He glanced down at the floor, loosening his grip on her. “I thought maybe they would come back for me.”
Her chest tightened at the hitch in his voice. If anyone knew what it was like to lose parents, she did. Even though she never had the best relationship with them, her life had shattered when they died. They’d abandoned her just like Luke’s mother and father.
“I’m sorry.” She trailed her hand down his arm, needing his comfort as much as she wanted to give the same to him.
His eyes became glassy. “You don’t need to be sorry. You’re the one who, as a child, accepted me without pause. I can’t say the same about everyone else I’ve met. And they never knew of my origins.”
God, how she could relate. Yet, everyone had known about her parents. Christine had been the only one who didn’t shun her because of their actions.
The orb began to pulse. She leaned closer. “What did you mean when you said it likes me? What does it do?”
He squeezed her against his body. “It’s like a guardian, glowing red when it disapproves of my actions and blue when it approves. You’re the only woman who can see the light from the orb, and also the only one who has ever made it turn blue.”
How had no one ever noticed? She immediately observed the light when she entered his house, though never thought much of it until it had turned red.
Wait! “The first time I went to your house, it glowed red when we were in the middle of….”
Squeezing her thigh, he chuckled. “Yes, it disapproved of me moving so fast. Yet, the next day my guardian wanted you upstairs.”
She stared at the giant crystal again. At least it approved of her. Now, she just had to be sure of Luke’s true intentions. Was he ready to commit?
He ran his hand down her back. “Why don’t we eat? You made this wonderful dinner for us. Let’s not waste it.”
Conversation flowed freely for the next half hour. She shared parts of her childhood, while he revealed what he’d experienced growing up. Like her, he’d been an outcast, not due to his parents, but because he didn’t have any.
If only he’d remained in Hanton.
Yes, if only…. She focused on him. “Why did you leave? Why didn’t you stay here? With me?” Maybe her life would have gone differently if he’d stuck around.
Setting down his fork, he gripped the edge of the table. “I didn’t have a choice. When I went outside to grab my guardian, a police car drove by. Because the cop didn’t recognize me from town, and I couldn’t tell him where I came from, he turned me over to Children’s Services.”
She gasped. “You must have been so scared.” Many times she wished she would be taken away until her father told her what happened to children in foster homes. Remaining with her parents seemed to be the lesser evil.
“What I went through does not compare to the day you lost your mother and father.”
A chill ran through her body. How would he know how she felt? And how did he even know about her past? She’d kept that part of her life out of the conversation. Even after so many years, her stomach still churned when she remembered the night of their deaths. “You don’t know anything about that.”
He reached out for her hand, but she shrank back. Why did he have to mention her parents?
“I do, Rachel. I experienced the same terror when you found them, the shock, then anger, and even the regret. I felt it all along with you.”
A tear trailed down her cheek. “How? You have no idea what I went through.” Nobody knew.
He left his chair to stand behind her, squeezing his fingers into her shoulder muscles. “Ever since the first day I met you, I’ve had an emotional connection to you. I experience all of your joy and sorrow, as you do.”
A new pain clutched her heart. She glanced back at him. “Then why didn’t you come back, then?” On the night she discovered her parents’ bodies—dead after her father had shot her mother then turned the gun on himself—she’d really needed someone for support. Anyone.
Stepping away from her, he stared at the floor. “Because I wasn’t ready to face your rejection.”
With a deep inhale, she stood. She’d faced enough rejection in her life to understand. Craving the comfort he provided, she leaned against his chest and wrapped her arms around him.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered, holding her tight.
Pressing her palm to his heart, she let go of the painful memories. “It doesn’t matter anymore. We’re together now.”
***
Luke stroked the soft skin of Rachel’s cheek, enjoying her naked body tucked into his. The morning would come soon enough, taking her away from him for five long days. Until that time, he planned to study every inch of her body in the moonlight shining through her bedroom window.
He’d spent every night with her since he’d revealed his secrets, and it would be hell to let her go in a few hours. Aside from the initial alien bit, nothing he’d told her seemed to scare her away. She accepted him just as she had as a child.
With a soft moan, she turned onto her back and opened her eyes. “Hey. Is it morning already?”
He smiled as she fought to keep her eyes open. “Not yet. Go back to sleep. I’m just not tired.”
Turning onto her side, she reached over and grabbed his aching cock. “Maybe I can keep you company, or make you sleepy again.”
Want coursed through his body, eliciting a deep groan. But as much as he craved her—never stopped—he didn’t want to deprive her of sleep. “You have to drive to Waterton later today. You need to be well rested.”
Her supple lips met his, and she crawled on top of him. “Once in Waterton, I’ll have plenty of time to catch up on my sleep. Until I leave, I plan to make the most of our time together.”
Condom in hand, she rolled the thin barrier over his cock then slid easily onto him. Gripping her hips, he released a growl. How was she ready for him after just waking up? He’d been the one with his cock lingering between the cheeks of her ass, fighting off the temptation to take her from behind. Had she sensed him the whole time?
With each sway of her hips, she moaned, voicing her pleasure. He palmed her breasts and tweaked her pert nipples. Her cries rose in pitch. Her body moved with its own ancient rhythm. For someone whose previous lovers had always taken control, she certainly took the reins well. Grabbing her waist, he rocked her faster. The satiny walls of her pussy clenched around him, tighter and tighter, until she burst.
But she didn’t stop. Her unwavering motions continued, ramping up the intensity of his own impending orgasm. Wrapping his foot around her ankle, he flipped her onto her back, stealing the power. As much as he enjoyed her having the control, he loved taking charge. He lifted her legs onto his shoulders, thrusting as deep as possible. If he had the stamina to do this all day, he would. She fit him like a glove.
Panting, she dug her fingers into his arms, her wide eyes focused on him. “Holy fuck! You’re going to make me come again.”
His goal every time they had sex. She deserved more than just one. And his release drew closer. Faster and faster, he plunged into her, until he exploded in a frenzy of sensation. The orgasm rocketed through his body. Her release came at the same time, heightening his waves of pleasure, milking his pulsating cock until he’d lost every last drop.
Sliding off, she lay down on the bed beside him. “You tired yet?”
Damn, he would miss her. “No.” The rush of euphoria zinging through his veins kept him from being able to settle.
Yet, the next thing he remembered, he woke up to the sun shining in the window and a showered and dressed Rachel rushing around, throwing things into her suitcase.
Sitting up, he rubbed his eyes and groaned. “What time is it?”
“Almost six,” she huffed, plopping onto the lid. “I’ve got to go before I’m late.”
He tossed the covers off. “Why didn’t you wake me?” His plans to make her breakfast and help her pack no longer mattered. Not enough time. Now, he only needed to convince
her to take some food with her. No way would he let her drive three hours on an empty stomach.
Pulling on his pants, he cursed the ancient alarm clock he’d thought Rachel had set.
She shrugged. “You needed more sleep.” Grabbing a carry-on, she shoved more stuff inside.
He rolled his eyes. Why does she need so much?
Lifting her mountainous suitcase, he headed down the stairs. With the struggle he had, she would likely lose her balance if she tried to carry the luggage down herself. In the kitchen, he flicked on the coffee maker then mixed together granola, yogurt, and some blueberries he’d found in her fridge. Better than nothing.
Meeting her at the bottom of the stairs, he shoved the bowl in her hands. “Eat this before you go. Coffee is ready, and I’ll take your baggage out to the car.” He waited for an excuse.
Instead, she smiled, losing the harried expression he’d woken to. “Thank you.”
Satisfied, he removed the other bag from her shoulder, and carried the gear out to the rental car. Not trusting her rust bucket, he’d offered to drive her himself, but she refused. She wanted a car to get to work from the hotel and didn’t want to take him away from his work. So, he’d done the next best thing, rented a car for her to drive there and back.
By the time she met him outside, he’d already dressed and grabbed a cup of coffee for himself. “All set?”
She gave him a half smile. “I guess. I’m a little nervous, and I’m going to miss you.”
As he would her. Reaching for her hand, he gave it a squeeze. “You’ll do fine. And I’ll call you every night. Mornings, too, if you want.”
Her eyes lit up and she handed him her house key. “Okay, and I’ll be home late Friday night.”
“I’ll be waiting.” He kissed her goodbye then tucked her into the driver’s seat. “Be safe.”
Starting the engine, she nodded.
After tapping the hood of the car, he stood back. Five days. Not long at all. Watching her drive down the road, he waved.
Now, if only he could get rid of the bundle of nerves she’d passed on to him on top of his own. For, on Friday, he planned to ask her to marry him.
Chapter Seven
Rachel pulled into her driveway, sighing with relief. Her training had gone well, and she’d talked to Luke every night—sometimes more often—but she couldn’t wait to be back in his arms again, beside him in bed. Sleep hadn’t come as easily as she’d hoped in the hotel. She’d missed her own bed and her boyfriend’s warm body. Hard to believe she’d grown accustomed to him so fast.
With a quick glance over at his house, she grinned. No truck. I beat him home. Finishing her training earlier than scheduled, she’d wanted to arrive before him and make him something nice for dinner. Perhaps chicken pasta parmesan. Not fine dining by any means, but her parents had never taught her how to make anything. She’d learned how to cook from the free recipe magazines she received in the mail.
Dragging her luggage, she struggled to reach the front porch. Maybe I should have waited for Luke. Finally, she made it. Key in hand, she tried to unlock her door, but found it already open a crack.
Strange. Had Luke forgotten to lock it behind him when he’d last come over?
She bumped the door, peeking inside. “Hello?”
“By Jesus, you scared me.”
Jumping back, she shrieked. “What… are you doing… in my house?” Had something happened to Luke?
Mrs. Yantzi, the old lady whose house backed onto the river, stared at her, palm pressed to her chest. “I was cleaning, but now I think I’m going to have a heart attack.”
She rushed over to her. “Oh gosh, why don’t you sit down? I’ll call for an ambulance.” Like she needed someone else to die in her home.
The lady swatted at her. “I’m fine. Really. You just gave me quite a fright.” With the cock of her head, she furrowed her pencil-thin brows. “What are you doing home so early? Luke said I’d have time to clean up before you arrived.”
“I finished my training early.” Not that it was any of her business. “Where is he, anyway?”
“Oh, it’s been a busy week for him. First he sold his house….”
What? She missed the Sold sign on her way in?
“…and then he was asked to be a guest carpenter on that renovation show on the home improvement channel.” She glanced at her watch. “His first episode should be on any minute now.”
Rachel stood rooted to the floor, her mouth hanging open. What the hell had happened while she was gone, and why hadn’t he told her about the show?
“Well, don’t just stand there.” Mrs. Yantzi sat on the couch and flicked on her television. “Come join me, and we can see how well he does.”
Every step felt like she had a brick tied to each foot. Her boyfriend still kept secrets from her. Why? She knew he was an alien. How much bigger could things get than that? She choked down a sob and eyed the woman. “I still don’t get why you’re here.”
Mrs. Yantzi shrugged. “Luke just wanted me to check on your houses while you were both gone. I thought since I was here, I’d clean it up a little.”
She didn’t know whether to be offended or thankful. But the vise gripping her chest overpowered all thought. Talking to her every night, he never once mentioned being on some television show, or even being away from home. He has a good reason, right? But the rock in the pit of her stomach disagreed. And her mind flashed back to all the women who’d come knocking on his door before her. Perhaps this time, he went to one of them.
Mrs. Yantzi tapped her arm. “Oh, look, it’s starting. That host, Pepper, she sure is a pretty thing.”
As much as she wanted to, she couldn’t disagree. Jealousy ate at her every time the pretty host laid a hand on Luke, batting her eyelashes, and rubbing her double D breasts against him, over and over. His only reaction? A maddening grin. No wonder he hadn’t told her. He didn’t want her to know about his other woman.
“Look at those two flirting,” Mrs. Yantzi said.
At least Rachel wasn’t the only one to notice. She blew out a heavy breath, trying to maintain her composure in front of the other woman.
“They’re both so attractive. Wouldn’t they make a gorgeous couple? Imagine how adorable their babies would be.”
The woman’s comments slammed into her like a knife to the heart. A sob escaped from deep inside. And then the tears came. She’d been rejected and cheated on by guys before, but with him, the pain hurt much worse. For once, she had actually believed she had a future with a guy.
She saw Mrs. Yantzi staring at her through her tear-blurred eyes. “Oh, honey, did you have a thing with Luke? I’m sorry. I thought, living next door to him, you knew how he was with women.”
Yeah, seemed no one but her believed he could change. I’m such a fool. She swallowed hard. No more.
She struggled away from the woman. She didn’t need her comfort, only to banish all the love she had felt for Luke, the alien boy. But he wasn’t a boy anymore, but a man who’d grown up on Earth and now acted like he belonged. A cheating bastard, just like every other man who lived in Hanton.
“Are you going to be okay?” Mrs. Yantzi asked.
“Yes.” She didn’t want to be around anyone, let alone the woman who he had asked to come into her house. The one he’d told where he’d be, but refused to tell his own girlfriend. Ex-girlfriend. The bullshit had to end.
“But….”
“Leave.” Grabbing the bat she kept by the door—just in case—she swung it over her head.
She almost giggled at how fast the Mrs. Yantzi stumbled out of her house. Then she turned her attention to the wicker chair. It certainly didn’t bring her a sense of peace and comfort anymore. Over and over again, she slammed the bat down on the chair. Bits and pieces flew all over the porch. And she kept smashing it until nothing but small twigs were left.
Setting down the bat, the stabbing pain in her heart only grew more intense. She’d come to love him, and in such a short
time. Only to find out aliens could be assholes, too.
***
A sharp-edged knife plunged into the back of Luke’s skull. Or so it felt. He swerved onto the side of the road. Once stopped, he massaged his head.
He had to get home. Something had happened to Rachel. Her emotions spiked worse than he’d ever experienced. But driving with the blinding pain in his head proved impossible. He palmed the back of his neck. If only someone could calm her down until he arrived. Where is Mrs. Yantzi?
Reaching into his pocket, he grabbed his cell. He thumbed through his few contacts, and dialed Rachel’s number. Please pick up and tell me you’re okay.
The phone rang and rang. She didn’t answer, and the pounding in his head ramped in intensity. Shit. She must be mad at him. But why? Had she found out about the show? How would that make her mad at him? He had his reasons for keeping it a secret from her. And working on the show had helped him to secure a new place to live.
Oh no! She would have found out he’d sold his house. And he hadn’t revealed that, either. No wonder her anger left him fighting to see through the pain. He’d planned to tell her, right before he asked her to marry him. With all of the events over the past week, the hope she would be his wife had kept him grounded. No one else accepted him the way she did. But would she forgive him? Would she spend the rest of her life with him?
Tucking his phone away, he gripped the steering wheel. He had to push past the pain and hurry home. She needed him. And he needed her.
***
Rachel tried to ignore the incessant banging on the door, but the noise served to increase the throbbing in her skull. She’d cried enough to fill a tub during the past couple of hours. No tears remained, only a splitting headache.
“Please let me in, Rachel. I can explain,” he called.
Explain what? He’d fooled her into believing he loved her? Yeah, she already figured that one out. “Go away!”
“No, I won’t.” His voice faltered.
“Rachel, if you don’t let me in, I’ll….”
Alien Adoration Page 7