Instead of being frightened, or upset by his anger, she was turned on. Her breathing hitched as anticipation danced across her skin.
“Are you here for him?” his voice was low, but urgent.
She quickly shook her head. “No.”
Relief flashed in his eyes, but the frustration and desire remained. “I’m not tap dancing around this anymore.” He stepped close enough for her breasts to brush against his chest. She gasped at the touch. “We’re leaving.”
She swallowed. “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere with a bed.” He held out his hand.
If she went she betrayed her cousin. She would prove to everyone she was the selfish whore they all considered her to be. Her mom would hate her. The blissful peacefulness she’d found in Helena would be shattered.
But if she didn’t go, she’d betray herself. And if he was here instead of with Kia, that had to mean the date had been brief. She hated herself for hoping it had been a disaster.
She placed her hand in his. When his warm fingers wrapped around hers she wanted to cry with happiness. Instead she lowered her eyes so he wouldn’t see how ecstatic she was and let him lead her out of the building.
Chapter 21
Shayla didn’t remember what happened between Devin leading her from the art show to him walking her into a room at the Marriot downtown. Frankly, she didn’t care about any of that when he pulled her against him and closed the door behind them. He walked backward toward the bed. One hand held firmly but gently onto her waist, the other cupped her face. His gaze held hers captive, his brown eyes lighter with the fire of his desire.
He stopped when the backs of his legs bumped into the bed. The hand on her cheek moved to run through her hair. Each individual strand tugging against her scalp sent an answering jolt of anticipation through her. It was hard to breath, her breasts were heavy, and the liquid proof of her desire dampened her panties.
He slowly pulled her head forward until their lips met. All of the craving and frustration she’d held in check for the past few weeks rushed to the surface. Instantly, her hands were up and diving into the soft curls on his head.
She pulled back, her hands still running through his hair. “When was your last haircut?”
“Not since you mentioned liking it longer.”
Her heart constricted. No declaration or love or flowery phrases would have made her forget all of the repercussions of this night like those simple words. The extra hair on his head was a far cry from the afro she braided in high school, but it still lent him a more relaxed air. The soft tresses on her fingers were as much of an aphrodisiac to her now as it had been then.
She opened her mouth to tell him she loved him. The words were on the tip of her tongue, but for all of Devin’s promises that he wanted to be with her, he hadn’t said for how long, or that he felt the same.
“I love it,” she said instead. His lips spread into a grin. The fullness of the lower one set her insides on fire. She twisted her hands in his hair. “It’s sexy.”
He pushed her back just enough to let his approving gaze roam over her body. “Not as sexy as you are in that dress.”
“Wait until I’m out of it.”
He pulled her back against his hard body, his demanding mouth taking claim of hers. She met his hard kiss head on, delighted by same urgency in him. The cool air in the room teased her back as he unzipped her dress. She shivered from the shocking heat of his wide hand as it dove beneath the fabric to gently massage the taut muscles in her back.
His lips stayed on hers and his other hand left the thick tresses of her hair to push down the one strap of her dress. She had to drop her hands from his head to let it fall, but quickly returned them to their exploration as soon as it hit the floor. His powerful arms engulfed her in a hug as he continued to kiss her. Her senses were inflamed; the protective gesture combined with his kiss sending her over the edge. His thick erection pressed heavily against her belly, but that wasn’t where she wanted it. She wrapped a leg around his waist, getting his hardness closer to her dripping wet center.
In a flash, he spun her around until her knees were against the back of the bed. He broke the kiss and Shayla stared at him in a daze. He slowly turned her back to him and unfastened her strapless bra. She sighed in pleasure when her breasts were released from the confines, and again when his strong hands kneaded the throbbing flesh. He gently brushed her erect nipples, sending another torrent of desire flowing between her thighs. His fingertips danced across the oversensitive skin of her belly to the top of her thong. His forefingers hooked into the edges of the skimpy material before continuing his slow descent down her body. After she stepped out of the underwear, he pressed a soft kiss the dip in her back just above her butt before standing and turning her to face him.
“You’re so beautiful, Shayla.”
Goose pimples shivered across her skin. She wanted him. Not just tonight, and not just physically, but she wanted Devin Jones to belong to her. It was a silly dream, one that would alienate her from everyone in her family for years if it came true, but when he looked at her as if she were the most wonderful treasure in the world, it all seemed worth it.
Without a word, she reached out and pulled the bottom of his sweater up and over his head. She ran her hands across his sinewy frame, delighting in the way his body jerked and his breathing caught whenever she dragged her nails across his golden flesh. Lowering her head she kissed the center of his chest, the light brushing of hair tickling her lips. His hands smoothed the curtain of her hair away from her face as she traced her tongue from one of his hard nipples to the other. Lightly flicking the pink tip across each one until his breathing became haggard. She took her time to suck one flat nipple while her hands busied themselves with unbuttoning his pants. She didn’t waste any time pushing them down his trim waist.
She looked at his wonderful dick. Long, thick, and dripping with his desire. Slowly, she lowered to her knees hoping he wouldn’t stop her as he had before. Instead, he pulled her hair back and held it in one hand at the base of her neck. Without hesitation, she took the swollen head into her mouth. His precum was sweet, like the pineapple he loved, and she couldn’t get enough of it. She pulled him deep within her mouth. Then slowly worked her way back up to the blunt head where she sucked out more evidence of his desire, before repeating the motion. He worked his hips back and forth, making love to her mouth and causing her own body to thrum with desire. Her excitement flowed down her leg, and with each thrust she grew more aroused as she imagined him doing the same within her.
His grip tightened on her hair. His movements increased in frenzy. She wanted him to come, wanted to suck him dry and celebrate in the victory of having him tremble just from the actions of her mouth. But he quickly pulled out. Gasping for breath he reached down and pulled her up, taking her lips in a searing kiss that doused any complaints she may have made. One of his hands plunged in her hair, the other reached down to part the swollen folds of her sex. His finger sunk into her creamy wetness and she gasped. His mouth left hers to suck on the sensitive flesh where her neck and shoulder met. He pushed another long finger within her and she moved up and down, craving the release that was hovering in the distance.
Quickly, he pushed her back onto the bed. He grabbed his pants off the floor and dug out a condom which he quickly put on. Her legs dangled on the edge and he spread them wide. Using two fingers he rubbed both sides of her swollen clit, causing her to clutch the duvet. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head, she spread her legs wider, and rotated her hips. His other hand ran up her body to gently grasp her chin. She opened her eyes only a slit, but it was enough to see the claim within his.
“I don’t care what happened before,” he said softly. “But you, this — ” he slid two thick fingers within her wetness and she clenched her walls around them “ — is mine.”
“Y
es,” she gasped.
“Good.” His fingers slipped out of her and he thrust his rock hard dick within her before she could utter a complaint.
Her breath came out in a hiss, and she reached up for him.
His arm snaked around her waist, pulling her further up on the bed. Again it was perfect. The softness of her breasts absorbed the hardness of his chest. The heat from his skin matched the heat of hers. Her wet core contracted and hugged his rigid flesh with the comfort of a glove. He began the same slow, deliberate strokes, the same pleasurable rotation of his hips as before, each slippery glide creating an exquisite pleasure inside of her. It didn’t take long for her to near the peak. Arousal had been her constant companion since the day on the back of his truck. With each solid plunge she cried out. Louder, and louder until she finally shattered and clung to him. Tears filled her eyes. Tears of joy, pleasure, and contentment. His body tensed, he pulled back but she clenched her legs around his waist and contracted the muscles of her sex around his solid shaft. He yelled out. She joined in as the warmth of his orgasm burst and spread within her.
• • •
Devin tried to catch his breath. His face was buried in the space between her neck and shoulder. Already her scent mixed with his cologne, an intoxicating concoction that would haunt him for the next few days. A late spasm from her climax flexed around his now semi-hard penis, sending a rush of satisfaction through him. He could lose himself within her and fall asleep with her body wrapped around him forever. But would she want the same?
He lifted his head. Once again tears were streaming down her face. Concern for her quickly pushed aside his doubts.
He wiped the tears off her cheek. “What’s wrong?”
She smiled and shook her head. “Nothing. That was … perfect.”
“Twice you’ve cried. I’m beginning to think my performance is bad.”
Her eyes widened and she reached up to run her fingers through his hair. Desire flexed within him when her hands gripped his hair. He was too old for braids, but he was beginning to reconsider ever cutting his hair again.
“Your performance was excellent.” she said.
He leaned down to rub her nose with his. “Then why the tears?”
She sighed. “Because I’m so happy when I’m with you.” She lowered her lids, avoiding his gaze.
He lifted her chin with a crooked forefinger. “I’m happy with you, too,” he said when her eyes met his.
Her full lips spread in a smile that warmed his heart far more than he wished it did. He’d loved Shayla once, and if he didn’t remember that she planned to leave town one day, he’d blurt out that he was still in love with her like a fool.
Forgetting the fact that she hated living in Helena, he kissed her. Letting the memory of her body against his, and the feel of her lips while he was still buried deep within her flood his senses for easy recall after she left.
He broke off the kiss. A look of contentment enhanced the exotic flare of her eyes. To his utter satisfaction, she continued to play with the hair on his head. “I’m not hiding what’s between us anymore. While you’re in town, you’re with me.”
Her hand dropped from his head and she looked away. “It’s not that easy.”
He turned her face back to his. Pushing back his frustration as he tried to remember not to push or judge her. “Tell me why it isn’t.”
“Devin, my life has finally gotten easier in Helena. My mom actually looks me in the eye. The people at the church are listening to my ideas, and people are no longer treating me like I’m there to steal their husbands. It’s nice. And I know you’re not supposed to admit to caring what other people think, but after years of having people look at me like I’m just like my dad, it’s good to have them view me as a productive member of society.”
“How is dating me going to change that?”
“You should have seen how happy my mom and Aunt Linda were when Kia told them about your date. They practically danced on my mom’s porch. If I came home tomorrow and announced that you were my man, they’d think I set out to steal you on purpose.”
The regret in her eyes twisted his heart. “You didn’t steal me. I came for you.”
She frowned. “Why? What happened with Kia?”
He rested his forehead on hers briefly before lifting his head. “We have nothing in common outside of work. I spent the entire time trying to think of something to say that didn’t involve you and she spent the entire time playing with her phone.”
Her face brightened and her hand thankfully delved into his hair again. “You were thinking about me?”
He nuzzled her nose again. “Don’t look so pleased. Come on, Shayla, as if I could think of anyone else.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I know, but you don’t understand. The entire town loves you. Always has. I’m finally getting respect from people. Stealing you from Kia, no matter what the true circumstances are, would ruin that.”
He sighed. “Shayla, I don’t do secret affairs. I’m not ashamed of being with you. No matter how fleeting it is.”
“Please, Devin. Let’s keep it between us just for awhile. Let my family get over the fact that you and Kia didn’t work out before we go holding hands in public or eating at the diner.”
He grimaced. “Even if we do that, people are still going to talk.”
“Why?”
“Tony.”
She stiffened and tried to pull away. He held fast, but his half swollen erection slipped out of her.
“I don’t want to talk about him.”
“I think you’ll have to. I punched him earlier tonight.”
Her brown gaze collided with his. “You didn’t.”
“I did, and I’ll do it again.”
“Why?”
He brushed the hair away from her forehead. “For you.”
Her gaze softened. Her full lips tilted upward, and if he were a foolish man, he’d swear that love shone from her eyes. When she opened her mouth he kissed her to cut off whatever she was about to say. He’d like to think she was going to say she loved him, but knowing she would say something along the lines of “that’s sweet” — which would only wound him — he opted for the better option. To kiss her senseless and make love to her again.
Chapter 22
Shayla’s soft laughter woke Devin the next morning. He reached for her in the bed, but only grabbed a handful of the sheet. He turned his head from where it was buried in the pillow toward the sound of her laughter. She sat in a striped chair beside the window in their room. Her slim fingers played with the curtains as she looked out. Morning sunlight reflected off her brown skin. She laughed again and he frowned. She should be in the bed with him, not giggling on the phone.
“Yes, Mom, I’m okay. I’m sorry I’m gonna miss church … again … but I’ll be home in time for dinner.” Shayla giggled and pushed the hair from her face. “Tell Kenny you’re not supposed to leave a hot iron on a shirt. I seriously think you dropped him on his head.”
Her mom’s voice sounded through her cell phone. He couldn’t make out what she said, but she was laughing. His frown deepened as he tried to remember a time when Shayla and her mom ever laughed together. He drew a blank. Shayla was always trying to escape her mom’s company, now they were on the phone chatting like girlfriends?
“The art show was good. I met Tyrell, he’s really nice.” There was a pause as her mom said something. Her shoulders stiffened. “What did Kia say?”
She sighed. “When I want you all to know the guy I’m interested in I’ll let you know.” Another pause. “Really, her date with Devin went well.” Shayla pulled her legs up into the chair and rested her head on her knees the thick curtain of her hair blocking her face from view.
Devin watched with mixed emotions. He didn’t like the idea of hiding his
relationship with Shayla — regardless of how brief it would be. But there was a defeated slump in her shoulders as she spoke of him and Kia. He wouldn’t be surprised if her mom brought up the possibility of him and Kia getting together as a way to manipulate her. A report on her niece’s date wasn’t necessary.
He clenched his jaw, his entire body tensed as if it were physically rejecting the idea in his head. As much as he hated the thought of pretending as if there was nothing between him and Shayla, he would do it. Shayla had always craved her mom’s approval. He wouldn’t break up the tentative truce she and her mom had formed during her stay in Helena.
Shayla lifted her head. “I’m glad their date went well. Hopefully things … work out with them.” She turned and caught him watching her. The corner of her mouth lifted in a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. The tension left his body as he returned the gesture.
“Hey Mom, I’ve gotta go … yes, I’m staying in a hotel room and I’d like to enjoy the shower before coming home.” She paused, then laughed out loud. “I’d pay money to see you convince Mr. Porter to do that. Okay, bye.”
She held the phone in her hand and stared at the screen until it went black before turning to look at him. Her lips curved seductively. “Good morning.”
“Morning.” He turned on his side to face her. “So my date with Kia was a success?”
She kinked a brow and tossed the phone on the bed. “Yep.” She ran her fingers through her hair before taking a deep breath. The simple movement unsettled him. It was as if she were preparing herself for something bad. He’d be damned if a conversation with her mom was going to change her mind about them being together.
He was a grown man and wasn’t going to deny himself a relationship with the woman of his choosing. If he had to keep it from her family, so be it, as long as he had her.
“Look, Devin — ”
A Heart to Heal Page 17