by Cali MacKay
Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her body to his and nestled her in under his chin as he held her tightly to him. “I wish I had answers for you, Hannah, but we can’t give up hope. All we can do is keep looking for him. Maybe you could leave him a message here in case he shows up?”
“It’s not like he’s given me a whole lot of options.” Her frustration was palpable, and he couldn’t blame her, given the circumstances.
When she pulled out of his arms, he felt her absence as if he’d lost a part of himself. He followed her into the kitchen where she found a pencil and pad of paper, and scrawled Will a quick note, leaving it on the kitchen table.
Running a hand through her thick hair, she turned back to him, her shoulders slumped. “I suppose we should go. The snow’s really starting to come down now, and the nearest hotel is still some time away, from what I remember.”
“Maybe we should stay here until the storm blows over. The last thing I want to do is drive us into a ditch.” His SUV had all-wheel drive, but the roads had yet to get plowed and salted, and it wasn’t worth the risk. Not when Hannah was with him.
“I can’t, Jake.” Hannah looked around the kitchen with a sigh. “Spending the night here would just be too much to bear. We used to come here every summer—except for this last year since…you know.”
Which meant this place held all sorts of memories for her. So much for trying to ease her worries. “Not a problem, little red. My SUV can handle the snow. We’ll manage it just fine.”
She let out a sigh and then gave him a small smile as he pulled her to him and she slipped her arms around his waist. “Thanks, Jake. They should be keeping the highways pretty clear, and I think there’s a hotel about twenty minutes south of here, right off the exit.”
“Sounds good.” He brushed the hair from her eyes and then unable to resist, gave her a sweet kiss. “Are you ready to go?”
She looked around the cabin one last time, as if she were gathering all her memories of the place, knowing it might be the last time she’d ever see it again, and then nodded. “Yeah…I’m ready.”
Jake focused on the road, though Hannah was far too quiet for his liking. And by the time they got to the hotel, he knew there was a good chance she’d be thinking the worst. He couldn’t imagine how hard this must be on her, yet what if they didn’t find Will? What if they ran out of places to look, and clues to follow? He knew it’d tear her up.
They pulled off the highway, and just as Hannah said, the hotel was right there, sparing them from having to navigate the unplowed roads. Jake got them the nicest suite available, knowing it’d at the very least have a pullout sofa, so he’d have a place to sleep, but he’d still be close enough should she need him. Not that it was going to be easy to stay on the sofa, knowing she was mere feet away. He was having one hell of a time keeping his hands off her and letting her set the pace when a mere look from her had his cock going constantly—insistently—hard, and refusing to be ignored.
Slipping the keycard into the lock on the door, he stepped aside to let Hannah in, taking a deep breath and readying himself to be a gentleman. She set her bag down in a corner and then took in their suite. “Wow, Jake. A simple room would have been just fine.”
He had to admit, it was pretty damn impressive, looking more like a luxurious apartment than a hotel room, no doubt designed to cater to the wealthy skiers who vacationed in the area. There was a wall of windows that he was sure looked upon gorgeous mountain views, though it was already dark out, the snow storm hiding the night sky of moon and stars.
He didn’t have much occasion to stay in hotels, since his schedule at the restaurant was crazy. But now that he’d be stepping away from working with Emma at her restaurant to do his own thing, he’d like nothing more than to get a bit of traveling in, especially since he could now afford to do it right.
“It’s just one night, Hannah. Not a big deal. Though I’d love nothing more than to spoil you on a daily basis.” He thought of what it’d be like to travel the world with Hannah at his side, and couldn’t think of anything more perfect. Not that she’d agree to it. Not yet, anyway.
“I don’t need to be spoiled, Jake. Although if there’s a giant tub in that bathroom, I’m going to kiss you.” The worried look in her eyes faded as she gave him a smile.
“Fuck, Hannah, I’d remodel your entire house if it meant you’d keep kissing me.” He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her before brushing her lips in a lingering kiss, forcing himself to bring it to an end.
“Aren’t you jumping the gun? I haven’t even checked the bath yet.” She gave him a teasing look and pulled out of his arms, so she could wander around, peeking in the rooms—because there were indeed two, and the master bath was downright spectacular.
“Wow…I think I might deserve more than just a kiss for a tub like that.” With the ski slopes so close, the hotel was a luxurious getaway with a mountain lodge feel, and that extended to the bath, which was done up beautifully with stone, glass, wood, and copper, and even had a cozy little stone fireplace. Best of all, the tub was deep and jetted, and big enough to comfortably fit two. “Little red, we might have to share.”
She looked at him and said nothing for a little while, as if mulling things over in her head. And given the circumstances and their past history, she had plenty to think about.
“I might be willing to share.” Sidling up to him, she slipped her arms around his waist and pressed her lips to his neck, his cock aching to have her as it pressed against the constraining fabric of his jeans. “Especially since I just want a few hours where I don’t have to think and worry about things.”
“I’m happy to distract you. Whatever it is you want—whatever you need…” He bit back a groan as she trailed kisses down his throat, scraping her teeth against his skin as he reached down and cupped her ass, pulling her body to his, his erection trapped firmly between them, and impossible to hide from her. Not that he wanted to. She should know just the sort of effect she was having on him. “I swear, Hannah, keep that up, and I’ll only be able to think of one way of distracting you.”
She let out a needy moan, going liquid in his arms. “Good. ’Cause I don’t want to think about anything else right now. And after feeling so miserable, so down about myself for so very long, I need this, Jake.”
Her words nearly killed him, especially when he knew she was referring to how Will had made her feel.
“Fuck, Hannah…say no more.” When he cupped her face and covered her mouth in a hard kiss, she clung to him, her tongue finding his in a heated dance as her hands fisted his shirt, holding onto him, her body supple and willing in his arms.
Grabbing her ass, he picked her up off her feet so her legs hooked over his hips as he pinned her to the nearest wall, not wanting to give that pretty little head of hers enough time to start second-guessing herself. Knowing what she’d been through with her marriage, he was desperate to make her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world, and to erase the hurt and pain she’d been through, the feeling that she hadn’t been good enough. And he was starting right then and there.
With her back braced against the wall, he trailed his kisses from her lips, down her jawline to her neck as he cupped her pert breasts. They filled his palm perfectly, his thumb teasing her nipples and running lazy circles over them as he feasted on her neck. His head filled with her needy little whimpers, spurring him on to take her, to claim her as his once more, so he could try to erase the damage Will had left on her soul.
Because he knew what it was like to never be good enough, to feel like you weren’t wanted, like you were a disappointment and would never measure up. And he wouldn’t have her feeling that way—not ever again.
He let her legs slip down to the floor as he knelt before her, pushing her soft sweater up so he could trail kisses over the curves of her belly, before grabbing the edge of her jeans and yanking them down. Slipping her shoes off, he freed her legs of whatever clothing was standing in his way, and t
hen nipped at her thighs, nudging her legs apart so he could taste her. And fucking hell…she tasted so sweet.
Hooking her leg over his shoulder to open her up to him, he sucked on her clit and fucked her with his tongue, loving how she tilted her hips towards him and buried her hands in his hair, tugging him to her. “Jake…it’s been so long…so long since anyone touched me…”
He ran his finger against her wet slit, slipping it deep inside her before adding a second, thrusting into her slowly, as he continued to nip and suck at her clit, teasing her until she was writhing in his arms, thrusting her hips towards him as her body tightened around his fingers. Increasing his pace, he curled his fingers deep inside her, knowing she was teetering on the edge. And bloody hell, he wanted her to come harder than she’d ever come before. With two fingers deep inside her, he pressed another against her ass, her tight opening already slick with her juices.
She gasped in surprise and her hips bucked against his mouth, and then she was coming, crying out as she crumpled into his arms, quivering as he continued to lap at her juices. Pulling her to him, he covered her mouth with his, his cock aching to have her and so fucking turned on to know she could taste herself on his lips.
Never had he wanted anyone more than he wanted her in that moment. Scooping her into his arms, he got to his feet and carried her into the bedroom, as she buried her face in the crook of his neck, nipping at his skin, so he could think of nothing but taking her rough and hard.
Lowering her onto the bed, he pulled off his t-shirt while she helped rid him of his jeans and briefs, and he then stripped her of her sweater and bra, so they were finally naked. And fuck…she was such a sight. “You’re so gorgeous, Hannah, it makes my head spin.”
He groaned and went even harder when she blushed and looked shy. But then he was cupping her face in his hands and tilting her head up so he could kiss her, hoping to erase any unease or guilt she might be feeling.
When she wrapped her fingers around his hard cock, he groaned into her mouth and deepened their kiss, his tongue clashing with hers as she stroked him, his self-control slipping until he could only think of taking her. All other thoughts evaporated when his need for her engulfed him in an inferno, and he nestled himself between her legs and sunk right into her sweet cunt, burying himself to the hilt.
“Hannah, you feel so good.” And then he realized that he’d sunk into her bare, just like when they’d been in a relationship before. “Fuck...I’m sorry.”
He started to pull out, knowing he should have used a condom, or at the very least discussed it with her, when she tightened her legs around him. “Don’t be. It’s fine—and I’m okay with it if you are.”
Pulling him to her, she nipped her way up his neck until she was kissing him, her hips thrusting towards him, until he could think of nothing else but taking her. She was so tight and so wet for him—and her words, the trust she showed him, nearly did him in, making him want her all the more. For years, he’d been living with his memories of this—of his body linked with hers, of her in his arms, of his cock buried deep inside her—and he couldn’t quite believe this was now his reality once more. He swore he was never letting her go.
Lowering his body to hers, he thrust into her, her body tight around his hard cock, as he rocked his hips forward and pulled her pert pink nipple into his mouth, sucking on it and teasing it with a flick of his tongue. He couldn’t keep his pace from quickening, wishing he could take things slow, but finding he had no self-control when it came to her.
She was just so perfect, her body so responsive… He took her hard, pounding into her with each thrust as she wrapped her legs around his hips, spurring him on to take her deeper, faster, knowing exactly how she liked it. Her fingers dug into his back as she lost control, biting his shoulder so the flicker of pain melted to pleasure. Kissing her hard, his tongue bullied hers until she was coming in his arms and he was swallowing her needy cries, his own orgasm racing through him. He let loose with a grunt, his cock pulsing deep inside her as he came, his heart hammering against his chest with her name on his lips.
Still holding her to him, he rolled onto his back, keeping her cradled against him, their limbs in a naked tangle. “You’re so fucking gorgeous, Hannah…and that was…”
She let out a ragged breath and tightened her hold on him, a smile on her lips. “Amazing.”
Chapter Seven
With the tub filled and a fire going, Hannah watched as Jake turned his back to her, giving her the most perfect view of his muscular back, tattooed shoulders and arms, and his amazing ass, before it disappeared into the water. He shifted to face her, offering her his hand to help her into the tub.
Taking his hand, she slipped into the hot water, immediately sinking in by his side with a sigh of contentment. It had been years since she felt this positive about herself, and after being with Jake, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so happy, despite her guilt. Though she was still worried about Will, she knew there was little she could do until she got back home—and at this point, not only did she need the distraction, but she needed to feel good about herself, the last few years having taken an emotional toll.
The water was steaming hot, and with the jets going as she settled into Jake’s arms, it felt as if the stress that had knotted her shoulders was finally starting to ease. “Jake…thanks for this. For everything.”
“Anytime, love.” He kissed her temple and pulled her to him. “Although, as soon as we’re done soaking in this giant tub, I’m ordering us room service or taking you to the diner across the street. I’m getting hungry, and if I’m not fed, I’m liable to find things I want more than food—and right now, that list starts and ends with you.”
His words sent her heart skittering inside her chest. To know that he wanted her, that he still had feelings for her, left her wondering if she might be able to find happiness again. And yet how could she not feel guilty about it?
“How is it you’re still single, Jake?” He might do a good job pretending to be a bad boy, but he was so sweet, so gorgeous, so perfect. She just couldn’t believe someone hadn’t snapped him up.
He shrugged, but his gold eyes darkened to deep brown as he shifted her in his arms. “Would you believe me if I told you that I never quite got over you? It’s not that I didn’t try to move on. I did. But somehow it never quite worked out. Either I wasn’t interested, or they weren’t.”
Of course, Hannah wanted to believe that he’d never gotten over her, and yet it was hard not to question it when he’d been the one to break things off between them. So then why had he done it? He’d mentioned that she’d be better off without him, but she couldn’t believe that. It sounded like nothing more than a lame-ass excuse.
“I need to know what happened between us…you know…to make you break up with me. Because it was something, Jake. We’d been so happy—or at the very least, I was. But you came back from winter break and things…they were just different. You were distant and then it was over, and you never gave me any sort of explanation. But, I swear, if we have any hope of making this work, I need to know why.” It was the only way to keep herself from worrying that he’d break her heart again. Because even though it was amazing to be back in his arms, she was truly worried that Jake just couldn’t deal with a long-term relationship.
Jake’s gaze shifted as he frowned, his body stiffening, even though he continued to hold her in his arms. “I don’t see why it matters, Hannah. That was years ago. It’s taken me a long time to move past that part of life and find the person I truly am, and I’m not going to dig up a part of my life I’d rather forget.”
Hannah was taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to have experienced anything so serious when he’d never mentioned any problems at all. It left her wondering what he’d been through, though she didn’t have a clue as to what that could be. And fuck…it hurt that he hadn’t trusted her with it at the time. Question was, would he open up to her now?
“Look, I don’t know
what you’ve had to deal with. And I honestly can’t even begin to imagine, but the fact that it contributed to our breakup, and yet you still don’t trust me enough to tell me, makes me wonder if I’m not setting myself up for heartache again. I’m not trying to pry, Jake, but…fuck. It’s not like we haven’t known each other a decade.”
“Hannah, I love you, with all my heart, but I can’t go there because it’s going to do nothing but piss me off.” He shook his head in frustration, but then let out a sigh and shifted to face her, his gaze pleading with her to understand. “It’d be different if there was a point to telling you, but there isn’t. It’s just family crap, so please, I’m asking you to drop it. I want to focus on you—on us—and I don’t want to ruin it just because my father was an asshole.”
She nodded and slipped back into his arms, holding him close. He may not have told her what the problem had been, but he’d given her enough information to ease some of her fears, at least. She knew that dealing with family could be difficult, and could understand not wanting to rehash issues that were personal. It wasn’t that he’d cheated on her, or found someone else he’d rather be with, and yet, it still didn’t make sense. Why end things then? He certainly wasn’t the sort to break things off because his parents didn’t approve—and it wasn’t as if they’d even met her.
Jake stole a kiss, letting his lips linger as his hands slipped down her back to grip her ass and pull her to him. “I don’t want you worrying, love. I swear, I’ll take care of you. I won’t hurt you again.”
“Promise? Because you could so easily crush my heart, Jake. And I can’t go through that again.” Not with everything else she’d had to deal with over the last few years.
“You have my word, Hannah.” He brushed his lips against hers in a sweetly intense kiss that quickly deepened to so much more. Cradling her to him, her worries quickly vanished as he did a thorough job of distracting her, her body coming alive once more under his touch.