Body Count by P.D. Martin Page B

sex drive. “Sure, why not.”
    The car ride is filled with silence and sexual tension. The first kiss has whetted my appetite and I want more. But will it only be a one-night stand with awkward moments at work, and our professional relationship, not to mention our friendship, ruined? Maybe that’s whatJosh is into. But I don’t want that. Not from Josh. I’d go outside of work if all I wanted was sex.
    We get to my place and I hesitate again. Josh doesn’t push the matter.
    I press my lips together, unsure. “You want to come up?”
    Josh answers quickly. “Okay.” He puts the car in Park.
    We walk briskly up the stairs, eager to be in each other’s arms. I fumble with the lock and pick up the large envelope that’s underneath my door.
    â€œSam,” I say, placing the envelope on the dining table as we move inside. “It’s her D.C. profile.”
    Josh comes in, and we both look at each other, uncertain.
    â€œJosh, I don’t want things to be awkward. At work, I mean.” I finally manage to voice my biggest concern.
    â€œThey needn’t be.”
    I pull away and move into the kitchen. “Do you want a drink?” My eyes dart around the room, anywhere but at Josh.
    â€œIf you’re having one I will.”
    I don’t really want anything else…except Josh. I walk back to him and wrap my arms around him. We kiss. A deep, lustful kiss. We don’t stop as we fumble our way to the bedroom, losing items of clothing on the way. By the time we reach the bed, Josh’s shirt and belt are off and both my jacket and top are off too. I’m surprised to see and feel a hairless chest, especially given his Italian heritage. I run my fingers over his smooth skin and squeeze my hands down his biceps.
    He slows things down, running his hands up my spine and then down and across to my stomach. He kisses myneck. Gentle wet kisses intermingled with the heat of his breath. I breathe heavily in response, kick my shoes off and undo his pants. He runs one hand through my hair and unzips my skirt. I step out of it as Josh steps out of his trousers. We’re both down to our underwear. I push him onto the bed.
    â€œIt’s going to be like that, is it?” he says, half joking but obviously excited.
    With seven months of celibacy and sexual tension…you bet it is.

CHAPTER 07
    I peel my eyes open and am greeted by Josh’s face. He’s propped up on his arm, watching me.
    He kisses me gently on the shoulder. “Good morning.”
    â€œMorning.”
    â€œYou were having a bad dream.”
    â€œWas I?” I ask a little too quickly. “What was I doing?”
    â€œYou were tossing and turning and talking, but I couldn’t make out the words.”
    â€œMmm.” I don’t remember it. Not last night’s.
    â€œYou often have nightmares?”
    â€œYeah,” I say, hesitant to reveal this fact to Josh.
    â€œThe cases?”
    â€œI think so. I usually can’t remember the dreams. You sleep okay?”
    â€œI got a bit of shut-eye in there somewhere.”
    I smile. We both woke up a couple of times for repeatperformances, not being able to get enough of each other. I roll onto my back and splay my arms out. “I’m exhausted.”
    â€œMe too.” Josh’s free hand runs over my stomach. Perhaps I haven’t tired him out enough. But the touch turns into a cuddle and he draws my body close to his and gently kisses my neck.
    â€œWhat time is it?” I ask.
    â€œA quarter after seven.”
    I sit up. “Shit, I was supposed to go over that profile for Sam. I told Rivers it would be on his desk this morning.”
    â€œDo it at the office.”
    â€œI’m supposed to be doing it after hours. In fact, Rivers pulled Sam off the case and he thinks I’m doing the whole thing.”
    â€œReally? I didn’t pick you for a rebel.”
    â€œI’m just helping out