I would never tire of this feeling. Of him inside me. Filling me so fully. I let my head fall back as I pushed myself against him. He felt so good. His lips on my neck, his hands under me as he slowly slid in and out of me. That feeling was back, the one where you didn't want something to end. It was so amazing you wanted to live in that moment forever. You know you can hold on to this. In fact, your body won't let it go, not yet. His voice whispering your name, his lips burning into your skin as he hits that spot deep inside you. Begging you to let go. So you do. And you both feel your bodies respond together, in that one moment, that one you want to hold onto forever. THAT feeling, where your body responds to another's so truthfully that there's no denying it. You know it, he knows it and anyone within a mile’s radius now knows it too…
Chapter 46
Harris
Her body responds to mine so completely, so openly. I can't get enough. I want her over and over again. It will never be enough. I honestly don't think any other two people could be as close as Olivia and I are right here, in this moment. She takes her hands and runs them through my hair, pushing it back as she studies me before she says, "I can honestly say I have never felt what I am feeling now." She wrinkles her forehead a bit and continues, "I feel full?"
I chuckled. "Well you should!" I commented with a grin.
"Well that too." She smiled, "but it's more. It's more than being complete. It's just more. I can't explain it."
I kept one hand under her and brought the other to tuck her hair behind her ear. "I know Livy. I feel it too. I do. Maybe even more so if that's possible."
She kissed me quick and winked, "I don't think it's possible."
She wrapped her legs around me tighter and let her body fall back in the lake. Her hair moving in the water so gracefully. She moved her arms out to the side to hold herself up while her face shone in the sunlight. Perfection. The way she looked was the way I felt in that exact moment. Warm, relaxed, free, weightless, content and in love.
I had brought some towels down and some snacks, hoping to lay around the rest of the afternoon. I carried Livy up the beach and wrapped her in a towel. She smiled up at me, the sun in her eyes. All these moments I am now trying to commit to memory. I never want to forget how she looked in front of me.
I wrapped another towel around my waist and sat at the table where I had set some food down earlier. We sat quietly across from each other eating cheese and some sort of unbelievable smoked sausage she had bought for us at the market. She kept grinning at me but not saying anything. Grinning and giggling. She was contagious. Now I was grinning and laughing and I didn't know why. This is what she did to me. Her good mood and her laugh enveloped me.
I let my mind wander back a few months to when she had arrived. She was this beautiful creature, fierce as hell. She laid down strict ground rules with me immediately. She was there to put me back on track, and from that day, I've wanted to please her, to make her proud of me. It was easy to stop the partying after she was in my life, even if at that time in my life meant in my guesthouse. She ignited something in me from the instant I saw her. I never thought I'd be here with her now. I didn't see this coming.
I'm not surprised now looking back. We fell into a rhythm with each other instantly. Before I knew it, spending time with her was the only thing I wanted to do. Even if it meant stumbling on a beach after her on our morning runs, or hanging out with her in the evenings because I couldn't sleep. I'll tell you why I couldn't sleep; because all I wanted was to be wrapped around her like I was that morning when I woke up in her bed.
She stopped laughing and looked at me, "What's wrong? What are you thinking about?" She asked.
"Remember the first time we slept together?" I asked.
She gave me that look and replied, "Of course I do, it was a week ago."
"Was not." I said smiling sheepishly at her, "don't you remember the night we fell asleep watching that movie?" I knew she did. She threw her head back and laughed and threw a grape at me.
"You were hot as hell walking out of that bedroom. Did you do that on purpose?"
I picked up the grape, threw it up in the air, caught it in my mouth, winked and said, "Maybe."
She laughed and picked up another grape. She wanted me to catch this one too. And I did, in fact I didn't miss and soon she was out of grapes. She got up and came to sit on my lap. She pulled the towel tight around her. She ran her thumb across my lip. I bit it. "Are you still hungry?" She asked.
I was quick to reply, "Always for you."
She rolled her eyes and continued to talk about making dinner plans with her friends that night. I suggested we have them over since I really didn't want to deal with any more publicity before we headed to London. She was all excited. I was too. I liked hanging out with her friends. They were fun and genuine and important to her. They made her happy; that’s all that mattered.
Chapter 47
Olivia
I was excited to do some entertaining after our wonderful day. I loved to cook for people, I had forgotten that about myself. I had forgotten many things, like how to live and enjoy life instead of just going through the motions. I was alive again thanks to him.
I was in the kitchen whipping up some simple appetizers. Harris had jumped in the shower. I was going to clean up after I had all the prep work done for dinner. I heard the shower turn off. He was singing. I stopped chopping and listened. I don't think he knew how talented he really was. His voice is so unique, so distinct, so sexy. This first solo project of his was going to be huge. The anticipation of it already created a buzz. I knew he was nervous, would it meet expectations of his fans? I truly think they would love anything he did. I know artists are always their own worst critics. I can't wait to hear what he worked on the week I was away from the studio. What he's been singing lately wasn't familiar, so I know it's all new. And I loved it all so far. I have a feeling I'm a bit partial.
He came around the corner of the fireplace into the kitchen singing. He grabbed me by the waist and spun me around to face him. We danced around the kitchen as he sang and I laughed. He dipped me and kissed me. Then he propped me back up at the counter winked and walked out, still singing. When he returned to the kitchen, he looked amazing. He had on some loose white shorts and a wild floral button down, open enough for his birds and butterfly to breathe. "How can I help, Love?" he asked.
"I'm just about finished." I replied. "I need to get cleaned up before everyone gets here."
"I think you look beautiful just as you are," he said shyly, sitting at the counter drinking a bottle of water. I went over to him and kissed him sweetly on the cheek and whispered thank you in his ear. He offered to clean up the kitchen while I showered. So, with that I headed to the bathroom. When I was done I was running upstairs to get dressed when I heard him on the phone. It was obvious he was talking to his mom. Such a sweet son. Nothing better than knowing a man and his mother are close. It says a lot for how they treat women, I think. I was still anxious about our trip, about meeting her.
I grabbed my jean shorts and a flowy top to throw on. Threw my hair up in a knot and headed back downstairs. Just in time to hear him say, "You're going to love her, mum. OK, I will. Love you. See you soon. Bye." He got up, came over to me and gave me a big hug and said, "That's from my mum." With a huge grin on his face.
I told him I was nervous about meeting her and he pulled me into another huge Harris hug. He talked into the top of my head, "Oh Livy, she's been waiting to meet you since you moved into the guest house. She knew we were made for each other. She's good at things like that, you'll see. You are going to really hit it off with her, my sister too!"
I pulled away quickly and frowned at him. "I have to meet your sister too? Oh God. Are you trying to kill me?"
He just laughed and pulled me close again. "Oh Livy, relax. If I love you they will too. And I really, really, love you. So, no worries! Ok?" he pulled back to look at me.
"Ok." I said, not so convincingly.
> I heard car doors slam and ran to look out the kitchen window. Jill and Trent had arrived. I was excited to hang out with them tonight. Lord knows when I'd see them again. We went to meet them on the deck. Trent came up and gave me his bear hug. He's been doing that since high school to me. He set me down and Harris was next. "Harris" he yelled and wrapped Harris in his famous hug too. Harris just grinned. Those two left to grab some drinks from the kitchen while we ladies took a seat in the sunshine on the deck. There was a nice breeze off the lake and it was a warm evening.
We had a nice dinner. Harris grilled the steaks and I handled the rest. It was fun and easy. We were a good team and I kept noticing it. We laughed and chatted and joked with them. It was getting dark when the men headed to the lakefront to start a fire. Jill and I cleaned up the kitchen and talked about my trip to London. We were leaving in a couple of days.
Jill eased my mind a bit. She reminded me of how infectious it is to be around two people so incredibly meant for each other. It was nice to hear. Nice to know I wasn't the only one thinking the same thing.
We got comfortable around the fire. The sun had set and the stars were out. We were talking and laughing and our gathering started to grow. Our neighbors and their friends made their way over. And it turned into quite a party. There was music and dancing on the beach. I hadn't felt this complete in years. My friends, my family I should say, here in this place that meant so much to me with the person I now wanted to mean just as much. Life seemed perfect in this moment. The glow of the fire lighting up his face as he danced with me barefoot in the sand. His beautiful smile meant only for me that made my heart beat harder and faster than ever before. And his kisses. So tender yet so full of emotion and meaning. Yes, this was perfect! We danced and drank and sang and laughed into the wee hours. The party dwindled and soon it was just us and a dying fire. We started to feel the raindrops and decided to head up to bed.
We laid there naked in the sheets, feeling the warmth of our bodies against the cool fabric. It was raining and the breeze coming through the window over the bed was cool and damp. I snuggled in closer to his side before drifting off. My mind racing with thoughts of a perfect evening followed by a life of chaos. My anxiety over the trip was getting the best of me. I woke up hours later startled and sweaty. Harris was trying to calm me. I’d had a nightmare. I hadn't had one in years. I sat on the edge of the bed trying to catch my breath. Harris was in a panic at my side. He rubbed my back as I started to come out of it. It was awful seeing the terrified look on his face. I tried to reassure him I was okay. This particular one started after my mother died in my arms. I’d had it for 2 years straight. Every night I saw her die all over again. Her face pale and lifeless, haunting me in my sleep. Then about the time the nightmares stopped, my father died; shortly after that, Miles. I used to have panic attacks in my sleep.
I went down to the kitchen to get a glass of water. Harris was behind me, beside himself with worry. I tried to explain to him I was okay without going into any details. That wasn't working for him right now. He wanted to know what had me thrashing about and scream ing in my sleep. I didn't want to tell him. I just told him to drop it. That it would only make it worse. It wouldn't, but I knew he'd let it go if I said it. He held me, there in the dark, kissing the top of my head, promising me he was there for me no matter what.
Chapter 48
Harris
I woke up to Livy shouting and restless in her sleep. She was having a horrible dream and I didn't exactly know what to do. I gently grabbed her, telling her to wake up, that it was just a dream. When she opened her eyes, she was distant. It was like she didn't know who I was at first. She looked scared and it terrified me. She caught her breath and headed downstairs. I wasn't about to let her out of my sight. I followed closely behind, not sure what to say but not wanting her to be alone. I held her and tried to get her to tell me what happened in her dream. It was obviously painful and she avoided telling me. I understood, but the next time it happened I won't let it go so easily. I couldn't stand seeing her like that. It tore me up when I witnessed it.
We went back to bed and I held her tight to me. Too tight. She assured me that squeezing the life out of her would guarantee she wouldn't have another bad dream. My turn to roll my eyes. She seemed better, felt relaxed in my arms. We didn't talk and we didn't sleep right away either, just listened to each other breathing.
When I woke to the thunder, she was still in my arms. Sleeping peacefully. I watched her for the longest time. She was relaxed again, the memory of the nightmare far away by now. All of my senses were on high alert. I could smell the rain, I could hear her breathe, I could feel the softness of her skin against me and I could hear the thunder that was miles away. I didn’t want to leave this bed today. I secretly hoped it would rain all day. I wanted her all to myself today before we fly out tomorrow.
She stirred in my arms and rolled over to face me. She smiled and whispered good morning. I touched her lips and said it back. I pushed her hair out of her face and leaned in to kiss her soft lips. That’s all it took for me to become overwhelmed with a need for her. Our kiss deepened. There was an urgency in it now and a hunger. In a moment, I was on her and in her. Her nails clawing at my back as I entered her hard and deep. She was screaming for me now to fuck her harder. Anguish and raw emotion in her voice. We came together quickly. It was intense and crazy hot. The cool breeze was welcomed as we caught our breath, both of us not really knowing where all that came from. I had a feeling the nightmare had some residual emotions that needed to get out.
Livy started to apologize and I stopped her. “That was amazing. Don’t ever feel like you need to explain yourself to me. I’ll take you however you are, and however you want me!” I kissed her deep and pulled her close. This woman amazed me and every moment spent with her was better than the last.
We stayed in bed the rest of the day.
Chapter 49
Olivia
I was embarrassed about my outburst earlier. I traced his birds and looked up at him. "Still want to take me to meet your mother after my behavior this morning?" I was smiling but only half kidding.
In a flash, he had me on my back, wrists pinned above my head, wicked grin on his face. "I want to marry you because of your behavior this morning!" He knew how to make me laugh. How to put every situation at ease. I was laughing so hard, tears were rolling down my cheeks, when I noticed, I was the only one laughing. Harris was above me looking at me with that damn furrowed brow of his. Oh, there was no way he is serious right now. I immediately stopped laughing. Oh God, he was serious. I laid there with a shocked look on my face now, afraid to say or do anything.
"Oh Livy, you laugh now, but you will marry me someday!" he said with a wink. He rolled off me and headed downstairs. I could hear him making coffee and singing. The rain was still coming down. It was gloomy and dark. My mood however was starting to lighten.
I joined him in the kitchen. It was chilly so I decided to start a fire in the fireplace and we ended up snuggled in front of it most of the evening. Talking about our trip and things we needed to do once we returned to LA. I was getting a bit sad about leaving the lake. It had been amazing here. I had always had a hard time leaving this place. I made him promise to come back as soon as his schedule allowed.
I was beginning to get the feeling he would do just about anything for me, and I was surprised and flattered. I was so content. Happy and excited but comfortable at the same time. I had felt like that with Miles, but I had known Miles far longer. This was new but felt old at the same time.
Harris had all the plans made for our flight tomorrow. He had a private jet picking us up here at the tiny airport. The Rover would be returned to the rental company from the airport and we would land in London 9 hours later. We leave here at 8 am and land in London at 11 pm their time. We are staying at his house tomorrow night, and the next day, off to his mother's.
I needed some time to work on my surprise for him. Ever since we had our phot
ography session, my mind was swimming with ideas for his master bedroom. I wanted to have it done by the time we got back to LA. As a little present to him. I wasn't sure what our living arrangements would be once we got back but I was certain I couldn't deal with the undone room for long. I could add the finishing touches when I got back, but I wanted to have black out blinds installed, some furniture and bedding delivered as well. After knowing that we would have some black and white prints from the photographer at some point, I wanted to do the room in all shades of gray, with touches of black and white. It would be masculine in scale, with luxurious fabrics and loads of texture. I knew I'd only have to make a few calls to get it done.
The rest of the night was uneventful as we prepared to leave in the morning.
Chapter 50
Harris
I knew I threw Olivia off yesterday when I mentioned marriage. I wasn't joking in the least. I knew that I would make her my wife one day. And honestly, the sooner the better.
After a good night’s rest, we rose and packed our things. The jet was waiting. We locked up and said goodbye to the place where we realized our love. I promised myself we’d return. It was magical with her. In our own little world. The world that was about to get turned on its head. I was feeling a bit nervous about the attention we would get once we landed in London. It can be quite crazy at times. I'm not sure Olivia was ready for that kind of attention. The scrutiny was awful. My goal was to protect her from all of it. I could sense her anxiety. I knew my family would embrace, love, and protect her as well. We just needed to get there.
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