by J. Dorothy
Oh, my.
I start to wonder for a small second if that was just the best damn dream ever, when there’s a knock at my bedroom door, and Tanning is standing in the doorway, a tray in his arms, a big grin on his face.
Oh, boy I could get used to waking up to that every single morning. Though it would be a hundred percent better if he was lying naked, next to me and not standing fully dressed in my doorway.
“Morning, Sweet Cheeks, I brought you some breakfast.”
He strides into the room and comes over to my side of the bed. I pull myself up and rest a pillow behind my head while Tanning places a tray filled with a plate of bacon and eggs, a tall glass of orange juice and a pink rose in a vase. Wow. He is just the sweetest guy in the universe. He bends down and gives me a quick peck on the forehead.
I tilt my head and smile wide. “What did I do to deserve this treatment?”
He shrugs. “No reason. You’ve been cooking for me for the past month, thought it was about time I returned the favor.”
“I like cooking for you,” I say in all honesty.
Tanning sits on the edge of the bed and sweeps a lock of my blonde hair behind my ear, then strokes my cheek. If he keeps that up, I won’t be having bacon and eggs for breakfast I’ll be devouring those gorgeous lips of his, which I can’t help staring at right now.
“Stop looking at me like that,” he growls. “Eat, your food, then we need to talk.”
Oh, crap. I roll my eyes. If he’s going with the whole, last night was a mistake routine, I’m going to punch him. That or hold him down and remind him what a good idea last night was.
Tanning chuckles, then tweaks my nose. “You are too cute for your own good. And it’s not what you’re thinking.”
How the hell does he read me so well?
I swear he’s the only one who has ever got beneath the steel guard I usually keep firmly in place.
“What is it then?” I ask.
Tanning sighs long, reaches for the knife and fork, unwraps them from the cloth napkin, he really has gone all out, then proceeds to cut up my breakfast and feed it to me. Oh lord, I never knew eating could be so seductive. Every mouthful he feeds me, is sending hot tingles to all the right places, and I’m finding it hard to swallow. Even though it tastes divine and I’m hungry. I’m more hungry for a certain hot someone who is dressed in his gray sweat pants and tight white t-shirt, which I’m having fantasies of ripping off him right now.
Tanning licks his lips as he slices through the last bit of bacon and eggs mix, and feeds it to me. My heart is racing, then it near explodes out of my chest when he reaches across the tray and wipes some egg from my lips and puts his finger in my mouth to lick it off.
Holy crap.
Tanning stares at me with such intensity, I make a point of seductively biting on his finger before he slowly removes his finger from my mouth.
“Jesus, Jen,” he whispers as he quickly removes the tray from my lap and moves to lie over me, in a push up pose, his lips a mere breath from mine. He’s obviously trying to be careful not to lie directly on my swollen stomach. Then he pushes his body down a fraction and gives me a light kiss, before attempting to push up again, but I lock my arms around his neck, keeping him in place.
”Now, how about we try that again.” I say softly, against his mouth then part my lips so we can deepen the embrace. God he tastes, like the sweetest fruit and I can’t get enough. I want him closer, there is too much space between us, so I try to pull him down and wrap my legs around his lower half. That’s when he breaks our kiss and rolls off me.
Aw. That wasn't what I was going for.
I can hear him taking deep breaths, like he’s trying to calm down. I close my eyes and do the same, not sure why he’s not ready for this next move. I mean I know he likes me, and it’s a no brainer that I feel the same way. Not really sure what the problem is.
Then I feel a stroke on my cheek and I turn my head and open my eyes, to see Tanning looking at me. “Jen, we really need to talk.”
I twist my lips, and give him a small nod. “Okay.”
It’s just at that moment Treasure Pot decides to wake up for the day and gives me big kick. I startle a little bit, surprised at how strong that one was. He’s going to be a football player or a karate instructor for sure.
Tanning shifts closer. “You alright?” he asks, with a small frown creasing his cute forehead.
“Yeah. Just Treasure Pot saying good morning,” I say with a chuckle and give my stomach a rub.
Tanning bites his lip and looks down to my swollen belly. “Um ... can I ... can I feel ... “
“ ... Feel me up? Thought you’d never ask,” I cut in, and let out a giggle, at the wide eyed expression Tanning is giving me.
Tanning grabs my two wrists and puts them above my head with one of his big strong hands.
“You’re honestly killing me here, Sweet Cheeks. I think you might have to pay for that one.”
Oh, I’ll pay alright. I’ll pay with whatever punishment he wants to give me. I lick my lips and Tanning growls at me again. “Stop that, or I’ll have to spank you.”
O.M.G. Why does that sound so hot?
I mean I’ve never been into that, I’ve read about in a heap of romance novels, but never thought I’d ever contemplate it in my own sex life. Now with Tanning just mentioning it, I’m like a puddle of jelly at his disposal, ready and willing to do whatever the hell he wants.
I swallow and lick my lips again.
“Shit, JJ. I’m seriously going to lose it, you’re driving me crazy.”
I flutter my eyelashes and bite my lip this time. He’s still got my wrists in a tight grip and he rolls onto his side and presses his body up against mine. Wow, well that is so much better. Note to self, biting and licking your lips makes Tanning all kinds of sexy crazy. Good note.
“I meant, can I feel the baby move,” he says shaking his head at me.
Oh. Now he’s talking about Treasure Pot and being adorable, I kind of lose the lusty vibe we had going on.
I give a small smile and nod. He lets my wrists go and I reach for his hand and put it under my t-shirt, positioning it on my belly.
“You might have to wait a little bit,” I say, then watch Tanning. He’s frowning in concentration, like he’s waiting for the jack-in-the-box to pop up. Then Treasure Pot gives a little kick, and Tanning jumps back in surprise, wonderment written across his face.
“Wow, he packs a punch,” he says, his eyes still shining with excitement.
“He’s a feisty little fellow,” I say, as Tanning puts his hand on my tummy again, grinning a goofy grin.
I’d like to say that having his gorgeous hands on my bare skin, was erotic, but in this moment it’s far from that, it’s more like the sweetest thing in the world, and I can feel tears burning my eyes. Right here, right now, for the first time, I really wish this moment was for Tanning. I wish with all my heart the baby was his.
A tear leaks from my eye, and Tanning moves his hand away from my stomach, and reaches up to wipe the tear from my face. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
I wipe at my own eyes and roll onto my back. “Um ... nothing. Just get a bit hormonal and emotional sometimes. It’s a pregnancy thing.”
“JJ. I warned you. Now tell me, and stop spouting bullshit.”
I blow out another big breath and play with the hem of my t-shirt. “It’s nothing. You’re just being really nice to me, and I’m not used to it, I guess.”
Tanning cups my chin in his hand and turns my head to meet his beautiful eyes. “Yeah. Well get used to it, because I intend to look after you. And breakfast in bed is nothing, Sweet Cheeks.” Then he gives me a sweet kiss to match his sweet words, and my head spins at the feel of his lips on mine, and I’m so lost in him, I can’t breathe.
How, the hell did I get so lucky to meet this beautiful man? He’s perfect. And I think I’m in love with him. No, scrub that, I don’t think. I know I am, and that scares the living daylights out of
me.
TWeNTY-ONe
_________________________
So, I'm in the kitchen waiting for Tanning to finish his shower. I've cleaned up the tornado of mess he made in cooking me breakfast. For future reference, might need to nip that in the bud. Though it was the sweetest thing ever.
We haven't talked, yet. Tanning said he wanted to take me out for the day, and we could talk then. He probably thinks I'll keep distracting him, if we stay in, like this morning. Mmmmm I love thinking about distracting Tanning. The best way to start my day ever. I start fantasising about him, when he enters the kitchen and grabs me from behind wrapping his tanned strong arms around my huge waist. He nuzzles his face into my neck and I nearly melt into the floor. God, I can't get enough of him touching me.
“We need to get, going,” he whispers in my ear then sucks my ear lobe into his mouth. Holy, smokes, that is the biggest turn on. We haven't really got past second base and he's already hitting all my trigger spots. I can't even imagine what actual sex with him is going to be like. But, boy does my lust filled brain want to find out.
I spin around and lock my hands around his smooth neck and start stroking it with my fingernails. “You, sure you want to go out. We could always stay in,” I say, and reach up to kiss those luscious lips of his.
Tanning shifts back and shakes his head, then swoops me up into his arms. “There will be none of that, we have things to do,” he says and chuckles as he proceeds to march out the door still carrying me.
I pout a little. Can't help it, but I'm loving his playful nature.
He reaches the car, but doesn't put me down, instead he puts me on the hood and takes his keys out of his back pocket and clicks the button to unlock the car.
“I don't have my bag,” I say, still pouting a little.
“You won't need it,” Tanning says quick and moves to stand between my parted knees. Seeing as I'm wearing my black shorts with a matching swing top, I can feel the fabric of his denim jeans rubbing against my inner thigh. I lean forward and plant a quick kiss on him, before he can protest. He growls against my lips and kisses me back. Wow, that boy sure knows how to kiss the life out of me, but before we can become an x-rated public display, a car horn toots and we instantly part. I look over Tanning's shoulder to see a red convertible pull up at the kerb.
Oh great, it's the supermodel cousin. Just the person I want to see right now.
She fake smiles and waves. I know that smile. It's the one I wear, when I pretend to like someone, when in reality I want to pull out their perfect hair and scratch out their pretty eyes.
“Well, don't you two look all cosy,” she says as she gets out of the car.
Tanning doesn't move from me and I'm tempted to snuggle into his chest and disappear.
“What are you doing here?” Tanning asks, frowning at her.
“Do I need a reason, to visit my favorite cousin,” she says as she comes closer, swaying her hips in her short lemon colored dress that shows off her perfectly tanned, shaped legs. She really is beautiful. And I’m betting she isn’t used to having any male admonish her, like Tanning is now.
“We're just about to leave,” Tanning says bluntly, not bothering to make any introductions.
She stops when she reaches Tanning’s car, where I’m still planted on the hood, and limply holds out her hand. “I'm Donna, by the way, you must be Jennifer?”
Okay. I can play this game. I've done it often enough.
“Yes, that's right. It's so nice to meet you.” I give her my best fake smile in return and shake her hand loosely.
“Where are you two off to?” she says still smiling sweetly, as she takes her hand and casually wipes it on the side of her dress.
Nice. I only wish I had a disease to infect her with.
“Out,” Tanning states as he opens the car door, then turns to picks me up and deposit me in the car, before shutting the door, so I don't even get a chance to say goodbye to the supermodel. If I hadn't heard the crass comments she made about me, I'd be feeling really uncomfortable right now. But instead I just keep smiling out the window at her.
Her pretty face must really be hurting keeping that fake smile pasted on. I kind of chuckle at the thought. Then she tugs on Tanning's arm and pulls him towards the back of his car. I look out the rear-view mirror to see that her smile has gone and she looks downright pissed.
Uh oh.
Tanning is frowning and crossing his arms, but doesn't look like he's saying a lot. Then he shrugs and moves towards the driver's side. I quickly divert my eyes and pretend like I'm playing with the stereo as he hops in.
I turn to him. “Everything okay?”
He winks. “Couldn't be better. You ready to go?”
“Where are we going?”
“It's a surprise.”
I smile at him. “I like surprises.”
He leans across and strokes my cheek, giving me an intense stare with those gorgeous green eyes of his, and I nearly stop breathing.
“Noted,” he smirks, then glances over his shoulder and backs out of the driveway.
The blood is rushing throughout my body, heating every inch, and my heart is nearly exploding in my chest. It only takes one little touch, or one little word from Tanning, and I could seriously become a puddle of goo at his feet. I am so in love with this guy. I never, ever thought anyone would make me feel like this.
I suck in a meditative breath to calm down and look out the window, to stop my head from spinning.
We're heading toward Forest, and I wonder what he's planning. He might be taking me out for a late lunch, or early dinner. Except it's a little early for either, seeing as its only noon, and we only had breakfast a couple of hours ago. He hasn't spoken, and seems content to tap along to the music as he drives. I'm wondering when he's going to talk to me. I really don't have any idea what that’s about, and in some ways I'd rather not know. Things have been so perfect since last night, I just want to enjoy the moment. Talking always ruins things.
We pass the sign saying Forest and Tanning turns off down a street I haven't been before. I rarely come here, in fact, I've only made a couple of regular visits to the clinic since moving. He turns down a couple more unfamiliar streets, and then I see a large multistorey building surrounded by a huge parking lot.
“What is this place?” I break the silence to ask.
Tanning glances at me and smiles. “You'll see.”
He parks the car and gets out, racing around to open my door. He holds out his hand to help me get down from his truck, and then he wraps his arm around my waist and leads me forward.
The closer we get to the building, the larger the billboard advertisements.
“Is this some kind of new mall, or something?” I ask.
Tanning chuckles. “Not exactly a mall, but I think it'll have a couple of shops you'll like.”
I frown, not quite sure how he knows the shops I like. In the past I've done most of my shopping online. Not that I've been able to afford much. Probably why I've steered clear of shopping altogether. It's not exactly fun when you don't have any money to spend.
“But, I didn't bring my purse,” I argue, really confused now.
“I told you. You don't need it.”
Oh right. Like this shop gives away things for free. Not likely.
I'm still frowning as Tanning leads me through the large double glass doors at the front of the complex.
This place is huge. It looks much bigger when you're inside. I wonder why I haven't heard of it, before. But I guess I've had my head in the sand these past few years, and it looks really new. The place is crowded with weekend shoppers, and I realise it's a huge discount warehouse, full of the big chain shops and supermarkets.
Tanning keeps pulling me forward, through the huge building, then turns off at an exit and leads me down another walkway. When we turn the final corner, I take a huge breath. There in front of me is a massive store, called, Little Fingers and Toes.
Oh my.
; I blink at Tanning and he grins wide. “Thought you might like to take a look and get some things for the baby. The flyer said they stock everything you need.”
I have no words right now. Since Travis stole my life savings, I haven't been able to think about not having the money I need to buy stuff for Treasure Pot. It's been eating away at me, but I've tried my best to ignore it, until now.
“Come on. Let's go look,” Tanning urges, as I stand there dumbfounded. I can't believe he's being so thoughtful. I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with him anymore, but in this moment I think I just did.
“But ... but ...” I swallow and hold back the tears.
Tanning pulls me to him and kisses my forehead. “I want to help, you Jen. Please. Let me do this for you and the baby.”
Oh God.
I wipe at my eyes, knowing a few tears have leaked out.
Tanning squeezes me one last time, then pulls away. “Come on, Sweet Cheeks, this should be a happy time. Let's go have some fun. Let's go shopping.”
I blow out a breath, and pinch his arm.
He flinches, his eyes widening in surprise. “Ouch! That's not exactly the response I was going for.”
I shake my head. “I'm just checking you’re actually real, and not a figment of my imagination. You really are too good to be true, you know.”
Tanning lets out a big laugh. “Oh, I'm real alright.” He leans down and whispers close to my face, his minty breath wafting over my cheek. “I'll show you just how real, later on.”
Holy smokes, my heart literally just leapt into my throat. I swallow again and grin big. “I can't wait for that, Mr Too Good to be True guy. Gotta see if you live up to your new nickname.”
Tanning chuckles again and grabs my hand, dragging me into the store. It's like being led into wonderland. And I can't stop the ear splitting grin, that eats up my face, in this most perfect, of perfect moments.