoped that was believable.
"Figures. Tell that brother of yours to settle down with a good girl and he won't have any troubles. Come back to bed. You know I can't sleep without you." You and everyone else it seems.
I'm barely able to hear what Bill says because Eric is singing to me. He has such a great voice, even now.
"You're breaking my heart, Sookie Stackhouse." Eric whispers.
"I'll be up in a minute, Bill." I wait until I hear him at the top of the landing. "I have to go Eric. Please don't call again." I hang up before he can respond.
I know what will happen though. I'll go running to him or will let him in when he shows up tomorrow or the next day. We've gone through this song and dance twice already. I don't know what it is about him but I can't say no and mean it.
So my question is what do I do? Eric is lying in my bed; my husband has just come into the house. Do I allow him to find us, or try to weasel my way out of it? There's no easy answer. Someone will get hurt. I couldn't handle it if someone was hurt because of me. I finish pulling my clothes on and grab the doorknob to meet Bill before he can come upstairs. I stop short just as the bedroom door swings open and hits my foot. I was blocking most of the view into the room, but I didn't know if it was enough. I turn and glance over my shoulder and Eric is nowhere to be seen.
"So how was your day sweetheart?" Bill asks.
Moment of truth time.