If you’re just joining us, you’re missing the spark that lit the fire. Start with Chapters 1 and 2 to see how John ended up in such an exposed… and enticing position. You’ll be glad you did—it only makes everything that follows even more delicious.

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John's hand moved between them, his fingers brushing the top button of her cashmere sweater. With slow, deliberate care, he undid it, his gaze fixed on her reaction. Cathy's eyes sparkled, a playful grin touching her lips as she whispered, "I don't recall you winning the right to that."

He gave her a look that was both daring and amused. "Maybe," he said, "you could think of it as... charity."

"Charity?" Cathy tilted her head, her voice teasing yet authoritative. She ran her fingers along his jaw, drawing close enough that her breath warmed his cheek. "Oh, I normally believe in charity, but I distinctly remember winning every last stitch of your clothing. Meanwhile, I don't recall you earning any of mine." She paused, drawing out the suspense as her gaze traveled over him appreciatively, as if relishing her position. "So, John... why should you be allowed any of it without a suitable payment?"

His smile softened, almost bashful under her scrutiny. "I suppose that depends on what you have in mind," he murmured, his hand still resting on her sweater, fingertips grazing over the fabric, awaiting her permission to go further.

Her lips curved, her tone equal parts mischief and warmth. "Well then... what are you willing to offer? What's my sweater--every inch of it--worth to you?"

He chuckled, leaning into her, his voice rich with intrigue. "A lot, Cathy. Anything you want." His hands rested lightly on her waist, awaiting her lead.

Cathy traced her fingers along his shoulders and collarbones, savoring the feel of his bare skin beneath her hands. "I like that answer." She raised a single eyebrow, her voice softening into something tender yet commanding. "Let's make this simple. I'll let you have this--" she nodded to her sweater, "--as a gesture of goodwill. But after that," she paused to let the words sink in, "I want you to earn every inch you uncover. And to fulfill a fantasy of mine... I'd like you to kiss every part of me that's revealed, slowly, as my clothing comes off. Deal?"

The agreement hung between them, electric and tantalizing. John's breath deepened as he whispered, "Deal."

Their embrace tightened as he leaned in, pressing his lips to the first button he had freed, while her hands found his shoulders, encouraging and guiding, his gentle attentiveness awakening every sense in her.

John gently took Cathy's hand, his fingers wrapping warmly around hers as he brought it to his lips. His gaze held hers as he pressed a soft, lingering kiss onto her fingertips, his lips trailing down to each one in turn. Then, without breaking eye contact, he slowly drew her index finger between his lips, letting the warmth of his mouth and the gentle pressure of his tongue send a teasing thrill up her spine. Cathy's breath hitched, her lips parting slightly as she watched him, feeling her own excitement begin to build.

With deliberate care, John undid the next button of her sweater, leaning forward to brush his lips across the delicate skin he exposed with each release. Every kiss felt like a gentle spark, heightening the closeness between them. His mouth followed the curve of her collarbone, each warm press of his lips leaving a lingering heat on her skin. As he worked his way down, he felt her shiver, her hands steadying her as her breathing deepened with each tender kiss and caress.

Finally, with all the buttons undone, he slipped his hands to her shoulders, waiting for her silent approval before slowly sliding the cashmere sweater down her arms. Cathy assisted, guiding the sleeves off until it fell away, revealing a fitted, sleeveless white t-shirt that hugged her curves in all the right places.

He took a step back, his gaze appreciating the way the firelight highlighted her silhouette. Her shoulders and arms were subtly defined, hinting at strength beneath her softness, and he felt a deeper appreciation for the beauty she so effortlessly embodied.

Unable to resist, he leaned close, his lips finding the side of her neck as he trailed a path of gentle kisses up to the sensitive area just behind her ear. Cathy's eyes fluttered closed, and a soft sound escaped her, a sound that spoke of surrender, thrill, and satisfaction. His hand moved to cradle the back of her neck, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he continued to explore, his warm breath and the gentleness of his touch creating a delicious tension between them.

Wordlessly, he guided her down to sit before the fire, the glow casting a warm light around her as she settled on the floor. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with both anticipation and delight as he moved behind her, his hands settling on her shoulders. He began a slow, tender massage, his thumbs pressing gently into the firm muscles of her traps, working their way across her shoulders and down along the sides of her neck. She melted beneath his touch, her head tilting back slightly as she let out a soft sigh, losing herself in the pleasure he was giving her.

John found himself entranced, noticing how toned and strong her muscles were--something he hadn't fully realized before. As his hands moved, kneading and caressing, he felt both admiration and attraction intensify within him. His fingers brushed along her skin, trailing warmth with each press, each release. She leaned into his touch, her shoulders relaxing as she allowed herself to be completely present in the moment, enjoying the rare feeling of being fully seen and appreciated.

When he finally leaned forward, his lips pressing a tender kiss against the back of her neck, she felt a thrill course through her. Each caress and kiss felt like a promise, a wordless assurance that this night was as much about her pleasure and joy as it was his. Her thoughts drifted, marveling at how deeply she enjoyed his attention, at how right this felt. In his arms, she found herself letting go, savoring the beautiful balance of tenderness and passion he brought to each touch.

With her back pressed against him, John wrapped his arms around her, letting his hands rest lightly on her abdomen as he drew her close. He could feel her relax into him, her head tilting back to rest on his shoulder, exposing her neck in a gesture that felt both vulnerable and inviting. The gentle rhythm of her breath echoed his own, and as he leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear, he could sense her shiver in response.

As he reached around her from behind, his hands brushed so lightly over her breasts that the touch was almost imperceptible, a feathering caress that sent an unexpected thrill through her. The sensation was subtle yet powerful, stirring an ache that was heightened by the gentle pressure of her nipples hardening beneath the layers of her bra and T-shirt. She felt every delicate movement, her breath catching as his hands lingered, skimming down and then back up with a measured slowness that left her craving more. Each barely-there touch ignited a spark that traveled from her skin to her core, an exquisite response she couldn't hide, her body coming alive to the heat of his presence.

His hands drifted lower, grazing just beneath her breasts before sliding down again over her toned stomach to the top button of her jeans. There, he paused, letting the anticipation hang between them before slowly undoing the button and lowering the zipper, each movement careful and deliberate, as though he were savouring the unwrapping of something precious.

As his hands traveled back up her body, they rested on the hem of her fitted white sleeveless t-shirt. Her hands reached up almost instinctively, and he took his time sliding the shirt up, drawing out each inch of skin that came into view. She raised her arms with graceful ease, allowing him to lift the shirt fully, and as it slipped over her head, it revealed her shoulders, the elegant lines of her collarbones, and the smooth, firm lines of her arms.

She was now in a black bra that fit her perfectly, accentuating her physique with an understated allure that took his breath away. Her body was a striking combination of strength and grace, muscular yet lean, and he could see the subtle lines that spoke of years of dedication. The sight stirred a memory of their first coffee date, when she'd mentioned, almost in passing, that she used to compete in CrossFit before the demands of her work and the general busyness of life got in the way. At the time, she'd downplayed it, her words modest, though her smile had hinted at her pride.

As he looked at her now, appreciating the strength and symmetry of her figure, he realized how much he admired not just her appearance but her discipline and dedication. Gently, he pressed his lips to the curve of her shoulder, trailing soft, lingering kisses down her bare skin.

With gentle hands, John guided Cathy to her knees, positioning himself behind her. He took a moment to simply watch her, the firelight casting a warm glow that accentuated her toned shoulders and the elegant curve of her back. Moving slowly, he reached down, his fingers grazing her hips as he began to slide her jeans down with the utmost care, the fabric giving way to reveal her beautifully defined legs and a lacy black thong that matched the seductive simplicity of her bra.

As her jeans fell to her knees, he could barely contain his admiration, his gaze drawn to the sculpted lines of her glutes, the strength she held in her form both powerful and graceful. He felt a swell of deep affection for her, a desire to honor and worship every inch of her body, as if it were a rare treasure deserving the utmost reverence. His hands brushed along her thighs, tracing the strength and softness, reveling in the contrast.

John pulled her back against him, his arms wrapping around her in an embrace that was protective and worshipful. She fit perfectly against him, her bare skin warm against his, and she could feel his arousal pressing gently but insistently against her, a wordless expression of his need for her. Yet, this time, it was more than simple desire--he wanted this moment to be for her, to make it the most profound experience he could offer, because he felt she truly deserved it.

He pressed his lips softly to her shoulder, the warmth of his breath mingling with the coolness of her bare skin, his fingers sliding over her hips in a caress that was both tender and purposeful. As he let his hands travel upward, tracing the contours of her waist and then settling around her midriff, he realized with a quiet thrill that this was different. He'd never felt such a deep, consuming need to focus on someone else's pleasure--to pour his adoration into every touch, every kiss, so that she felt valued beyond measure.

As his fingers trailed lightly over her collarbones, they drifted lower, gliding sensuously over the fabric of her bra, feathering against her breasts in a touch that sent a subtle thrill coursing through her. Cathy's breath caught, her eyes half-closing as she felt the gentle, teasing sensation. With a steadying sigh, his hands continued their journey, moving slowly down her abdomen. He paused to play with the thin strings of her thong, his fingertips grazing her skin, hinting at deeper, more intimate explorations. Then, as his hand slid lower, pressing gently against her warmth through the delicate fabric, she couldn't hold back a soft, breathless moan, her body instinctively arching toward him.

Encouraged, he guided her to lie back before the fire, her form beautifully displayed as she settled against the soft rug, the firelight casting a warm glow on her skin. She was still in her designer jeans, though they now rested loosely around her knees, the fabric hinting at their gradual removal. As he shifted to kneel beside her, his eyes traced her every curve with reverent appreciation. Gently, he slipped his hands to the waistband, slowly drawing the jeans down her legs and setting them aside, revealing her in just her black bra and lacy thong, each detail enhancing the breathtaking vision of her before him.

In that moment, as he took in the sight of her, something shifted within him. He felt an overwhelming desire not just for her, but to create a space where she felt cherished and adored. This wasn't merely about his own satisfaction; it was about honoring her beauty and ensuring every touch, every kiss, conveyed just how much he wanted her to feel valued. It was a realization that set his heart racing--he had never felt this way before, this deep-seated need to worship someone else's pleasure above his own.

John began at her feet, tracing light, reverent kisses along each toe before moving up to her ankles, the tender contact sending a warm shiver through her. His hands skimmed her calves, massaging gently, while his lips left a trail of heat across her skin, making her feel cherished in a way she hadn't experienced before. With each inch he moved upward, his touch was delicate yet certain, his adoration clear in every gesture. She relaxed further, feeling her body respond as he continued, his lips exploring her thighs, planting soft, lingering kisses that made her melt.

As he reached her hips, his hands glided to her waist, anchoring her as he kissed his way to her abdomen. The warmth of his breath against her skin made her tremble, and she realized just how different this felt--each kiss, every gentle caress, filled with purpose and patience. When he reached her chest, his gaze softened, his hands framing her waist as he leaned down to kiss her breasts over the fabric of her bra. His lips lingered, worshipping both the fabric and the exposed areas, his kisses sending waves of pleasure through her. She could feel her heart beating faster, her senses heightened with each deliberate, gentle touch, and her pleasure intensified with each kiss, feeling more fulfilled than she'd ever imagined.

As he continued to explore her, Cathy's thoughts drifted to past experiences. She remembered feeling rushed, how the men in her past had often been so focused on their own satisfaction that they'd missed the details that made moments like this so perfect. This was different; every part of her felt seen, cherished, and savored. It was the fulfillment of fantasies she'd never thought she'd experience--moments of real connection, where her pleasure mattered just as much as his. She realized that this was everything she had longed for, and that with him, this could truly happen.

Finally, he reached her lips, his mouth warm and inviting as he kissed her with a tenderness that deepened the connection between them. Lying beneath him, Cathy felt herself surrendering fully, knowing she was exactly where she wanted to be.

In the warmth of the firelight, John leaned down, his lips grazing her ear with a smile. In a low, teasing murmur, he asked, "Do you want to pause for a bit more wine... so we can draw this out?"

Cathy's eyes flew open, a mixture of surprise and intensity in her gaze as she turned to face him. Her voice was firm, almost desperate. "Don't you dare stop."

He couldn't help but chuckle at her urgency, a glint of amusement in his eyes. Leaning closer, he slid his hands along her arms, then gently grasped her wrists to help her sit up. She rose slowly, her eyes never leaving his, filled with a need that mirrored his own. Once they were both upright, he took a quiet moment, savoring the closeness between them, his touch lingering on her arms.

With quiet satisfaction, he thought of how she'd slowed everything down while undressing him, savoring each moment, stoking the anticipation with every pause. Now, he found himself returning the favor, letting each touch stretch out, adding just a hint of delay.

As they sat facing each other, John's eyes held Cathy's, their longing glances saying more than words could capture. Slowly, he reached up, his fingers gently hooking under one strap of her bra and sliding it down her shoulder, then the other, his touch reverent. She held his gaze, her expression soft yet filled with desire, the flickering firelight casting a warm glow over both of them.

John leaned forward, wrapping his arms around her to reach the clasp at the back. But as his fingers fumbled with the tiny hooks, Cathy's mouth twitched, her eyes dancing with restrained amusement. She tried to keep a straight face, biting her lip as he struggled, but soon a giggle escaped, breaking the silence. It was soft at first, but then she burst out laughing, unable to hold back the sexy, lighthearted sound.

John paused, feeling the laughter bubbling up in himself too. He laughed along with her, shaking his head. "Guess I need some practice," he murmured, his voice warm with amusement, and the two shared a moment of laughter, their eyes meeting again, now with both humour and deepening affection.

As their laughter faded, John's hands returned to the clasp, this time with determination. After a moment of focused effort, he finally felt the hooks give way, and he let out a soft, satisfied hum. Slowly, he eased her bra off, his eyes locked on hers in an attempt to savor every second of this intimate unveiling. But as the fabric slipped away, his gaze dropped, his breath catching at the sight before him.

Her breasts were beautifully shaped, perfectly proportioned to her frame, with nipples visibly excited in the warm light. He paused, captivated, feeling the weight of the moment as his gaze returned to her face. Seeing her cheeks flush in response, he reached out, brushing a hand over her cheek, feeling the connection deepen with every passing second.

Gently, John guided her to lie back on the soft rug, and as she settled into the warmth of the firelight, Cathy raised her arms above her head, stretching out with graceful ease. Her posture elongated the soft curves of her waist and the gentle rise of her chest, her skin luminous and kissed by the flickering light.

She lay there in only her lacy black thong, her body both relaxed and alluringly posed, the firelight playing over each delicate line. Her dark hair splayed across the rug, creating a striking contrast to her flushed skin, and her eyes met his with a look that was both inviting and vulnerable. In this moment, she felt fully exposed, every part of her open to him, confident and thrillingly vulnerable.

The sight took his breath away. He let his gaze travel over her with reverent appreciation, each detail of her form drawing him closer, making him ache with a deeper, almost sacred sense of longing. This was more than he had ever expected--she was more than he had ever imagined. As John leaned in closer, he captured Cathy's lips with his, the kiss soft and tender, igniting a spark that danced between them. He savored the moment, their mouths moving together in a gentle rhythm, a silent conversation that spoke of desire and longing. After a lingering moment, he trailed his lips down her throat, planting feather-light kisses that sent shivers cascading over her skin.

The warmth of his breath against her body was intoxicating, each kiss igniting a fire within her. As he reached her breasts, he paused, blowing warm air over her nipples, the sensation making her gasp softly. The contrast of cool air and warm breath heightened her sensitivity, and she felt her body arch instinctively toward him, craving more.

He began to kiss her breasts gently, his lips brushing against her soft skin, each caress deliberate and adoring. As he lavished attention on her, he let his tongue dart out, swirling around her erect nipples, tasting her sweetness and eliciting a low, breathy moan from her lips. The pleasure built within her, each flick and gentle suck driving her higher into a realm of arousal that felt dizzying and exquisite.

His mouth continued its worship, alternating between kisses and gentle nibbles that made her heart race. She felt the heat pooling low in her belly, a deep yearning that pulsed with each movement of his mouth. It was a sensation she had longed for--a tenderness intertwined with an urgent need that left her breathless, her body responding eagerly to his every touch.

After what felt like an eternity of blissful focus on her breasts, he continued his journey down her body, kissing a trail of fire along her skin. She felt his mouth explore the contours of her abdomen, each kiss igniting a thrill that rippled through her. The anticipation built within her, a delicious tension that made her ache for him to continue.

When he finally reached the delicate lace of her thong, he took a moment to explore the straps, his fingers tracing their path with reverence. The teasing touch made her squirm, the need for release growing more urgent with each passing second. He savored the sight of her, the way her body responded to his every move--each sigh, each arch of her back only deepening his desire to please her.

He pressed soft kisses against her most erotic areas through the thong, the fabric becoming a tantalizing barrier that heightened her sensations. Cathy's breath quickened, a soft whimper escaping her as he kissed and licked, his mouth exploring her intimately, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.

With gentle sucking and each flick of his tongue, he felt pride swell within him at how turned on he had managed to make her, knowing he was focusing entirely on her pleasure. Her moans filled the air, a symphony of desire that pushed him further into his own excitement, but his attention remained on her, wanting to ensure she felt every bit cherished and adored.

Cathy's world narrowed to the sensations he was creating, each kiss igniting the embers of her desire until they blazed into a consuming fire. She could hardly think, lost in the pleasure of his ministrations, the erotic pull between them electrifying. Every touch was an invitation, a promise of the pleasure to come, and she found herself surrendering to the moment, reveling in the exquisite intimacy they were sharing.

With a shared, breathless moment, John's fingers danced lightly over the lace of Cathy's thong, and with her help, he slowly guided it down her legs. She raised her hips to assist him, the movement filled with a delightful mixture of anticipation and vulnerability. As the delicate fabric slipped away, he was struck by the sight before him--she was perfectly smooth and shaved, glistening with the sheen of her arousal. It was a vision that left him in awe, a beautiful testament to her confidence and desire.

His heart raced as he took a moment to admire her, the firelight casting a warm glow over her, illuminating her softness. With a teasing smile, he leaned down, pressing gentle kisses around her most intimate area, exploring the soft skin with reverence. He savored the sweet, tantalizing flavor that only heightened his desire. Each kiss was a promise, an invitation to explore deeper, and he relished the warmth and taste of her body, drawing her closer to the edge of bliss.

As he continued to kiss and explore, his mouth traced a path to the tender curves of her inner thighs, trailing upward until he reached the delicate folds of her femininity. With reverent attention, he began to kiss and lick along the sensitive contours, his movements slow and deliberate, each touch heightening the anticipation that coursed through her. His tongue flicked over her swollen pearl, its touch electrifying, before retreating to tease the soft folds surrounding it. He alternated between the two, each shift in focus sending new ripples of pleasure through her. Cathy's body responded instinctively, arching toward him, her breath coming in soft gasps as waves of ecstasy began to build with each carefully placed touch.

He alternated between teasing licks and gentle sucks, his mouth a perfect combination of warmth and skill. Every flick of his tongue sent shivers through her, drawing soft moans from her lips. He looked up to find her eyes closed, lost in the sensations, her fingers teasing her own nipples, amplifying her pleasure as she surrendered to the moment.

Cathy's body was a symphony of reactions, the waves of desire crashing over her, each crescendo lifting her higher. The intensity built within her, a spiral of pleasure that wound tighter with each lick, each soft kiss. He was a maestro of her pleasure, guiding her closer to the brink, and he felt an overwhelming sense of fulfillment in knowing he was giving her this experience.

As her climax surged through her, a sudden impulse took hold. Cathy gasped, her body still thrumming with pleasure, and with a swift movement, she pressed her hands against his chest, pushing John onto his back. Her desire flared anew as she climbed atop him, her slick warmth instinctively grinding against his thigh. She was utterly uninhibited, driven by a heady mix of ecstasy and urgency that pulsed through her like fire.

John's eyes widened in awe, caught off guard by her sudden shift. He watched, captivated, as her body continued to respond, her movements fueled by lingering waves of sensation. His hands rested on her hips, feeling the rhythmic pulse as she rode out her release. Each roll of her body sent a jolt through him, and he couldn't help but marvel at her confidence, at the raw beauty of her passion unfurling before him.

As the last shudders of her orgasm rippled through her, Cathy's strength softened. She collapsed against him, her breath heavy and deep, her skin dewy with a light sheen of perspiration. She let her head rest against his shoulder, eyes closed in contentment, her breathing slowly returning to normal as she melted into him. In the quiet of the moment, John held her close, reveling in the intimacy they'd created, each heartbeat a testament to the deep connection that lingered between them.

John wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, feeling the warmth of her body against his, cherishing the intimacy they had shared. In that quiet moment, he revelled in the afterglow, their connection palpable, a beautiful testament to the pleasure they had created together.

As Cathy's breath began to slow, her body softened against his, surrendering to an exhausted tranquility. Her head lay nestled in the crook of his shoulder, her warm, lightly damp skin pressing intimately along the length of his body, grounding them in the shared moment. The rise and fall of her breathing grew even, each exhale a soft, satisfied whisper against his neck. John's fingers traced gentle, lingering circles along her back, savoring the softness of her skin under his touch, moving instinctively from her shoulders down to the curve of her waist, then lightly across her rounded cheeks. Every small shift of his hand felt like a quiet connection, a gesture of reverence as he absorbed the sensation of her weight resting trustingly on him.

The room around them was silent, save for the occasional crackle from the fireplace. Its glow cast warm hues across Cathy's relaxed face, the amber light accentuating her peaceful expression. The shadows danced along the walls, stretching and swaying with the flames, creating a cocoon of stillness that wrapped around them. He watched her, mesmerized by the soft curve of her lips, slightly parted in sleep, and the way her lashes rested delicately against her flushed cheeks.

As he continued to caress her, a deep, steadying contentment settled within him, expanding slowly, filling every corner of his mind. He'd experienced intimacy countless times, but this--this was different. He couldn't recall a time he'd felt this enveloped by warmth, this connected. A rare peace washed over him, one that went beyond the satisfaction of the physical. He realized, with a slight surprise, that though he hadn't climaxed himself, he felt more fulfilled than he ever had before.

The thought took root, deepening as he let his gaze linger on her sleeping form. Cathy lay utterly relaxed and trusting, her body so close and yet completely hers, and the simplicity of it stirred something profound in him. A smile crept across his lips as he realized that this sense of contentment--this was a kind of pleasure he hadn't known he was capable of feeling. He ran his hand lightly over the curve of her thigh, absorbing her warmth, the sensation bringing him a gentle, unhurried joy that felt astonishingly complete.

He let his eyes close for a moment, basking in the flickering heat of the fire and the weight of her resting against him, allowing the feeling to settle into his bones. This wasn't about him; it was about them, about her--and that knowledge, more than anything, felt like a revelation.

To be continued...