The Ocean Between Us (A Southern Heroes Novel Book 1)

by Michelle Heard

  I should stop, but kissing her was really good, and it’s all I can think about right now.

  That… and her naked on my bed.

  Her eyes settle on my mouth, and because I want it, I ignore the warning bells that I should take it slower. Instead, I start to remind myself of how good she tasted.

  As I lean down, there’s a spark in her eyes the second she realizes that I’m going to kiss her.

  I crush my mouth against hers, and when her lips part and I finally get to taste her again, a groan rumbles up my throat. She throws herself into the kiss, making it so much hotter.

  I move my hands down to her ass and take hold, lifting her onto the counter. Once I have her in front of me, I slide my hands to her hips. Pressing against her knees with my body, she opens for me so I can move closer.

  Damn, it’s not close enough.

  I dig my fingers into her skin between her shirt and shorts and tug hard. She gasps as we collide, and I know she can feel how much I want her right now.

  Her arms slide around my neck, and I inch my hands up beneath her shirt. I should take it slower, but then she shudders in my embrace, and I kiss her harder, our tongues twisting greedily.

  Feeling her hot skin beneath my hands makes my cock strain against the zipper. When a soft moan slips past her lips, I push her shirt up and over her head.

  Her eyes are glazed with lust, just the way I want them. I reach behind her with one hand and unclasp her bra. Then I dip to her neck, pressing soft kisses all along her creamy skin, over her collarbone, all the way down to her cleavage. I slip the straps off and duck lower, taking her nipple into my mouth.

  Fucking heaven.

  With her hands fisting my shirt, she almost comes off the counter as she tries to press closer to me.

  Damn, she’s sensitive.

  I pull her legs around my waist and lift her from the counter. As I walk her to my room, I keep kissing her neck, not wanting to break this moment between us.

  After placing her on my bed, I quickly rip my shirt over my head, needing to get back to her.

  The way she looks at me is intoxicating. It makes me feel damn near invincible.

  I unsnap her shorts and hook my fingers into the sides of her panties, tugging them both down. Sucking in a deep breath of air, I ease my hands up her quivering legs as I crawl over her body. I slide an arm in under her and move her up to the middle of the bed.

  She’s got her bottom lip trapped between her teeth, and her eyes are on my chest. Leaning down, I free her bottom lip, only to bite down on it myself. Only then does she place her hands lightly on my arms.

  She’s very nervous.

  I kiss her slowly, nipping at her mouth while I move my hand down, cupping her. She gasps into my mouth, which only encourages me to slip a finger inside her hot pussy.

  “Dammit, Emma,” I groan with need when I feel how tight she is.

  Her body quivers beneath mine as I press my thumb against her clit which makes a sweet moan escape her lips.

  I let go of her for the second I need to get my pants off before I’m back on top of her. Her eyes are wide, and it looks like she’s switched over to the highest gear of nervousness, and I’m no rocket scientist but …

  “Are you okay with this?”

  She nods, fast, and that’s just not good enough for me.

  Framing her head with my arms, I look into her wide eyes.

  “Babe, is this your first time?”

  She swallows hard, and after a few seconds, she nods. I’ve been many things in my life, but an ass is not one of them. I may want her badly, but not like this.

  I smile gently so I don’t hurt her feelings when I say, “Then it should be special.”

  But I’m also not leaving her unsatisfied.

  I kiss her tenderly and move my hand back down, cupping her pussy. Pinning her right leg with one of my own, I slip a finger back inside her. Her lashes lower as her lips part with desire.

  I could orgasm just from watching her.

  She lifts her hips from the bed as her hands fist in the covers. Ducking my head low, I take her nipple in my mouth and suck hard until she’s writhing underneath me. I move faster as I listen to her breaths escape in short, sweet gasps.

  Wanting to feel her touch me, I take hold of her hand and press her palm to my abs.

  “Touch me, Emma,” I growl, letting her hear how much I need her right now.

  As she wraps her fingers around my cock, my hips jerk forward, a deep growl rippling from my chest. She starts to move her slender fingers up and down my cock, speeding up until she matches me thrust for thrust. I’m not going to last long.

  Our eyes lock as she groans, “Aiden.”

  “That’s it, baby. Come for me.”

  Rubbing my palm hard against her clit, I curl my finger inside her.

  “Oh…” Whatever she was going to say trails away as I find her sweet spot. She arches up, pressing her body hard into mine, her fist tightening around my cock. I can’t keep from groaning as I feel her orgasm start, and my own starts to ripple through me.

  “Aiden,” she whimpers while her muscles clench around my finger. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever experienced. With I growl I find my release.

  I drop my forehead to hers as she lets go of my cock. When she brings her hand up between us, I catch it and lace our fingers together.

  She curls into me, small and trembling with the aftershocks of pleasure. The same feeling from earlier fills my chest. She makes me feel so fucking invincible.

  CHAPTER 7

  EMMA

  I’ve never felt anything like that before. For the longest time, it felt like something was building deep inside me, and then the sweetest release came.

  I loved the sounds he made as I was pleasuring him. There’s not a book on the face of this planet that could’ve prepared me for what I just experienced with Aiden.

  He’s bloody perfect. The one guy I run into, and I offer myself up not once, not twice, but three times, and he says no. But then, I have to be honest - it wasn’t a no as in ‘bloody hell no.’

  He made it all sweet, saying my first time has to special. Lying next to Aiden, I realize that no one has ever made me feel this good about myself.

  But all good things must come to an end, and I’m sure men usually don’t cuddle afterward. It’s been close to ten minutes, and all he did was wrap his arms around me and hold me.

  And he’s still holding me.

  Not that I’m complaining. Aiden’s holding me, I’m not drunk, and I didn’t force myself on him… this time. Pretty sure he came onto me in the kitchen.

  I stare at the ceiling, trying not to squirm as the need to get dressed washes over me.

  I’m naked with a guy.

  Crap, I don’t know what to do. I’ve never done something like this.

  “You okay?” he asks.

  He’s Mr. Bloody Perfect slash Greek God and caring on top of it all.

  I dare a quick glance at him, making sure my eyes stay in the region of his face. “Why are you so nice?”

  “You’re quiet because I’m nice?”

  “No… yes. Both. You’re holding me. You’ve been so nice since we met.” I think I’ve just managed to confuse him even more.

  He lifts himself onto his elbow and stares down at me. When he brushes my cheek softly with his other hand, I just about melt all over again.

  “See… nice. Aren’t men supposed to just get up and go after the… uhm… deed?”

  Kill me. I’m screwing up so badly in bringing my point across.

  He smiles. “No, not all men just get up and go.” He starts to laugh, obviously finding me funny. “Some of us like to stay.” His fingers keep trailing gently down my neck. “So you think I’m nice. Not exactly what I was aimin’ for. Was going more for great, but I’ll work on that.”

  “You’re great,” I say to appease him. “Just bloody great. Tell me an awful secret. Tell me you go cow tipping at night, throw eggs at houses.
Anything will do right now.”

  He chuckles as he slips his hand into my hair and presses a kiss to the side of my temple. “Do you do those things?” His voice is a deep rumble right by my ear, making my stomach flutter wildly.

  “No… it’s just better than asking whether you’re involved in something drug-related, murder-related, or just plain crime-related.”

  He pulls back a little, his eyes roaming my face, and then he presses a tender kiss to my forehead.

  “I’ve never been on the wrong side of the law, never gone cow tippin’. When I was twelve, I threw eggs at a house. I couldn’t sit for a week when my mama found out,” he admits.

  “Bad boy Aiden throws eggs. I feel so much better.”

  He chuckles, and his breath warms my skin as he lays his head down next to mine.

  “So you’re from Cape Town?” he asks. “What’s it like there?”

  I’m lying naked in bed with a stranger, and I’ve never felt more at peace.

  “It’s actually quite beautiful. It’s not as hot as it is here.” I don’t think giving him a bit of information can do much harm. He’s a student like me, after all.

  “Where are you from?” I ask before he can ask more questions.

  “South Carolina.” He nudges at my neck with his nose, and I close my eyes. “I’m a Southern boy, ma’am,” he drawls, and I become a puddle of drool next to him.

  “Why did you choose Chapel Hill?” he asks.

  I don’t think and answer a bit too honestly, “Eagles. I read there are quite a few in this area.”

  He lifts his head and looks at me. Actually, it’s more like he pins me down with a super intense stare.

  “Why not come for a simple vacation then?”

  “A student visa is longer.” This is where I should start keeping quiet.

  “You came here on a student visa just to see eagles?”

  Once he asks the question, I realize how stupid it must sound to him.

  Trying to cover my mistake, I shrug lightly. “Among other things.”

  His arms cage my face, and he leans in, warming my body with his muscled one.

  “You’d be surprised how understandin’ I can be,” he whispers as his eyes lock on mine.

  Oh, I think I know. What man says no three times?

  “I’m just taking some time to figure out what I want from my life. Like a gap year,” I explain as best I can. For some reason, I don’t want to lie to him. It’s as if I know that he’ll know, and I just don’t want to go there.

  He tilts his head and stares at me, looking too deep. It’s as if he’s studying my soul, and then his warmth leaves me.

  I glance at Aiden as he parks the car outside a mall.

  “Aiden,” someone shrieks as we get out of the car. I turn to see Katia coming towards us. “Emma,” she squeals some more and just the sight of her makes my stomach drop. I really don’t like her one bit.

  I force my lips into some sort of a smile. When Aiden’s arm slips over my shoulders, and he draws me into his side, the smile stretches widely.

  “Hey, bud,” Colton says, taking hold of Aiden around his neck, and playfully jabbing him in the shoulder.

  “Hey, guys.” Aiden doesn’t sound too happy, or maybe it’s just me.

  Katia lifts a perfectly manicured hand to my face. Just like with my mother, I struggle to keep still. I try really hard for about three seconds before I give in. I just can’t. My stomach lurches at the thought of this woman touching me.

  I duck my face away as she reaches for me, and I end up bumping into Aiden. His hand slips from my shoulder to my neck, and he presses me into his chest. I breathe in his spicy scent.

  I’ve been so caught up in my thoughts that the first words I hear of their conversation, is when Katia says, “Bring your girl. It will be great to get to know her.” Her eyes rake over my body, and I feel a shiver of disgust rush down my spine.

  “Will do,” Aiden says.

  I start to pull away. I don’t want to go anywhere she’ll be. I can’t even bring myself to smile as they walk away. I’m upset that I’m letting Katia get to me.

  Everything is happening too fast. It feels like my head is spinning.

  “Let’s go,” he says, as he steers us toward the entrance.

  Once inside, I shop fast. Well, as fast as I can with the different brands on the shelves. It’s never been one of my favorite things to do. It’s not fun shopping with a person who chooses everything for you.

  Halfway through the shopping, Aiden steps in front of me. Standing in the middle of an aisle, he takes hold of my shoulders.

  I glance up and feel confused when I see the frown on his face. “What’s wrong?”

  “Never in my life have I met a woman who goes through a store as fast as you do. You barely register what’s on the shelves,” he says.

  “I just don’t like shopping,” I explain.

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah. It’s not my idea of fun.” I step past him before he can ask another question.

  Back at the flat, I still feel a bit tense. I try to avoid any eye contact because I’m a fast learner. Aiden is good at reading my eyes. I’m just scared he’ll ask questions I’m not ready to answer.

  “You’re being silly, Emma. You better relax before you give him a reason to ask you questions.”

  I decide to check my emails, and I’m glad to see that Chloe has replied to one I sent this morning.

  Sunshine,

  I’m so glad you went out, even if you got drunk. Please be more careful next time. You’re lucky your roommate was there.

  Speaking of your roommate, he sounds hot. Don’t worry too much about what he might think of you and try to become friends with him. You need a friend on that side.

  Ps. I want a photo of him. Take one while he’s sleeping.

  I love you, around the world and back,

  Chloe.

  I grin at her words and press reply.

  Me again,

  You’ll never guess what happened this morning.

  Sending the email, I stare at the inbox, hoping she’ll see the email and reply soon. Instead my phone buzzes. I glance at it, and seeing a voice clip from Chloe, I press play.

  “What happened?”

  Holding the recording button down, I say, “We got naked.” I press sent and smile when she comes online immediately.

  I laugh when my phone starts to ring.

  “I knew that would get your attention,” I tease, as I answer the call.

  “Were you serious? Did you sleep with him?”

  “Not really… sort of.” I’m a little embarrassed to tell Chloe. “We didn’t go all the way.”

  “Did you enjoy it, Sunshine?” she asks.

  “A lot,” I whisper as I close my eyes at the memory.

  “That’s all that matters.”

  “Yeah, but I think it’s safe to say I officially suck at losing my V-card. I failed a third time. I must be the only girl who can’t lose her virginity on two different continents. Maybe I should take a trip around the world, try another country?”

  “Don’t be daft. It will happen when the time is right. You’re too worried about it.”

  “You’re right,” I agree with her. “Chloe, I like touching him. I love it when he touches me. I’ve never felt something like that before. I don’t feel sick, and you know that’s a big deal for me. For some reason he makes me feel safe, and I know it’s utterly crazy of me, seeing as I only met him yesterday.”

  “It’s not crazy, Sunshine. You’re experiencing something normal and healthy for the first time.”

  “I wish you were here. Everything is so overwhelming,” I admit.

  “I wish I was there too. My parents are constantly fighting.”

  “I’m so sorry. Call me anytime you need to talk about it. I hope your parents sort things out.”

  “Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen. Let me go, I need to get ready for a date. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”


  “Sure. Around the world and back,” I say, feeling better after talking to her.

  “I love you, Sunshine. Around the world and back.”

  I end the call and stare at my phone. Chloe will never know how much she means to me.

  There’s a knock at my door and almost fall off the bed in my hurry to open the door.

  “Hi.” I clear my throat so I can resemble some form of composure instead of the rampant mess I am on the inside just from seeing Aiden.

  He’s dressed casually in slacks and a sweater, with some sort of emblem on it. He really looks good in anything, but best in nothing. My neck and cheeks warm as my thoughts go straight to the gutter.

  “I just wanted to know if you have plans for tonight? I have this thing I have to go to, and you’re welcome to come along.”

  “Sure,” I agree, then quickly ask, “What should I wear?”

  “Dress comfortably,” he says, and slips out, closing the door behind him.

  Dress comfortably? He’s wearing slacks and a sweater. Do I wear the same?

  I take the safe route and change into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I quickly freshen my makeup and pull a brush through my hair.

  “This okay?” I ask as I step into the living room.

  His eyes drift slowly over me, and I feel the anxious twist in my stomach I always get when Mom inspects my appearance.

  “Great, let’s go.” He takes my hand, and I smile widely with relief. When we walk to the door, a warm feeling settles in my stomach. My first proper night out with my roommate.

  I can do this. I can be normal. It’s going to be awesome.

  CHAPTER 8

  EMMA

  We stop at a house that reminds me too much of my own back home. It’s a huge mansion with a green lawn all year round.

  There are already cars parked in the driveway, but Aiden stops in the street, and I’m guessing it’s so he won’t get blocked in.

  If it’s a party, we are seriously underdressed. I glance at Aiden, hoping I’m wrong. “What’s happening here tonight?”

  “I need you to be open-minded,” he starts, and I turn in the seat to look at him. “Have you ever watched any kind of fight sport before?”