by Various
“Lucas.” Avery groaned. She went in for another kiss, but a strange sound startled her, and she pulled away from him. “Do you hear that? If it’s an animal, it’s nearby.”
Lucas whipped his head to stare in the direction. “I don’t know. Maybe we’d better go, get away from whatever it is.” Lucas put his arm around Avery and pulled her close. They strolled to the house, his arm around her the entire time.
Once they got in front of the house, Avery wasn’t ready to let him go. “Do you want to come in for awhile?” It wasn’t just that she longed for Lucas. The strange sensation that someone was near, watching, the fact that her parents weren’t home ... she just didn’t want to be alone.
“Is that such a good idea?” Lucas asked.
“I don’t want to be alone, Lucas,” Avery pleaded.
“Okay then.” He squeezed her hand. That must have been all the convincing he needed.
Avery fumbled with the keys and got the door unlocked. Once inside, she felt a little safer. She closed the door behind Lucas and flicked on the light.
“You’re so jumpy. What’s going on, Avery?” Lucas asked gently, brushing back loose stands of her hair that had fallen over her left eye.
She swallowed. “I just- I got a strange text earlier. I keep feeling like I’m being watched. Mom and Dad aren’t here. I may be overreacting, but I’m afraid.”
Lucas frowned. “A text?”
Avery pulled her phone from her purse, searched for the text and handed it to Lucas.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” he scowled, handing her the phone back.
“I wish I knew. It came out of nowhere. It may even be a wrong number, but for some reason, it’s got me a bit freaked out.”
“I can understand that. You’ve got a few new people in your life lately.”
“That includes you.”
“Do you trust me, Avery?” Lucas challenged.
“I think I do. Sure, you have your secrets, but something about you makes me feel safer than I have in a long time. I don’t know how to explain it. Maybe the question I should be asking you is can I trust you, Lucas?”
He hesitated. “You can trust me.”
“That’s good.”
Avery’s phone went off. “It’s my dad. I recognize the number from the hospital. Maybe they’ll be home soon.” Avery answered. “Dad? How’s Mom? Are you coming home?”
“Hey honey, they’re going to keep your mother overnight and run a few tests. Did everything go okay tonight?”
“Yes. I’m at home now. Are you staying with her? Should I come up?”
“No, it’s okay sweetheart. Stay home and get some rest. I’m going to stay here with your mom. She’s still pissed at me for making her go, so I’m going to stay by her side. You going to be all right by yourself?”
“I’ll manage. Lucas walked me home.” She flicked her gaze to him again.
“That’s good, honey. I’ll call you in the morning, or if we know anything before then, I’ll let you know.”
“Can I talk to Mom?” Avery needed to hear her voice.
“She’s sleeping now. I’m sorry.”
Avery’s heart sank. Good that Mom was getting some much needed rest, though. “Okay. I understand. Good night, Dad.”
“Night, Avery.”
Avery put the phone in her pocket and sank into the couch. “They’re keeping her tonight. That doesn’t sound good.”
“I’m sure they’re just taking precautions.” Lucas sat beside her. “At least you know they’ll keep track of everything. I know it’s not enough to ease your mind.”
“Not really, but I don’t have much of a choice.” Avery leaned back. At least she had Lucas for a little while to talk to.
“Anything I can do?”
“Hold me?” Comfort me, make me forget my troubles.
“I think we can arrange that.” Lucas scooted further back, opened his arms and Avery fell into them, snuggling into the crook of his arm. Lucas ran his hand up and down her back, his other wrapped around her, holding her tight.
“You feel so good, Lucas,” Avery whispered. It was so nice to be held again with such intensity. “Why do you make me want you so much?”
Chapter Twelve
I shouldn’t have come in. Now it’s too late. Now I’m going to-
Oh hell. Forget throwing caution to the wind. Lucas was already a goner. He wanted Avery as much as she wanted him. He couldn’t keep his hands off of her. He couldn’t stop thinking about her.
“I want you too, Avery.” Lucas pressed a kiss to her forehead. She fit so well right there, in his arms. It had been a long time since he’d held a woman so close to him, let alone one that he cared about. For once, it wasn’t only a sexual need that drove him to stay so close to Avery.
Avery repositioned herself so she could be face to face with him. Her lips parted, and Lucas took the invitation and claimed her lips again, to finish what he’d started earlier. His cock strained in his jeans. “The things you do to me, Avery.”
Wordlessly, she got to her feet and reached for his hand, pulling him up. She led him upstairs. It was too late to turn back now. Avery took him to her bedroom. When she opened the door, he took in the sights of Avery’s room. Beautiful. Elegant. Unique. Just as she was. The room suited her. In one corner set a large vanity table. Hanging from each knob over the mirror were two hats. One was considerably worn and aged. That must have been the hat behind Avery’s story. The other, much newer and better shape, he recognized as the one she wore occasionally. A small recliner chair set in the other corner, next to the large window. The walls were painted a tan color, and there were photos of Avery’s family and her band covering the walls. As for her bed, it looked to be queen size. A burgundy comforter rested nicely over it. She had a wood carved headboard that someone must have handcrafted specifically for her. Carved into the old wood were music notes of all types. Lucas smiled. He was going to enjoy spending time in this room.
He didn’t recall who started it, but the next thing he knew, they were laying in a tangled heap on her bed.
Lucas laid Avery on her back, leaning up over her. Her hair splayed all over the bed behind her, and she stared up at him with those kiss-me lips. Her intense eyes and creamy soft skin begged to be touched.
“You’re not going to bolt on me, are you?” she asked.
He’d hesitated too long.
“No, sweetheart. I’m not going anywhere right now. This is right where I need to be.” Lucas traced his finger along her neckline and leaned in to kiss her along that invisible trail. He knew he got her when she released a moan. She found the bottom of his shirt and Lucas allowed her to pull it over his head. Lucas lifted her up gently and unbuttoned her blouse. Each time he exposed more of her bra, he sucked in a breath. She was so beautiful. Avery’s fingers fumbled with his pants. It wasn’t long before they both were lying naked together. She had an amazing body. Lucas nipped at her naval, darting his tongue out, playing, teasing, torturing. He loved the way Avery reacted to him. He pulled away, then leaned in again, moving up her torso to her breasts.
Then he stopped and just stared at her. Avery’s eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong. I’m just looking at you. Imagining what to do to you next. And taking in your beauty.”
Avery’s lips parted again. She wanted to say something, but couldn’t seem to find the words. Lucas smiled at how tongue tied he’d made her. He toyed with her, but the torture was on him too. All he wanted was to plunge deep inside her and have his way, but in due time. Right now, he just wanted to enjoy the moment.
“Luke.”
“Yes, sweetheart?” He heard the tone. Understood the underlying message. He had her right were he wanted. He rolled her nipple between his fingers until she gasped. His lips found hers again. Avery dug her fingers into the back of his neck.
“I need you to-” She sucked in another breath when he tweaked just a little bit harder. She kissed
him hard, pulling him to her in a tight grasp. Ah, this was a woman that knew exactly what she wanted and needed. He liked that about Avery. She had a fire about her that he admired.
She whimpered, rocking her hips underneath him. Lucas didn’t want to rush anything. All he wanted to do was enjoy her, feel her passion. He longed for the kind of passion Avery had, and he wasn’t about to allow it all to move too fast. Then her hand wrapped around his cock. Just when he thought he couldn’t be any harder, Avery proved him wrong. He moaned. Avery moved in slow motions at first, but then stroked at a faster pace. Holy hell, he wouldn’t last long like this. Avery met his gaze. Lucas moved his lips to her breast, kissing the area around her nipple. Every time she slowed down, Lucas squirmed. Avery was determined to drive him over the edge, wasn’t she? Well, he’d show her. He’d play dirty, too. Lucas smiled, knowing all the things he could do to her that would have her begging for mercy. Ahh yes. Power felt good, and he definitely had it.
Thankfully he’d bought rubbers after their first encounter, otherwise this would not be happening right now. Smart move on his part. Or maybe not, depending on which way you looked at it.
Seeing Avery’s naked body spread out before him at the moment told him all he needed to know. Why didn’t he just stop thinking and just act? Feel. Delve into his urges.
“You’re so wet, aren’t you?” Lucas said in a low tone, moving his hand just at the entrance of her vagina. Rubbing ever so lightly, she gasped. Aha. He had her now.
He didn’t want to be finished off before he was inside her, so Lucas found her hand and caught it in his. Her gaze flicked to him in confusion. “You don’t like that?” she asked.
“Oh honey, that’s definitely not the case. But I don’t want to cum yet. I want to explore you just a little more. Unless you don’t want that.” Lucas moved his hand, and watched her squirm. “That’s what I thought.” Reaching for her again, he plunged a finger inside, pulsing in and out, touching her in the most sensual way. Then he pinned her hand down on the bed and met her lips with full force. Avery smelled so sweet, her touch so soft and longing, he had to hold it together. Lucas enjoyed watching her face when he wasn’t kissing those full lips. He’d had a feeling from the first time he saw her that she would be an amazing lover, just as she was amazing as a performer. He’d just never thought that he would be here with her as a lover.
Feelings of pleasure rushed over him. He hadn’t felt anything like this in ... maybe never.
Avery Callimer made him feel. His mind marveled at how much. What he wouldn’t give to know her more, but what would happen after tonight was an uncertainty. There were no guarantees for them. Avery must know that, and despite that, she still wanted this just as badly as Lucas did.
“Ahh, woman. You’re amazing.” With one swift touch he knew she would be over the edge. Avery nearly screamed as she rocked from side to side. Lucas lifted himself off of her, keeping his eyes on her as he reached for his wallet in the back pocket of his pants. The moment was now.
“Lucas,” Avery whimpered. “You’re- that was-” She fought to catch her breath. Lucas smiled. He had what he needed in his hand and he bounced back on the bed beside her.
Lucas tore open the package and rolled the condom over his cock. Avery moaned again when his penis rubbed against her opening. Her legs were still numb and tingly from the orgasms he’d just given her. Avery couldn’t believe he’d stopped her from pleasing him just to pleasure her. When he entered her, Avery touched his face, his expression changing. His eyes were so warm and tender, as he kept his gaze fixated on her. Locks of dark hair fell over his eyes, and with her free hand, Avery smoothed them away. Lucas started off slow, steady. He felt so good, so right. So- so utterly amazing.
“Avery- I’m not going to last long,” Lucas grunted. “I’m sorry.”
Sorry? What did he have to be sorry about?
Avery ran her fingers through his hair, moving in motion with Lucas. He rocked her in slow motion. Avery leaned up to kiss his lips, his face, and his neck. She just wanted to be close to him.
Lucas cried out. To Avery’s surprise, another orgasm rippled through her, more intense than the one prior. Her piercing shout rang louder than Lucas’s. He fell on top of her, breathing heavily on her neck. “Wow.”
Wow indeed. That was intense. Avery tried to catch her breath.
A few moments of silence passed, then Lucas rested his head on his hand, peering over at her again. “Hey, I’m sorry.”
“Lucas, what do you have to be sorry about?” Avery asked.
“I didn’t last that long. I wanted to make everything last, but-”
Avery silenced him with a kiss. “Lucas, you have nothing to apologize for. I have no complaints. Everything was perfect.” She pulled her arm from under him and snuggled up beside him.
“I don’t know where things are going from here.”
Was he nervous or something?
“Neither do I, but we’ll just take it as it comes, okay?” Avery pressed a kiss to his cheek and smiled. “I know there’s no promise for things, and I knew that before we made love tonight. I’m not going to ask for a commitment. We’re both adults, so let’s just see what happens. Sound fair?”
Lucas looked like he was about to argue, but instead shut his mouth, then smiled. What a sexy smile he had. She wished he would smile like that more often. “Okay then. I guess that’s all there’s to it.”
Avery shifted and stretched. “You want to take a shower with me?”
“More naked Avery? Hmm, I don’t think there’s much to complain about there.”
“Race you.” Avery untangled herself from Lucas’s embrace and bolted toward the connected bathroom. She turned on the water and let it run for a few before adjusting the temperature. Soft footsteps came up behind her, and then an arm wrapped around her from behind. “I hope you like it hot.” Avery reached into the shower and felt the water. Perfect.
“Well, I like you, don’t I?” Avery turned her head to see Lucas’s grin in the reflection of her mirror.
“Ha ha, aren’t you funny.” Avery stepped into the large tub and made room for him. As he entered, Avery couldn’t help but marvel at his broad shoulders, large biceps and chest. He looked so good. She ran a hand over his shoulders, down his chest, just needing to feel him.
“I try to be.” Lucas reached for her again. “You wouldn’t by chance be up for another round, would you?” The hunger in his eyes sent her into a shudder, despite the hot water splashing over her body.
“With you, I could run a marathon and still have energy.”
“Oh?” Droplets of water dripped from his hair and landed on Avery’s cheek. His face only inches from hers, he leaned in to kiss her again. “Damn, Avery. I can’t stop myself around you.”
“I guess it helps that I don’t want you to stop yourself then, doesn’t it?”
*****
How many times had they made love only hours before? Lucas lie awake, snug under the covers next to Avery’s sleeping form. Who knew she had so much to offer? The shower scene still played in his mind when she showed him just how much she could take.
If only he could get his mind to rest, as it raced with random, mixed thoughts and feelings. If things were different, he could start something with Avery and never look back. Hell, too late for starting, because it had already begun. Lucas had feelings that ran a little deeper, which caught him completely off guard. He didn’t know what to do about them either. Now that they’d had such a night, he had to come clean with her, but he just didn’t know how. She would hate him. Especially when he could only reveal part of what he knew.
Why, oh why had he come in tonight? He could have said no. Walked away. Gone back to his room and never let things get so heated, so out of hand.
But when Avery looked so scared, so nervous, he found it hard to say no. She had a persuasive way about her.
Careful not to wake Avery up, Lucas touched her cheek. They’d fallen asleep nestled in each other�
�s arms. Lucas couldn’t recall the last time, if ever, that he’d stayed in a woman’s bed after sex. It wasn’t just sex with Avery. He wanted to give her so much more.
But how could he be anything more to her when he hadn’t told her the truth about who he was?
Chapter Thirteen
A loud banging sound startled Lucas awake. What the hell was that? He practically jumped out bed. Then he remembered. He’d stayed with Avery, not at the inn. Everything came rushing back.
But the sounds- were her parents back?
“Avery. Honey.” Lucas shook her shoulder. “Wake up.”
“Mmmm,” Avery mumbled, pushing his hand away.
So she was a heavy sleeper. Lucky her. Lucas only wished he could sleep like that. Right now, she needed to be awake. If it was indeed her parents, Lucas didn’t want to be greeting them at the door with a blunt object in hand. Then again, he didn’t want to subject Avery to an intruder. Shit.
But if it were her parents, wouldn’t they just be in the house by now? No, this sounded more like someone wanted to get in.
Fuck.
Quit contemplating and get the hell down there, dummy.
At least he was partly dressed. Lucas swung his legs over the bed, his feet hitting the hardwood as he felt for his shirt. If it happened to be her mom and dad, so what? They’d probably be glad to know he wouldn’t let their daughter meet up face to face with an intruder.
Lucas moved swiftly in the dark. The stairs creaked beneath his weight.
Sure enough, someone was outside, attempting to get in. What could he use? Hopefully the person at the other end of that door didn’t have a gun or something. Damn it. Maybe he shouldn’t have played hero. He and Avery could have found a way out if need be, right?
Lucas grabbed hold of a broom, as it was the closest thing to him when the door burst open and light flickered on. He came face to face with a woman in her late forties, maybe. She screamed just as Lucas held back the broom.