"It's strange that in the six years we've known each other we've never once tried to get it on." Luke absently stroked Jade's long dark hair, his fingers combing through the strands. She lay with her head on his lap and her legs extended along the length of the couch. "Why's that, do you think?"
The sound of cheering drifted from the game show playing on the television and empty dishes from their takeout dinner littered the coffee table. The drapes were closed, a lamp on the side table throwing a wide arc of light over his living room.
Jade smiled, her eyes drifting shut as his fingers raked through her hair. "Because you're a shameless man-whore who uses phrases like 'get it on'. That's why."
He chuckled and toyed with the sapphire stud in her ear. "That explains why you haven't thrown yourself at me -- pretty judgemental on your behalf, by the way - but it doesn't explain why I haven't tried to lure you into bed."
Jade opened her eyes and looked up at him, taking in his dirty blonde hair, his sensual mouth and deep blue eyes. A day's worth of stubble covered his jaw and his black t-shirt stretched taut across his chest. His good looks combined with his laid-back personality meant most women wanted him within five minutes of meeting him. He'd always used his warmth and charm to his advantage, so why had he never tested his abilities on her?
It didn't take her long to come up with the reason for his behaviour. "I think it's because you respect me," she said.
He let out an amused breath. "I don't want to sleep with you because I respect you?"
Jade smiled at the humour in his tone. The more she thought about it the more it made sense. He had so many options when it came to women that he'd never needed or wanted to push the boundaries with her. She'd met him through his younger sister, and when Ellie had moved to Italy three years ago they'd both turned to each other to fill the void she'd left in their lives. Their friendship had grown and she now counted him as one of the most important people in her life. It would only take one quick test to prove he felt the same way about her.
She pushed herself up to a kneeling position and faced him, wrapping her fingers around his wrist. "Watch, I'll prove it to you." His expression turned wary as she guided his hand towards her. "Touch my boobs," she said.
He let out a shocked laugh and lifted his arm above his head. "No! What's wrong with you? I'm not touching your boobs."
She arched her back, pushing her breasts out in invitation. It took all of her control to keep the smile from her face. She shouldn't enjoy teasing him so much, but the look on his face was priceless. "Why not?"
"Because..." His gaze roamed her body, drifting over the crimson t-shirt moulded to her breasts, moving further down to the tanned legs revealed by her black shorts. His chest rose and fell with deep breaths. His hand flexed in hers, still above his head. He took a slow tour back up her body and met her eyes again, letting out a frustrated breath. "Because you're good and decent and I fucking respect you, okay? Jesus. You've given me a hard-on."
Jade released his wrist, trying her damnedest not to laugh. "Sorry."
He flicked a sideways glance at her and nudged her leg with his knee. The barest hint of a smile appeared. "I can tell when you're being sincere. That's not your sorry face."
She let out the laugh she'd been struggling to hold in and relaxed beside him, resting her hand on his jeans-clad thigh. "You're the one who should be apologising. You don't want to sleep with me because you think I'm too nice. How insulting is that?"
"Let's not start hurling accusations, okay? You called me a dirty man-whore."
"I did not say 'dirty', and if it walks like a duck..."
"That's it." He growled and dragged her over him to straddle his thighs, grabbing both of her hands in his. He held her still and stared her down, attempting a glare that didn't look as scary as it was supposed to because he kept fighting against a smile. "Take it back, Jade."
She couldn't resist sending him a smirk just to stir him up some more. "Or what?" He'd placed her too far back on his legs for her to feel his erection, but after seeing the heat in his eyes she'd bet almost anything it was still there. A sudden urge came over her to slide closer and find out for sure.
"I'll hold you down and tickle you until you do. We both know how that'll turn out."
She'd always ended up a squirming mess on the floor with tears streaming down her face. She had no desire to be put through that again right now. Jade shook her head swiftly and clamped her elbows against her sides. "I didn't mean what I said, okay? You're pure and wholesome and proper."
"Too late now, my feelings are hurt. You're going to have to find a way to make it up to me."
Jade snorted and tried to pull her hands free. "I bet I can guess what you have in mind."
He tugged her towards him and smiled as he kissed the tip of her nose. "If I didn't know better I'd think you were coming onto me. It's a pity you're not my type."
"You might want to tell that to your little friend. I don't think he got the memo."
Luke let out a bark of laughter. He released her hands and curved his palms around her waist, pulling her closer. She settled over his lap, the snug position leaving no doubt about whether or not his erection had subsided.
His laughter quietened and the mood shifted between them. Their eyes met and she smiled, overwhelmed by the affection she felt for him. She reached out to stroke his cheek and he moved his head slightly, as if he wanted to turn his face into her palm but thought better of it.
"Have you ever wondered what we'd be like together?" she asked softly.
