by Virna DePaul
“Jamie,” she said, pushing his name out on the wings of a soft, heady sigh. He moved up her body until he was crouched above her. “Thank you,” she told him, finally looking up into his deep brown eyes. She lightly stroked his soft hair, and then grinned mischievously. “Now it’s my turn. Lie down.”
“You sure? You don’t have to…”
She shot him an “Are you kidding me?” look.
He laughed, but there was a decided hint of desperation in the sound.
“Okay, forget I said that. You really, really have to or I think I might just die.”
“How about I do my best to kill you with pleasure, instead?”
He lay down beside her and she took the time to relish the sight of his smooth muscular form. She could feel the crackle of energy between them as she scooted herself down on the bed, dragging her hard nipples across his body until her mouth was level with his rock hard shaft. She flattened her tongue and ran it from the bottom of the shaft all the way to the head.
When he groaned, reaching down and tunneling his hands through her hair, she smiled up at him. She loved the look of entranced pleasure on his face. Loved the fact that she was the one who’d put it there. Lowering her face again, she ran her tongue around the head of his cock and then, taking only the tip between her lips, she started sucking on it, hard.
Now it was Jamie’s turn to moan and writhe in desperate desire. His grip on her hair tightened as he guided her head, pushing her to take more of him, a little at time, deeper and deeper, until his massive length disappeared inside her moist warm mouth. She began sucking harder and faster, licking the underside with her tongue. Jamie was saying her name now, over and over, even as he bucked his hips, fucking her mouth with a driving, urgent need.
When he was close to the edge, she stopped suddenly and moved her attention to his balls, kissing and licking across them softly and then gently sucking them one at a time into her mouth.
“Fuck, you really are killing me,” he said. “Shift to the side so I can play with your breasts.”
She ignored him, then gasped when he roughly tugged on her hair. “Do it, Lucy. Now.”
She did, changing her position until she was kneeling next to him, her breasts dangling within his reach. With one hand, he played with her nipples, pinching and tugging in time to her sucks.
“Your mouth feels so good, but I want back inside you, baby. I need to fuck you again. Get a condom from my pants. Put it on me.”
Lucy didn’t argue. She scrambled to his clothes, found the condom, ripped the package open with her teeth and then, with shaking hands, swiftly suited him up. As soon as she touched him, he gritted his teeth and arched his hips. “Hurry, Luce. I need you to fuck me.”
She scrambled astride him until she was leaning back on her haunches, the tip of his cock brushing against her core. She was so wet that when she slid herself along his shaft, aligning him with her opening, he immediately slipped inside her with ease.
They both groaned as he took her nipples between his fingers and she began rocking back and forth, letting him glide in and out of her. He hammered his hips up and together they found a sweet, sexy, erotic rhythm. Lucy arched her back and closed her eyes, swept her own hands over her breasts, loving the fact that they brushed against his, then moved lower until she was plucking at her clit. As she continued to fuck him and finger herself at the same time, the sounds of her massaging the small turgid piece of flesh and the hard slap of his cock as he repeatedly buried it inside her only added to the pressure building inside them both.
“Jamie,” she whimpered. “This feels so good. So, so good. God, I’ve missed your touch.”
* * *
At Lucy’s words, Jamie opened his eyes and took her in. She had her head thrown back, and her hair lay in wet tendrils across her cheeks and forehead. Her beautiful breasts bounced with the motion of their fucking and Jamie thought that at that moment he had to be luckiest man alive. No, this wasn’t something that was going to lead to an emotional commitment or a long-term relationship, but it was still damn awesome. He loved the fact she’d opened herself up enough to tell him she’d missed him. He was going to enjoy every second with her while he had the chance.
Reaching up, he curled his hand around the back of Lucy’s neck and pulled her down for a kiss. He was ready to come and he knew she was getting close. He could taste her and himself on her lips. She pushed her tongue into his mouth. Their tongues rubbed and sparred until she’d had enough. She nipped at his tongue lightly, then sucked his bottom lip hard. She shifted, her movements on his dick becoming less controlled. Harder. More demanding.
She was reaching for it.
And he was going to give it to her.
Jamie put his hands on her slim hips and began moving her, pulling her up then pounding her back down on his cock, burying himself to the hilt, not giving her any choice but to take all of him, and take him hard. Her eyes widened, and her body began to spasm and shake.
Her shout combined with his as they simultaneously found their release. He shot his load into the condom even as he felt the moisture of her own release soaking both their thighs. Breathing harshly, Lucy dropped her spent body down on top of him and he held her like that, loving the feel of her heart as it hammered against both of their chests.
After several minutes she shifted. Her eyes remained closed when she said, “I—I can go back to my hotel—”
“Shut up, Luce,” he said. “Just let me hold you and go to sleep.”
To his surprise, she said nothing more.
Just melted into him.
As he heard her breathing regulate, he drifted to sleep himself.
As he did, he reminded himself not to enjoy the feel in her arms too much—because as good as it felt, it wasn’t going to last.
CHAPTER FIVE
The next morning, Lucy woke alone. A quick glance at the bedside clock confirmed it was half past nine. She scrambled out of bed and looked around for her clothes, but couldn’t find them anywhere. Wrapping a sheet around herself, she walked out of the bedroom.
For the first time, she took in the sheer luxury of the penthouse suite, which she hadn’t registered last night. Of course, she’d been a wee bit distracted then…
With a sigh, she searched the living area of the hotel suite for her clothes. Still nothing.
On her way back to the bedroom, she saw several open boxes on the dining room table, fancy boxes, with tissue paper. Slowly, she walked up to the table and peered inside.
They contained outfits. Female outfits, shoes and all.
She prodded around, noting one box held capris and a tank, one a blouse and skirt, and one a wrap-dress. They just happened to be in her size.
None of the outfits were what she’d normally wear, but they were pretty. Expensive.
“I hope you don’t mind.” Jamie’s voice came from behind her. “I figured you’d want to wear something fresh this morning. I picked up some things from the boutique downstairs and had your clothes sent to be laundered.”
She opened her mouth to chastise him for…what? Trying to control her again by having her wear what he considered to be appropriate? She caught sight of one of the price tags. Or for his extravagance in dropping money on three outfits so easily? On some level, however, she knew her emotions were raging out of control, so she took a deep breath and clamped down on them as she turned to face him.
“Where’d you come from?” she asked, forcing herself to switch the subject.
“I was enjoying a cup of coffee and the view out on the balcony.”
She wondered if that view could even begin to compare to the one she was looking at now. He was dressed casually in a polo shit, but Lord, what his broad chest and strong biceps did for that shirt was beyond glorious. And the way his faded jeans lovingly cupped the bulge between his legs… She had to curl her fingers into her palms to stop herself from reaching for him.
He was magnificent. And by the look of worry on his face, he w
as obviously afraid she was going to take his gesture with the clothes and throw it in his face.
So no…she wasn’t going to chastise him and possibly ruin the memory of their splendid night together. She didn’t want to be part of the world he was born into; that didn’t mean she couldn’t accept a generous gift from him. She’d buy him dinner, she decided. And send him a gift in return once she got home.
She grabbed the box with the capris, tank top, and jeweled flip-flops.
“Thank you, Jamie. That was very thoughtful of you.”
He grinned. “I’m sorry I forgot the champagne last night. I can have breakfast brought up but I wasn’t sure what you wanted. I’m normally partial to pancakes myself, but I hear they do a mean eggs Benedict here.”
“Sounds great! I’ll have them charge it to my room.”
He frowned, but before he could refuse her offer to pay, she said, “I’ll just shower and change. Do you mind if I make a call before breakfast?”
“Of course not.” He looked curious, but had enough manners not to ask any questions.
She hesitated, then said, “I want to check on Milly.”
“Your sister’s daughter?”
Lucy nodded. “Yes. I—I’ve called every few days to check in on her. And I’m hoping that Mason’s sister will agree to let me visit her soon. Even if I don’t have a relationship with my mother and father...well…”
“So you have no plans to mend your relationship with your parents?”
Now it was her turn to frown. “It isn’t a matter of wanting anything. Our relationship was damaged beyond repair over a decade ago. It was clear at both the hospital and the funeral that Gail’s death hasn’t changed that.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you with my question. It’s just…it’s obvious you care about Milly. With Gail gone…” He shook his head and waved a hand. “Never mind. If you ever want to share your feelings about your family, Lucy, I’m here. Last night doesn’t change anything. I’m still your friend.”
“Thanks, Jamie,” she said quietly. “I appreciate that.”
She quickly showered and dressed, then used the phone in the bedroom to call Mason’s sister, Diana, who had custody of Milly. The several times they’d spoken, Diana had been cool but polite, and Lucy had been grateful for that. She suspected if Milly had been staying with her grandparents, she wouldn’t have been so lucky; after all, Lucy knew firsthand the low opinion Mason’s father had of her. It was possible Diana felt the same way, but she’d never treated Lucy with anything but civility.
The call went straight to voicemail, so she left a message, asking Diana to call her as soon as she had a chance. Then she went out into the living area, where Jamie was enjoying a cup of coffee. For a few seconds, she stared at him, awestruck again by his sheer beauty.
“Why are looking at me like that? You want me again already, don’t you?”
Lucy giggled and said, “It’s hard not to want you when you look like that.”
Jamie put down his coffee, walked up to her, set his hands on her waist, and pulled her against him. “Well, I know I said one night together, but what I really meant was last night and this morning until we both have to leave…” He kissed her, deeply and passionately, clearly with the intent of appeasing a different kind of hunger before breakfast came.
But then Lucy’s phone rang.
Lucy broke the kiss and Jamie groaned. “Don’t answer it. That’s what voicemail is for.”
“I just left a message asking about the baby. If I don’t take this call, they might not call back.”
He leaned his forehead against hers, took a deep breath, then slowly let her go.
She brought the phone to her ear. “Hello?”
“Hello, is this Ms. Lucy Conrad?” a smooth, male voice asked.
Great, I made Jamie stop kissing me for a telemarketer, she thought.
“Yes, but if you’re selling something…”
“No, Ms. Conrad, I’m not a salesman. I’m an attorney.”
“An attorney?” she repeated. Her gaze met Jamie’s.
“Yes. Daniel Cummings. I’m calling on behalf of Diana Lancaster Norton. She said you just left her a message and she’d prefer you not contact her directly any longer.”
“I was contacting her about Milly,” she explained. “My niece.”
“I’m aware of who Milly is, Ms. Conrad. But given the circumstances, it really is best if you work through your attorney where Milly is concerned.”
“Circumstances? I don’t understand.”
Her answer was met with brief silence. “Ms. Conrad, have you talked to your parents since yesterday?”
“No, I haven’t. I don’t speak with my parents, Mr. Cummings.”
“Oh, dear.” He took an audible breath. “Well, they gave me your home number and I left a message there. I didn’t have your cell phone number until Diana gave it to me just now.”
“My father had my cell phone number,” she said.
Mr. Cummings cleared his throat. “I see. Well, anyway, your sister Gail and her husband named you legal guardian of Milly should something happen to one of them.”
“Wh—what?” Lucy breathed.
She felt Jamie’s hand on her shoulder and experienced a sense of déjà vu. He’d done the same thing back in California, when she’d first gotten the phone call about Gail’s accident. He’d unhesitatingly stood beside her and offered her comfort. And just like then, she took it, leaning her weight into his.
She couldn’t believe it. Gail and Mason had named her guardian of their baby?
“You can reject guardianship, of course, but I drew up the paperwork with your sister myself. She wanted you to raise Camilla in the event that they couldn’t.”
Lucy’s head was spinning. Her…raise a kid? Had her sister and Mason lost their minds before the accident? She couldn’t imagine what they’d been thinking….
But of course she didn’t say any of that to the lawyer.
Instead she said, “No. No, of course I’m not rejecting guardianship.” At least not yet, she thought. Maybe not ever. But she needed time to think. What did she know about raising a child? “Mr. Cummings, this has come as a shock. I need—need some time to think.”
“Of course. I assumed you had an attorney of your own, but if you don’t, as your sister’s representative, I’ll be happy to help you. Your sister was adamant that she wanted Milly with you. Unfortunately though, there is an issue….”
She waited a beat and then, afraid that she already knew the answer, she asked, “What’s the issue?”
“Jerry and Evelyn Lancaster, Mason’s parents, as well as Mason’s sister, Diana, are contesting you being named guardian. They’ve already filed a motion with the court asking that custody of Milly remain with Mason’s sister. I can fax you a copy of the complaint if you’d like.”
“Can you email it to me?”
“Yes, I can do that.”
She gave him her email address, then said, “Thank you. Can I ask you a few things before you hang up?”
“Of course.”
“Did my sister say why she wanted me to have the baby?”
“She said she wanted Milly raised by someone who’d teach her to appreciate both the big things and the small things in life. She wanted Milly to be able to love herself no matter what others thought or said or did. And she said you were a master at that, Miss Conrad.”
Lucy felt herself choking up and her thoughts felt clouded. Gail, the big sister who had once been her best friend, the woman who’d died without knowing how much Lucy still loved her, wanted her to raise Milly. But…
“My next question is on what grounds Mason’s family is contesting guardianship? Do they believe Gail was incompetent when she made the decision? Or that Mason didn’t agree to it?”
“No, they’re not contesting on any of those grounds. Mason didn’t like the idea at first, but he ultimately agreed and signed the paperwork in my presence.”
“The
n what?”
“They believe you’d be an unfit mother, Ms. Conrad. The specifics will be in the paperwork I’ll email you. After that, if you’d like to meet…”
Lucy listened to the rest of Mr. Cummings spiel but the words seemed to be coming from underwater. All the words, that is, except, “unfit mother,” which echoed loud and clear inside her head.
* * *
When Lucy got off the phone, Jamie put his arm around her and she laid her head on his shoulder. He got the feeling she was trying really hard not to cry. He didn’t ask her any questions, just quietly held her until he felt her body stop shaking. Only then did he ask, “Do you want to talk about it?”
Lucy sighed deeply and said, “My sister left custody of her baby to me.”
He’d figured as much, and he hoped he’d managed to hide his surprise. It wasn’t that he didn’t think she would be a wonderful mother, but from what little she’d told him about her family, it really shocked him her sister would.
“How do you feel about that?” he said.
“I—I don’t know,” she whispered. “I mean, two weeks ago I didn’t even know Milly existed. I’ve only ‘talked’ to her a few times on the phone and I haven’t even seen her yet, but my first instinct is…”
“What?”
“She’s Gail’s child. I know I’m not going to be anyone’s first choice for mother of the year, but if Gail trusted me to care for Milly, well…I want to do my very best for her.”
Jamie smiled and kissed her temple. “You know what? I think she made a great decision, and I think Milly’s a lucky little girl to have you.”
She pulled away from him. “You didn’t let me finish. I’m not sure me having custody is the best things for her.”
“That’s ridiculous, Lucy. You’d make a great mother.”
She barked out a laugh. “Right. Me and all my maternal instincts. How do you figure?”