Bait Me

by Bella Jeanisse

  “I can handle that if you can.” Roselyn peeked up at him.

  “Only for you.” Sal followed her inside and closed the door. “Did you already order for us?”

  She nodded. “Should we eat in here or at the table?”

  His gaze shifted to the rear door. “It’s almost sunset. Do you wanna eat outside?”

  “Isn’t that romantic.” She turned when they reached the kitchen. “Might be a bit chilly tonight, but we can cuddle for warmth.”

  “Or we can light the fire and snuggle.”

  “That’s a good idea.” She retrieved the bags of food from the table and handed him one. When he opened the sliding glass door and waited for her to go through, she eyed him. “You don’t have to do this all the time.”

  He shrugged. “You deserve special treatment.”

  “It’s nice. But will it all end at some point?”

  “Nope.” He winked. “This is my usual. Ladies should be treated with respect and honor. We couldn’t put up with half the shit you do.”

  “I agree with that.” Once outside, she set her bag down and worked on the fire pit. “If you’re hungry, go ahead and eat.”

  He shook his head. “I’ll wait. Do you need help?”

  “Nope. You should know better.”

  His hands rose. “Yeah, I should. Just trying to be nice.”

  “And I appreciate it.”

  He sat and watched her get the fire started. “This deck is my favorite part of your house… besides the bedroom.”

  “Good thing, since we spend a lot of time out here.” She soon joined him on the couch and took in the beauty around them. “This view sold the house for me.”

  “Makes sense. This place is unique.” He looked past the other side of the lake. The bay reflected the array of colors in the sky. “Glad you’re on the hill. I could sleep out here.”

  She let out a chuckle. “I have but not for long. Coyotes are so not my thing.”

  “Ah, so you are afraid of something.” He poked her in the side. “One day I’ll find out all your secrets.”

  “Sure.” She opened one bag of food from her favorite restaurant. “Oh wow, this smells good.” One peek into the first container made her pass it to him. “Wait ’til you taste their alfredo sauce. Better than mine.”

  When Sal opened his takeout container, he hummed. “Damn, no kidding. This smells like heaven.” He waited for her to have her dinner out, then dipped his fork into the fettucine. After a twirl of his fingers, he shoved a few noodles into his mouth. “Yes, perfect.”

  “Told ya.” She dug into her eggplant and sighed. “This place is expensive but so worth it.”

  After a few more bites, Sal glanced up. “So… I’ve been thinking about moving here, but I won’t unless I have a reason to.”

  “Are you hinting at a commitment?”

  He shrugged a shoulder. “In a way. I’d like to be sure we’re on the same page before I invest in moving. We’ve been doing this dance for two months. I think things have progressed pretty fast. But I have no idea what you feel. Am I wasting my time?”

  She snatched his hand and held it to her chest. “No, you’re not. Like I told Noah, I’m a bit confused. I haven’t let myself get close to a man in a long time.”

  “It’s OK. We’ll put that on hold. There’s something I’ve been meaning to bring up though.” He took her other hand in his. “I plan on going up for salmon season. Devin’s doing tendering again this year.”

  “Me too. We’ve been doing it for as long as I remember.”

  “When we’re in port, can we see each other?”

  Roselyn hid her smile. “You mean to hook up?”

  “No, but that would be a nice benefit.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “What I’m getting at is… will you be seeking out anyone else… or are we… um… exclusive?”

  She stopped him with a hand on his chest and tilted her head up. “I’ve been with no one else since I left you in Alaska. My hesitation has nothing to do with giving up one-night stands.” She breathed deep a few times. “I get butterflies when I see you. When I’m alone, I wish you were there. Every night, I dream you’re next to me. When I cook, I always make enough for you too. If I lost you…” Tears filled her eyes, and her lips trembled. “Don’t know if I’d get over it.”

  Sal chewed on his bottom lip to curb his reaction. “That was… beautiful. I…” His gaze shifted to the sky for a moment. “I—I love you too.”

  Several tears slipped down her cheeks. “If this isn’t love, it’s insanity.”

  His lips brushed hers multiple times. “I agree. Do you know how hard it is to sleep when I haven’t seen you for a day? Sometimes I’m up all night.”

  “Then you should stay with me tonight.”

  “You serious?”

  “I am. It’s time we test a sleepover.”

  His heartbeat quickened. “Really?” Her smirk sent blood rushing south. He set his container on the chair next to him and slid toward her. “Did you get enough of the date part of the night?”

  “No.” She moved her food to a small table nearby. “What do you suggest we do?”

  “Well…” He inched closer. “I have an idea.”

  In tune to his intentions, she climbed into his lap. “This is better.”

  “Yep.”

  He cradled the back of her head, and a finger tugged on her hair. When her lips met his, he sighed. Desperate for more contact, his free hand cupped her ass cheek and urged her closer. When her jeans scraped against his, he groaned internally. Stupid clothes!

  While she gripped his shoulders, her tongue lashed his. It seemed impossible to slow things down. Heat filled her core as she rubbed against his swelling shaft. She needed him inside her already. To expedite that, she reached down and freed his cock.

  One stroke of her hand and his hips surged up. He fisted her hair and moaned into her mouth. “You read my mind.”

  A sudden shift in Sal’s position startled Roselyn. When she found herself on her back, she looked up at him. “Can’t wait?”

  “Neither can you.” He pressed his lips to hers as he adjusted her legs. “Forgot you have clothes on. He tapped her hip. “Lift up.”

  She helped him slide her jeans and panties down some, then she yanked one leg out of them. “Good enough.”

  “Agreed.”

  He settled his hips between her thighs. The skin to skin contact brought on a shudder. A groan passed his lips. To ease the intensity, he brushed her lips with his several times. When she grabbed his neck and pulled him down for a deeper kiss, his hips rocked into her. He needed more too. As he held her head, he reached down and hooked his arm behind her knee.

  Without warning, he thrust inside her, and she gasped. Her lips trembled against his, a shiver running through her. She craved him closer still, so she wrapped her legs around his waist and tugged him down. The subtle rocking of his hips combined with passion filled kisses had her close to the edge already.

  Overwhelmed, Sal framed her face with his hands. No woman brought on emotions the way she did. Goddamn, this is intense! He ignored his pounding heart and concentrated on her reactions. She enjoyed kissing as much as he did. He kept that going and forced his hips to move. His entire body reacted to the pleasure.

  Ros dug her nails into him when he thrust in again. He suddenly shortened his strokes. His tongue caressed hers in time to his rhythm. She clung to him while her orgasm built fast. His dick is magic. Before him, she rarely came without constant clitoral stimulation.

  “You’re close.” He buried his face in her neck and sucked just below her ear.

  She yanked on his shirt. “Yes!”

  When the wave hit her, she gritted her teeth to keep from screaming. On instinct, her back arched, and her legs tightened around him. She struggled to regain control. Eyes rolled back, she barely felt the kisses on her throat. They moved to her ear, and the pleasure increased.

  “So sexy,” he whispered. “Your whole bod
y reacts. I could cum just watching you.”

  She heard him but couldn’t reply. After a few more shudders, she relaxed. His fingers ran through her hair slowly, calming her further. “I could fall asleep like this.” She forced her arm to move and touched his cheek. “It feels so right.”

  He took a deep breath and lifted his head. “I agree. Hate leaving you every time.”

  “Then it’s settled. You’re staying.” She grinned and met his lips with her own. “I think we both need it.”

  After another kiss, he slid his arms under her shoulders and held them in his hand. “Want to continue with the slow stuff or need a bit of aggression?”

  “Seems I can enjoy both. No need to change things now.”

  He licked his lips and gave her a languid stroke. “Yeah, this is nice.” He pulled out almost fully, then thrust in again and froze. “Um… I’m not wearing a condom. Totally forgot about that.”

  “We were in a hurry.”

  “Should I pull out? I so don’t want to.”

  It took her a moment to decide. “I trust you’re clean, but are you ready for kids? I’m not. Birth control can fail.”

  “True.” He gritted his teeth and withdrew from her body. “Can we move this to the bedroom?”

  “Thought you’d never ask.”

  ☆¸.•*¨*★☆ * ☆★*¨*•.¸☆

  Roselyn slowly became aware the next morning. The body molded to her backside surprised her only for a moment. A smile formed when she realized she’d slept through the night for a change. Is he the reason for that, or did he tire me out? The content sensation within gave her the answer. I could learn to like this.

  She shifted a hand to cover his at her belly and whispered, “You changed my life for the better. I never expected to fall in love, especially not with someone who understands me so well.” Sal stirred, so she pursed her lips.

  Sal’s eyelids fluttered. It took him a few seconds to remember where he was. A soon as he did, he grinned and held Roselyn tighter. She let it happen. This is huge! Every time she insisted he go home after a date or left after an evening at his place, disappointment filled him. Hope she doesn’t regret this.

  When he sensed she was awake, he snuggled into her and kissed her shoulder. “Morning. How’d you sleep?”

  She reached back to hold his hip. “Better than I expected.”

  “Good. I worried you’d wake up every time I moved.”

  “Weird enough, being in your arms feels just right. This is a first for me.”

  He nuzzled her hair. “I know. Thanks for giving me that honor.”

  “It was worth it.” She never imagined she would let her walls down for any man. However, his patience and understanding eased her fears as much as her feelings for him did. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” His eyes closed. “You helped heal me too. After the actress left me, I swore I’d never love anyone again.”

  She leaned back on him. “You never told me that.”

  He shrugged. “Didn’t want to burden you. Anyway, after we found each other yet again on your boat… I decided I’d try just one more time. If this failed, I planned to give up on it forever.”

  Although stunned, she wove her fingers with his. “Glad it didn’t fail.”

  “Me too.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  With a growl, he pressed his erection into her ass cheek. “For you… always.”

  “I meant food, but I won’t turn down another orgasm.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “I’m so glad you suggested this.” Rick Jensen pulled his daughter in for a hug on his front porch three weeks later. He hadn’t seen her in over two months.

  Roselyn patted his back. “Couldn’t miss your birthday, Daddy. No matter how super cold it is outside.”

  He chuckled. “You’re going soft in sunny California. It’s not even below freezing. Don’t you get forty-degree weather down there?”

  “Sometimes at night.” She stepped inside and memories flooded her mind. Years flashed by in seconds. She had been a baby when her father bought the home. “Wish I could bring this house down there.”

  “Hey, little sis.” Noah tugged her away from their father. “I see you made it in one piece.” He leaned down and whispered, “The plan is still a go?”

  She softly replied, “Yes. He’s in the car.” Her gaze shifted when Caleb appeared. “Ready for me to bug you all weekend?”

  Caleb rolled his eyes. “Are you really staying until Tuesday? This place is going to be crowded.”

  “You love it, and you know it.” She smiled when he hugged her. “Told you.”

  He kissed the top of her head. “I have a soft spot for you.” He looked up when someone else knocked on the door. “Party’s just getting started.”

  Rick opened the door to find Sal. “Hey, Russo. Where are your parents?”

  “They’re almost here.” Sal shook Mr. Jensen’s hand. “I came from the south, so we couldn’t ride together.”

  “Makes sense.” Rick slapped him on the shoulder. “Come on in. If you don’t remember where things are just ask.”

  Sal walked in and a bout of déjà vu came over him. Brief moments in the home returned. How many times have I been here? His eyes met Roselyn’s. “Hey, thanks for the invite.”

  Although nervous about her family’s reaction to their news, she acted casual and bumped Sal’s fist. “This should be fun.”

  “Yeah.” He gritted his teeth and muttered, “Until they all kill me.”

  Rick walked into the living room. “Seems like we’re having a big party tomorrow. How many people are staying here for the weekend?”

  Noah shrugged. “As far as I know, just the Russos. More of your old fishing buddies should show up tomorrow. It’s gonna be like a reunion.”

  Kris, who her father still insisted was not his girlfriend, entered the room. “Didn’t know our guests were trickling in.”

  Roselyn grinned at her. “Nice to see you, Kris. It’s been too long.”

  Kris nodded. “It has.” She turned to Rick. “Let’s go finish lunch. I’m sure our weary travelers are hungry.”

  When they disappeared, Roselyn sat on the love seat and smirked at Sal. “It’s gonna be a full house here tonight. I call guest room.”

  Sal fought the threatening blush. “I’m fine with the couch or even a recliner.”

  “I have an air mattress if we need it.” Caleb dropped next to his sister. “So… you’ve been more scarce than usual. Has business picked up?”

  She tucked a leg under her knee. “Yes. Some days we have day and night trips.”

  “Good for you.” Caleb nodded at Noah. “We’ve been thinking of starting a business together. I suggested a strip joint.”

  Sal choked on his own spit. He coughed a few times until Noah pounded him on the back. “I’m OK. Thanks.”

  Noah winked at him. “It’s our secret. Relax and no one will find out.”

  “Not as easy as you’d think.” Sal glanced at Roselyn. Maybe we should tell them right now.

  She sensed his stare and peeked at him. Damn, he’s going to crack. The tension on his face was clear. “Dad, do you need any help?”

  “Nope!” Rick Jensen walked into the living room with two platters. “We have English muffin pizzas and jalapeno cheese thingys.”

  “Looks good.” Roselyn leaned toward the coffee table when he set the food down.

  Kris followed Rick with a pitcher, plastic cups and paper plates. “We tried to time it to be ready when you arrived, but I got sidetracked.”

  Caleb snagged a muffin. “It was worth the wait. I love no fuss food.”

  Sal grabbed a plate, filled it, then strode to Roselyn. “Do you want more than this?”

  “No, thanks. This is good.” She leaned back with the plate on her lap.

  “What the fuck was that?” Caleb glared at Sal. “Did she make you serve her on Devin’s boat?”

  Sal froze midstep. What do I say? He sat down ag
ain and tried to relax. “I… I thought she’d be tired after the long drive.”

  “Leave him alone, Caleb.” Roselyn bumped her brother’s arm. “He’s a lot nicer than you think.”

  Caleb chuckled. “Did you guys get all cozy on the Bering Sea? I’m telling Devin.”

  “Don’t talk that way about your sister,” Rick admonished him. “Salvatore is being a gentleman. It’s a quality you should adapt.”

  Roselyn stuck her tongue out at Caleb, then smiled at Sal. “Thank you for acting more mature than my brothers.”

  Another knock on the door made her father leave the room. She hoped their parents didn’t freak out about their decision. They came from conservative families with old school traditions. Wait, is Kris living here? Probably not. Otherwise their game of pretend wouldn’t make sense. She grinned at Sal and he did the same. I can’t wait to be honest about this.

  Celina Russo entered the room. “Hello, everyone.” Her eyes widened. “You’ve all grown so much!”

  Sal stood and hugged his mother. “Missed you, Mom.”

  “Missed you too, Salvatore.” She kissed his cheek and whispered, “Have you told them yet?”

  “No and please don’t say anything.” Sal had already asked his parents to keep quiet about their relationship. “Dad!” He clapped his father on the shoulder. “This should be a fun weekend.”

  Roselyn stood and approached the couple. “Hello again.”

  Celina threw her arms around her and whispered, ‘You make my son so happy. Thank you.”

  “I try.” Roselyn moved on to Matteo. “Hope the drive wasn’t too bad.”

  He smiled and kissed her cheek. “Not bad. A little over five hours.”

  Caleb rose to his feet. “Am I crazy or is Ros acting real weird? You haven’t seen the Russo’s in years. How are you so friendly with them?”

  Roselyn sighed. I should’ve pretended I didn’t know them. “Why doesn’t everyone sit down?”

  “What’s going on?” Rick sat next to Kris and frowned. “You are acting odd.”

  Sal led his parents to a free couch. “Be right back.” He walked across the room to join his girl. “While we have you all together…” He clasped Roselyn’s hand and cradled it against his chest. “Ros and I have been seeing each other.”