Pour me a Drink (Tarnation, Texas Book 3)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  He swallowed, the sound loud in his ears, competing with the heavy beats of his heart. He’d never been this riled before, especially while he still had his jeans on. If they didn’t come off soon, he was afraid he might burst a seam or two, maybe even suffer a bruised cock. He reached down and pushed the denim down his hips, releasing his dick and his balls, feeling instant relief, until her hand replaced his. She wrapped her slender fingers around his girth like a vice. “Every part of you is large,” she said with wide eyes.

  God! This woman! What words could he use to describe her? Amazing. Perfect. And yet perfect wasn’t accurate. An imperfect man like him didn’t want a perfect woman. He wanted a woman like Alaska.

  He shoved his jeans and boxers the rest of the way down his legs, toed off his boots, then rid himself of all barriers. Her eyes dazzled in the sliver of sunlight flowing through the window. There was something very erotic about watching her watch him. Seeing the curiosity and pure excitement in her expression. He wanted to rip the flannel from her body and slam into her, but he found the necessary restraint he needed and put on the brakes…at least most of the way. His wide fingers worked clumsily on unbuttoning her shirt and when he reached the last one, he wanted to say “Amen” but he bit back the word. Cupping her face, he lowered his mouth to hers, gently finding his way inside. She tasted like Heaven and he could imagine kissing her for the rest of his life.

  Holy shit!

  Back the fuck up, cowboy. He couldn’t go there. He was thinking with his dick and not his head. A man never found solutions in life with a rigid hard cock and a beautiful woman touching it.

  This wasn’t forever. Or was it?

  Suckling her bottom lip, she moaned, and he lifted his head only inches so he could kiss a trail down her neck, her collarbone, his hands gliding along her shoulders, along her arms until the shirt fell off her body. He pulled back taking in the heavenly view of her breasts. Just as he’d guessed, they were firm with large pink nipples. A groan escaped his throat as he opened his mouth over one mound, suckling and licking until her back arched and her nails dug into his skin. Then he invested the same amount of attention on the other breast as she clung to him, breathing heavily. There was nothing he liked more than a receptive woman and she, by far, was the most sensitive. He bet he could almost make her come just by sucking her tits.

  Pressing her back onto the bed, he joined her, kissing her cheeks, her eyelids, her chin, and her cute little ears, nibbling the soft lobes. His fingers were on her throat, caressing the satin skin, taking the natural path to her breasts where he kneaded the flesh. Tweaking her nipples between his fingers until he could hear her breaths coming in heavy pants. He reveled in the fact that he could do this to her, and he wanted to do more. He wanted to claim her.

  Her hand wrapped around him again, this time her fingers moved up and down his shaft, taking on a primal rhythm that had him panting within seconds. Clasping his fingers around her wrist, he stopped her, groaning in bittersweet pleasure, “Sweetheart, as much as I love your touch, you keep that up and I won’t last. Damn, I’m swollen and on fire.”

  He could see her smile in the fading light. The little minx. He wanted to show her what she did to him by slamming his cock deep inside her pussy, but he needed to take his time. Enjoy the ride.

  Taking her mouth with his, he kissed her fervently, then shifted above her, staring down at her. “I’m going to taste you again. When I licked your seam in the kitchen, it has only made me hungrier for more.”

  “Yes,” the word came on a breathless sigh.

  “Not quite yet.” He slid his finger along her moist slit, rolling through the slickness. He glided the tip of his finger over the swollen bead and she jerked, crying out. “That’s it, baby. That’s what I want.”

  “Arc…I…” She turned her face away and covered her chest as if she stood on a precipice, vulnerable.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “You make me feel so out of control. So good.”

  “Can you trust me?” He touched her chin, gently guiding her to look at him. “Will you trust me? I’d never hurt you,” he promised.

  Her nod came and he slid down her beautiful body, using gentle hands to spread her legs, opening her most precious gift for his taking. He inhaled the scent, a heady combination of lust and ripe blueberries. Dipping his head, he used the tip of his tongue to lick her distended clit. Her juices were flowing, and he could taste her desire, feel her start to tremble like a butterfly’s wings under his tongue. Within seconds, her hands were in his hair, fingers tugging as she pumped her flared hips, riding him like he’d become her velvet bronco. Arc sunk his tongue deeper, pressing his hands tighter on her thighs to keep her from breaking his nose in her wild, ambitious moves. Her juices became thicker, tastier, and his cock grew to monumental proportions. If he didn’t do something soon, he would explode all over her legs, and what he wanted was to fuck her. Blowing on her clit, he knew it’d do the trick and with one final arching of her back, her juices flowed, wetting his lips and chin.

  Shifting off the bed, he heard her hiss in resentment. “What?”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be right back.” He reached into his discarded jeans, found his wallet and the wrapped packet that he never had sex without. “We don’t want to forget this.”

  “Thank you for thinking of precaution.” She steadied herself on her elbows and she watched him slide the condom on his cock. He smiled because she looked like she was watching an X-rated film. Making sure the rubber fit perfectly, he joined her again and took his position between her wide legs. “Take me into your hand,” he told her.

  Without hesitation, she wrapped her hand around his protected shaft. “Now guide me inside. You control how fast or how slow we go, angel. You hold the reins. Once you let go, I’m going to make you mine.”

  He could feel the slight tremble as she did exactly as he wanted. She held him, guiding him, then she surprised him by lifting her hips, meeting him, inch by inch, sensation for sensation. She continued to stroke him with her fingers while he was half inside her.

  “Move that hand, darlin’.”

  He drove deeper, feeling her tight muscles stretch around him. Arc paused, needing a second to gain his control, counting to ten backward and forward, and then thrust himself to hilt. His swollen balls bounced against her ass. The vice became tighter, and his toes curled. He was so damn close, he needed to hurdle himself off that blissful cliff, but he somehow managed to find one last restraint as he pumped her fast and hard. Her pussy clenched him tight as spasms rocked her body. There was no going back now. Tingles eroded his veins and with one final thrust, he slammed into her, his body tense, as he moaned into the pillow.

  CHAPTER 20

  ALASKA RESTED IN the crook of Arc’s arm, feeling like she belonged for the first time.

  So, this was what an orgasm felt like? No wonder Rebecca was always talking about them.

  “Thank you,” she said, while drawing invisible shapes over his smooth chest with her finger.

  “For what?” He played with her hair.

  “For being you and making me feel so…well, amazing.”

  “Sweetheart, I don’t think I’ve ever been thanked after sex before.” He rolled over onto his side so he could look at her, and he cupped her cheek. “You deserve to feel good every day, Alaska. What or who has made you feel so undeserving?”

  The protective side wanted to turn away from him, but there was another side that had grown that urged her to tell him what he wanted—needed—to hear.

  Lowering her eyes, she couldn’t look at him while she talked about her past. “I never knew my dad and my mom died when I was little. I don’t really remember her that well, but I became a ward of the state and they placed me with my maternal aunt and uncle. I didn’t know them before that, and I guess they decided to take me because they had tried, unsuccessfully, to have their own children. I liked it with them, at first. Delcie was nice and was a good mom. She got pregnant and it wa
s a surprise.” She swallowed against the constriction in her throat, wishing this could be easier. She’d never told anyone, not even Rebecca about the hell she’d endured as a kid. “But she miscarried in her fifth month. She became very depressed and some days she didn’t even crawl out of bed.” She paused so she wouldn’t cry.

  “That must have been difficult to watch.”

  “Her husband, Steve, was taking it hard too. I was a kid who wanted things to be normal. Wanted love. So, I cleaned and cooked. But it wasn’t enough. Delcie was so sad and Steve went to the bar every night.” Alaska felt Arc tense some. He must have sensed what happened next. “I don’t think Steve knew what he was doing because he was so drunk, but he started getting mean and then…”

  “What, sweetheart?”

  “He tried to touch me, in an intimate way.” She felt his hand pause in her hair and his jaw tightened. She met his gaze and his eyes were two shades darker. He didn’t say anything though. “I stopped him, and I told Delcie.” She lowered her eyes again, so he didn’t see the tears developing.

  “And what happened?” There was raspy tone to his voice.

  “The caseworker showed up, told me to pack my things and I was carted off to another foster home. When that one didn’t work out, there was always another family that needed the money. Before I knew it, I’d gone through so many rotating doors that I lost count. I became a machine. Operating with smiles and good habits when I was broken inside. At fifteen, I knew I needed to get away before I was lost forever. I ran away and lived on the street until I lied to an owner at a diner and told her I was eighteen so I could get the job. I mean, maturely I was much older than my actual age. I think she knew I lied, but she never asked, and I never told the truth. She paid me under the table which helped.”

  “Baby, I’m sorry you had to go through that.” He kissed her forehead.

  Keeping her gaze averted because she knew what she’d see in his eyes, either understanding or pity, and she couldn’t handle either one if she wanted to continue explaining. “Frankie, River’s dad, targeted me because he could see what I was missing. At first, he was smooth and sweet and seemed to care about me like no one ever had. I ate it up like a sponge to water. I saw my dreams unfolding. He too didn’t take long to show his disappointment in me. His words were like knives and his actions reminded me a lot of Steve. The pregnancy test came back positive and it saved my life. It motivated me to do the right thing, to work for something better for River. I got as far away as possible, which wasn’t too far because I didn’t have the money, but I kept moving. When River was born everything changed for me. He became my all. Unfortunately, we had to keep moving for one reason or another.”

  “Alaska, you know this already, but there comes a time when we all must stop running. The best thing to do is face whatever comes, good or bad, and if it turns out that you must face the devil, then have confidence that you’re strong enough to face anything. You’re one of the strongest women I know.”

  His words were like a salve to the cracks in her heart. “I’ve never told anyone my story.”

  “I’m glad you told me. It’s safe with me. Now you must find a way to let all that go and look for a brighter future. It’s out there for you.”

  She lifted herself on her elbows. “Do you believe in folk tales?”

  “Like which ones?”

  “Cariss told me that the cliff you took me to, Lover’s Cliff, has a story. A long line of couples who have fallen in love there.”

  “What’s the rest of the story?”

  “That if you kiss someone there, you’ll fall madly in love and live happily ever after.”

  His jaw tightened some. “Do you believe it’s true?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not sure. Many others do.”

  There was a stretch of silence and then he said— “The day I met you, I was driving back from town, submerged in my thoughts and I prayed—"

  Her cell rang from the nightstand, making her jump. She laughed at her sensitivity. “I still can’t get used to having a phone after going so long without one. I bet that’s Rebecca.” Probably calling to get the details if Alaska had jumped his bones yet.

  “You can get it if you need to.”

  “I’ll call her later. She’s just being nosy.” She glanced at the screen. “It’s Cariss.” Alaska had called earlier and everything was fine with River.

  She answered it and her heart slid into her stomach. She hung up and jumped out of bed.

  “What’s wrong?” Arc asked.

  “It’s River. He’s had an asthma attack.” She hurried to grab her shirt off the floor and a pair of jeans from the drawer.

  “Did he use his inhaler?” Arc was out of bed too and almost beat her getting dressed.

  “Yes, but I don’t know if it worked. Sometimes it doesn’t.” I will not cry. I will not cry. I refuse to cry.

  “It’ll be okay. I’ll drive. Okay?”

  What choice did she have?

  River had never been out her sight when he’d had an episode and she could barely breathe herself. She’d always feared he’d be at school and no one would help him. “Cariss said he was breathing okay. I just need to see it for myself,” Alaska told Arc once they were in his truck and on their way

  Gary met them at the door. “He’s fine now, Alaska. I’m sorry that we scared you.”

  “Where is he?”

  “In the kitchen.”

  River was sitting at the table sipping water. Alaska ran to him, wrapped her arms around him for a tight hug, feeling relieved that his color and breathing were both fine. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, Mom. I’m fine.” He looked a little embarrassed. “Can we just go?”

  “Yes. We can go.” She stood and he brushed passed her. Alaska met Cariss’ concerned gaze. “Thank you for calling me.”

  “I understand. I’d want to know too.” Cariss gave her a hug and Alaska had to keep herself from crying on the other woman’s shoulder. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  Once they were back in the truck, River sat between them, unusually quiet. Alaska looked at his profile. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes,” he mumbled.

  She could sense he was upset with her, but she didn’t force him to talk. He raced ahead into the house and by the time Alaska and Arc were inside River was in his room. Feeling Arc’s gaze on her, she looked at him. “What?”

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  Although she’d shifted tracks because of the situation with River, she couldn’t forget what she and Arc had shared. Everything had been wonderful, but guilt now plagued her. For a moment she’d allowed herself to forget her responsibility. River relied on her. “I don’t understand why he’s upset.”

  Arc gave a quick shrug and averted his gaze.

  “Arc, what is it?”

  “He was having fun with his friend. I understand because we were having fun too.”

  “That’s the problem.” She hugged herself, feeling the weight of her issues on her shoulders.

  “That he was having fun or that you were?” He cocked a brow.

  “That I allowed him to stay overnight with a friend.”

  “Do you think that’s what caused his attack?”

  Clearing her throat, she dropped her arms. “No, but what if he’d gotten worse and I wasn’t there?”

  He rubbed his forehead. “You might not want to hear this, but we can’t allow ourselves to live in “what if” land. He’s a kid who wants to hang with his friend. Would you rather he be having fun with a slight risk of something happening or sitting here under your wing and nothing happens?” There was a long hesitation. “As a kid I would have been extremely embarrassed if I got sick and then my mom swept in to take care of things.”

  She blinked. Did she hear right? “What are you saying? That I should have just left him there?”

  He rubbed his eyes. “No…maybe. I don’t know. He seemed fine. He took his medicine and he was breathing okay. Maybe yo
u could have asked him if he wanted to stay.”

  Something broke inside her. All the restraint she’d placed on herself broke. “I can’t do this.”

  His shoulders slumped some. “Can’t do what?” She stepped down the hall into the kitchen, hearing the heavy footsteps of his boots as he followed her. “Can’t do what?” he repeated.

  Scrubbing the spotless counter with fervor, she didn’t look at him. Couldn’t dare look at him. “I should have never allowed things to go to the next level with us.”

  A second later she felt his hands on her shoulders, turning her around to face him. Bringing her gaze up to his, the look there made her knees quiver. “River having an asthma attack and what we shared have no correlation with each other.”

  “No, but if River would have been home, I could have kept an eye on him.” She pulled away and put some distance between them.

  “And how many times as he gotten sick on your watch?”

  Tossing the dish rag into the sink, she inhaled, trying to control her emotions. “It’s my responsibility to protect him.” She kept her voice down so River didn’t overhear. “Just because he’s okay now there have been times when he hasn’t been fine after an episode. This could have been one of those times and where would I have been?” Her eyes filled with tears and she blinked them back. She couldn’t cry. She had to stay in control.

  “Alaska, you’re a great mom, but every good mom deserves happiness for herself. You’re not following your heart because you can’t see a balance between your happiness and protecting your son. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “It’s only been River and me since he was born. I promised that I wouldn’t let someone, anyone, come along and change the dynamics. Since I’ve been in Tarnation, I’ve changed too many things too fast.”

  “Are you using this as an excuse?”

  Bringing her chin up, she saw the stress lines around his eyes, and she felt guilty that she was the cause. The intimacy they shared seem to fade some. “An excuse?”