by Jamie Beck
Without breaking their kiss, he moved on top of her, savoring the skin-to-skin contact. His body came alive as her hands and fingers traced the muscles of his shoulders, chest, back, and ass. He centered himself between her legs then pushed the tip of his penis inside her slick body, before backing out. He repeated the motion, each time thrusting slightly deeper. With each withdrawal, she groaned and gripped his hips, raising her legs to force him deeper. But he wanted to hear her beg before he satisfied that burning need they shared.
“More!” Finally, what he’d been waiting to hear.
“Look at me.” He wanted to see her eyes, and to know that she saw him while he thrust fully inside her. “You feel so good.”
He kept his gaze locked on hers as he continued to pump his hips. Another animalistic sound escaped his throat, but he didn’t care, and apparently neither did she.
She kissed his chest as he started a rhythm. “Faster, Grey. Faster,” she whispered before kissing his neck and raising her legs up and around his waist.
Hell, yes, faster. But in the midst of utter ecstasy, his knee began to ache. He flipped onto his back, keeping her with him. Like a freaking goddess, she reared upright on his lap. Those beautiful, full breasts pertly awaiting his attention.
He sat up, holding her waist, while his mouth latched onto one nipple. He kneaded her hips and nipped at her breasts as she slid herself up and down his throbbing, hot erection.
Nothing could get better than this, he thought, until she pushed at his chest, laying him flat against the mattress while she remained upright, then reached around behind her butt and cupped him. The shock of her maneuver almost made him jump off the bed, sending him into a sensual mania as she rode his body with confidence and lust, her breasts bobbing with each rise and fall.
His heart thundered at the sight.
He wanted to watch the erotic scene unfolding on his lap, but his eyelids grew heavy as his own back arched and he bucked to meet her pace.
Both of them were groaning and panting when they finally, and explosively, came together. A string of expletives shot out of his mouth before he could stop himself.
“Sorry for all the swearing,” he whispered in her ear before he hugged her tightly to his chest.
“Forgiven.” She remained collapsed on top of him, her head tucked up against his shoulder and neck. Her contented sigh filled him with satisfaction.
He stroked her hair and back while his heart rate settled. Candlelight danced on the walls of his room, the play of light and shadow enhancing the mystery of the intense sexual connection. The past fourteen hours had exceeded all expectations.
Snuggling closer, he noticed the dewy sweat on her skin, the scent of sex mingled with her flowery perfume, the little panting sounds of her breath, the way her fingers mindlessly traced his collarbone.
He kissed the top of her head and allowed happiness to wash over him. With any luck, she’d feel it, too, and it would carry away her doubts and worries. Reflexively, he squeezed her a little more tightly and felt her smile against his chest.
Moments later, he rose to remove the condom and deposit it in the bathroom just outside his door. When he returned to the bedroom, she was hunting for her clothing.
“What are you doing?” What the hell was she doing?
“Getting dressed.” She blinked at him like he was crazy. “It’s really late now. I should probably go.”
“No.” He shook his head and grabbed the bra out of her hand, tossing it to the ground. “Stay the night.”
“I shouldn’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because of Trip.”
“What’s he got to do with us?”
“Well, he’ll be here in the morning.”
“So?”
“So, that’ll be a little awkward.”
“Trip will delight in teasing us as often as possible, so get used to it.” When he noticed the crease in her forehead, he grew concerned. “Do you regret what happened?”
“No, but I guess I feel a little . . . I don’t know, self-conscious. I told you, I’ve never done this so quickly. I don’t want to presume anything.”
She looked unusually vulnerable. He didn’t think words would persuade her, so he kissed her. “I want you to stay, Avery. All night.” He held her until he felt her resistance ebb.
“Okay.” Her shy smile might have been one of the prettiest things he’d ever seen. Or maybe the wave of relief crashing over him simply heightened every little thing she did.
Grey pulled back the sheets and playfully pushed her back down onto the bed, crawling in beside her before snuggling his body up against hers. “Better?”
She nodded. His hands gently caressed her body as she relaxed against him and drifted off to sleep.
Avery woke up sweaty in the middle of the night, momentarily confused by the unfamiliar surroundings. Lying on her side, she scanned the dark silhouettes of Grey’s room. His arm and leg were draped over her body, his chest glued to her back. The languid rhythm of his breathing told her he was soundly sleeping.
He slept so peacefully—the opposite of how she felt. Her heart had recovered from Matt, but was it really strong enough to handle someone as overwhelming as Grey?
The bracelet Grey never removed drew her attention. Juliette. Just the name sowed seeds of doubt. Would he ever love anyone that much again, or does the heart lose the ability to give everything after it’s been broken? And even if he could love so deeply again, could he love her, someone so different from Juliette? Insecurity acted like fertilizer, making those seeds grow like unruly ragweed.
She attempted to ease away from him in order to turn and look at him, but her movement roused him. A satisfied-sounding hum rattled in his chest as he nuzzled his nose into her hair and neck, sending little currents of anticipation zipping through her limbs. His hand slid up her waist and began to fondle her breast, immediately stirring her body.
At least I’m not the only one aroused, she thought as she felt him grow hard against her hip. His mouth—those beautiful lips—kissed her neck and shoulder as he deftly repositioned himself so he could minister to her breasts with one hand and all the other parts of her body with his other.
Grey knew how to handle a woman’s body and deliver maximum pleasure. She turned slightly so she could kiss him while his hands did delicious things to her body.
In the midst of the mounting sensual frenzy, the rightness of being held by Grey in the dark silence hit. Her swift attachment to him was unexpected. For the first time, she understood why they called it falling for someone. Falling—into an abyss from which one might not wish to recover—described the feeling precisely. And despite the danger, her heart tumbled for this man.
Her thoughts scattered the instant he entered her body from behind. A heady blend of confidence and devotion laced every one of his movements. Somehow he’d already learned how to read her cues. He knew when to push, pull, kiss, touch, speed up, slow down. Dizzying, in the very best way.
Their bodies rocked together as he pushed her closer and closer to the edge. Small tremors convulsed as she tipped over that edge, then he abruptly pulled out, all the while repeating her name until his own body stopped shaking.
She turned over to nestle against his chest. The first hint of daylight had begun to creep through the edges of the blinds, enabling her to see all the contours of his shoulders, hairless chest, and stomach. Given her profession, she’d seen her fair share of fit bodies, but Grey’s ranked up there at the top of her list.
He tucked one hand behind his head and watched her tracing the lines of his upper body. “Glad you stayed?”
She arched one brow at his rakish grin, but didn’t deny him the answer he needed to hear. “Very.”
“Me, too.” He pulled her closer and snaked one arm underneath her shoulders. “Me, too.”
She liked
it there, in the crook of his arm, inhaling the smell of his skin and listening to the steady beat of his heart. Sated and tired, she allowed her mind to wander in and out of consciousness until the brightness of the room interfered with her ability to fall back asleep.
As much as she might like to stay longer, she was hungry, and she had to get home. Reluctantly, she pushed up onto one elbow, waking Grey.
“Mornin’.” His sleepy eyes crinkled as he reached up and brushed her hair behind her shoulder.
“Good morning.” She held the sheet up against her chest. “I know you’re going to try to change my mind again, but I’ve got to go home, Grey.”
He glanced at the clock. “It’s only seven on a Sunday morning. What’s the rush?”
“My parents are coming for another visit, and I’ve got a bunch of things to do to get ready.”
“How long will they be in town?” He avoided her gaze, choosing instead to watch his own fingers as they slid along her bicep.
“I’m not sure. Why?”
“I’m assuming I won’t see you while they’re here.” His voice dropped a few decibels.
Her stomach fell at the thought of her dad’s reaction to news of her dating Grey. “I think that would be best, at least until we see what happens with the lawsuits, and with us.”
“With us?” Grey’s expression grew concerned. “Are you already expecting something to go wrong? ’Cause I gotta say, I think things right here are damn near perfect, Bambi.”
She smiled at him and that ridiculous nickname she’d come to treasure. “Things are nice, but things always start off good, don’t they?”
Grey sat up, appearing to be battling some unpleasant emotions. “No, they don’t. And even when they do, that’s not the same as this. This, by the way, isn’t a normal start. You get that, don’t you? We already know each other well. We’ve even had our first few arguments. This”—he motioned between them—“is already past the beginning. For me, anyway.”
The vehemence of his tone surprised her. “You’re right. We are somewhere beyond a beginning.” She leaned over and kissed his shoulder to soothe his ruffled feathers. “Still, my family is under a lot of stress right now.”
She felt Grey tense even as he glanced away. “Grey, I’m not like you. I don’t rush into things, and even you must admit, now isn’t the best time to introduce you to my family. Not when so much is unresolved for all of us.”
Grey’s scowl loosened a bit. “I’m not an idiot.”
“Then stop pouting and let’s eat before I take off.” Avery saw her clothes in a pile on the floor. “Can you hand me my things so I can face Trip with some dignity?”
At least that remark caused Grey to grin. A welcome sight. He slid out of bed, giving her a great view of his very tight butt and broad shoulders.
He stood there completely comfortable in his nakedness, forcing her to concentrate on not dropping her jaw. If she looked that good naked, she’d probably be less modest, too, she thought. He dangled her bra from his finger.
“Sure you don’t have time for round three before you go?”
He dropped her bra and lunged at the bed, apparently taking her two-second hesitation as a yes. Who was she to resist?
An orgasm was a much better way to start the day than a cup of coffee, she decided while lying in Grey’s embrace.
“You still hungry?” He peered down at her and kissed her forehead.
“Very.” She propped up on one elbow. “Maybe a bowl of cereal or something before I go?”
Grey reluctantly got out of bed and put on athletic shorts and a T-shirt. “I think I can manage that for you.” He walked to the edge of the mattress and kissed her quickly. “I’ve got to let Shaman out real quick. Be back in a jiffy.”
After he left, she quickly dressed herself and pulled her hair into a ponytail. Before she left the safety of Grey’s room, she braced for an onslaught of teasing from Trip.
Luckily, Trip wasn’t in the living room or kitchen, and his bedroom door remained closed. Either he never came home, or he snuck in early and was catching up on sleep. Either way, she’d been spared the embarrassment of being caught in the clothes she’d worn last night—the dreaded “walk of shame.”
Grey returned from letting Shaman out. He poured her a bowl of Fruity Pebbles and a glass of orange juice, then leaned his elbows on the counter and watched her eat, while the dog sniffed around her stool.
She stared at the fluorescent cereal and shot him a look. “Seriously?”
“I assumed you’d love such a colorful cereal.” He grinned. “Don’t judge until you try. They’re awesome.”
“I guess I should be grateful you didn’t hand me candy.” She chuckled before spooning crunchy sugared cereal into her mouth. She’d never admit it, but it did taste kind of good.
“So when can I see you again?” His fingers crawled toward her and stroked her forearm. “Is tonight too soon for another sleepover?”
“I can’t sleep here tonight. I’ve got work tomorrow, and stuff to do, like I said.”
“I’ll come to you.” He frowned. “Come on, before your parents arrive and I have to stay away.”
Avery shook her head. “We just talked about this. I need a little time to warm Andy up to this idea, too.”
“Fine.” He stood up. “How about dinner tomorrow?”
“I can do that. This time I’ll bring the picnic.” She spooned the last of the cereal into her mouth.
Grey grabbed her hand and tugged her off the stool into a kiss—a steamy kiss that made her wish her parents weren’t coming to visit. He sucked on her lip and then his tongue found hers, all while he held her firmly against his body.
If someone had asked if she would like all the touchy-feely stuff, she would’ve guessed not. She would’ve guessed wrong. She actually craved his demonstrative, romantic nature. A first for her, and a little bit scary.
Caution warned her to slow down, but her heart had galloped ahead of her brain and she couldn’t find any reins.
She marveled at how bravely he exposed his feelings. Almost from the very first moment at Plum Tree, when he’d winked at her, he’d opened himself up to her rejection. Even when he’d been restraining himself as her patient, his interest had simmered just beneath the surface.
Juliette may still inhabit a special place in his heart, but clearly he wanted to make room for Avery. And so there, in his drab little living room, another chunk of the protective casing she’d wrapped around her heart for as long as she could remember melted.
Grey was a game changer.
When his hands rode up her back and into her hair, she pressed herself against him, kissing him as if she might die if they stopped.
The deadbolt clicked on the apartment door a second before Trip entered and caught them in the middle of their make-out session.
He stopped and grinned. “You didn’t leave a ‘do not disturb’ sign for me. You think you’d know better. Next time I’ll knock before entering.” Trip removed his cowboy hat and smiled at Avery.
“Hi, Trip.” She hid her discomfort by going on the offensive, and made a show of looking at her watch. In a joking tone, she said, “I’m surprised to see you getting home this late in the morning given your reputation for sneaking away before dawn.”
“Is that right?” He scratched his head, wearing a wicked grin. “Let me think, now. According to your reputation, it seems we’re both breaking all the rules this morning, hmm?”
The fact he said it with a big smile didn’t make the hit less direct. Avery didn’t wince, but her shoulders stiffened. She smiled and flipped her hair over her shoulder, hoping neither noticed her hot cheeks.
Trip sank into the sofa cushion and crossed his feet up on the coffee table. “What are you two doing today?”
“I’m on my way out, although I’m not sure it’s safe to le
ave Grey here alone with you.” She turned to Grey and teased. “Can you resist his bad influence?”
He kissed her just as Trip called out, “And here it was me being afraid of leaving him alone with you, sweet PT. You’ve got him all turned inside out.”
Avery looked at Trip and tilted her head. “I can’t wait to meet the woman who finally turns you inside out.”
“Ha!” Trip laughed before his expression shifted to something more genuine than she’d ever seen from him. “I doubt she exists . . .” And then he immediately slipped back into character. “Who knows, maybe she’ll be born this year. By the time she grows up, I’ll be old enough to settle down.”
Avery rolled her eyes while Grey mumbled something to his friend before walking her down to her car. He opened her door for her and then kissed her again before closing it. “I’ll call you later.”
“Okay.” She waited until he backed up a step or two before she pulled away from the curb. In her rearview mirror she saw him, standing in the middle of the road, watching her drive away.
The past twenty-four hours had been blissful. Although she still felt somewhat off-balance by her decision to run headlong into the possibility of love, whenever she pictured Grey’s smiling face, she couldn’t imagine anything less than a happy ending.
Chapter Seventeen
A week later, Grey limped into the Backtrax office after his first bouldering session with a new client. He unclipped his chalk bag and tossed it on top of the banged-up green file cabinet. Traversing the boulder had strained his knee. Worse, his crash pad had done little to reduce the compression of his landing, which had further stressed the joint. Sent a razor-sharp pain through the damned thing, actually.
Fortunately, now the throbbing had dwindled to a steady ache, so he was ninety-nine percent sure he hadn’t done real damage. The bigger worry involved the fact that he still couldn’t rely on his knee for his work. For the first time, he started to consider the real possibility that he might never be able to do so.