by J. L. Perry
“A lot better than you by the looks of it,” I reply as I walk towards him, wrapping my arms around his neck from behind and kissing his cheek. He clears his throat, a slight red tinge appearing on his handsome face.
“I’m happy to hear that,” he says. “I’m sorry about the way I acted yesterday …” Removing my arms, I take a seat next to him.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. I understand how hard this is for you. I’m sorry that you have to go through this again. We’re going to beat this, Daddy. I promise.” I reach for his hand and grasp it in mine. “Okay?” Meeting my gaze, he smiles.
“Okay.” Squeezing his hand, I rise. No more talk of tumours today.
“Now, what would you like for breakfast? Carter and Elizabeth will be here soon. The four of us are going out for the day.”
“Some toast will be fine, Pumpkin,” he says smiling. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes, but at least he’s trying.
••••
We end up driving to the Blue Mountains. It’s just over an hour’s drive from where we live. Apparently, this is the area where Carter grew up. It’s a beautiful place. I understand why he said wear something warm. It gets pretty cold up here. In winter it’s not uncommon to see snow.
Parking the car when we arrive at Katoomba, we all get out. Dad offered to drive today. Carter’s car is only a two-door, so getting in and out of the back seat can be a pain in the arse. Dad and Elizabeth sat in the front. Carter and I were in the back. He reached for my hand before we even got out of our street, and he held it all the way here. I love the feel of my hand wrapped in his.
My dad walks around the front of the car and helps Elizabeth out, while Carter gets out on his side and offers me his hand. I grab my woollen beanie and scarf off the seat beside me before sliding over. Carter takes the scarf out of my hand and wraps it around my neck, while I place the beanie on my head.
“You look so cute,” he says tugging on my scarf and pulling me forward, placing a tiny kiss on my nose. Have I mentioned how much I love this side of him? He can say and do the sweetest things sometimes. Lacing his fingers through mine, we walk towards the lookout to see the large rock formation known as the Three Sisters, and the breathtaking Jamison Valley below.
Carter explained the large sandstone rock eroded away over time creating the three tall rock formations that sit side by side, towering over the beautiful valley. Aboriginal legend says, that three sisters who fell in love with three men from a neighbouring tribe, causing a war to break out, were turned into stone becoming trapped forever. Hence the name.
Even though he grew up in the area, I’m surprised by his knowledge. When I asked him about it, he confessed he came here a few times on school excursions when he was a boy.
I can’t believe how vast and beautiful this place is. I’ve always known of its existence, but sadly have never visited until now. After zipping up my coat, I wrap my arms around myself. The icy wind has a real bite to it.
“Are you cold?” Carter asks draping his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into him. I smile to myself.
Once we’ve looked around up top, Carter suggests we ride the Scenic Railway down the cliffside to the valley below. Apparently, it’s a really steep drop, so Elizabeth ops out. My dad offers to take her for a coffee in the café, so Carter and I can still go.
Holy crap, steep is not the word. It’s a fifty-two percent incline, earning the title of the steepest passenger railway in the world. You also have the option to recline your seat back another twenty percent, which of course we did. Carter holds me tight against him on the journey down, which to me is the best part. Again, he links his fingers through mine as we walk the tracks of the valley below.
We fall into easy conversation as we walk along. When we come to a stop by a beautiful waterfall, Carter pulls out his phone to take a selfie of us. He drapes his arm around my shoulder and pulls me in against his side. “Smile, beautiful,” he says. After snapping a few shots, he releases me and places the phone back in his pocket. Presuming we’re going to continue on down the trail, I take a step forward. “I’m not finished with you yet,” he says reaching for me and pulling me back to him. Turning me in his arms, he cups my face in his hands. The look he gives me has my heart melting. He looks like I feel—happy. “I’m going to kiss you now,” he warns before covering my mouth with his.
It’s another one of those sweet, hot kisses that has me weak at the knees. My arms slide around his waist and my hands fist the back of his jacket to hold myself up. Opening my mouth slightly, I deepen the kiss when his tongue meets mine. This is not the kind of kiss that you would call acceptable for a public place, but I don’t care. I’m too lost in him to give a shit.
I can’t even put it into words what being here with him in this magical place feels like. I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy, this alive. Not once have I thought about my illness and what lies ahead. Not once. Instead, I’m lost in every look, every word, and every touch from Carter. I’m consumed by him.
••••
It’s late in the afternoon by the time we arrive back home. When we finally made our way back up the mountain to our parents, Carter suggested we head to Leura for lunch. It’s a quaint little town, with the cutest little shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants.
We ate in a nice place complete with a fireplace, which was a welcome escape from the cold. All the food was made with local produce. It had wall to ceiling glass windows that overlooked the valley below. The food and the company were amazing. Today was something that we all needed: a nice escape from the dramas awaiting us back home.
The only downfall was it had to come to an end. I enjoyed every second of my time with Carter. When my dad and I came inside, and Carter and his mum went to their house, I can’t even explain the emptiness I felt. After Dad and I had dinner, I went to my bedroom, hoping Carter would be in his room so I could catch a glimpse. Sadly he wasn’t.
Eventually, I gave up and headed in for a shower. It had been a big day, and to be honest I was tired. The quicker I got to sleep, the faster tomorrow would come. That meant I’d get to see Carter again. It’s funny how quickly I’ve become attached to him. I guess, even after he left all those years ago, he still held my heart. In a way we’ve just picked up where we left off.
Later as I lay in bed, all I can think about is him. He’s proven over the past week how much he cares. Maybe it’s time I take down the walls I’ve erected around my heart and let him back in.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Carter
I’m awoken by a soft voice calling my name. “Carter … Carter, are you awake?” I fucking am now. Reaching out blindly, I flick the switch on my bedside lamp. The light hurts my eyes. Squinting, I try and adjust my sight to the sudden fucking brightness that has now filled my room. This better be a damn emergency.
“Indi.” She’s standing just inside my window, wearing a silky black dressing gown. I have no idea why she’s sneaking in my room. Or am I dreaming? My heart starts to race when I realise something must be wrong. I sit up rubbing my eyes. “Are you alright? Is everything okay?”
“Everything is fine,” she says taking a step towards me. “I couldn’t sleep. I was thinking about you, about us.”
“You were?” I’m confused.
“I was.” Why that has me smiling like a fool, I can’t say. I guess I like the fact she was thinking about me. Hopefully in a good way. She takes another step towards me. I watch as she takes in a long breath before releasing it slowly. She looks nervous. Shit, that can’t be a good sign. Have I misunderstood her reasons for coming here?
She doesn’t speak another word. Instead her hands move up to the tie of her dressing gown. I gulp in some air as she slowly undoes the bow. Nope. I haven’t misunderstood. I feel my dick twitch with anticipation.
Her hand slowly moves up to her shoulder as she pushes the silk fabric down one arm. It’s like a torturous, erotic striptease. It immediately has my dick growing. If
this is a fucking dream I’m going to be pissed. I almost want to pinch myself just to make sure. I hold my breath as I wait for her next move.
She moves to the other side, sliding the dressing gown over her other shoulder. When she lets go, my eyes follow the fabric as it falls to the floor, pooling at her feet. As my gaze moves back up her legs, I almost swallow my tongue when I realise she’s totally naked underneath.
I rub my eyes again. I can’t fucking believe it. Here is the woman of my dreams. The one I’ve been pining for, for the past five years, standing in my bedroom wearing nothing but a smile. Fuck me. Have I died and gone to heaven?
I’m off the bed in a flash. “I want you,” is all she says, shyly, as I stalk towards her, closing the distance between us. If she wants me, she’s got me. Hook, line and fucking sinker. I don’t give her a chance to say another word. Pulling her into my arms, I cover her lips with mine. I’ve been fantasizing about having her again. For … five … damn … years.
My mouth and hands are everywhere. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dreamt about having you again,” I whisper as my lips trail a path across her jawline and down her neck. “Please tell me this is really happening.”
“Oh God, it’s happening,” she moans, tilting her head back and pushing her tits further into my bare chest. “We’ve wasted enough time apart.” She’s got that right. My hands run down her lean back, cupping that delicious arse of hers. Lifting her off the ground, she wraps her legs around my waist as I carry her over towards my bed.
Once I’ve laid her down I reach behind me, untangling her limbs from my waist. I need to see her. All of her. Standing, I feel my lips turn up into a smile as my eyes rake over her naked body. Fucking perfection. “You’re even more beautiful than I remember,” I breathe, leaning forward to place my hands on either side of her waist. When my eyes meet hers again, she’s smiling too.
Reaching up, she runs her hand down the side of my face. “I missed you when you left,” she admits.
“I missed you too,” I reply, lifting my hand and brushing her hair off her face. “So much.” Straightening up again, I untie the string on my pyjama bottoms, letting them fall around my ankles. Stepping out of them, I kneel on the bed before climbing on top of her. My cock is so hard for her it hurts. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
Please say yes.
“Yes. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.” I smile at her words. She is too, but there’s also a twinge of uncertainty on her face. “You’re not going to run away again are you, like last time?”
“I couldn’t leave you again if I tried,” I admit. And that’s the truth. She’s it for me. I want her. I fucking need her. I’ve denied my heart long enough. My life without her in it is something I don’t want to experience again. “If the past five years have taught me anything, it’s that I’m nothing without you.” My confession brings tears to her eyes. Fuck me if I don’t mean every word.
Raising her arms, she slides her hands around the back of my head and pulls my lips down to hers. I groan into her mouth. I agree, enough talking. My girl is lying beneath me, ripe, ready and naked. I’ve waited years for the chance to devour her again. There’ll be plenty of time for words later.
My hand is trembling as it caresses over her heavenly body. I never get nervous before sex, but for some reason I am now. This moment seems too good to be true. My heart is beating out of my chest. Pull your shit together, Reynolds. This isn’t just some random hook-up. Tonight I need to bring my fucking A game.
I need to show her that I’m the one she wants. I need to erase any memories she has of that wanker and their time together. She’s mine now, and that’s the way it’s gonna stay. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that happens.
My hands skim over her toned stomach heading towards her little piece of heaven. The place I’ve been dying to touch, to taste. Using my knee to open her legs wider, I run my fingers over her mound until I reach her clit. Fuck, she’s so wet for me. “Christ, I’ve missed your pussy,” I say as my mouth kisses a trail down her neck.
She moans, pushing her hips forward as I slide through her wetness before slipping a finger inside. I’ve missed those sexy as fuck little whimpers she makes when she’s turned on.
I already feel like I’m on the edge and I’m not even inside her yet. My fingers continue to work their magic until she’s coming undone. This is going to be her first of many orgasms tonight. I’m not going to stop until she’s passed out from exhaustion. I need to get my fill of her, and I have five years’ worth to make up for.
“I forgot how skilled you were with your hands,” she breathes coming down from her bliss.
“I’ll remind you again later,” I tell her, sucking one of her perfect tits into my mouth while kneading the other one with my hand. I’m not going to stop until I’ve tasted every fucking inch of her. “First I need to get you reacquainted with my mouth and my cock.”
“I look forward to it,” she replies, threading her fingers through my hair and lifting my face to make eye contact with her. “But your mouth can come later.” The flush from her arousal spread over her flawless skin turns me on like you wouldn’t believe. Especially since I was the one responsible for putting it there. “I need you inside me. I’ve missed that connection with you more than anything,” she pleads. I’ve missed it too. Nobody has ever been able to make me feel the things she does.
“You don’t need to ask me twice,” I say placing a soft kiss on her lips as I reach for the drawer next to my bed. “The sooner I’m buried balls deep in your heaven, the better.”
Once I’ve retrieved the condom, I kneel back on my haunches and roll it on. Her spectacular green eyes watch my every move. I smile down at her. I still can’t believe I’m lucky enough to be given a second chance. I can assure you I won’t fuck it up this time.
When she opens her legs for me I settle in between them, leaning on both elbows to take the weight. My heart is beating out of my chest with anticipation of what’s to come. I know once I take her this time, there’s no going back for either of us. I want this so bad.
“I’m not sure how long this is gonna last,” I confess as I look deep into her eyes. She’s mesmerising. “I’m gonna fuck you hard and fast this time round. Then I’ll take my sweet time with you, okay?”
“God, yes,” she whimpers as her hands skim down my back before resting on my arse. Her electrifying touch sends shock waves coursing through me. It’s so powerful. She brings every inch of me to life. Her fingers dig into my arse cheeks, pulling me forward towards her opening.
As soon as the head of my cock is inside her, I’m already throwing back my head and groaning. She’s so tight, just like I remember. By the time I’m all the way in, I feel like I’m on the edge. Fuck I’ve missed this. She pushes her head back into the pillow and lets out a sound of pure ecstasy. I know exactly how she feels. Together we’re magic. We were fucking made for each other. There’s no denying it.
My hand runs down her side to her hip, holding her in place. I pull out to the tip and thrust back in. Fuck. I’ll be lucky if I last a minute. Indi’s hands find their way into my hair again, pulling my face towards hers. “Fuck me, Carter,” she whispers against my mouth before deepening the kiss. I plan to. Christ I love the way she kisses me.
“Sweet Jesus,” I groan. If she keeps talking like that it will be over before it even starts. My fingers dig deeper into her hip as I pick up the pace. She feels like home. Fucking home. Her pussy was made just for me. Only me. No one will ever touch what’s mine again.
By some miracle, I manage to hold out until she comes again. As soon as her pussy constricts, contracting around my cock like a vice, I lose it. “Indi,” I practically scream as my body starts to shudder before stilling. My orgasm is so intense I swear I’m seeing fucking stars by the time it’s over. If I could climb inside her pussy, I’d never leave. We’re both trying to catch our breath when I collapse down on her chest. “Are y
ou okay?” I ask.
“I’m wonderful,” she says, turning her head to the side and placing her lips on my cheek. “Never been better.”
Lifting my head, I smile down at her. Christ she’s beautiful. My hand comes up to brush back a few strands of hair that are stuck to her forehead from perspiration. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“Me too,” she says cupping my cheek with her hand. “Please don’t hurt me again, Carter.” Her words cut. I hate that I hurt her, but doesn’t she realise I was hurting too?
“Never,” I reply. “You’re mine now, you know that right? Nobody else is allowed to touch you. Only me.” She smiles, cocking one of her eyebrows.
“Is that so?” she asks narrowing her eyes slightly. I suppress my smile. I don’t want her to think I’m joking about this, because I’m not.
“Damn straight,” I say with all seriousness.
“Well, that works both ways, just so you know.”
“You’re all I want. All I’ve ever wanted,” I confess as my lips find hers again. I’m still inside her and my cock is already hardening again. “Ready for round two?”
“God yes,” she whimpers, making my lips curve up.
“That’s my girl,” I breathe placing a soft kiss on her lips. This time I’m gonna take my sweet time with her. I have all night to get reacquainted with this luscious body of hers. Reaching for her hands, I pin them above her head before lacing our fingers together. My lips trail a path across her jaw and down her neck as I push my hips forward, rocking into her tight little pussy with slow, short, agonising strokes. I want to stay like this forever. Closing my eyes, I find myself wishing for a lifetime of moments with her. My heart burns for her.
It always has, and it always will. She’s my addiction, my air.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Indiana
Carter and I stayed awake until the early hours of the morning. If we weren’t being intimate with each other, we were lying in each other’s arms talking. I’m so glad I worked up the courage to come over here, because this whole experience has been magical. Even better than our first time together. Nothing’s changed, but everything’s changed if that makes sense. We’re not kids anymore. We’re adults, making adult decisions and having adult feelings. Although there’s a tiny part of me that’s terrified he’s going to leave again, my heart believes he won’t. I hope my heart’s right.