Saving Sarah

by Nan Reinhardt

  “Thank you,” Sarah whispered as they sat on the rumpled bed with crackers, cheese, strawberries, and chocolate on a tray between them.

  “For what?” Tony dipped a strawberry in the dish of warmed chocolate and popped it in his mouth.

  “For this. For”—she ducked her head, suddenly shy—“being patient. For showing me how…how good things can be. I dunno. For being okay with eating crackers in bed.” Closing her eyes, she blew a breath into her bangs, certain he’d expect her to explain the cracker comment, but he didn’t.

  Instead, he took a sip of wine, then leaned over and kissed her forehead. “First of all, this is your bed, not mine. But if you want to crunch up this package of saltines, scatter it across the sheets, and roll in it together, baby, that’s what we’ll do.”

  Relief washed over her at the touch of his lips. God, how she loved him. And dear Lord, how delicious his touch had been—the feel of him against her skin. She glanced down at her thighs, reddened from the rasp of the stubble on his cheeks above the perfectly trimmed beard. She’d forgotten that sex could be making love. For so long, it had been terror and pain and ritual humiliation. She dropped her head back, shuddering at the memory.

  “Hey?” Tony ran one finger down her throat to the V of his shirt where it buttoned over her breasts. “Wherever you just went, come back.”

  “Sorry.” Shaking her head, Sarah met his eyes for a moment before hiding behind her wine glass.

  “No.” He set the tray aside and scooted closer to her. “Don’t apologize.” His hands on her thighs were warm and firm. “Talk to me. I mean, if you want to. I’m here. I’ll always listen. Only don’t go away, okay?”

  “I’m here.” Sarah cupped his cheek with her free hand. “Why do you think I’m not here?”

  “Sometimes you get a look—a sad, sort of closed-up expression—that tells me you’re back in the”—he gazed at the framed photos on the wall above her head—“blackness. I know it happens and may always happen now and again, but let me help you stay in the light.” His white teeth gleamed in the low lights of the bedside lamps as he bit his lower lip, clearly weighing his words. “I know I can’t fix your past with this.” Pointing to his crotch, he gave her a rueful smile, then set one hand over his heart. “But I hope I can with this.”

  Sarah’s breath caught in her throat. “Oh, Tony, I—”

  He put his fingers to her lips. “No, you don’t have to respond. I’m not asking you for anything at all. I just want you to know I’m in.” He replaced his fingers with his lips—a gentle lingering kiss that turned Sarah’s insides to mush.

  “You make me very happy, Deputy,” she said when he pulled away. Although she was longing to, she couldn’t say the words that were simmering in her heart.

  I love you.

  It was too soon. Although she was healing, she was still too broken, and Paul was still out there, searching for her. Until she was completely free from him and from the past, she couldn’t drag Tony into her mess of a life. But this—what they had right now, right here—was so good. Setting her glass on the bedside table, she reached down between his legs to caress him through his boxers. “And for the record, you did some damned impressive fixing here tonight.”

  He gave her a long look and a smile that told a much more serious story than his next words. “It’s what I’m famous for, baby.” Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he replaced his own wine on the night table and shoved the tray to the far side of the wide bed. Like a snake shedding its skin, he slithered out of the boxers as he stood up and turned to face her with a lascivious grin. Striking a pose like a male model, he stood by the bed suggestively rotating his hips.

  She rolled her eyes. “I know. Your prowess was the talk of the winery tonight. ” Her fingers skated over his belly and moved down from there. Amazed at her own daring, she tugged gently, bringing him toward her. A shiver raced through her.

  God, he’s delicious. And naked. We’re naked.

  How did we get this comfortable? How did I?

  Tony sucked in his breath, caught her fingers in his, and plopped back down on the bed. “We are still talking about dancing, right?” He slipped his arm around her, drawing her against his warm body. “I mean, everybody in town knows I’m a wicked combination of Fred Astaire, John Travolta, and Ryan Gosling on the dance floor. How’d you miss that memo?”

  “Somehow that never came up over coffee at the Grind. I certainly saw it tonight, though.” Sarah snuggled once more against his heat, unable to keep her hands or eyes off him. “And exactly what other hidden talents do you have?”

  “Several others actually.” He pressed her onto her back, leaning over her, his too-long salt-and-pepper hair falling into his eyes. “How about a demonstration?”

  “Okay,” Sarah agreed, the hot desire in his eyes sending a surge of heat right to her center. “Show me.”

  Planting tiny nibbling kisses on her neck and face, he reached for the buttons of his shirt, slipping them open with a speed that amazed her. “What do you think they are?” he whispered, licking her ear and biting the lobe gently. “What do you want me to do?” He cupped one breast, stroking the hardened nipple with his thumb. “Talk to me, Sarah. Tell me how to love you.”

  “Oh, God.” She moaned when he ran his fingers across her ribcage, tickling her softly, then following the same path with his lips. She smoothed her hands across his broad back, moving downward to his hips before sliding one around to grasp his hardening erection.

  Swiftly he sat back on his heels, capturing her fingers before she reached her goal. “Nope,” he said with a wicked grin. “This is about you. Your pleasure.” He released her hand. His eyes pinned her to the bed as he dipped his finger in the chocolate on the tray next to them. Bringing it to his mouth, he sucked the sweet liquid off slowly, sensuously. “Stop me if something isn’t okay.” He eyed her, clearly watching for some kind of signal.

  Spellbound, she nodded, watching as he took another fingerful of warm chocolate. With one hand, he pushed the shirt apart and painted the chocolate between her breasts and over her stomach, following her flat belly to the thatch of hair at the juncture of her thighs.

  She lay perfectly still, hands clenched at her sides as he leaned down and leisurely, erotically lapped at the chocolate with warm swipes of his tongue.

  “Tony…” His name came out on a groan.

  He slid his hands up over her breasts, squeezing the flesh, rolling her taut nipples between his finger and thumb. Delicious sensation after sensation swept over her. His hands sent tremors through her. Then he moved down between her legs. Gripping the quilt, she closed her eyes.

  “Do you know how hungry you make me?” he murmured, his breath hot on her belly. “Do you have any idea?” Dipping his finger into the chocolate once again, he painted another line down the soft skin of her inner thigh. “Is this okay?”

  “Yes,” she moaned as he kissed and licked the sauce away. “Yes!”

  “And this?” He ran his chocolate-coated fingertip down her heated center, following it with his tongue. Grasping her hand, he brought it down to his mouth and pressed a kiss into her palm. “Sarah, look at me.”

  She lifted her head to gaze into his smoldering eyes. Electricity sizzled between them.

  “Tell me what pleases you,” he whispered.

  She thrust her hands into his hair, guiding him back to her body. “You, always you.” Her voice came out husky with need. “You please me.”

  * * * *

  The sound of the shower woke her, and Sarah rolled over to blink at the clock. Seven thirty. It was morning. She’d slept for a solid six hours without waking once. A miracle! She never went to sleep after Paul was done with her. Pain and fear kept her wide-eyed, terrified that he’d roll over and brutalize her again. But this time she’d drifted off in Tony’s arms, sated and safe, and now he was in her shower.

  She stretched luxuriously, feeling sore in muscles she never even knew existed. A good kind of sore.r />
  What a night!

  The wine bottle and tray still sat on the bedside table, the chocolate hardened now and pulling away from the side of the dish.

  Oh God, the chocolate.

  Heat rose in her cheeks just thinking about what he’d done with that sweet treat. Maybe it time for a little reciprocation. She hesitated, biting her lip. Could she do this? Just go with her desires? Sitting up, she tossed back the covers and climbed out of bed. Sure she could.

  Grabbing his shirt from the floor where it had landed, she plucked a condom from the bedside drawer, and tiptoed into the bathroom.

  Tony stood under the shower, water pouring over his head, his lanky frame shadowed by the glass door.

  After dropping the shirt in the sink, she opened the door and slipped in behind him. Sliding her arms around his waist, she pressed her lips to his broad back and felt rather than saw his smile.

  “Good morning, Deputy.” She hoped she had the right touch of sultry in her voice. Tensing under the warm spray, he started to turn around, but she kept her place behind him, holding him still. “I didn’t get a chance to show you any of my secret talents last night.”

  “Your secret talents?” He reached back to touch her hips. “I’m intrigued.”

  She swiveled away from him as best she could in the cramped space. “Care for a demonstration?” Smoothing her hands down his belly, she let her finger follow the arrow of hair that grew there. He shook with laughter, even though he didn’t make a sound as her hands moved lower.

  “I am longing for you to”—he gasped as she found her goal—“show me your hidden talents.” As she took the weight of him in her hands, his voice roughened. “Already I can see that you’re quite adept.”

  “Are you sure you’re not too tired after last night?” she asked, rubbing her breasts against his dripping back.

  “I’m not too tired,” he replied in strangled voice. He reached behind him again, but she grabbed his hands and brought them back around, and down. Then farther down. She placed his fingers on his burgeoning erection. Resting his head against the shower wall, he gazed down at their hands on him.

  “Adept?” Sarah whispered, pressing her lips to his shoulder, licking the water droplets. “I could be even more adept if you show me how. What pleasures you? What’s your fantasy?”

  He took her hand, wrapped her fingers around him, and moved them for her, stroking, slowly. Up and down. “You, my love. Only you.”

  His hip muscles tightened. His breath came faster as she caressed him. Desire flamed low in her core as her sensitive nipples nudged his back. Touching him like this was beyond erotic. She experimented. More pressure. A little less. Then more again as the water poured over them. Her own arousal grew to an almost unbearable level as she used her hands to pleasure him. She’d never known she could become so stimulated simply touching a man this way.

  “Sarah, I’m…losin’ it…here,” Tony growled. He caught her fingers in his. Turning around, his eyes widened when she handed him the condom that she put on the shelf behind her. In seconds, he was sheathed and he pulled her up on her toes. Knees bent, he cupped her bottom and lifted her to thrust into her heated core.

  She was more than ready for him. Wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, she held on for dear life.

  Driving her back against the shower wall, he took her, his tongue emulating the thrusting of his hips as they moved together hungrily. Their coupling was hot and swift and wordless. When it was done, they leaned against one another, panting under the now-lukewarm shower.

  Enfolding her in his arms, he held her next to his wet skin, his lips on her forehead. As he stroked her hair, she raised her face to him, to the spray. He claimed her mouth with a sweet gentleness that countered the unrestrained ferocity of their lovemaking.

  “How did we ever accomplish that remarkable bit of gymnastics?” Sarah’s voice was full of wonder when he lifted his head.

  “Lust!” Tony replied. “Lust and adrenaline! Plus it helps that you’re little and I’m big.” He tugged her back for another kiss.

  “No doubt,” she agreed. Pivoting in his arms, she let the water hit her back as she reached behind him for shampoo. With more kisses and touches, they finished showering.

  “What’s on your agenda today?” he asked as they dried off.

  “It’s Sunday, so nothing’s happening at the shelter. I thought maybe I’d go over and check on the floors.” She tucked a towel tighter around her damp body.

  Naked, Tony borrowed her comb, running it through his damp hair as he stood behind her at the vanity mirror. He put his arms around her and pulled her back against him. “I’m starving. What are we making for breakfast?” His lips touched the back of her neck.

  She shivered as she met his eyes in the mirror. “I like how you said we.”

  “We’re in this together, baby.” Releasing her, he headed toward the bedroom. “I’ll be right back. I’m gonna run down to the boat and change. I’ve got some clothes in my cabin.” He pulled his khakis over his naked, glorious behind and tossed on his shirt, leaving it open. Gathering up his socks and boxers, he peered around the bathroom door. “Okay if I take your keys so I can lock up behind me?”

  Nodding assent, Sarah wanted him all over again, not only because he was delectable in his unbuttoned shirt and bare feet, but also because he acknowledged that he needed to lock up, even though he was only going a few hundred yards away.

  She dried her hair and dressed slowly, still feeling his hands and mouth on her, causing the now-familiar tingling between her legs.

  Lord, I’m insatiable. How long can this last?

  Reality had to set in eventually. A chill developed in the pit of her stomach when she thought about Paul showing up in Willow Bay, which he was bound to do. No way would he give up his search. Inevitably, someone in Chicago would give him some seemingly insignificant piece of information and he’d be hot on her trail. The internet made disappearing damn near impossible. She didn’t have a doubt he’d track her down, and she didn’t have a clue what she would do when he did. Her stomach tightened at the thought as she heard Tony’s step on the deck.

  Stop it, she told herself. Just enjoy the moment.

  TWENTY-ONE

  “Why are we meeting at the shelter instead of at town hall?” Sarah grumbled, scurrying to keep up with Julie, whose long legs carried her along Waterfront Street much faster than Sarah’s shorter ones.

  They were on the way to the weekly meeting of the shelter’s board of directors; however, they were walking this evening. Ever since they’d consumed two entire plates of brownies, untold slices of pizza, and several bottles of wine at Libby’s fundraiser a couple of weeks ago, Julie had gotten a bee up her butt about all of them needing more exercise. Little did she know, Sarah was getting plenty of exercise—in her bed, in Tony’s bed, in his cabin on the Allegro. Dear God, even in the cab of his pickup one late night in the shelter parking lot. Hot and heavy sex with Tony burned calories by the hundreds.

  “Because I found an awesome dining room table that seats like sixteen and I want you to see it.” Julie’s words nearly got carried off on the breeze from the harbor.

  “I was there this morning. I didn’t see any table.” Picking up speed, Sarah caught up to her friend. “Besides, there’s no rug in the dining room yet. We need a rug under the table and chairs, otherwise the floor’s going to get all scratched up.”

  “Stop worrying.” Turning west up Ninth Street, Julie waved away her concern. “It’s all handled, I promise.”

  “Did you buy a rug?”

  “Actually, I found a rug. Will and I went to our storage place and raided the stuff from my old house. A lot of it went to auction when I sold the house, but I hung onto some things I thought I might want later. I’ve only used a couple of pieces since I bought the condo, though, so I figured why not see what would work in the shelter?” Thankfully, she slowed her pace as they neared Eastern Avenue. Sarah had been taki
ng two steps for every one of Julie’s. “I had a huge Persian area rug that fit under the table, and it looks amazing.”

  They took the last few hundred yards to the shelter at a more reasonable pace. Sarah couldn’t help stopping at the end of the long curved driveway to admire their handiwork. The wrought-iron fence was gone, as were the big gates and brick posts that had separated the old place from the rest of the town. Several discussions about whether or not to replace the fencing had ensued at board meetings, with Sarah vacillating between wanting to be locked in and not wanting to draw attention to the place with a high enclosure.

  Ultimately, dollars won out. The cost of replacing that much wrought iron was simply prohibitive, and any other kind of fence would look tacky or wouldn’t serve the purpose. She didn’t really mind. The house was securely alarmed and much more unobtrusive without a tall fancy barricade.

  As they rounded the curve in the driveway, she caught her breath at what had been added after she’d left that morning. A white picket fence now surrounded the yard directly in front of the house, with an arched latticework arbor over the sidewalk leading to the porch.

  Opening the gate in the arbor, Julie stepped aside and let Sarah pass through first. Some enterprising soul had tilled garden space along the fence row, and the air was redolent with the scent of freshly turned earth. For now, pots of golden mums stood sentry on either side of the arbor. Sarah pivoted, taking in the lovely addition, already picturing lavender and daisies and other perennials making a colorful border inside the picket fence.

  “Oh, dear Lord, how perfect!” she exclaimed just as she noticed the entire board standing shoulder to shoulder on the top two steps, as well as Henry, Liam, Libby, and Noah. Towering over all of them on the porch stood Tony, looking delicious in a light-blue button-down shirt.