Sin and Cider (Sweet Sinners Book 1)

by Kimberly Reese

  I can’t help but feel like he’s insinuating something, but I’m afraid to push and ask. Before I can think of something else to say I feel a strong, muscular arm loop around my shoulders from behind. Startled, I look up and feel my breath catch in my throat when I see it’s Lawson embracing me...in front of his parents...like it’s no big deal. My cheeks heat in embarrassment and surprise.

  “Hey Mac, nice to see you again,” Lawson says in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear. I’m sure my cheeks turn crimson when he whispers out of the side of his mouth, just loud enough for my ears only, “You look good enough to eat. I can’t wait for dessert.”

  “Nice to see you too, Lawson,” I manage to cough out.

  Lawson laughs at my attempt to speak and keeps his arm around me, all while his family looks on and smiles at our exchange.

  “Now, why are we all standin’ here? Let’s go eat!” Lawson cuts the silence again and moves his arm from around my shoulders to my lower back. His palm is like a hot brand against me, the heat of him cutting through my dress and warming my skin.

  We all make our way into the dining room where Lawson pulls my chair out and takes a seat next to me. Dinner starts without a hitch, and the conversation eventually steers toward me as we begin to eat.

  “So Mac, tell us, how long are you in town for?” Mrs. Westbrook asks.

  “The plan is to leave at the end of the month,” I begrudgingly admit. As much as I’d like to say it out loud, I’m afraid to tell them that I’ve considered staying. Truth be told, I’m hesitant to mention it in front of Lawson because I’m worried about how he’ll react.

  “That’s too bad, we’d so love to see you more,” Mr. Westbrook adds.

  “That’s the truth,” Langley chimes in. “There aren’t a lot of girls in this town I get along with and want to actually hang out with. Sorry, Mom,” Langley says in response to her mother’s embarrassed expression, “but it’s true. Besides, it’s amazing to see someone who can keep Lawson here on his toes.”

  I wait with bated breath as all eyes swivel to Lawson, awaiting his response.

  “Too true,” he replies. “Mac here sure likes to keep me guessing.” He smiles as he lifts an arm and places it on the back of my chair behind my neck. My body starts to immediately respond to his even closer proximity, humming like a fine-tuned weapon of lore that can only be used by who it was meant for.

  “A woman after my own heart then,” Mr. Westbrook chimes in jokingly. “My boy here needs to be kept in line.”

  I’m not sure how to respond so I try and make light of the situation. “I’m not sure I can do all that work, Mr. Westbrook. I’m not a miracle worker.”

  Everyone at the table laughs at my comment, but my laugh dies in my throat when Lawson’s fingers start to toy with a lock of my hair.

  “If there’s anyone I’d want to keep me in line it’d be you, Mac. You’re one of a kind. I’m sure gonna miss having you around.”

  Did he just say that out loud in front of everyone? I lift my eyes to his and see him looking down at me, a smile on his face. He looks as charming as ever and his tone is lighthearted, but there’s a seriousness about him as we gaze at one another. It feels like we’re the only ones left at the dinner table, and that inevitable pull I’ve only ever felt around Lawson tugs hard at his words, causing my heart to squeeze tightly. He’s still twirling my hair around his fingertips, and I maintain eye contact as hope swells once again in my chest. We continue to look at one another, the unspoken message in his eyes eluding me.

  “That’s got to be the smartest thing I’ve heard you say in a long time, Lawson,” Langley says, breaking the silent conversation between the two of us.

  Lawson dips his gaze to my lips and back to my eyes one last time before turning and responding to his sister’s comment. “Yeah yeah, Langley. Shut it,” he says playfully. “I never asked, but how’d the auction you volunteered for go?”

  His attempt to change the subject is successful because Langley corrects him, reminding him the auction is tomorrow. I’m certain he knows when the auction is, but I’m grateful for the change in subject. Langley launches into a colorful retelling of how all of the preparation went. I ended up helping her prep some pies and enjoy listening to her express her excitement. As I’m listening, I notice Lawson has removed his hand from my hair. Before the feeling of disappointment can settle, he takes the same hand and partially places it on top of mine on the table top. He isn’t holding my hand but his thumb is making lazy swipes over my skin, sending tingles of warmth up my arm and stirring up feelings of arousal in my core.

  I look down at our hands and can’t believe what I’m seeing. Langley is still regaling the table with her story, but as I glance around I see both Mr. and Mrs. Westbrook look at our hands and exchange a knowing look, smiling at each other all the while. I’m not entirely sure what this means, but my heart drinks up the display of affection. Up until this point, Lawson hasn’t acknowledged our relationship or arrangement in public and, although this isn’t necessarily public, the fact that it’s in front of his family makes it seem more profound and intimate. I try not to get my hopes up, but it’s proving difficult.

  All too soon, dinner is over and I’m thanking the Westbrooks for having me over. “This was wonderful. Thank you so much for having me. It was a pleasure seeing y’all,” I say as I give each of them a hug.

  “Oh honey, the pleasure is ours,” Lawson’s mother says as she hugs me back. Before I can pull away completely she leans in and whispers in my ear. “If my boy’s reaction to you is what I think it is, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing you again soon. We hope you consider staying.”

  I blush furiously as I pull away and take in her knowing smile. If his mother thinks something is going on between us, then I really don’t know what to think. What does she mean, his reaction to me? And does she want me to consider staying because of what she thinks is going on between us?

  I’m confused as I’m stepping over the threshold to leave but am even more confused when Lawson accompanies me out the door.

  “Are you leaving, too?” Mr. Westbrook asks him.

  “I’m going to follow Mac home and make sure she gets there safely.”

  “Oh Lawson, that’s not necessary,” I say. “I can make it home.”

  “It’s late. I’d hate for anything to happen to you,” he insists.

  I open my mouth to retort when his father responds. “He’s right, Mac. It’s dark and we’d feel better knowing you got home safely.” His twinkling eyes keep me slightly suspicious, but I graciously give in to the show of chivalry.

  “That is very kind of you, Lawson. Thank you,” I capitulate. “Thank you again, Mr. and Mrs. Westbrook. Langley, it was also great seeing you. Let me know when you want to get together again.”

  “You got it, sugar!” she replies in a cheery voice.

  I’m stepping out the door but now Lawson is at my side. He leans in slightly and whispers in my ear as we walk out, “I’ll follow you to your house, but then I’m taking you to my place. You got it, darlin’?”

  I give a slight nod, thankful that my back is turned to his family so they can’t see my reddening face.

  “Don’t wait up for me,” Lawson calls back. “I’ll be heading home after following Mac home.”

  I hear his parents laughter echo behind us as we make our way to our respective vehicles, Lawson still behaving himself. The anticipation builds up inside me because I know my night is only just getting started and, by the wicked gleam in Lawson’s eyes, it’s going to be a long night indeed.

  24

  From the moment I set foot inside of Lawson’s apartment, I know something is different. Every time we’ve been here, our encounters have been frantic and wrought with enough sexual chemistry to cause the apartment to simultaneously combust from the sheer energy of it all. While the attraction between us burns hotter and brighter than ever, it is now simmering and burning through my system like a shot of the finest whiskey,
slowing things down to an almost idle pace. My thoughts are running rampant, and I feel like I’m in a dream as he leads me into his bedroom by the hand, his skin hot against mine. Without a word, he stops and turns back to me. Instead of tearing off my clothes like I’m used to, he runs one long finger over my lower lip before passing it in a gentle sweeping motion over my cheek. His hand slides into my hair and he steps closer, his eyes never leaving mine as he steals my breath and causes my heart to beat erratically.

  We continue to stare at one another, and the entire world could cease to exist around us and I wouldn’t know or care. Every cell of my body is attuned to his, and I’m tempted to blurt out my feelings for this man as I look in his eyes, searching for a glimmer of the same chaotic bliss he stirs in me. He feasts on me with his eyes, their mossy depths burning with more than desire and, if I’m deluding myself, more than passing affection.

  I’m not sure how long we stand here devouring one another, me with my heart in my throat and his hand in my hair, but I finally manage to say something.

  “What are you staring at?” My attempt to sound playful fails and comes out breathy.

  He leans in the few inches separating us and whispers, “You. I’m trying to commit how beautiful you are to memory since I was clueless and failed to realize it before.” He pauses and takes a deep breath before adding on, “I’m gonna miss you like crazy when you leave, Mac.” His words tumble from his mouth, almost as if against his will, but he doesn’t take them back.

  Oh God, this man. My heart aches painfully at the thought of leaving not only my newfound sense of purpose behind, but Lawson. In this moment, I’m hit with a burst of clarity: I’m staying. I’ll figure it out and I’ll make it work. A heavy weight lifts off my chest at this revelation, and my second epiphany quickly follows: I love Lawson. I really, truly love him. I may have been infatuated with him growing up, but he’s embedded himself in my heart as deeply as the roots of an apple tree, making it so I couldn’t help but fall in love with him this summer.

  I feel a smile start to form on my face, but it slows when my earlier text conversation with Cade flits across my mind. This would be the perfect time to tell Lawson my plan and how I feel about him. I should tell him he won’t have to miss me because I’m not going anywhere but I’m afraid, so freakin’ afraid. I feel my brow furrow slightly at the war going on inside my head while Lawson watches me with a sweet smile on his lips.

  “Cat got your tongue?” he teases. I simply nod as he leans in a fraction of an inch closer. “Let me help you then.” He finishes this sentence with his warm, soft lips pressed against mine. We kiss for an indeterminable amount of time, our tongues dueling almost lazily, while our hands roam each other’s bodies.

  “Mmm,” I moan.

  “Mmhmm,” he groans in return.

  My world tilts sideways when he momentarily stops our kiss to sweep me off my feet and carry me toward the bed, one arm cradling my neck and the other my knees. He sets me on my feet gently, and my hands reach down to the hem of my dress before he halts my movements.

  “Please,” he says as he places my hands back at my sides. He runs his fingertips up my arms and down the center of my chest, causing goosebumps to erupt everywhere like blossoms in spring. “Let me.”

  He then proceeds to peel off my dress and undergarments slowly, as if he has all the time in the world. He places a reverent kiss on each sliver of heated skin he reveals. By the time he’s done, my breaths are ragged and my core is a blazing inferno of dripping wet need.

  “So perfect,” he whispers in awe as his eyes skim my now naked form. “Do you have any idea what you do to me?”

  I give a minute shake of my head and reach out to unbutton his shirt. He lets me remove his shirt, and I take a moment to admire the hard slabs of muscle on display. I admire each ridge of his abs and flutter my fingers against the deep vee leading to his thick member. In my excitement, I fumble slightly as I unbutton and unzip his jeans. Lawson helps me by shucking his jeans and boxer briefs so that he’s left standing gloriously, mouth-wateringly naked.

  “This,” he reaches for my hand again and places it on his erection. “This is what you do to me.” I run my hand over the steel encased in softest velvet. My core clenches hungrily as I marvel at the long length and thickness. I’m mesmerized by my movements but am surprised when Lawson pulls my hand away and places my hand right over his heart.

  “And this,” he says, his voice guttural. “This is what you do to me, too.” My open palm rests over his heart, and I can feel the rapid thump-thump-thump of his heartbeat. “Only you, Mac,” he says. “Only you manage to do this to me.”

  My heart lurches at his words, and joy and hope explode in my chest. I pull his hand to rest over my heart and repeat his words. “Only you, Lawson. Only you manage to do this to me.”

  My words spur Lawson to move, and he places his hands on my hips and lifts me so I’m placed on my back in the center of his bed. He follows and props himself on one elbow so he’s leaning over me. I savor the crisp, cool sheets against my back and the blazing heat at my front that comes off Lawson in waves.

  He leans down and peppers my face with sweet kisses, starting at my forehead and covering my eyelids, nose, cheeks and, finally, my lips. My tongue tangles with his for a few moments before he continues his descent down my body. The further he gets, the lengthier his kisses become so that by the time he makes it to my aching nipples, his tongue and teeth have come out to play.

  “So responsive, darlin’,” he says as he nips my skin and soothes the slight sting with his tongue. “I love it.”

  I love you, I think but don’t dare say out loud. Instead I say, “Only for you, Lawson. I’m yours.”

  My words cause him to growl deeply, a sound so dark and sexy that I get wetter at the memory of the way he took my body to new heights in the barn. His lips are already moving down my stomach and past my belly button to my dripping center. He places a kiss on top of my mound and raises his eyes back up to mine.

  “Fuck yeah, you’re mine,” he says as he extends his tongue and gives a long, thorough swipe through my slit. “I love this pussy, too. So sweet,” he licks me again. “So wet,” he gives another pass of his tongue and gives a slight nibble on my clit that has me bucking off the bed. “And so fucking tight,” he growls against me, the vibrations making me tingle as he inserts two fingers inside me.

  I don’t even attempt to respond, the only sounds coming from me incoherent moans and gasps. He eats my pussy slowly and drags his tongue through my folds as if he were French kissing my mouth. He removes his fingers and places his hands beneath my hips. He lifts me higher so he can focus his ministrations on my opening. I come undone on a strangled cry when he roughly pinches my clit between his fingers and inserts his tongue into my pussy, thrusting in and out and wriggling inside like he can’t get enough of my taste.

  I’m coming down from my high, and Lawson continues to slowly lick up my juices. When I’m finally able to catch my breath, he lifts his head and smiles at me, his lips wet and swollen. He crawls back toward me and sits so his back is against the headboard. He wraps his arms around me, lifts me like a rag doll, and positions me so I’m straddling his lap. My drowsiness fades when I feel the firm, insistent pressure of his length under me. I place my hands on his shoulders and rub my wetness all over his cock to the symphony of our combined moans of pleasure. Lawson reaches for the nightstand, and it’s then I know he’s reaching for a condom.

  “I’m on birth control if you want to forgo the condom,” I whisper.

  His body stiffens momentarily, and his cock twitches in interest at my words.

  “I’ve never gone without a condom.” I can see the excitement and hesitation warring in his gaze.

  “Me either. I had my yearly exam a few months ago and haven’t been with anyone since then except you. I’m clean,” I say.

  “So am I.”

  A few moments of silence pass and I decide to let it go. I reach for his
nightstand to grab a condom, but he stops me.

  “We don’t need it.” His voice sounds strained from lust and anticipation.

  “You sure?”

  “Yes,” he says as he bucks up against me. “I can’t wait to feel this pussy bare and feel your tight heat swallow my cock. Put me inside of you, Mac.”

  My mouth has gone dry at his words, so I lean in to give him a kiss as I grab his length with one hand and notch the head at my entrance. I groan at the insistent pressure and feel ready to come again when I shift my hips and feel him begin to slide into me. It takes a few tries, but eventually he’s seated inside me to the hilt.

  “Fuck, darlin’, you’re squeezin’ me like a vice,” he chokes out.

  I manage a shuddered gasp in response and revel in the feeling of being impaled by him, my legs spread wide and my pussy filled to the max.

  “Ride me, Mac,” he grits out. “Move. Show me what you like.”

  I can’t help but respond to his command, and I begin to grind my hips against his. I lift my hips in shallow thrusts and swivel so I’m rotating my clit against his abs. The feeling of pleasure is intense, and I can feel another orgasm start to build deep inside.

  “So sweet,” Lawson groans as he thrusts up, deeper than what I’ve been doing.

  “Oh my God, yes,” I cry out. “Lawson, please…” I say, eyes clenched tightly shut.

  “Please what, Mac?”

  “Please, fuck me. Make me come, please,” I plead.

  “I’ll make you come, but I won’t fuck you.” His words surprise me, and as my eyes fly open, he shifts and turns so I’m lying on my side on my hip. He’s still inside me, but the new angle has me writhing in need.

  “Why not?”

  “Because,” he leans down and sucks one of nipples into his mouth as his hand snakes down between our bodies to flick my clit. “Calling this fucking won’t do this justice and is a disservice to you.”

  I’m shocked speechless and can only respond by widening my eyes. He doesn’t seem to mind because he starts to thrust slowly, yet heavily, into my tight heat. As he continues to enter me, he doesn’t let up the pressure of his fingers around my clit and the oncoming orgasm I sensed earlier is building in strength.