“Now, Dr. Grant, I want you to write in your therapy notes that I’m going to be spontaneous and like it.”
“Noted, Mr. Harper.” She made a show of writing on an imaginary pad. They burst out laughing and continued the good-natured ribbing all the way down to the parking garage.
Braxton let out a low whistle when they stopped at her Kona Blue Mustang Shelby GT350. “Nice ride.”
“Thank you. I love it.” She grown up dreaming of owning the car. Her parents had given her the car on her thirty-fifth birthday, saying that they were proud of all of her accomplishments and wanted to reward Londyn for all her hard work.
“I don’t know why, but I never pictured you driving something like this.”
“Why?” Londyn asked, sliding into the driver’s seat.
“You seem so prim and proper most times.”
“Ha! I’m prim and proper Monday through Friday from eight to five, after that, I let my hair down figuratively and literally.” Putting the stick into gear she drove out of the garage and hit the road in a burst of speed.
“Whoa. Don’t you think you’re driving a little fast?’
“This isn’t fast. I can show you fast, if you like,” she said sweetly, leaning toward him and batting her eyelashes. She refocused on the road and smiled at him muttering about women and speed demons. She merged onto I-75N and half an hour later parked in the lot of Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Marietta.
Braxton eyed her suspiciously. “What are you planning?”
“I’m planning on us having lots of fun. It’s time to let that inner kid out again.” Londyn hopped out of the car and headed for the entrance. The sounds of cars racing, bowling pins crashing and lively chatter greeted them.
“Go Karts?”
“Yep. Have you been here before?”
“No, and I haven’t driven one in over twenty years.”
“Well, tonight’s the perfect time to dust off the cobwebs.”
He just shook his head and grinned. “Okay, let’s have some fun.”
They decided on the upstairs track, designed with more straightaways for less experienced drivers. Londyn was pleased to see Braxton’s competitive spirit come alive as they challenged each other round and round the track. Whizzing past the karts and hitting the curves made her feel exhilarated, much like she did when she was with Braxton.
At the end, Braxton helped her out of the go kart. “That was fun. What’s next?”
“Can you bowl?”
He shrugged. “I might be able to do a little something.”
She lifted a brow. “Alrighty now. You think you’ve got game?”
He tossed her a bold wink. “Only one way to find out.”
His quiet reflective side had captured her attention, but seeing this more carefree version of him caused Londyn to lose even more of her heart. She’d vowed not to fall in love again, didn’t want to risk being hurt and she’d broken that promise. As she’d told her friends, it was hard not to fall for a man like Braxton.
Braxton rented a lane for them and after getting shoes and finding the right balls, the competition began. “Ladies first.”
She made sure her stance was correct and sent the ball sailing down the lane. And straight into the gutter. She spun around and pointed a finger his way. “Not one word.”
“I didn’t say anything.” He tried to hide his smile, brought his hand up and pantomimed zipping his lips.
Londyn managed to pick up six pins on a spare. When Braxton stood, her gaze was glued to his firm butt in those jeans. She had never thought about a man being sexy while bowling, but this man had proved her wrong. His thighs and biceps flexed with every move, and his sensual, deliberate steps had her fantasizing about those same movements in her bed. The sound of pins flying everywhere jerked her out of her thoughts. She peered around him. Of course, he’d walked right up and gotten a strike. “Lucky,” she grumbled and got up to take her turn. This time she, too, got one.
“Okay, okay, the girl’s got a little game.”
The next time when he got up the two women in the next lane stopped what they were doing and stared at him. For the first time in her life, Londyn felt jealousy coursing through her veins.
“Londyn, it’s your turn.” Braxton touched her arm.
“What?”
“It’s your turn.” Curving his arm around her waist, he said, “How about a kiss for luck?”
“For me or you?”
“Does it matter?”
“Not one iota.” He brushed a short kiss over her lips, but she wasn’t done. Pulling his head down, she took charge of the kiss, swirling her tongue around his until she heard his soft groan.
Braxton broke off the kiss. “You keep that up and these people are going to get an eyeful.” He lifted his head. “Too late.”
She took a quick glance around and saw a number of people watching them. What has gotten into me? I do not kiss men in public. Backing out of his embrace, she picked up her ball. It took all her concentration to get it down the lane. After that impromptu kiss, Londyn’s game went steadily downhill and she barely made it to a hundred points. Braxton, on the other hand, performed as if he’d been bowling for years.
“Aw, don’t be mad, sweetheart. I’ll let you win next time,” he teased.
Londyn elbowed him in the side. “Whatever.” His warm laughter flowed around her and calmed her irritation.
“Let’s go get something to eat.”
They returned the shoes, stopped at the bathroom to wash their hands and made their way over to the grill. “I’m not that hungry,” she said, checking out the menu. “Are you opposed to sharing an appetizer?”
“No. The Andretti Platter looks good.”
She read the description—potato skins, quesadilla, spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips and several dipping sauces. “This works for me. And I’ll have a lemonade.”
He gave the order and chose the same for his drink. “Thanks for tonight.” He stared at her intently and his voice dropped an octave. ‘It’s been awhile since I’ve had this much fun and I’m looking forward to doing it again.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” His gaze warmed her from the inside out and it took everything she had not to fan herself. She needed a minute because, right now, she wanted him with everything in her. He’d said she would be able to determine the perfect time for them to take their relationship to the next step. Londyn was more than ready.
The combination of seeing Londyn’s jeans stretch taut across her round backside every time she bent over while bowling and her licking sauce off her fingers had Braxton near the end of his control. It also didn’t help watching her work the gear shift in her car. Every time she shifted, she had a habit of caressing the stick, causing him to grow harder and harder.
“Oh, my goodness, that was great.” Londyn dropped down on her sofa and leaned her head back. “Can I get you something?”
Yes. You naked in your bed. “No, I’m good.” He lowered himself next to her.
She reached for her iPad on the table and powered it on. “I need some music.” Moments later, the distinctive sound of Prince sounded throughout the room. “Ooh, this is my song.”
You have got to be kidding me. Braxton wasn’t going to make it, not with the refrain of “Do Me, Baby” running through his head. And definitely not with her singing the chorus—eyes closed, head thrown back, and arms in the air. He shifted in his seat to relieve the pressure in his groin and stripped off his jacket.
She must have noticed something in his expression because she asked, “You don’t like this song?”
“The song’s fine. It’s just that I don’t need any reminders about… I mean, it’s sort of suggestive.”
Angling her head his way, she gave him a sensual smile. “Hmm, you’re right.” She straddled his lap, gyrating against him. “And what do you plan to do about that suggestion?”
Braxton gritted his teeth and his breathing increased. “Londyn, you’re playi
ng with fire, sweetheart. I’m doing my best to wait until you’re ready, but you’re killing me.”
Londyn trailed kisses along his jaw and whispered in his ear, “Obviously, you’re not hearing what I’m telling you.”
His hands clamped down on her hips to still her movements. He was close to exploding, but needed to hear her say it. He searched her gaze for any indecision or hesitation, but only saw raw desire. “I need you to tell me what you want.”
Her eyes met his. “You, Braxton. I want you, and I want you to do me exactly how the song says…until I—”
Groaning, he crushed his mouth to hers, cutting off her erotic plea. He leaped to his feet with her in his arms. “Bedroom.”
“Hallway. Straight back.” He entered her bedroom and placed her on her feet, then waited as she turned on the lamp beside her bed.
She sauntered back to where Braxton still stood and removed her shoes. Her hands went to her sweater, but he placed a staying hand on hers.
“I’ve got this tonight. You can strip for me next time.” Braxton felt and saw her stiffen. “What is it, Londyn? If you’ve changed your mind, it’s okay.”
Londyn shook her head. “I haven’t.”
Something’s going on with her. He knew felt it as surely as his own heartbeat. Suddenly, it finally hit him. She’d been hurt by a man—and badly—if the snatches of fear and sadness she displayed on occasion were any indication. He cursed under his breath. Picking her up, he placed her in the center of the bed, then followed her down. “Do you know how beautiful you are?” he murmured, placing light kisses on her forehead, eyelids, nose and cheeks, before taking her mouth in another heated kiss. His hand searched under her top and caressed her bare skin.
She sucked in a deep breath. “Hurry, Braxton.”
“I can’t do that. You’re the woman I’ve been waiting for and I plan to take my time touching, tasting, kissing, doing each and every part of your body.” Slowly, methodically, he divested her of her clothes, lingering in each spot and attempting to convey just how much he wanted her. Braxton couldn’t heal her, but he would do his best to make her forget every man in her past and remember only him and the pleasure they shared. Cupping her breasts in his hands, he kneaded and massaged them before bending to take one nipple in his mouth. She moaned loudly. He released one breast and kissed the other while his hand traveled down her flat belly to the softness between her thighs.
Londyn cried out and arched off the bed. She pushed his shirt up and over his head. Her hands roamed purposely over his chest and arms, making his muscles contract and flex beneath her touch. “You’re beautiful, too.”
His soft laughter turned to a moan when hands moved lower and cupped him through his jeans. Braxton was nearing the end of his control. Rolling off the bed, he quickly shed the rest of his clothes and donned a condom. He kissed his way up her body until she lay beneath him, loving the feel of her soft curves against his body. He used his hands and mouth to tease and torment, taking her to the brink of ecstasy, time and time again, her passionate cries filling the room.
“Brax…Braxton.” She moaned and writhed as his hand feathered down her thigh, then back up to her core.
“Is this how you want me to do you?” Braxton parted her sensitive folds, slid one finger inside and she came with a strangled cry. He added another finger, moving them in and out and prolonging the pleasure. Withdrawing his fingers, he spread her legs with his knees, his eyes never leaving hers as he slowly pushed his erection into her, inch by exquisite inch, until he was buried deep inside her. He moaned deep in his throat at the pleasure of her tight walls squeezing him. Her eyes drifted closed. “Londyn, sweetheart, look at me.”
Londyn’s eyes fluttered open.
“This is not just sex. This is a man making love to the woman he’s falling for.”
She closed her eyes and a tear escaped. “Thank you. I needed to know that it isn’t because I want more with you.”
Her words were like music to his ears. He pulled out to the tip and plunged deep. A shudder racked his body as he started to move in slow insistent circles. He delved deeper with each rhythmic push and Londyn wrapped her legs around him, lifting her hips to meet each thrust. The sounds of their breathing increased and he set a pace that had the bed rocking. “I knew it would be this way with us,” he said. “I can’t get enough of you.” Braxton tilted her hips higher, never missing a beat. “I need to be deeper inside you, baby.”
She clutched his shoulders. “I can’t hold on,” she panted, her legs tightening around his back. Grabbing the back of his head, she thrust her tongue into his mouth. He gripped her hips tighter and his strokes came faster. Abruptly, she broke off the kiss and let out a high-pitched scream as she climaxed all around him, her feminine muscles clenching him tight.
Braxton was on the verge of exploding, but didn’t want to release just yet. He slowed the pace, thrusting with long, languid strokes, slowly rebuilding her passion.
“Braxton, I don’t think I can take much more. Please.”
Braxton plunged deeper and faster. Her whimpers and cries of passion excited him in a way he had never experienced and couldn’t explain. He gritted his teeth, feeling her nails biting into the skin on his back, but didn’t slow.
“Braxton!” She stiffened, then let out a scream that made the hairs stand up on the back of his neck. Her body shook, and her inner muscles contracted, clamping around him like a vise.
He threw back his head and exploded in a rush of pleasure that tore through him like a crack of lightning. His eyes slid closed, he groaned her name and shuddered above her as the spasms racked his body. He collapsed on her, and then shifted to his side, taking her with him. This is what I’ve been missing all my life. Braxton idly stroked her back while waiting for his breathing to return to normal.
“I think I’ve been done now,” Londyn said tiredly.
So had he. In more ways than one.
Chapter 9
“You’ve been humming that song for the past half hour,” Felicia said, staring at Londyn.
Londyn paused opening the large box filled with deodorant. “You know I love Prince.”
“Yeah, but he has a catalogue of music—"Little Red Corvette”, “Purple Rain”, “Te Amo Corazón.” Need I go on? But the only thing I’ve heard you singing is “Do Me Baby”, and with a goofy smile on your face. So, either you’ve scored coveted tickets to some hologram performance of Prince or you and Braxton finally did it.”
Busted! She had no idea that she’d been singing the song. It had been two weeks since that night with Braxton and she hadn’t been able to get the lyrics out of her mind. She still couldn’t believe she’d been so bold. The memory of his mouth all over her body started a low pulsing in her center and she closed her eyes briefly, willing it to stop.
“I’m waiting, Miss Thang.”
Londyn glanced over her shoulder to find Felicia standing on the other side of the room with her hands on her hips. “The latter one.”
A smile broke out on Felicia’s face and she pumped her fist in the air. “Yes! Was it the hot, sweaty get-your-freak-on sex?” she asked eagerly.
“No. More like the sweet, passionate, he-stole-my-heart kind of love-making.” Braxton had said it was more than just sex to him and she had felt it with every touch and kiss. “It’s weird, but he is so different in a good way.”
Felicia brought a hand to her mouth. “I don’t believe it,” she whispered. “Monique was right. You are in love with him. Have you told him about what happened with Antoine?”
“No,” Londyn said incredulously. “And I don’t plan to tell him. It’s bad enough that I know.” She was afraid Braxton would look at her differently and wonder how she could have allowed herself to get caught up with a man who’d taken advantage of her sexually and emotionally.
She came and sat on the floor next to Londyn. “You really need to tell him, Londyn. He shouldn’t have to compete with those bad memories whenever they show up.”
“We’re doing three hundred. It would’ve gone so much faster if Monique were here.” Monique had gone out of town for the weekend.
“I agree.” She scanned Felicia’s family room filled with boxes and boxes of everything from toiletries and towels to blankets and first aid supplies. “There is no way we’ll finish this today. And I’m going over to my parents’ house for dinner. They just returned from their trip. But I can come back tomorrow to help finish.”
“Thanks. Now I don’t have to stay up all night to do it. We want to distribute the tote bags next Saturday.” In addition to her day job, Felicia ran a non-profit organization that provided assistance to low-income and homeless populations.
“Well, let’s get busy.”
The two women worked for another hour opening boxes and separating items so that they would be easy to bag tomorrow before Londyn said her goodbyes and drove to her parents’ house.
“Oh, it’s so good to see you,” her mother said, when she opened the door to Londyn.
Londyn hugged her. “You look great, Mom. A month in the Caribbean was just what you and Dad needed.”
“I’ve already started planning for our next trip,” she said with a little laugh. “Of course, your father keeps saying I should at least let us unpack first before I book another one.”
“I wish I could take off a month and go somewhere, anywhere.” They entered the family room where Londyn’s father sat in his favorite recliner watching a sports channel. “Hi, Dad.”
Do Me (Irresistible Husband) Page 9