by Lynn Hunter
She backed quickly to the center of the room clutching the sides of her robe together. Her holding her robe so tightly together brought to his attention she was naked underneath. He watched her in silence as the towel in her hair slowly slid down to the floor. She didn’t try to stop it. He doubted she would ease the death grip on her robe to hide her hair.
She looked scared and he just pushed his way into her room with an obvious hard on. Shit, he gritted his teeth and took a deep breath trying to calm his body. He felt like he was burning alive. All he wanted was to lay her down and taste every inch of her body before sinking into her so deep she would never get out. Damn he wanted her, but she didn’t seem to realize this was attraction between them, not anger.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Lily. I just want to talk,” he said taking another step.
She licked her lips nervously. “Please don’t come any closer,” she whispered.
He took another step closer and she took another step back. The tension between them grew and he felt the hair on his neck stand up. If he didn’t say something to calm her down soon, she would lose it. He could practically hear her nerves crackle. Words were not his strong suit. He knew many other creative ways to get her to relax but he doubted she would be open to that. Yet.
Lily wouldn’t believe Sam just forced his way into her room. And why wasn’t she screaming bloody murder? His eyes changed to a darker blue and he seemed to watch her like she was prey. His aggression had an embarrassing effect on her body. Her breasts grew heavy and she felt a slickness and throbbing between her thighs. Her stomach clenched and she couldn’t hold back a tiny moan. Oh God, what was wrong with her? She squeezed her eyes shut and dropped her head forward.
“I promise I’m not going to hurt you, but I just can’t leave you alone,” his deep voice was strangely…. calming.
“Why?” she asked a desperately.
“Damned if I know,” he let out a rough breath and she brought her head up in time to see him run a frustrated hand through his short hair.
It made her feel a little better to know he was feeling out of sorts too. Lily tried to reason with him. “Why don’t you go home, Sam, I don’t need you to stay.”
His gaze sharpened on her face and her breath hitched when he took another step closer. “I want to stay.”
She could feel his body heat from a few feet away. She kept wondering what it would be like to press her body against him to ease the ache she seemed to have lately. She pressed her thighs together and shuddered. She turned her face away trying to shut him out.
“Lily,” he reached out and touched her cheek with strong, calloused fingers. “So soft. I knew it would be.” His voice seemed to vibrate through her body and she shivered again.
Would she be betraying herself if she rubbed her cheek against his palm? She just wanted a little touch or caress. He stepped even closer and touched his body to hers. The brush of his hard body made her breathing speed up. Stepping away from him she groped behind her for the bed. Needing to sit down before she fell since her legs turned to jelly. She rubbed a hand over her face and then looked up at him from the foot of the bed. It took about a second before she was aware she was eye level with his thick arousal. Heat climbed from her toes to the roots of her hair. She scrambled up the bed to put some space between them.
Sam’s hand snaked out and wrapped around her ankle. Her body went liquid and she didn’t even try to pull away. Her eyes met his and she saw raw possession and satisfaction glittering in his eyes. Her breath caught when his thumb started rubbing circles on the inside of her ankle. His hands were warm and sent and electric shock up her leg straight to her most sensitive places.
“You’re soft here too, baby, where else are you soft?” he growled and leaned forward putting a knee on the bed. Lily fell back on her elbow, still holding her robe together with one hand. Unable to do anything else, she just watched as he crawled up her body. “Do you like it when I touch you, Lily?” He let go of her ankle and waited for her answer, studying her face intently.
She didn’t want to answer. She just wanted him to take the decision out of her hands. But he wanted her answer. He held his weight off her with strong arms. His face looked harsh with arousal. When she didn’t answer him, he started to pull away.
“Yes.” she whispered.
Sam’s eyes zeroed in on her face. He looked so in control. She’d never even talked to a man like him let alone lay almost naked under one. Breaking eye contact with him, she flopped down on her back and threw an arm over her eyes. She just needed to catch her breath.
The touch of his rough fingers on the outside of her thigh made her jump. The jump made her body come in contact with his. The brief contact felt so good she immediately wanted to do it again. A whimper left her throat and she pulled her arm away from her face. Sam was staring at his hand caressing her thigh.
“You’re soft here too.”
He settled his weight next to her on the bed. His hand moving up from her thigh under her robe to her hip. All she could do was stare at him as he brought his face close to the sensitive spot between her neck and shoulder. He nuzzled her robe out of the way and the soft brush of his beard made her whole body quiver. He kissed her shoulder then moved to her ear.
“And here,” he kissed behind her ear.
She moaned and tentatively reached up to place a hand on his solid shoulder. His muscles felt tense but he was so gentle with her. He groaned and his hand started rubbing maddening circles on her hip. Her body began moving of its own violation closer to the heat of his.
“Show me where else you’re soft, Lily,” he growled in her ear.
She almost climaxed from the excitement she felt along her nerve endings. She squeezed her thighs together again feeling empty.
“Show me baby and I can make that ache go away.”
Yes Yes Yes. Her brain chanted. But she still hesitated. He rubbed his cheek against hers.
“I want you so bad, baby, but I’ll only touch you today. I want to make you feel good.”
Lily moved shaky fingers to the tie on her robe. All of a sudden, insecurities seeped into her thoughts. She couldn’t bare her body to him. Her body changed during pregnancy. She had stretch marks on her stomach and breasts and was plump in places she used to be firm. She gripped the lapels of her robe tightly. After he saw would he turn away, or worse, touch her out of pity? She glanced down at his body. He was so strong and hard. What was she doing? Of course, she would pale in comparison.
“I-I can’t. Maybe we should stop,” she lifted her eyes to meet his. His were filled with liquid heat and he started rubbing larger circles on her skin. His fingers running over her ribs quickly igniting her body again.
“You’re beautiful Lily.”
She closed her eyes and shook her head.
“Do you want me to stop?” The words seemed to be forced from his throat.
With a gulp, she said, “I don’t want you to see me.” She wasn’t a confident woman as he was most likely used to. Better he knew than now.
His hand never stalled in its caress. He dropped his head and kissed her lips softly. His beard tickling her face. His mouth moved to her ear, “I won’t force you, but I can make you feel so much better if you trust me.” He coaxed. His big palm smoothed over her stomach and the heat of his hand branded her. More circles on her stomach and his fingers came tantalizing close to the ache between her legs. She wanted to thrust up to meet his fingers and demand he touch her. She couldn’t stop the small jerk of her hips and he groaned.
“You’re killing me. You’re so soft I want to touch you everywhere. I think my head will explode if I don’t.”
She was so tempted. He took up all the air around them and she became lightheaded.
“Show me, Lily. Show me what you’re hiding,” he growled with another caress from her stomach to the underside of her breasts. Then his hand moved around her body to caress her bottom. She moaned and lifted her hips trying to push her body agains
t his. His kissed her softly again and groaned against her lips when he clenched her bottom tightly in his big hand. Her mouth opened with a gasp and he pressed his tongue between her lips and began kissing her so thoroughly she just latched onto his shoulders and held on.
He grabbed her hips and pressed her firmly into the bed and his lips left hers. She tried to push against his grip and thrust up against him again but he held her in place.
“Open your robe now, baby.” His fingers went automatically to the ties and tugged. When she started pulling apart the lapels he moved one thick leg between her slender thighs. She felt surrounded by his heat and loved it. The rough fabric of his jeans against her soft inner thighs sent ripples of pleasure straight to her clit. The wonderful sensations had her pausing in the act of opening her robe. She wiggled her hips to get more friction between her legs.
“Show me, Lily,” he demanded.
She slowly opened her robe and pushed her pelvis against his thigh. Feeling relief from moving the terrycloth off her hard, aching nipples, she sighed.
“Damn, you’re so fucking perfect.” His voice went deeper and more strained. His hot, rough palm slid up her waist to cover her full breast. “Yeah baby, perfect,” he whispered in her ear. Then his hand caressed her other breast. His thumb brushed her nipple then he lightly squeezed and tugged it gently.
“Oh Sam, please please please.” Lily knew she was begging but didn’t care. What he was doing felt so good and more was just out of reach.
“I can feel how wet you are,” he groaned, moving his thigh tighter against her.
She started pushing and rubbing on his leg. She was so close. He pinched her nipple harder before releasing it to run his hand all the way down her body to grip her thigh.
“You’re gonna come hard for me. Tell me you gonna come hard for me.” He pulled her leg up and out, opening her wide.
She felt exposed but she wanted to feel his rough fingers on her…in her. He dipped down to lick one nipple. Lilly’s mind shut down. Her hand came up to make fists in his hair and hold him to her breast at the same time straining up to meet his mouth. “Oh please, Sam! Please!”
He sucked her nipple deep into his mouth and ran his tongue over the stiff peak. She bucked on his thigh. So close.
After releasing her breast, he growled, “Tell me your gonna come hard for me, Lily. Tell me,” he demanded again.
His hand clenched her thigh hard. She loved the way he was touching her. “Lily,” he started to loosen his hold.
“I will,” she panted. “I’ll come hard for you, Sam. Please don’t stop.” She begged.
“Good girl,” he praised and he slid two fingers over her sensitive clit. She cried out when he swirled his fingers around it and sunk one finger deep inside her. He thrust twice and pressed on her clit. “Fuck, you’re so tight.” He groaned and added a second finger and pumped them faster and strummed his thumb over her aching bud. Within a few seconds, her muscles clamped down hard and she cried out.
“Yeah, that’s it, baby. That’s what I want,” he whispered against her lips.
Pleasure hit her body and her mind splintered. With gulping breaths, she slowly floated back down to earth.
His hands smoothed the robe back over her body and eased himself onto his back tucking her into his side. With her head on his shoulder, she could hear his thundering heartbeat. Between the heat of his body and her completely relaxed state, she started to drift off.
“You’re beautiful, Lily.” The deep rumble under her ear made her jerk awake. She began to sit up but he held her tightly.
“Oh no-” She started. Reality came slithering back.
“Tomorrow, Lily. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” He said with finality.
Yes, later. She relaxed back against him and he stroked her back and hip rhythmically. Within a few moments, she faded into a deep sleep.
Sam held Lily for over an hour. She felt so right in his arms. Her responses to his touches were so open and honest. He couldn’t think of one woman that responded to him the same way. She couldn’t hide her body’s needs and it made him crazy with lust. He wanted to shake her awake and demand she admit she felt something between them. That time would come soon enough. She clearly had things to work through before she would say any such thing. He felt his lips stretch into a smile. It would be a challenge but well worth it.
Sam slowly disengaged himself from her limbs. He wondered what she would think if she knew how tightly she clung to him in her sleep. He grabbed a soft throw from the foot of the bed to pull over her and paused when he saw her pale breast peeking out from her robe. Her pink lips were slightly open. She was so beautiful to him. Not the made up kind but the clean, fresh, natural kind.
He forced himself to leave the room and pull the door closed quietly behind him. He thought he had about thirty minutes before Glen came back with Sarah and Johnathan.
This house felt like a home. Same saw personal touches everywhere. He made his way to the family room. It was large with gleaming wood floors and sturdy, comfortable looking furniture. Glancing around the room, he saw pictures on the stone fireplace mantle. Lily and her mom standing with a tall, dark haired man. The man had his arms wrapped around them. They were all smiling and happy. Must have been Lily’s dad. He saw another picture of Lily holding a baby. She looked so young. She had a smile but her eyes were shadowed. His heart clenched. What was it about this girl that tied him in knots? He wanted to make her life easier so she would be more receptive to a relationship with him. Hell, he didn’t even know what her problems were. Didn’t matter, though.
He heard a vehicle pull up and walked to the windows. His gaze was drawn to the tree line. The yard was in good shape but it needed maintenance. Seeing it was Glen’s truck, he decided to go out and meet them.
Hi, Sam!” Johnathan called as he jumped out of the back seat.
“Hey, little man,” Sam greeted “Did you have fun?”
“Yeah! I got my own popcorn and drink,” he said proudly.
Sam chuckled “Your mom’s asleep so be quiet when you go inside.”
“How is she?” Sarah asked as she approached.
“I think she’s just tired. I’m sure she’ll be better tomorrow.”
“Johnathan, honey,” she said, “why don’t you show Mr. Glen your swing set?”
“Okay. Come on Mr. Glen.” Johnathan took off and Glen smiled at Sarah, who’s cheeks turned pink before he sauntered away.
“She didn’t kick you out I see,” she said.
“How old is she?” Might as well get to the point.
“Twenty-five,” Sarah said “How old are you?” she asked with a small smile.
“Thirty-eight. She’s so young,” he said thoughtfully.
“Does that matter to you?” she watched him curiously.
“No.”
Sarah chuckled, “I didn’t think so.”
“I’d like to see her if it’s alright with you,” he said, “how do you feel about that?” He hoped she was alright with it since he planned on having Lily no matter what.
“I just want Lily happy, Sam. If you make her happy and you’re good to her,” she lifted her shoulders “then I support you one hundred percent. But, it’s not me you need to worry about.”
“Who do I need to worry about?” Was there another man in the picture? Not for long.
“Lily. She won’t be easy to form a relationship with.”
“It’ll work it out.”
“She hasn’t been in a relationship since Johnathan’s father died, Sam. She completely shuts out the possibility. Don’t assume it will be easy.” She warned.
He had no illusions that pursuing Lily would be easy. “How did Johnathan’s father die?”
Sarah smiled sadly “It’s not my place to tell you. But that’s all. I’m selling the house for financial reasons,” she shook her head “Lily has a crazy idea she’ll go get a second job and pay for the house herself. I can’t stop her from trying but I wish she wouldn�
��t. She doesn’t sleep as it is. She’s as hard-headed as her father.” She searched his eyes, “I’m only telling you this because I don’t want her to have one more thing to worry about. She’s had enough pain in her young life. If you want a casual relationship, look elsewhere. Lily doesn’t do anything casually.”
“What I feel for her is anything but casual.” He knew what he wanted. Didn’t matter that he had just met her.
As if Sarah read his mind she laughed softly. “Be careful Sam, don’t push her too hard or you’ll find yourself shut out completely. She’s convinced she doesn’t need anyone outside of Johnathan and me.”
“She needs to be pushed some,” he argued.
She sighed. “You’re a bit like Lily’s dad. I met him at a diner I was working at.” Sarah smiled fondly “He came in for breakfast and stayed for lunch. By the end of lunch, he told me he wanted to take me out. I was terrified of him. He was a few years older than me and constantly growled when he didn’t like what I said. I turned him down every day for two weeks,” she chuckled. “I finally gave in because he was scaring off all my customers.”
“But you gave in. That’s the important part.”
“Yes. But I was young and didn’t have the experiences that Lily has been through,” she touched his arm. “I will give you some advice Sam. If you can get her to talk about her past, then you’re halfway there.”
“I’m not walking on eggshells around her. That’s not healthy or realistic for a relationship.”
“Be careful, don’t assume you know what’s best for her. You should get to know her first.”
Sam just nodded. He could figure out on his own how to deal with Lily. “I’m going to say bye to Johnathan and Glen.” He paused as he was turning away. “Glen’s a good man, Sarah.”