“I understand. I didn’t know what else to say. I’m sorry I made you feel uncomfortable.” I smile sweetly, placing my arm on his bicep and rub small circles with my fingers. “Really, it’s fine.”
In the next moment, Nolan’s lips are on mine for the first time. Nothing more than a light kiss, soft and sweet, yet it stirs something inside of me that’s been dormant for so long. I can’t help myself. Running my tongue along the seam of his lips, the frenzy begins. Adjusting his arms, one palm finds the small of my back, dragging me into him, and the other fists into the hair at the nape of my neck, angling my head perfectly for him to increase his tempo. With both my hands in his hair, I tug slightly, inciting a groan from his throat which only makes me moan into his mouth.
“I really, really want to,” he says, grinding his erection into my stomach. “I just can’t tonight.” He places a few small kisses on my jaw. “Soon, though,” he says, nipping at the skin on my neck. “Really fucking soon.”
“Okay,” I hoarsely whisper.
“Goodnight, Loren.” Our bodies detach and he takes a few steps back, his dimples deeper than I’ve ever seen, his eyes darker than they just were a moment ago.
“Night, Nolan.” With that, he turns on his heels and heads down the walkway and to his truck. I don’t wait for him to climb inside before I push my way into the house. I need a little distance or I’m liable to jump him right there in my driveway.
Closing the door behind me, I plop down on the couch, rubbing at my swollen lips, trying to figure out exactly what just happened. How can he just walk away when he’s so obviously aroused? What am I supposed to do now? I’m so turned on, but the thought of pleasuring myself to cut the edge seems so impersonal. He’s the only one I want touching me. It’s his hands I want touching me, his mouth on me, him inside of me. At this point, I could rub one out, but it wouldn’t be the same and I’d probably only be more frustrated than I already am.
“Wow,” I mutter, smiling slightly. He’s amazing. And we can be amazing together.
Kicking off my shoes, I stand to head to the bedroom to change into some pajamas when a knock at the door stops me in my tracks. He came back. He needs more. He wants me.
Fluffing my hair and adjusting my attire, I decide to get a little more brazen in the off chance that he’s not really here for what I think he is. Unbuttoning my skirt, I let it pool at my feet so I’m only standing in my black top and matching lace boy-cut underwear. If I can’t lure him in looking like this, I have no business trying to seduce anyone. Checking my reflection in the mirror, I allow him to knock one more time before I turn the handle and open the door.
Only, it’s not the blue eyes I was hoping for raking my body from top to bottom, but a more familiar green pair. A set of eyes I’d hoped I’d never see again.
“What do you want?” I quip, trying to hide my lower half behind the door.
“Nice to see you, too. Wanna invite me in, or are you used to showing your goods to the entire neighborhood?”
“You’re not coming in, Jordan. Tell me what you want.” He needs to leave. He has to go. Of all the mistakes I’ve made in my twenty-five years, Jordan is one of the highest ranking. I always say there’s nothing to regret in life, all of it’s happened to make you who are you today. Except him. I’d take that back in a heartbeat.
“You send divorce papers in the mail and don’t even have the decency to call me first. Talk about unexpected.” Well, at least he got them. Now, if he’d just sign the fuckers I could go about my life.
“Dude, seriously? What were you expecting? For us to be together forever after you left? You’re fucking insane.” Jordan and I got married on a stupid trip to Vegas for my company. I’d made the mistake of inviting him to a retreat with me and we got trashed on the final night and ended up in a tiny wedding chapel—not even the cool one with Elvis. Shortly after we returned home, he realized he missed his high school girlfriend Alana and left me. I was okay with it. The only thing we needed to resolve was our marital situation. Hence the divorce papers.
“I miss you, Lo. Let me in,” he coos.
“Nope. Bye, Jordan.” I attempt to close the door, but his large steel-toed black boot stops it. Jordan steps forward and into the house.
“That’s really no way to greet your husband, now is it, Lo? We’re going to figure out if we can save this. I know you’re upset I left, and I was stupid to do so, but when we came back, I got scared. I wasn’t ready to be a husband. After spending a year apart, I’ve realized I’m not ready to live without you, either. I fucked up, Lo. Really bad. But if we’re going to get divorced, it’s because it’s the only option. I won’t sign the papers otherwise. I don’t want anything looming in the darkness. No what ifs.”
What the hell do I say to that? How can I argue that? I can’t. I don’t want him, but if this is the only way I can get him out of my life, what am I supposed to do?
“Jordan, I want a divorce. I’ve moved on. I’m happy. Please just let me be happy,” I beg.
“I’m not going down without a fight, Loren. I’ll leave tonight, but I’ll be back tomorrow and we’re going to talk about all of this. We’ll figure it out. Trust me.” I don’t. Not even a little. A year ago, I would have trusted Jordan with my life, now, I can’t wait to get rid of him.
“Goodnight, Jordan.” He withdraws his foot and I close and lock the door behind him. Walking back to the bedroom, I flop on the bed and stare at the ceiling.
Why is it when I finally feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be, the past comes back and knocks on my door? Literally.
To be continued
Look out for Claim Volume Two coming in December 2014
About the Author
Ashley Suzanne has been writing as long as she can remember. As a youngster, she was always creating stories and talking to her imaginary friends. Thankfully, her parents also carried this love of fiction, and helped her grow into the writer she is today.
Ashley is a bestselling author and spends equal amounts of time writing and reading. Being the true book whore she is, Ashley would rather dive into a good book before going out of her house. Giving up her career in Real Estate, Ashley has officially moved to hermit status.
When Ashley isn't coming up with her next story, you'll most likely find her on the couch with a kindle in her hand (probably watching some crappy reality show while , annoying her husband by telling him all about her new book boyfriend or spending quality time with her two gremlins ... Sorry, I mean adorable children.
OTHER WORKS BY ASHLEY SUZANNE
THE DESTINED SERIES
Mirage (book 1)
Inception (book 1.5)
Awakening (book 2)
Façade (book 3)
Epiphany (book 4)
Inescapable (book 5) – COMING SOON
RAVEN (stand alone)
CALLING CARD (stand alone)
RESTRICTED Part 1 (a 3 part serial co-authored with Pamela Ann)
MOMENTS IN TIME – A short story charity anthology featuring Sapphire by Ashley Suzanne
Ashley’s Facebook
Ashley’s Website
Sign up for Ashley’s Mailing List
Ashley Suzanne is represented by Marisa Corvisiero with Corvisiero Literary Agency.
Claim: Volume One Page 6