She set the phone down and went to her room to change clothes, flipping lights on as she went. Her lips formed a smile when she found his t-shirt lying on the floor. When she picked it up, she breathed in his scent. Just a hint of cologne, his soap, mostly just him.
God, she missed him. Before she could get too sappy, she folded the shirt and laid it on the dresser before changing.
A knock echoed up to her room as she fastened her pants. Ella ran down the stairs and peeked out the window. Trent stood there with a smile. She threw the door open.
Trent’s lopsided grin made her melt inside. “Would you let me inside?” he asked with his hands still behind his back.
Her eyes narrowed playfully. “What do you have?”
“Let me in, and you’ll find out.”
Ella moved out of the way and Trent entered, still facing her, hiding whatever he hid behind his back. A thrill of excitement danced through her.
“What’s going on, Trent?”
“Well, I would really like to take you on a proper date. Right after I give you a welcome gift. I’m actually kind of glad your appointment ran late because it gave me more time to put this together.”
He presented the basket to her, anxious for her reaction.
Warmth spread through her, including a soft blush as she smiled. She met his pale blue eyes. “Trent, this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.” She took the basket, looking through the contents. Chocolates, bath supplies, a couple of books, and a silk robe. He had clearly put a lot of thought into the gift. Her heart raced. “You didn’t need to do this.”
“Need to? No. But I want you prepared for long days running your shop, or nights when your fears haunt you. You can relax and think of me. Otherwise, I’ll be here, making sure you forget about any problem we can’t immediately fix.”
“You’re too sweet. And here I thought you weren’t coming.”
He sat the basket aside. “Why? Did counseling not go well?”
“Oh. It did. I didn’t see any lights on at your place, and I was so late. I thought maybe you’d be upset.”
“Not at all. I’ll admit I was starting to worry, though. At least, until I remembered taking Metcalf to his first appointment. He sat in there for hours.”
“She didn’t stop me when I went over the hour. I didn’t even realize how long I’d been in there until I finally stopped talking. Telling her everything helped so much more than I can say.”
“I won’t tell anyone anything you tell me.”
“I know that now, but I didn’t at first, and talking to a therapist is different than talking to you. She helps guide me through the emotions. You want to slaughter Logan, or whoever took me.”
“If it’s someone other than Logan, then I want to slaughter them both.” He smiled slightly. “I get it, though. Ella, I want to be whatever you need. I don’t have to be the only one you turn to, but I want you to reach for me whenever you need me.”
Her heart swelled. The connection between them was more than chemistry and it scared the hell out of her. She’d trusted before and had been burned. Luckily, the past didn’t compare to the present.
Ella took another look at the basket and made note of the scents. She had to smile at his attention to detail.
“Let me run these upstairs, and while I’m at it, do I need to change for whatever you’re planning tonight?” She couldn’t help noticing his slacks and button-down shirt. His attire was fancier than what he normally wore. She liked the change.
“That’s up to you. We’re staying in town, but I’m taking you to a steakhouse instead of the diner. That is, if you’re up for it.”
“Sounds divine. I’ll be ready in a few.”
She took the basket upstairs and set it on the dresser before slipping into a dress and freshening her makeup. Ella almost walked out the door before remembering the glasses.
Trent stood, leaning against the back of the couch. “Gorgeous.” He pushed away from the furniture and strode to her. “I’ve never craved a woman more than you.”
“If I weren’t hungry, I’d make you show me.”
His eyes darkened as they traveled down her body. “Anything you want, when we get back, it’s yours.”
“A bath. You and me, wet and naked.”
He groaned, pulling her toward the door. “Dinner, then I’ll enjoy washing you from head to toe.”
* * * *
Trent drove Ella to Long Ride Steakhouse and parked. “Allow me to get the door?”
Her dazzling eyes sparkled. “Sure.”
She wet her lips as she watched him round the car to open her door. He wanted to take her somewhere in the woods and make love to her under the stars. In fact, ideas swirled through his head as he opened the door and took her hand.
She stepped down beside him and he leaned in to take a kiss from her sweet lips. “I should have ordered out and brought it over,” he murmured.
“Don’t want to show me off?”
“Oh, I do. Don’t want anyone thinking you’re unattached.”
“You do realize you’re the only man to hit on me since I moved here.”
“Only because you haven’t been out much. In fact, I want to bring you to town the night we all play pool. That is, if you’re interested.”
“As long as no one minds. I’m horrible at it.”
“Come hang out with us. Mila and Kyle will be there. Gavin and Cadence. Most people in town are friendly.”
“I’d have to agree. At least, everyone I’ve spoken to so far. I keep meaning to explore, but then I get nervous. Running is easy. I might wave as I pass, offer a smile, but no one really bothers me while running.”
“Except me,” Trent murmured. “I couldn’t let you run without me.”
“I’m glad you joined me.”
He grinned. “Me too. I found a great trainer.” He pulled her toward the door, then slipped his arm around her. “Relax. No need to be nervous.”
She snorted. “Easier said than done. I’m in this weird state of waiting for people to start snapping pictures because it was my life for the last twelve years, and waiting for Logan, or whoever to show up.”
“No one knows where you are. Don’t worry. We’ll figure something out.” He planned to keep a close eye on her to make sure no one who seemed out of place came near to hassle her.
They stepped inside the restaurant and she looked up at him. “Do you know any of the police? Someone who would keep my secret?”
He stopped her in her tracks. “All of them would, Ella. You might be most comfortable talking to Marissa. Her brother works with me, and I’ve known her a long time. She would know what needs to be shared with the department, and what she could safely keep to herself while still providing you with the protection you need.”
“Thank you. Maybe you could get me her number? I know you work tomorrow. It’s a detail I need to handle.”
“Sure thing.” Ella walked ahead of him. He caught up and threaded his fingers through hers.
The hostess smiled. “Welcome to Long Ride Steakhouse, Trent, and…”
“Ella, my girlfriend. And this is Melanie. Ella’s opening a boutique on Main Street soon.”
“Ooh, I was wondering what was going in there. How exciting. We need a clothing shop closer to home.”
Ella lit up. “You should come by. The grand opening is in two weeks.”
Melanie looked to Trent. “Just you two?”
He grinned. “This is a date.”
Melanie grinned. “Wow, okay, right this way.”
Ella gave him a curiously raised brow. He shrugged. Mila had already told her about his reputation. Though he didn’t feel he’d actually earned the title man-whore.
Once they were seated and Melanie walked away, Ella leaned over the table with a smirk and whispered. “She one of your past hookups?”
He shuddered inwardly. “No. Come on, she’s barely nineteen. I’m not that big of an ass.”
“Never said you were a
n ass,” Ella offered lightly, amusement dancing in her gorgeous eyes. “She seemed surprised you were with a girlfriend.”
“I dated. I don’t think I called any of them girlfriend. None of them were you. I’ve had sparks, but never fire.”
She shivered, the corners of her mouth tipping up. “Hopefully, it’s more than that with me.”
“Ella, you and I are an inferno.” God, he wanted to touch her, to pull her into his arms, and lay his mouth on hers, taste her lips.
A familiar voice interrupted. “Evening, Trent. Who’s this?”
Forcing a smile, he glanced up at Rene. She’d caused plenty of trouble for Kyle when Mila first showed up. And yeah, he had turned her down. She’d been pissed until she met the man she was still with months later. The guy seemed to be everything Rene had been looking for, and her bitchiness had calmed. Hopefully, she wasn’t having a relapse.
“Evening, Rene. This is Ella, my girlfriend. Ella, this is Rene, Gavin’s sister.”
Ella smiled and offered her hand. “Nice to meet you, Rene. I love that dress.”
Rene grinned, studying Ella as if she might recognize her. Finally, she replied, “Thank you. Unfortunately, I have to drive an hour to do any good shopping around here.”
“Hopefully, not for long. I’m opening a boutique on Main Street.”
“Designer clothes?”
“Some. I plan to hand pick what I carry. In a town like this, I want to cater to everyone, but they won’t all want designer. Though, I do have my favorites.”
“Finally, I can’t wait to see what you carry. Anyway, I should get back to Theo. Good luck with this one. Maybe you’ll be the one to tame him.” She nodded to Trent with a smile and walked back to her table.
Ella met his gaze. “She’s nice.”
Trent snorted and shook his head as if shaking cobwebs. “She has her moments. Rene is the one who gave Mila hell when she moved here.”
“She mentioned that. Maybe Rene has learned her lesson? It’s really hard to hate Mila. I don’t know anyone who ever managed to for long.”
“Why is that?”
“She’s too nice. I can count the number of times she said anything unflattering about anyone on one hand. And she’s always kept me grounded.”
He nodded. “Though she warned you about me.”
Ella tipped her head side to side. “Not exactly. She cautioned me about your past, then encouraged me to at least see where things went.”
A chuckle bubbled up. “I need to thank her.”
“Me too.” She captured his hand and smiled. “I might have pushed you away harder if it weren’t for her.”
He almost admitted he would have chased harder if she had, but that probably would have backfired with her past. The way they’d come together worked out so much better.
Chapter 27
Ella sat curled in the passenger seat, facing Trent. He stole a glance her direction.
“You coming back to my place tonight?” Ella trailed her fingers over his thigh. A nice long bath with Trent sounded like the perfect end to a long day, and a great way to start the night.
His sexy grin appeared. “I can’t stop thinking about you naked, wet, and covered in bubbles.”
“I’ll put music on, dim the lights, and start the bath. I can’t do candle’s but…” She closed her eyes, trying to fend off memories.
“Don’t need candles. Besides, I plan to be too busy focusing on you to remember blowing them out.” He captured her hand and brought her fingers to his mouth. “Don’t forget the chocolate.” He wrapped his lips around her fingertips and curled his tongue over her flesh, sucking gently.
She pressed her thighs together against the building desire. “Drive faster,” she moaned.
His chuckle danced from his mouth and he didn’t even try to contain the grin as he pulled her fingers away and pressed a kiss to her palm. “Fast as I dare.” He trailed his fingers up her palm to entwine them with hers while tossing her a seductive smile.
She couldn’t remember ever feeling so desired. Snuggling closer, she caressed his thigh and covered his hard length, squeezing gently.
Trent eased her hand away, trying to soften the gesture with a warning smirk. “Patience. We’re almost home.”
She pouted and pushed back in her seat.
“Don’t be like that,” he groaned. “I’m tempted to pull over and forget the bath and everything else.” Luckily, he pulled into her driveway and she raced to the door.
His hands wrapped around her waist as she shoved the key into the deadbolt. “Slow down, Ella. We have all night,” he purred against her ear.
“Need you,” she answered, throwing the door open and stepping inside.
The slamming door made her jump as she dropped her purse on the side table. Then the lock clicked as she dealt with the alarm. Trent pulled her back against his chest. His lips grazed her ear. “Start that bath. I’ll be right up.”
“Why not come with me?”
“I’m forcing myself to learn some patience. Otherwise, I’m bending you over the nearest surface until Mila and Kyle figure out what we’re doing.”
Her breath caught, but she forced herself to speak. “What’s the difference between that happening now, and in a few minutes when you join me?”
“Go.”
When she leaned closer, she sucked his bottom lip between hers. “We can always bathe after.”
“Uh-uh, go.” He kissed her and she opened, brushing her tongue against his.
When she tried to turn, his hand locked on her hip. “Trust me,” he whispered.
“Hurry, or I’ll start without you.” She stepped away and he released her. Ella instantly missed his touch. One exaggerated step at a time, she started up the stairs, reaching back to unzip the dress.
His muttered curse sent a thrill down her spine. He wanted her every bit as much as she wanted him. So why was he waiting?
“Ella, don’t take long,” he called as she reached the top landing.
Turning, she slid the dress down her shoulders and let it fall around her ankles, revealing the fact she wore nothing beneath. “You’re the one stalling.”
“Not stalling. Preparing. You like surprises, don’t you?”
“Sometimes.” She realized it was useless debating with him and gave up as she kicked off her shoes and went to the bathroom to start the water. Two minutes later, her hair was piled on top her head in a messy bun and bubbles were floating on the steaming water.
It sounded as if Trent was moving furniture. She couldn’t imagine why. She slipped into the tub and lay back, grabbing the loofah sponge. All the bath stuff he’d given her smelled wonderful. She rubbed the soap into the sponge, creating a lather.
Ella almost called Trent to her but bit her lip and decided to give him a few more moments. Maybe she could start without him. Taking the loofah, she dragged the rough edge lightly across her skin, then circled a nipple in a pattern of bigger to smaller, from one tight tip to the other.
Sensation pulsed through her, ending at her clit. Needing more, she caressed down her body with her free hand and brushed her finger over the sensitive bead.
Close, so close, and he wasn’t even in the room. “Trent, need you.”
She barely heard his footsteps draw closer as she teased her nipple, and moaned when she pressed two fingers into her tight channel.
Finally, he stepped into the doorway. His voice was rough, “Come for me. I want to watch.”
Ella didn’t need further encouragement. Her eyes slid shut as she pushed a third finger in, pumping slowly while rubbing the heel of her thumb over her clit.
A desperate whimper escaped as a rhythm built faster, imagining his fingers replacing hers and his teeth scraping over her nipple. Her eyes popped open at the sound of his belt opening.
There he stood. Across the steamy room, already shirtless, pushing down his jeans and boxer-briefs. His thick cock sprang free and she couldn’t help licking her lips.
Tren
t wrapped his hand around his shaft and stroked. “Don’t even think it. I want to sink deep inside your body.”
“Then get in the tub,” she pleaded.
“First, come for me. Fall off the edge. Then I’ll make you come again.”
Nodding slowly, she focused on her clit, rubbing harder as she dropped the sponge and pinched her nipple. She let the cry escape as she rocketed over the edge, but she kept flicking her finger over her bead, drawing out the pleasure.
“Scoot forward, Ella,” Trent commanded.
She didn’t argue. Once she was seated in the center of the tub, Trent slid in behind her.
Ella started to turn until he pulled her back to recline against his chest. She relaxed against him, tempted to beg him to do something, anything, but curiosity about what he planned kept her silent.
“Beautiful,” he whispered in her ear, then pressed his lips against her pulse point. One hand caught her chin, pulling her head back on his shoulder as he sucked and kissed up the column of her throat while his other fingertips traced a path down her body.
* * * *
Trent was so damned hard, he ached. First, he wanted to worship her and wipe out any lingering memories from the counseling session. Finally, he wanted to show her what he felt because it was too soon for words.
He sucked her earlobe, causing her fingers to trail up his thighs while he slid two fingers into her depths.
“Need more,” she moaned, rocking her hips to push him deeper.
“Lean against the edge of the tub, your ass out of the water.” She didn’t hesitate to follow his direction.
Trent shifted behind her new position, sinking inside.
“So deep,” she gasped, dropping her head to rest on her hand.
His intention was to go slow until she was begging for more, but her walls tightened and he couldn’t resist thrusting faster. She pushed back, and he gripped the rim of the tub with one hand, wrapping his arm around her, to pull her back against his chest as he took her hard.
Ella turned her face, capturing just enough of his mouth as he pounded into her. She nipped at his lips, sucked at his tongue, seemingly desperate for more.
Falling Star (Combustible Book 2) Page 17