She shook her head. “Not with that bed in there.”
Kim closed his eyes. It killed him to think of what Alyse might have endured. He made two cups of tea and gave one to Alyse. “Finished?” At her nod, he disposed of her container. When he turned back she was studying him with her head tilted to the side, eyes wide.
“What is it?” He checked to ensure the dressing gown was still belted.
“You don’t even realise you’ve done it, do you?” Was it amazement in her voice?
“Done what?” His mind raced.
“You made me a cup of tea without asking and then cleaned up from dinner.”
He frowned. “Sorry, I should have asked if you wanted a drink.”
She stood, walking over to him. “Don’t apologise. You knew I’d want one.” She grasped his hands. “You did it without thinking, the kindness automatic. It’s a beautiful thing.” She kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”
He slipped his hands onto her waist. “Aly…” She shouldn’t be thanking him for a simple act of kindness. Hadn’t Mark done anything nice for her? “You deserve it.” He longed to kiss her, show her how much he cared. Their eyes met. Alyse slid her hands up his chest and over his shoulders, shifting closer, brushing against his front. The shorts he wore wouldn’t hide his reaction for long. Heart thumping, his lips met hers. Her eyes fluttered closed, but he wanted to take in this moment, make sure he didn’t go too far.
Her lips were so very soft and the touch of uncertainty made his heart ache. He kept his hold on her hips light even though he wanted to hold her tight and not let go. His hormones raged to take over, but he ignored them as her lips parted and her tongue slid over his.
Sweet heaven.
She tugged him closer and he shifted, but his erection pressed against her and she gasped, taking a step back.
Heat filled his face. “Sorry, I don’t have a lot of control over what he does.”
She bit her lip, and he clenched his hands to stop himself from hauling her into his arms again.
Her cheeks flushed, and she opened her mouth, but closed it again without saying anything.
“Out with it, Aly,” he said.
She shook her head. “It’s too much. I can’t ask you.”
He took her hand. “You can. We’re friends.”
“See, that’s the problem,” she groaned. “You view me as a friend who needs help and I want to have sex with you.”
Kim’s mouth dropped open.
He hadn’t seen that coming.
Chapter 19
Alyse cringed at Kim’s shocked expression. The heat in her face could have warmed her whole house. She threw up a hand and turned away. “Forget it. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“Wait!” Kim grabbed her hand, stopping her.
She couldn’t look at him. She’d let the daydreams she’d had in the shower get the better of her. Images of christening the new bed with Kim, of finally freeing herself of the fear she associated with the master bedroom, with sex. But the new bed was still in the van.
She’d started reclaiming her house, now she wanted to reclaim her body and there was no one she trusted more than Kim. It had been years since she’d felt any desire and now lust filled her body like a bubbly wine, dancing and giddy, wanting release.
“Aly.” He lifted her chin. “Look at me.”
She took a deep breath and raised her eyes. The intensity of his gaze made her heart race.
“You’re so much more than a friend to me,” he said. “I would love to have sex with you, but I don’t want you to do anything you’re not ready for.”
Her chest squeezed and she could barely breathe. Never had a man been so willing to put her needs first. How could she not feel more for Kim? “I’m ready.” She didn’t want to explore the depth of her feelings for Kim right now. That was too scary.
His smile was slow and a little wicked as he pulled her towards him. “Stop me if I go too fast.”
Their kisses until now had been nothing compared to this. Kim plundered her mouth, tasting and taking, and she groaned as heat flooded her. Yes. This. She kissed him back, squeezing his butt like she’d been wanting to do all afternoon. His erection pressed against her and she shifted, rubbing it.
Kim moaned. “Aly, bedroom.” He lifted her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her down the hallway. He hesitated outside the master bedroom.
“No. My room.”
He kicked the bedroom door shut behind them and set her on her feet.
The dressing gown came undone and his nipples were erect. She slid her hands over them, liking his hiss of pleasure. Pushed off his shoulders, the gown pooled on the floor. She’d never really admired the male form before, but now she took her time, running her hands over his muscles, bending her head to taste his skin.
Kim’s hands tightened on her hips, his head tilted back, eyes closed.
“Is this all right?”
His nod was sharp.
Concern filled her. “Are you sure? I don’t want to do something you don’t like.”
Kim’s laugh was strangled. “Aly, you’re killing me.”
She stepped back, doubt filling her. “I’m sorry. I’m kind of new at this. Tell me what you like.”
His eyes shot open. “I like everything you’re doing,” he growled. “Don’t stop.”
“But—”
“You’re killing me in a good way. I’m trying to stay in control.”
Comprehension dawned. “Oh.” Smugness filled her. “So you like it when I lick your nipples?”
“Yes.”
She licked and sucked first one and then the other. His heart raced under her fingertips.
She pushed him back onto the bed and followed him down. Straddling him, she slowly explored his chest and then moved up to his collarbone, tasting and teasing until she nibbled his neck and he groaned again.
The control and power of knowing she aroused him, pleased him, was heady.
“Aly, can I touch you?” He gripped the quilt cover.
Still controlling himself. Still giving her control. Her heart sang. “Yes.”
He slid his warm hands under her hoodie, up her back, his touch firm but gentle. She arched into them as tingles spread over her skin. His thumbs brushed her breasts and she gasped, closing her eyes in pleasure. Not even when things between her and Mark had been good had it been this amazing. He’d always been in a rush, only interested in his own pleasure.
Her body was so hot she stripped off her hoodie and the cool air kissed her skin.
Kim swore and brushed the bruises on her stomach. “Maybe we shouldn’t do this. You must still hurt.”
“I do, but your touch makes me forget.” She wanted this, wanted him.
He searched her eyes.
“Unless you’d prefer not to. I know it’s not pretty.” Perhaps he didn’t want reminders of what she’d been through.
Kim shook his head. “Aly, you’re so beautiful.” His gaze full of wonder made her feel like a goddess. He shifted and sat, adjusting her on his lap and took her breast into his mouth. Hot sparks of fire seared her as he tasted her. She gasped for breath as emotion and sensation swirled inside her, whipping around in a frenzy.
“Kim,” she cried, her head flung back as the sensations overwhelmed her body. So much pleasure, so much joy.
“You’re a goddess.” Kim’s fingers circled her other breast. He nibbled at a spot just under her earlobe.
She twitched, the pleasure so close to the surface.
“I want to see all of you, Aly. Can I finish undressing you?”
“Yes.” She lay on the bed and Kim knelt beside her, slowly drawing her pants down her legs. His touch was so slow and steady and she savoured it.
“Can I taste you?”
The direction of his gaze ensured she understood exactly what he meant. Mark had never gone down on her. She nodded.
Kim settled between her legs and the moment his tongue met her skin, all thoughts left her mind
. She gasped, arching into him, needing more and he required no further encouragement. He licked, sucked and tasted her until she was writhing beneath him. She’d never known it could be this good, never known she could feel like this. Joy washed over her along with her orgasm.
Tears pricked her eyes and her heart pounded as she got her breath back and Kim settled next to her, pulling her into his arms, kissing her forehead.
“You OK, Sweetheart?”
She nodded frantically, unable to form words.
He pushed her hair away from her face, concern in his eyes. “Did I hurt you?”
“It was amazing.” She shifted and his erection pressed into her. Lust still filled her. Apparently a lifetime without decent sex had turned her into a sex maniac. She touched his penis, wanting to return the pleasure he’d given her.
Kim stopped her. “You don’t need to, Aly.”
She frowned. “I want to. I want you inside of me.” His penis twitched under her hand.
“We don’t have any condoms.”
She hadn’t considered that. “I’m on the pill.” She’d taken it religiously for years. Mark had refused to use condoms, and she hadn’t wanted to end up pregnant. But there was the box of condoms her mother had brought her all those years ago. “Give me a second.” She reached down and opened the bottom drawer of her bedside table. Yep. They will still there. She checked the date. “It’s expired.” Damn. Kim looked so sexy lying half-naked on her bed. Could they risk it? Pregnancy wouldn’t be an issue, but… “When I discovered Mark having an affair, I had all the tests. I’m clear and I haven’t had sex since.”
“I’ve never had unprotected sex.” Kim pulled her back to him. “An expired condom is better than nothing.” He kissed her, his passion pouring into the kiss. “Do you trust me?”
She did. As an answer, she slid his shorts off and opened the condom packet. Crap. The last time she’d used one was in a high school sex education class. What was she supposed to do?
“Let me.” Kim took the condom and slid it on. Then he shifted so he was on top of her, his penis nudging her entrance. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She opened her legs and he slid into her. She moaned. Bliss.
He moved slowly, his arms shaking as he held himself above her, not squashing her. She moved with him, the sensations building as he filled her again and again.
“More,” Alyse demanded. This was what sex was supposed to be like, pleasuring each other, being in control, wanting everything he could give her. She squeezed her eyes closed, savouring the moment, lost in the sensations building in her body. Kim moved faster. He was close. She wanted to share the moment with him.
“Aly,” Kim cried, and her name on his lips filled her heart and she shattered once more.
It was several minutes before Alyse could form any coherent words. “That was…” What word could she use? “Incredible. Mind-blowing. Out of this world.”
Kim chuckled and pulled her against his chest. “Careful. You’ll give me a big head.” He kissed her forehead. “It’s never been that good for me either.”
She glanced at him. “Really?”
He smiled. “We make a good team.”
Her heart warmed. Is that what she wanted? A team, a partnership? Yes, she wanted what her parents had, a best friend to share her life with.
His hand brushed her side and she leaned into it.
“Will you share my bed tonight?” It was too small for the two of them, but she didn’t want to let him go.
“I’d love to.” He kissed her and then yawned, covering his mouth. He winced. “Sorry.”
Alyse grinned. “Don’t be. I’m tired too.” She switched off the light. It was nice not having to worry about offending Kim. He wouldn’t read the worst into any of her actions.
Kim pulled her into his arms. She was safe and warm.
Alyse smiled and fell asleep.
***
Kim woke with a start as someone pounded on the door. It was light outside and next to him Alyse stirred, her red hair spread over her pillow. His heart swelled. Last night had been incredible and he could barely believe he was here with her.
Alyse groaned and reached for her phone. “It’s eight o’clock. It must be the police.”
“I’ll answer it. Why don’t you have a shower? I’ll see if my clothes are dry.”
“OK. Thanks.”
Pleased she was letting him do something for her, Kim dressed in the shorts and dressing gown and hurried down the hallway to the front door where someone was knocking again. He checked the peep hole before opening it to Detective Bosch.
Her eyebrows raised. “Did I get you out of bed?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah. Alyse and I needed the sleep after the past few days.”
“Sorry. I just wanted to tell you we’re back, and should be done within a couple of hours.”
He grimaced. Not long until Alyse was on her own. “What does that mean for Alyse’s safety?”
“We’ll have to discuss it. Is she up?”
“She’s in the shower.”
“All right. I’ll discuss options with her, but if she’s not willing to leave her property, there’s not much we can do for her.” Bosch shrugged apologetically. “I’ll be back later.” She headed around the house to the man cave.
Kim closed the door. He understood Alyse’s reasoning, but her safety was more important than her property. Somehow he’d have to convince her to either hire a bodyguard, or go to a safe house. She wouldn’t like either option. He sighed and went to the laundry to get his clothes out of the machine. The jeans were crinkled, and his jumper and T-shirt appeared smaller. Frowning, he tried on the T-shirt. It clung to him like it was made of Lycra. Crap. The jumper had also shrunk. No way he could wear them. Maybe he could convince Alyse to run into town with him this morning to get some clothes.
He put the dressing gown back on and headed for the kitchen. Breakfast first.
He played some upbeat music on his phone. It suited his mood—happy and optimistic. He had no doubts about how he felt about Alyse. He loved her with all of his heart and wanted her in his life.
He should be cautious though.
It might have just been sex to her. Another way of exorcising Mark from her life. Kim couldn’t get his hopes too high. But he wouldn’t back away from the challenge.
Alyse entered the kitchen, her hair tied back in a bun exposing her luscious neck he’d nibbled on the night before. “Are your clothes dry?”
“Yeah, but I ran into a problem.” He showed her the T-shirt.
She laughed. “Did you wash it in hot water?”
He shrugged. “I chose the automatic washer/dryer setting.”
“Are they all that small?”
“I haven’t tried the jeans yet. Thought I’d shower before I do.” He took a pot from the cupboard. “I was about to make porridge. Do you want some?”
“I’ll make it,” she said. “Go shower so you can get out of that gown. I’ll find you something to wear.”
He stroked the lapels. “Isn’t this a good look for me?”
She laughed. “I prefer you out of it.” Her eyes darkened and her face flushed as she glanced away.
Lust shot through him. “Your wish is my command.” He shed the dressing gown and stalked towards her, kissing her hard. Though he would willingly take her in the kitchen, she was probably sore. “I’ll be back in five.”
Her breathless, “Sure,” made him smile as he walked out the door.
The jeans were obscenely tight, but they would do for a trip into town. Kim made a note always to check the temperature on a washing machine in the future. He returned to the kitchen shirtless and Alyse’s eyes widened.
She grinned, her whole face alive with joy. “I like the look.”
He chuckled. “Thanks. Do you have a big jacket I could borrow?”
“Yeah.” She gestured to an apiary jacket on the table. “Try it on.”
It was a little snug. �
�After breakfast can we head into town? I don’t think I can wait until this afternoon for a change of clothes.”
Alyse hesitated. “I wanted to work today. Why don’t you go now while the police are still here?”
He hated leaving her alone, but she would be safer here with the armed police officers. “OK.” He ate some of his porridge. “What will you do?”
“I’ll finish building the frames.”
“OK, I’ll finish the painting when I return.”
She smiled. “That would be great.”
Kim finished his breakfast and grabbed his keys from the bench. “I’ll be less than an hour. I’ll let Bosch know I’m heading out.”
Alyse kissed him. “See you when you get back.”
Kim spoke to Bosch and then drove into town, stopping at the police station for the bag Sarah had left him. As he parked, one of the police cars sped out of the yard, Lincoln behind the wheel. Kim hurried inside and Ryan’s eyebrows lifted. “Nice jeans.”
“Laundry mishap. What’s going on?”
Ryan firmed his lips. “I can’t say. You after your stuff?” He reached below the counter for a bag.
“Thanks. Can I get changed before I go?”
Ryan opened the door into the interrogation room and Kim changed into a different pair of jeans and a warm jumper. He went through the bag. He could do with some more things. While he was in there, the police station phone rang.
Kim exited the room as Ryan picked up his keys from the table. “We have to go. There’s been a car crash on the highway.”
Hopefully it wasn’t anyone he knew. “I’m done. Thanks, mate. Take care.” Kim returned to his car and drove home, going through the main house to say hello to his sisters. Eden was heading out the door dressed for work. She stopped. “Are you back now?”
He shook his head. “Just picking up a few things.”
Her shoulders slumped. “Damn.” She stomped out the door.
In the lounge room, Sarah was stretched out on the couch watching a reality TV show featuring drag queens. “Hi, Kim.”
He waved. “Glad you’re making the most of your holiday.”
She pouted. “Don’t judge. Uni was brutal this semester.”
She was right. He didn’t know what university was like.
Harbour Page 20