Then Came Abby (Southern Love #4)

by E. L. Todd

“What did you donate this year?”

  “One of my paintings,” he said. “It should give them about twenty thousand dollars if they find the right buyer.”

  “Wow…”

  “I’m thinking about donating more.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  He shrugged. “After a certain point, you don’t need a lot of money to be happy. It’s unnecessary.”

  She looked at him with new eyes. “Really?”

  “You don’t agree?”

  “No, I do.”

  “I thought you might.”

  She rested her hands in her lap, but he grabbed one and held it tightly. “Were you in a relationship with any of those girls?” she asked.

  “What girls?”

  “The ones you would bring everywhere?”

  “No,” he said simply. “They were just meaningless company.”

  “Oh.”

  “It’s hard to find someone that you genuinely enjoying being around, that you can see every day and still want to see them the next day.” He stared at her face, watching her expression.

  “Am I just meaningless company?”

  “If you want to be, but I would like something more.”

  “You don’t know me.”

  “Hence, the date,” he said with a smile.

  She chuckled lightly.

  “What’s your story?” he asked.

  “What do you mean?” She looked at the centerpieces in the middle of the table.

  “What happened with this ex-boyfriend?”

  She pulled her hand away. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

  He grabbed it again. “Any reason why?”

  “I just don’t,” she said firmly. “And don’t ask me ever again.”

  His eyes narrowed then relaxed. “My apologies.”

  She averted her gaze.

  “I had a girlfriend a few years ago but it didn’t work out. I was pretty upset about it, but I moved on.”

  “Have you been in a relationship since?”

  “No,” he said.

  ‘Then how have you moved on?”

  “You don’t need to be in a relationship to be over someone else. I know there are people that constantly have to be with someone. I’m not like that. And I know you aren’t either. Artistic people like us need our independence. If we don’t get it, we break down.”

  “How do you know I’m artistic?”

  “I can just tell. Do you push people away, have epiphanies when you’re alone, enjoy the quiet sounds of your apartment on a Sunday morning?” He watched her nod. “They say the greatest moments of your life never happen when you’re alone, but I don’t think that’s true. There’s nothing wrong with being introverted. The world relates extroverts with success, but I don’t agree with that. And I think that’s what your problem is.”

  “My problem?”

  “You behave like an extrovert, but you really aren’t. You’re outgoing, talkative, and fun to be around. But that’s all a show. Your true happiness comes when you’re around the few people you genuinely care about, or even when you’re alone. I know this because I’m the same way.”

  Abby looked at her joined hands, seeing how much bigger his palms were compared to hers.

  “Are you scared?”

  “Why would I be scared?”

  “Because I know you pretty damn well.”

  She nodded slightly. “You do.”

  He grabbed his drink and took a sip.

  Abby felt her heart race in her chest. Fernan had stripped her away, making her feel vulnerable and on display. “I’m not ready to be serious with anyone.”

  “I gathered that.”

  “I just want you to know that…I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “Don’t worry about me.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” she asked.

  “Just don’t worry about me,” he said. “Do what you want, when you want, and when you’re ready for it. I won’t push you in any direction. Remember, this is only our first date. I won’t be offended if you don’t want a second one. Albeit, I’ll be pretty disappointed.”

  “Why do I have a hard time believing that?”

  “Believing what?” he asked.

  “That you would just let me go. You harassed me for this date to begin with.”

  “I had to,” he said with a smile. “But if we go out and you don’t like me, there’s nothing I can do about that. It’s over.”

  “You just seem extremely persistent.”

  “I can be.”

  She felt the callous on his fingertips, knowing it’s where the paintbrush rubbed his skin. “I can’t believe I’ve worked with you for so long but I’ve never really known you.”

  “You’ve never tried to get to know me.”

  “Well, you’re my boss. I’m not supposed to do that.”

  “Do you always follow the rules?” he asked.

  “No,” she said with a laugh.

  “Good.”

  “Fernan, why did it take you so long to ask me out?”

  “You clearly haven’t been in the right place.”

  “And I am now?”

  “You’re a little better.” He drank from his glass and finished it. “Would you like another?”

  “No,” she said. “I’m a lightweight.”

  “Okay.”

  Everyone took their seats when dinner was served. Fernan ate gracefully, eating slowly. She glanced at him every now and then, but tried not to stare. She ate her salad then moved to her soup. There were so many courses, she wasn’t sure how she’d finish everything. At the third plate, she stopped eating altogether.

  “That’s all you’re going to have?” he asked.

  “I’m stuffed.”

  “I like a woman who eats.”

  “I love eating,” she said quickly. “But I’m honestly just full.”

  He rested his arm on the back of her chair then stared at her. She felt his heated gaze burn her skin.

  They held the auction to fundraise money, and by the end of the night, they had raised almost a million dollars. Abby was surprised there was so much cash in that very room.

  “Everyone usually goes to the after-party, but I’m not in the mood for that. Are you?”

  “No,” she said quickly.

  “Are you ready to go home, then?”

  She nodded.

  They left the hotel lobby then walked outside to the street. Fernan called his driver and waited for him to arrive. As soon as the door was opened, Abby sat down and wanted to kick off her heels. She preferred flats. If the winter season wasn’t so cold, she would wear flip-flops all year round.

  Fernan sat beside her then gave the driver her address. He rolled up the interior window then placed his arm over her shoulder. “I told you it wouldn’t be that bad.”

  “And you were pretty charming.”

  He moved his face close to hers. “I never lie.”

  “You don’t.”

  “No,” he whispered.

  “That’s a rare quality.”

  “Which is why it’s so valued.”

  Sweat gathered on her palms as he leaned close to her. She knew he was going to kiss her, press his mouth against hers. And she wanted it to happen. His hand cupped her cheek then moved into her hair slightly, but he still didn’t close the gap.

  “Kiss me,” he said.

  She obeyed his command and moved in. Their lips touched and burned instantly. His mouth caressed her, being gentle but aggressive at the same time. His hand touched her cheek gently, making her feel precious.

  Abby moved her hand to his chest and felt the hardness underneath. He was all man under that suit. When her hand slid down his stomach, she pictured him naked, wondering how he looked. Her sister’s words kept coming to her mind, and she considered taking him to bed. It was unlike her to do something so hasty, but she was desperate to feel the connection to another person. She’d been alone for so long, and desired the feel of a man. Fernan seemed like
a good choice. He said they could be whatever she wanted them to be.

  She moved her tongue into his mouth and lightly touched his. The taste of a strawberry flooded her mind. When their tongues touched, his aggression increased. His hand moved to her thigh and touched her gently.

  Abby felt the arousal course through her body in waves. The more she touched Fernan, felt him touch her, the more she wanted to increase the intensity. She pulled away, his mouth still slightly open. “Can we go to your place?”

  He stared at her for a moment, processing her words. Then he hit the intercom button. “Change of plans. Let’s go to my apartment.”

  “Okay, sir.”

  Fernan grabbed her face and kissed her again. The backseat was large but they didn’t take up much room. Fernan became more passionate as they kissed in the dark. The bumps of the street went unnoticed as their embrace intensified. Fernan moved his lips to her neck and shoulder and left a trail of kisses back to her lips. The desire she felt between her legs was so novel that it felt unreal. She had been dormant for so long that her body felt thawed. Fernan touched her in all the places she forgot she loved. With every kiss, she was panting for him.

  When they reached his apartment, Fernan reluctantly pulled away then got out of the limo. He pulled her behind him then grabbed her hand. She was in a daze as she was pulled into the building. Just by looking at the lobby and the security, she knew he lived in a nice place. They took the elevator to his floor, the electricity still bouncing off the walls.

  When they reached his door, they were on the top floor. Her heart raced as she watched him unlock the door and walk inside. The living room was twice the size of her whole apartment. Leather couches and chairs were placed on a white rug on the hardwood floor. He had multiple bedrooms and a wide kitchen.

  Fernan came behind her then kissed the back of her neck. He trailed the kisses down her back and stopped before the top of her dress. Then he grabbed her neck and kissed the entrance of her ear, his breath amplified in her eardrum.

  She turned around then pulled his jacket off quickly. He let her yank it off and toss it on the ground. Then she moved his vest and threw it on the counter. Fernan pushed her back as he stepped forward, still letting her strip him. When she pulled off his shirt, she saw the chiseled chest she imagined. Every line was defined, separating the layers of muscle. When she pressed her hand to the skin, she felt the heat drain into her. She hadn’t touched a man like that in a long time.

  He directed her into his bedroom, his mouth sealed over hers. She loosened his belt and unbuttoned his slacks. They fell down and revealed his briefs. It was dark, but she could see the definite bulge in the front. There was no doubt of his large size. She hoped her dormant body would allow him to enter. Her hands rested on the rim his shorts but she didn’t pull them down. The nervousness kept her in place.

  He placed his hands over hers then directed them down, revealing every inch of him. When she saw his entire length pop out, a quiet moan escaped her lips. It was something she knew she would enjoy.

  Fernan stood naked in front of her, proud of the appearance of his body. The skyline entered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, giving a faint glow to the room. He kissed her then grabbed the back of her dress. Slowly, he pulled down the zipper until the dress came undone. It fell to the floor.

  Fernan stared at her bare breasts then kissed each one. She let him fondle her, sucking each nipple then licking the valley between her breasts. Seeing the desire on his face made her more excited. She dug her fingers into his hair while he pulled down her black thong.

  “My god, you’re beautiful.” He kissed her thighs then moved up her stomach. When he returned to a stand, he pressed his face close to hers and stared at her for a moment. No one had ever looked at her like that before. She wasn’t sure how she felt about it. It was like he could see right through her.

  He guided her to the bed then moved on top of her. She immediately gripped his shoulders and kissed him, wanting him inside her as soon as possible. Fernan moved his hand between her legs then touched her clitoris. Just the simple connection made her whimper in longing. He applied more pressure and rubbed it in a circular motion. Instantly, she was writhing for him. She opened her legs wider and let him pleasure her, not ashamed to enjoy it.

  He moved his thumb to her clitoris then inserted two fingers inside her. There was no resistance so she knew she was soaked. Fernan kissed her again then opened the drawer of his nightstand. He grabbed a packet then tore it open.

  He rolled the latex on while he stared at her. She watched him, eager to feel him inside her. But she was worried her body wouldn’t be so accommodating. When it was rolled to the base, he leaned over her, his face closer to hers. Then he pointed himself at her entrance, the tip stretching her slightly.

  She gripped his forearms and opened her legs wider, wanting the descent to be as easy as possible.

  “I like to go slow,” he whispered. He moved inside her but only inserted a part of him.

  Abby gripped him tightly, loving the small amount he gave her. He moved a little more, making her bite her lip. When Fernan wanted to make the final push, he couldn’t. It took him a little longer to insert himself entirely. She could feel the stretch of her insides. It was difficult to accommodate his large size. But when he was inside, it felt so good.

  He pinned both of her legs back then thrust into her gently.

  “Oh…god.” She gripped his back and dug her nails into his skin. “Fuck.”

  Fernan moved faster. Every move made her crumble underneath him. She forgot how good sex felt. The years she spent in dormancy were all a waste. The feeling she had now was too enjoyable to take for granted.

  “How is this for you?” he said between his heavy breaths.

  “It feels so fucking good.”

  He chuckled lightly and kept going. “I’ll make sure I make it last as long as possible.”

  Abby gripped him tightly, enjoying the things he was doing to her body. Every stretch and pull was pure ecstasy. She could do this all night if he could keep it up. She seemed to get wetter the longer they moved together. The orgasm kept pooling in her lower stomach and it eventually surfaced. It was so explosive, it made her scream.

  “Fernan, I’m coming. Fuck, I’m coming.”

  He rocked her hard and fast, pushing her into the mattress under the force.

  “God…yes.” She caught her breath after the bliss had passed. She still felt tender as he moved inside her. “I don’t want you to come yet.”

  “I’ll do this as long as you want.” Sweat dripped down his chest and to his stomach. She wiped it with her hand then grabbed his shoulders, rocking into him from below.

  “You’re fucking amazing.”

  He grabbed her hips and moved into with her harder strokes. The feel of his long cock sliding into her made her shatter again. She broke into pieces, gripping him again. Her nails were sharp so she may have drawn blood, but she didn’t care at the moment.

  “Yes…yes.”

  Fernan bit his lip while he watched her come.

  When she felt the tide start to reside, she grabbed the back of his neck. “It’s your turn.”

  He slammed into her so hard that his headboard smacked against the wall repeatedly. He moved in and out of her quicker than she could process. His stamina and endurance was impressive. Then he gripped her tightly and made his final irregular thrusts. “Mmm…”

  She stared at his face while he filled the inside of the condom. It was a sexy sight.

  “Mmm,” he said again. He still moved inside her slowly, enjoying the very end of his orgasm. After a few deep breaths, he pulled out then pulled the condom off. He tossed it in the wastebasket then lay beside her.

  She sighed happily as she stretched on his bed. “That was so good.”

  He hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her to his chest. “I’m glad you liked it.”

  “You fuck so good.”

  He chuckled then kissed
the back of her neck.

  “Can I sleep here?” she mumbled.

  “Of course.”

  “Because I can’t walk after that.”

  Chapter Seven

  When she woke up the next morning, the scent of coffee was strong in her nose. She sighed then opened her eyes. Fernan wasn’t in the bed with her, but she heard him moving around in the kitchen. She sat up then pulled her hair from her face.

  Fernan opened the door wearing running shorts and a t-shirt. “Morning,” he said quietly.

  “Morning,” she said with a yawn.

  He sat at the edge of the bed and pulled her toward him. “How do you feel?”

  “I’m so satisfied.” She stretched again then rested her hand on his chest.

  “I’m glad I met your needs.”

  “How did you get so good at that?”

  A small amount of color flooded his cheeks.

  “Are you blushing?” she teased.

  “Your flattering comments caught me off guard.”

  “How are you so amazing in bed? Women would pay for that.”

  His cheeks turned darker. “I’ve been with a lot of women.”

  “I’ll say.”

  “But sleeping with someone for the first time is usually awkward. You don’t know what the other person likes or wants. But that wasn’t the case with you last night.”

  “Because I wanted all of you.”

  He smiled. “I just think I can read you pretty well. We do work together. I recognize your natural movements and thoughts.”

  She sat up and sat beside him. “What time is it?”

  “Ten.”

  “I should get to work,” she said immediately.

  “It’s Saturday.”

  “My other job.”

  “Oh. Can you stay for a cup of coffee? I made pancakes.”

  “I love pancakes.”

  “Good,” he said. “Otherwise they’d go to waste.”

  “Can I have a shirt?” she asked.

  He opened his drawer and tossed it to her. She pulled it over her head then went into the kitchen. The pancakes were sitting on a plate in the center of the table. She poured the syrup then started to devour them. Fernan sat down and watched her.

  “You haven’t had sex in a long time.”

  She stilled. “What? Why do you say that?”