“Yes?” Nate kissed her, making stars shoot before her eyes. “What do you feel?”
“Everything.”
That single word felt like a confession. Not of guilt. It was fear. For the first time in her life, she laid herself bare. Holding back had always been easy — natural. She could enjoy sex and walk away pleasantly satisfied. She never longed for a man because she always remained detached. Until Nate, no one had ever asked for more.
Be with me. It seemed like such a simple request. However, when Nate asked it of her, he made a request she wasn’t sure she wanted to give to him.
It had never been an issue before. No one had ever asked. If they had, it wouldn’t have mattered. She felt close to Nate. It made her feel free — and vulnerable. Could she open up to him without losing part of herself?
Paige didn’t have a choice. She wanted Nate. Getting up and walking away was not going to happen. Nate wanted full participation. He insisted. Nate wasn’t getting past her defenses with brute force. His touch — his kisses melted her walls like warm water pouring over spun sugar.
Relentless, yet somehow gentle. Inevitable. From the moment he stepped off that plane, everything had been leading to this. He was a gift. And she would be a fool not to welcome him with open arms.
“I don’t want to talk anymore.” Paige smoothed her hands across his face, her thumb rubbing over his lower lip.
“No? Tell me what you want, Paige.”
The twinkle in his eyes said he already knew the answer — he needed her to say it.
“You. I want you.”
“How difficult was that?” Nate nuzzled her ear. “Hold on. I’m not going to last long, and I’m taking you with me.”
Paige didn’t have time to worry. He leaned to the side, the arm with the cast supporting his weight. With the other hand, he took hold of his erection.
“Condom,” she gasped as he began to enter her.
“All done.”
When? It was her last cohesive thought. Nate took his time, easing in, giving her body time to adjust. Slow. Excruciatingly so. The fit was tight, but oh so perfect. Just right, as though her body had been made for this moment. Made for Nate.
“So wet. Like a hot, slick glove.” The veins on Nate’s neck stood out with the effort he exerted to take it slow. “Good?”
“Yes.” Paige wrapped her legs around his hips, trying to pull him closer. “More. Now!”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
Frustrated, she gripped his hair with her hands, kissing him with everything she had. “Do I look like I’m in pain?” she panted.
That was all Nate needed. He pushed into her, burying himself in her tight passage. He reveled in the feeling.
“So good.”
“Move, Nate. Don’t make me beg.”
“I want you to beg,” Nate growled. “Later. Right now all I want is this.”
The stars that had been floating before Paige’s eyes exploded into a red-hot kaleidoscope of colors, blinding her. Nate’s first thrust was followed by another, then another. Each more powerful than the last. Each taking her higher and higher.
The air seemed thinner, her senses keener. Paige urged him on. They were not making love, but it was more than sex. The connection was too real. Almost too much.
“Look at me, Paige,” Nate commanded. “Let me see your eyes.”
Paige didn’t know what Nate saw when she complied. However, she saw a blue so beautiful she wanted to jump in. No hesitation. No fear of drowning. She knew he would keep her safe. Safe. Yes, she was right where she belonged. That was the push she needed. Paige let go and fell.
“Nate!” she cried out.
“Take me in. Take all of me.”
Paige’s hands gripped his waist, the last few thrusts shooting her up again, ever so briefly. Every muscle in her body felt limp. Her legs fell to the mattress. The weight of Nate’s body felt wonderfully heavy. She wanted to stay like this forever. His face pressed into the crook of her neck. The brush of his hair against her chin. His breathing slowing — matching the rhythm of hers.
Nothing outside this moment mattered. This was where she wanted to be. Right now. Right here. Perfect.
“I’m glad you didn’t want Lottie.”
“Lottie who?”
“Good answer.” Paige caressed the damp skin of Nate’s back.
“I should move.”
When his weight started to shift, Paige’s hand flattened at the base of his spine.
“Stay. Please. Just for a little while longer.”
“I’m too heavy.” Nate eased away.
“But—”
“Condom.”
Paige rolled to her side, watching as Nate walked to the bathroom. It was a nice view. She knew his ass would be spectacular. She decided right then that naked Nate from the back was the best view in the world. That lasted until he came toward her. He looked even better coming than going.
“I like you naked.”
“I like you naked.”
Nate slid into bed. Paige expected him to take her into his arms. A little post-coital cuddling seemed appropriate. Instead, he disappeared under the covers. Frowning, Paige lifted the sheet.
“Hey, fella. What’s going on down there?”
“Shh.” Nate settled between her legs. Considering what they had just done, it was silly to feel shy. However, there was a big difference between him looking her in the eye while they had sex and him looking at her sex.
“But I want to know what you plan on doing down there.”
“You know.”
“Now?” Paige tried to close her legs. An impossible feat with two hundred and twenty-five pounds of big, muscular male blocking her movement.
“Now.”
The first touch of his mouth had Paige clutching the headboard.
“Oh. My. God”
She heard Nate’s familiar chuckle.
“You were saying?”
“Oh, my God. If you stop, I will never forgive you.”
“I wouldn’t want that.”
If asked, Paige would have said she wasn’t a fan of oral sex. The experience had always been more embarrassing than pleasurable and she always felt guilty for not enjoying it. With a few swipes of his very talented tongue, Nate turned her beliefs upside down.
Embarrassing? Not at all. Pleasurable? Hell yes. Oral sex? Best. Thing. Ever.
“You taste so damn sweet.”
Was she supposed to answer? The best she could manage was a long, gasping moan. It seemed to be enough for Nate. He took another taste. When he added one finger, then two, Paige almost passed out.
“I can feel how close you are. Do you want to come?”
“Mmm.”
Nate pushed the cover aside. The cool air did nothing to ease the heat that raged through her. Paige reached for him, trying to pull him back so he could finish what he started. But Nate had other ideas.
“You want me to beg?”
“Yes.”
Paige couldn’t believe that he would get her so close only to play such a wicked game. Nate shot her a cocky grin. Damn him. He held all the power. She would give him what he wanted. She would get her orgasm. Then she would make him pay.
“Please, Nate. I’ll do anything. Anything.”
“I only want one thing.” Nate’s mouth hovered over her.
“What?”
“To hear you scream my name.”
Paige got what she wanted and so did Nate.
“Happy?”
Nate pulled the covers over them, and then gathered Paige into his arms.
“You have no idea.”
She felt boneless. It was the best feeling in the world. Paige savored the feeling for a few minutes. Then, when she felt ready, she slid her hand down Nate’s stomach. Not surprisingly, she found him rock hard.
“That feels fantastic,” Nate sighed. His hips moved, encouraging her caresses.
“Nate?”
“Hmm.”
Paige
slid between his legs.
“Get ready to beg.”
“THE CLOCK. THAT can’t be right.”
Nate squinted at the glowing numbers. Groaning, he turned onto his side, away from the glare. With little effort, he pulled Paige around until her back was to him, his arm holding her close.
“Don’t look,” he sighed. Happily, he buried his face in her soft, fragrant hair. “It doesn’t count if you can’t see it.”
“But we already saw it.” Paige let herself enjoy the moment. Snuggling with Nate was something she could get used to.
“My eyes weren’t focused.”
“It’s a quarter after four.”
“Ten minutes.” Nate cupped Paige’s breast. It was more intimate than sexual. One lover touching another. Paige sighed. Not better than sex — but good. Damn good.
“Dad never sleeps past five.”
“I can’t move. You drained me with your insatiable woman ways.”
“My what?”
Nate smiled, his lips moving to her neck.
“It’s a line from this crapfest of a movie I made when I was just starting out. I don’t know why I remember it.”
“Neither do I. Come on. We have to get moving.”
“I haven’t slept that well in months.”
“When did you sleep? You were either in me or preparing to get in me for the last five hours.” Lifting his hand, she kissed the back. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“I know how to power nap. For me, ten minutes is like seven solid hours for someone else.” Nate circled her nipple. Behind her, she was amazed to feel the stirring of his penis. “I’m big on time management. Let me show you what I can do in five minutes.”
Laughing, Paige pushed his hand away. She sat up, the chill of the room reminding her how much better it felt wrapped up next to Nate.
“We don’t have five minutes.” Scrambling away, Paige jumped to her feet. “Nathaniel… what is your middle name?”
“Erasmus.”
“Seriously?”
Nate stretched. It was not a bed made for a man his size. Curled up with Paige was one thing. Full length, half of his legs hung off the end.
“Family name.” He yawned.
Erasmus. Interesting. Paige flipped on the overhead light. Her clothing was strewn in every direction. Shirt on the chair. Panties near the dresser. It didn’t help that her legs felt like limp spaghetti. Not that she was complaining. Nate wore her out, but there was a grin on her face.
“Done. Let’s go.”
Paige whirled around. Nate stood by the door, fully dressed. There was an energetic buzz to him. What the hell?
“How did you do that?”
“Do what?” Nate handed Paige a sock that had somehow ended up on Lottie’s bureau behind the bottle of White Diamonds that Paige gave her last Christmas.
“Go from groggy to bushy-tailed in three seconds flat?” Paige grumbled, hopping on one foot as she pulled on her boot.
“Seven hours sleep will do that.”
“Asshole.” Paige batted at Nate’s hands. “I’m able to zip my own jeans.”
“But it’s so much fun to help.”
“Nate. Or should I call you Erasmus.”
“I wouldn’t.”
Paige’s face lit up.
“What?”
“Nothing.” She swung on her jacket. Taking a clip from the pocket, she twisted her hair into a quick bun. “You’re a bit sensitive about your middle name.”
“And that makes you happy.”
“Strangely, yes.” Paige jumped into Nate’s arms, her mouth covering his. “It makes you human.”
Following Paige from the room, Nate frowned.
“I wasn’t human before?”
“You never put a foot wrong.” Paige waited while Nate locked the door. “It’s nice to know you a have a foible.”
“I have dozens of flaws, Paige.”
“I’m sorry.” At the top of the porch steps, Paige stopped, putting her arms around his waist. “I didn’t mean it as an insult.”
“I don’t want you to have the wrong idea about me. Pedestals are difficult things to live on. The fall can be brutal — for everyone involved.”
Paige looked him in the eye, the porch light showing the surprise on her face. Then, she burst out laughing.
Nate closed his eyes, his head falling back.
“First she grins, then she laughs in my face. Do I dare ask?”
“Pedestal?” Paige shook her head. “That is the last place I would put you. I want you right here. On the ground, with me.”
“There you go. That is exactly what I wanted to hear.”
Nate gathered Paige close. His mouth was a hair’s breadth away from hers when the world exploded.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
PAIGE’S EARS WERE ringing. It felt as though someone had hit her with a ton of bricks, and then dumped them on her chest for good measure.
Light filled the darkness. Not steady, but flickering to her right, the shadows jumping around in front of her eyes.
Nate. Jesus, Nate! He had shielded her with his body. They were sprawled on the porch. Paige tried to shift, but she couldn’t budge his weight. Dead weight. Desperate, she pushed at Nate’s shoulder, shaking it. She needed a response. Any response.
“Paige? Are you all right?”
“Are you?”
Nate rolled to the side, but he kept Paige close.
“I had the wind knocked out of me, that’s all.” He patted her arms and legs, checking for injuries. “Do you feel any pain? Cuts? Burns?”
“I’m fine,” she assured him.
Now that she was certain Nate was in one piece, Paige’s attention turned to the driveway.
“What the hell?” Paige surged to her feet. “Is that my truck?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Going with her first instinct, Paige tried to run to the burning vehicle. If Nate hadn’t grabbed her arm, she would have jumped off the porch. What she thought she would have accomplished, she couldn’t have said. It was a goner. Fire engulfed it front to back. Shattered glass from the windows littered the lawn; tiny shards nestled in the row of once cheery yellow flowers.
Lottie’s sweetly groomed yard was no more. The marigolds and green lawn nearest the truck were singed black. Thankfully, the road leading to the house and most of the driveway had several layers of fresh gravel covering them. It prevented the spread of the fire beyond the truck.
“That’s right. The truck exploded. No one was hurt. That’s right.” Nate turned to Paige, his face grim. “The fire department is on the way. Do you know if Lottie has an extinguisher?”
Paige nodded. “In the garage. I’ll get it.”
“I can find it.” Nate pulled her close.
“Nate—”
“Shh. Let me hold you. Just for a second.”
Paige was fine with that. She felt a little shaky. It was somehow comforting to know that Nate felt the same.
“Call your dad.” Nate kissed her temple. “I’ll be right back.”
In the distance, Paige heard the wail of a siren. Basic had one fire truck. The noise it made was distinct — different from the two police cars. The station was located on the opposite end of town. The vehicle speeding down the main street, lights flashing, would bring everyone out, curious to see where it headed. Not the best way to start your day. It wouldn’t take long for a crowd to gather and word to spread.
Nate was right. She needed to call her father.
Paige took her phone from her pocket. She stopped and took a deep breath. She didn’t want to sound weepy and desperate. Her father would be worried enough without her crying.
“Hello?” Chuck’s voice had the sound of a man who had been awakened from a sound sleep. “Paige? What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine. But I’m afraid I can’t say the same about Grandpa’s truck.”
DEALING WITH THE aftermath of the explosion didn’t turn out to be as complicated as Paige thought
it would be.
The firemen doused the truck with water though Nate had most of the blaze put out before they arrived.
“Here, take this. You’re shivering.”
Paige took the steaming cup of coffee from Lottie with a smile.
“I’m sorry about your lawn.”
“Lawns can be replaced.” She placed her arm around Paige’s waist. “Best friends can’t. Thank God you and Nate weren’t in the truck.”
The thought had occurred to Paige. Which was why she shivered. A few more seconds and her father would be dealing with a tragedy instead of a hollowed out pickup.
Lottie arrived with Danny Floyd. The man she had spent the night with was also the town sheriff. Lottie was there when he received the call. Naturally, she insisted on riding along. It was her house and her best friend. Nothing would have kept her away.
As Paige predicted, spectators began to arrive shortly after the fire department. Half the town seemed to be parked in the once empty field behind the house. Some of them brought thermoses of coffee, gathering in varying sizes of cliques.
“Pretty soon, Mavis Branch is going to show up and start selling breakfast rolls from the trunk of her car.” Lottie frowned at the growing crowd.
“Speak of the devil.” Paige nodded toward the dark brown station wagon pulling to a stop across the road.
“Unbelievable.”
“Entertainment is at a premium in Basic, Lottie. Cut them some slack.”
“I can’t believe you’re so calm. I would be quivering like a bowl of strawberry Jell-O.”
“No, you wouldn’t. You’d be yelling for the police to find the idiot who burned your pretty lawn.” Paige turned her head. “Why strawberry? You hate the stuff.”
“Exactly. Remember that stuff Mom made for every church potluck, or town get-together?” Lottie shuddered. “Foul. There was always one spoonful missing at the end of the evening.”
Paige nodded. “Some poor soul who hadn’t tried it before. Why did she finally stop making it?”
“One day, after twenty-five years, she finally figured out no one liked her Strawberry Surprise.”
“Is that what she called it?” This was new to her. “What was the surprise?”
“That it was made with Jell-O. Mom thought that nobody knew. Bless her heart.”
Dreaming With My Eyes Wide Open (Hollywood Legends #2) Page 20