“To forget?” he asked, his voice still rough.
Her lips curved ever-so-slowly as she recognized his own insecurity. Her head moved back and forth in slow motion. “No, to remember. To remember what it’s like to feel wanted and desired. To remember what it’s like to be a woman.” Seeing the fire flame through his eyes, she added, “And, because I want to be kissed by you.”
A squeak emitted from her lips as he squeezed tighter, lifting her into his arms. Freeing her hands from between their chests, she clutched his shoulders as he walked over to her bed. Bending, he gently laid her on the mattress, her head on a pillow, then twisted his body to lie next to her. Sliding one of his arms under her neck, he grasped her hips with his free hand and pulled her toward him.
Facing each other, she slid her arm around his back, her fingers trailing over the soft material of his T-shirt, feeling the muscles underneath. Closing the slight distance, his mouth settled over hers. His lips, both soft and strong, commanded and teased all at the same time. As his tongue swept inside her mouth, she once again felt the sensations jolt through her. Her breasts felt heavy as her nipples tingled, and she felt a spasm in her womb.
Clutching him tighter, she wanted to erase any space between their bodies. Swept away by the waves of passion just from his kiss, she wanted nothing more than this man, right now, right here, in her bed.
His kiss was claiming, and yet giving. She allowed him to take control, gently moving her head so that he could delve his tongue deeper. The fingers at her hip clenched and she felt each one as though branded. Their kiss became more urgent, heads moving back and forth, noses bumping, each swallowing the other’s groans.
Wanting to be closer, her hips began to undulate, desperately seeking friction. Sliding her leg over his, she jolted, breaking apart with a gasp. “I’m sorry,” she rushed, eyes wide. “I don’t want to do anything to hurt you.”
He chuckled and slid one hand from her hip to pat his leg. “Baby, there’s nothing you could do to hurt this.”
The last thing she had meant to do was break the kiss and ruin the mood, but she watched as he slid his hand back to her, up her side to cup her cheek. As his thumb moved over her face, he sighed.
“I want you to be comfortable, Lizzie. So we can take this as slow as you need.” Bending forward to place a soft kiss on her lips, once again he leaned back and said, “We can talk. You can ask me anything.”
She licked her lips, staring at his handsome face. She had so many questions. Questions about his injury. Questions about his rehabilitation. Questions about his life before and after the military. He was strong and courageous, but right now, in that moment, she saw a flash of vulnerability move through his eyes, and she wondered about his own fears.
“Is it scary?” she whispered. From the slight jolt of his head, she could tell that he was not expecting that question. Hurrying to explain, she continued, “Is it scary to start a new relationship?”
Understanding dawned, and he gave a mournful smile. Before answering, he shifted in the bed, rearranging them so that his back was against the pillows at the headboard, and she was tucked next to him, her face turned up toward so that they could hold each other’s eyes.
“I had a girlfriend,” he began. “I met her when I was stationed in the States before doing a tour overseas. I didn’t like to hang out in bars, not interested in women who just wanted to bang a soldier. She was a civilian who worked in one of the offices on the base. We dated for six months and were very serious about each other. We talked about getting engaged before I had to leave but decided to wait until I got back. I suppose I thought it was a way to bind her to me, but I respected her wish to wait.”
Wanting to see his face clearly, Lizzie shifted again on the bed so that she was facing him, one hand on his thigh and the other linked with his.
“We wrote to each other. Skyped with each other. She even told me that she regretted our not being engaged because she wanted to get married as soon as I came home.”
Her heart pounding, Lizzie spoke softly. “I take it that didn’t happen since you’re obviously not married now.”
A rueful snort emitted. “No, it didn’t happen. She came to see me in the hospital when I finally got back to the States. She tried, but in the end, she just could not see herself being happy with me. I had several surgeries, long rehabilitation, and had to learn to walk again. Multiple fittings with various prosthetics to see which one would work the best.” Shrugging, he said, “I could tell she wasn’t happy but was just staying out of guilt. We had a long talk, and she admitted that she could not see being married to me, even though she knew that made her look bad.”
“You think?” Lizzie bit out, her back now ramrod-straight. Throwing her hands out to the side, she said, “She was never ready for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. If she was, then she would never have needed to bail! And she was worried about looking bad? Jesus, Scott… as sorry as I am that you had to go through that, she didn’t have the strength it takes to weather whatever storms come!”
Furious for him, she let out a huff then lifted her gaze back to his, seeing his wide-eyed surprise. Pressing her lips together, she dropped her chin to her chest, mortified that she had just blasted the woman he had once been in love with.
She felt his knuckle on her chin and he lifted, now surprised to see his wide smile. Before she had a chance to apologize, he chuckled.
“Damn, woman. I’ve been on the end of your fire, but it’s a lot more fun when your fire is directed at someone else on my behalf.”
Shoulders slumping, she said, “Don’t tease me, Scott. I should’ve kept my mouth shut, but I just hate that you were going through so much and then had to take on the burden of losing her at the same time.”
Leaning forward, he kissed her lightly before settling back against the pillows, a smug smile resting on his face. “It was tough at the time, babe, but I realized pretty quickly that she wasn’t the right person for me. Since then, I’ve dated some but no one special… no one who has the kind of strength to handle what life throws at them. Something, by the way, you have in spades.”
Coming from him, the words meant so much, gliding over her and filling the empty spaces deep inside.
17
From Lizzie’s questions and the fact that they were laying on her bed, Scott knew they had moved to the part of the relationship that most people never have to face. The amputation. He wished, with the hope of intimacy, the subject could be as easy as talking with one of his friends. But that had never proven to be so.
He held her gaze and waited for the questions that would now inevitably come since he had thrown open the doors to his past. He watched as she rolled her lips in, pressing down, her gaze not leaving his face. Finally, unable to wait any longer, he asked, “What are you thinking? What’s on your mind?”
“I was just wondering… well, I was hoping…”
“Lizzie, it’s okay. Ask whatever questions you want.”
Tilting her head to the side, she jutted out her chin slightly and blurted, “I was wondering when you were going to kiss me again.”
He blinked. Slowly. Twice. Her response was not what he expected, although he could not deny it was what he hoped for. Grinning, he replied, “If you’re ready, there’s no time like the present.”
Her lips curved into a beautiful smile, and she nodded as she shifted her body closer, almost laying across his chest as she brought her face toward his. “I’m ready.”
His arms banded around her body, pulling her close. He wanted to share his life with her but was thrilled he did not have to dissect everything with her all at one time.
Their lips met, and just like before, he felt the electricity move through his entire being. There was a hesitancy in her kisses, but he now felt it was more innocence than concern. He had no idea what her sexual experience was and did not care. All he wanted was the drug-inducing, lust-flaming headiness that filled his entire being when her lips met his and she
moaned slightly into his mouth.
She shifted, throwing one leg over his thighs, straddling him. His cock swelled painfully, swearing he could feel her heat through their clothes. His fingers gripped her ass, digging into the softness. Noses bumped, tongues tangled, and their breathing came in pants.
Lizzie finally leaned back, and he stared at her lips, swollen with his kisses, and her hooded eyes as her gaze stayed on his mouth.
Both trying to catch their breath, he said the only intelligent thing that came into his mind. “Wow.”
Her eyes jumped to his, and her grin widened as a giggle slipped out. “Yeah, wow.”
They stared at each other for a long moment, but just as she was about to lean in for another kiss, his fingers squeezed on her ass once more. “It’s killing me to say this, babe, but I really should be leaving.”
Seeing the wide-eyed shock on her face, he rushed, “All I want to do is strip you naked, lay you on this bed, and plunge myself deep inside.” He hesitated, waiting to see what her reaction to his words would be.
“Then why don’t you?” she asked, her voice raspy as her fingers dug into his shoulders, her gaze full of pleading.
His heart soared at her words, but he drew upon all of his strength to shake his head slowly. “Because I want to do the right thing, Lizzie. It’s been a long day and an emotional evening clearing out Beau’s room. When we make love, I want you to be sure. Not only sure of what we’re doing, but when we’re doing it.”
She looked as though she were going to object, then snapped her mouth shut, thoughts working behind her eyes. Slowly, she nodded. “While I admit I want to have you stay with me and be with me in every sense of the word, what you’re saying makes sense. I don’t want you to do anything that you would regret either.”
She leaned forward and kissed him lightly, and he was sure he had never tasted anything so sweet in his life. Climbing from her bed, they stood and kissed once more. Linking fingers, they walked out into the hall, and he saw the bags that had been left there.
“Make sure to leave them, and I’ll come tomorrow and haul them off for you.” Tapping her nose with his finger, he said, “Promise you won’t try to lug them downstairs yourself?”
Rolling her eyes, she nodded. “I promise. But are you sure you have time tomorrow?”
“My day usually finishes about four p.m., so I can come then, if that’s all right.”
“How about I fix you dinner?”
Grinning, he nodded. “Can’t think of a better way to start out my week than with your home cooking.”
Hand in hand, they walked downstairs and through the house to the kitchen door. Giving her promise that she would lock up after him, he called to Rufus and they headed out to his truck. Driving away this time was one of the hardest things he had done. The pull to have stayed with her in her bed was strong. But so was the desire for self-preservation as well as caring for Lizzie.
Sighing heavily, he leaned his hand over and scratched Rufus’ head. “You like the farm, don’t you, boy?” A moment passed, and he added, “Yeah, me too. The farm and Lizzie.”
Later, his hand was pressed against the wet shower bench, the water sluicing over him as his other hand worked his cock. Eyes closed, he imagined the feel of gliding deep inside the warmth of Lizzie’s sex.
With his head thrown back, he roared through his orgasm. He had grown used to using his hand, finding it too exhausting to seek out a willing woman and not finding anyone he wanted to have a relationship with. But this time was different. With the vision of Lizzie in his mind, this orgasm had rocked his body, and he could not imagine what it would be like when he could finally lay with her. And as he finally caught his breath, he smiled.
The day was dragging. With no clouds in the sky, the hot sun was relentless as it beat down on Lizzie. She made sure to keep the animals in the pastures that had the most trees where there was plenty of shade.
Having spent the afternoon replenishing her supplies of goat milk lotion and soap, she continually looked at the clock, willing the time to move faster so that she could see Scott again. The chicken was marinating in buttermilk, the apple pie was cooling, and the fresh vegetables were ready to be cooked.
She closed her eyes as she wrapped her arms tightly around her waist, imagining the feel of his body pressed to hers. When she had straddled him last night, she’d felt his erection and if he had agreed, she would have slept with him easily. She could still feel the touch of his lips on hers, and her breasts ached for the same.
Soon, please let it be soon. She respected his desire to take things slow, knowing that he did not want her to feel rushed or pressured. It was true, she had only gotten to know the real Scott in the past couple of weeks, but what she knew coincided with everything Papa Beau had told her. Kind and caring. Strong and capable.
And now, she knew what his hands felt like on her ass and his tongue in her mouth and could not wait for more. Hearing the goats bleating, her eyes jerked open and she glanced at the clock on the wall.
Washing her hands in the kitchen sink, she looked out toward the pastures but did not see the alpacas. Grabbing a dish towel, she dried her hands as she hurried toward the door. Sliding her feet into her work boots, she hustled outside and hurried to the pasture. Still not finding the alpacas, she opened the gate and walked into the field, closing the gate behind her. The pasture was large, but there was nowhere for the alpacas to hide other than the shade of the trees.
Turning in a circle, her heart stuttered as her feet did the same, seeing part of the fence knocked over. “Shit!” she cried out, running toward the opening, her feet pounding across the dirt and grass. She spied Caesar standing in the road and tried to still her unsteady heartbeat as she climbed through the broken fence and slid down the short gravel hill toward him.
A vehicle was coming over the crest of the hill just as she saw Cleopatra ambling toward the road from the other side. She was sure the driver would see the large alpacas, but fear had her rushing to them, waving her hands wildly.
As the vehicle neared, it stopped, and her breath left her lungs in a rush as she observed Scott’s wide-eyed expression peering back at her. He climbed from the SUV and she began screaming, “Help me! Help me get them back in!”
Cleopatra made her way to Caesar, both animals standing nearby, staring at her as though they did not have a care in the world.
“Will they follow you?” Scott called out.
Shaking her head, she replied, “I don’t think so.” Jolting, she added, “Wait! Let me go get some food! See if you can find Mark Antony, but if anyone else comes down the road, keep the other vehicles away from them!”
Without giving Scott a chance to agree, she turned and scrambled back up the gravel incline, climbed through the broken fence once again, and raced toward the barn. She grabbed a metal bucket off a hanger on the inside of the barn and filled it with feed. Seeing a rope, she slipped it around her shoulders, not knowing if it would be needed.
Turning, she ran, retracing her steps. She ignored the burning in her lungs as she skidded back down the gravel on her ass, nearly dumping the bucket of feed.
“Be careful, Lizzie,” Scott called out as he hurried to her. With his hands underneath her armpits, he lifted her up, taking the rope from her shoulder. “I don’t see Mark Antony but try to get Cleopatra and Caesar to follow you.”
She did not have to worry because the two alpacas had already captured the scent of the feed in the bucket and trotted over to where she stood. Looking up, she said, “Scott, take the bucket and lead them back into the pasture.” The thought hit her that he might not be able to maneuver the gravel incline with his prosthetic limb, but before she had a chance to voice her concern, he took the bucket from her.
“Don’t worry about us. I’ve got them.” With the two hungry alpacas following the feed, Scott managed to climb up to the broken fence, leading Caesar and Cleopatra.
Knowing he would take them all the way to the barn, she raced
to the other side of the road and up the incline. She had no idea where Mark Antony may have wandered, but he must have known his friends were being fed because he came trotting out from a grove of trees nearby.
Seeing him safe, she had to lock her knees to keep them from buckling. Calling out to him, she had no trouble looping the rope around Mark Antony’s neck, leading him back down to the road and across before making the climb back up into her pasture. By then Scott had the others secure in the barn and was hustling back toward her.
“I’ll get my SUV and bring it into your drive,” he said, cupping her face and leaning forward to kiss her forehead before he headed back to the road again.
Grumbling all the way, she managed to get the third alpaca into their pen, securing them carefully before giving them their evening feed. Walking from the barn, she met Scott by the pasture. “I need to see what happened.”
Retracing her steps for what felt like the hundredth time, she approached the broken fence post and knelt to examine the wood.
“Did they push against it and knock it over?” Scott asked, coming up behind her, Rufus on his heels.
Staring in abject horror, Lizzie’s blood began to race through her body at the sight of the cut fence post. It wasn’t old. It wasn’t rotten. It was cut… on purpose.
18
Scott glanced toward the farmhouse, knowing that Lizzie was safely ensconced in the kitchen with Carrie, Belle, and Katelyn. Jack was in the barn, mucking out the stalls and keeping an eye on the animals in the pasture.
Swinging his gaze back to the men in the field, he watched as Colt and Hunter carefully looked over the cut fence and surrounding area as Deputy Robbins took pictures.
Count On Me: Baytown Boys Page 13