"You make me…crazy. I must have you."
"Grey…take me. I'm yours."
"I love you…love you forever." He lowered his mouth, his tongue plunging in to capture hers. Her hands fumbled with the button on his pants but he came to the rescue, unbuttoning and releasing himself quickly. She reached for him.
"God…you're hard as a rock."
"Been waiting for you…thinking about…taking you."
"I want you…inside of me. Hurry, Grey…please."
A wry smile curved his lips.
"My pleasure, honey."
She raised one leg while he eased up the other one, quickly thrusting into her to the hilt. A gasp escaped her mouth as he filled her.
"You okay?"
Concern furrowed his brow as he hovered only inches above her face.
"Oh, God…never better, darling." Carrie cupped his cheek.
Grey started slowly, eliciting moans of desire from Carrie. She kissed him and caressed him, her fingers massaging the muscles of his shoulders and back. I love touching him. As her excitement grew, so grew the pressure from her fingers on his flesh. Arching her back, she pleaded with him for more, faster lovemaking but he only chuckled and kept up the maddeningly slow pace. A cry from her lips got the response she sought as his hips increased the pace of his movements. He plunged into her harder and harder, causing her hips to move as she panted. His speed stoked her fires to blazing, white hot, spiraling out of control. She cried out his name as everything froze. Pleasure rocketed through her body, her climax took over her mind and body. She lost her fingers in his hair as she came down from the sexual high he gave her. Her hips moved rhythmically, pulling at him, her muscles caressing him, coaxing him to completion.
"Let go, Grey. Come for me."
"I'm playing with you," he whispered.
"Oh, God!"
Another climax took over her body, causing his control to snap when she came. Carrie hugged his chest to hers feeling him shudder then slow to a stop. Heavy breathing was loud in the silent room. Grey rested lightly on her. The hair on his chest tickled her breasts. Carrie's fingers caressed his back through a light sheen of sweat. Grey moved up on his elbows again to kiss her lightly. The look of love in his eyes was unmistakable. His afterglow and sweetness was the perfect finish to their mind-blowing lovemaking.
Grey rolled off, almost hitting the floor as the narrow sofa didn't leave much room. He grabbed her, switching their positions, tucking her into his side. She rested against his chest. They lay quietly for a time, basking in the glow of their love. Finally he spoke up.
"Let's turn in."
The lovers climbed the stairs slowly and got into bed. She cuddled into his shoulder, snaking her arm around his waist. Grey pulled up the down quilt to cover their nakedness in the chilly room.
"You're a regular heat machine."
"Saves on heating bills."
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you, too…Bunny…"
Carrie sat up in bed, prepared to be indignant until Grey burst out laughing. His laugh was so infectious, she had to join in. Picking up a pillow she struck him playfully. He grabbed her wrists, pulling her down on the bed. After climbing on top of her, he kissed her hard.
"Don't ever call me…"
He planted a sweet kiss on her lips before releasing her hands.
"Don't ever call me Bunny again," she said, striking his back with a pillow before falling back on the bed, laughing. His laughter followed hers. She snuggled up to him again, he replaced the covers and switched out the light.
****
Colin had been counting the days until Friday when Leah would return for her sixth visit to Pine Grove and his small apartment. It was Thursday night. He'd left wrestling practice early to clean the apartment. After being too honest about his reason for leaving early, his team ragged on him about going home to clean up for a girl.
Several weeks earlier, he bought girl soap, as he called it, something that smelled good instead of his standard, whatever was on sale. He'd also purchased extra towels, in pink, so he would know which were hers, a pink robe – because it's too bulky to pack for a weekend– and various other female products. He was getting used to having Leah around.
As soon as he was finished with his housework, Colin jumped in his car and headed over to the old Victorian for dinner with his parents. He thought nothing of the invitation as they often invited him for dinner. He enjoyed their company and spent many a Sunday watching football games with his dad and eating his mom's famous chili.
When his father answered the door, he handed Colin an open bottle of his favorite brand of beer then motioned him to come inside. The dining room table was set for four, which surprised him. When he walked into the living room, he was surprised to see an attractive brunette he didn't recognize seated on the sofa.
"Colin, this is Mindy Winslow, April's college roommate. She's visiting for a few days, so we thought we'd invite her tonight."
Mindy stood up and shook Colin's hand. He knew immediately that this was a fix-up by his parents. He could feel his blood pressure rise, color come into his cheeks. Trapped! Damn them! They knew if they had warned me I wouldn't have come. Shit!
Colin stared daggers at his mother who tried, unsuccessfully to avoid his glare. John carried on a civilized conversation with Mindy but Colin had a hard time concentrating. Mindy was attractive enough but he was taken. Why didn't his parents recognize that? They want to play this game, fine with me. Let's play.
"What do you do, Mindy?" Colin asked.
"I'm an assistant to an editor at a publishing company. I write plays in my spare time. Your mom was just telling me you coach wrestling."
"I do. My girlfriend is a clothing designer."
"Oh, really? That must be so exciting! What does she design?"
Obviously Mindy didn't know this was a fix-up either. Poor girl.
"She designs lingerie…she's working on a special line now for Lady Jeanne…"
"I've heard of her! She's very chic and expensive! What's the line about?"
"She's taken designs from historical romances and reproduced them as nighties, I think."
"Wow, bet they're gorgeous! What a great idea."
I like her better than my parents right now. Way to go, Mindy.
"She's moving to Paris this summer to work directly with Lady Jeanne."
"You are very lucky to have such an exciting girlfriend."
"I am indeed. Are you attached?"
"Not at the moment. But with work and playwriting, I have little time for dating right now."
He enjoyed watching his mother's face fall as it became obvious Colin and Mindy were not going to be dating. His father looked a bit uncomfortable with it, giving away the fact that dad had known about this plan, too. Colin was disappointed his father would take part in such a scheme. Grey would never do this to me. Et tύ, dad?
"I have one or two more things to do in the kitchen then we'll eat. John would you give me a hand?"
John got up and followed Mary into the kitchen, leaving Mindy and Colin alone.
"I'm so sorry, Colin. When your mother said you were coming to dinner, I thought you were in high school, not teaching high school. I thought this was simply a friendly dinner invitation, not a fix-up."
"Guess I now know what they think of my girlfriend."
"I'm so sorry." She rested her hand on his arm for a moment. "I'm going to make an excuse…"
"Don't do that. Please stay. My mom's a very good cook, and you'll be sorry if you miss one of her meals. Besides, it gives me a chance to torture them a bit."
"Oh, no. I couldn't."
"Please. Please stay. I promise not to make you uncomfortable."
"I could use a good meal. April's still learning to cook…she has a long way to go." Mindy laughed.
Mary returned to announce dinner was ready. Colin and Mindy joined his parents in the dining room. He held out Mindy's chair, noting the look of relief on his m
other's face. A steaming bowl of Mary's spaghetti with homemade meatballs was passed around. Garlic bread and a tossed salad also made the rounds. John poured red wine and everyone ate.
"Colin, I'd love to meet your girlfriend. Is she coming up to see you soon?"
Colin almost choked but he caught Mindy's eye and played along. Trying hard not to smile, he answered her.
"She's coming this weekend. Will you be here? We could grab a drink at Homer's."
"I'm sorry, I have to go back. A friend is performing and Friday is his opening night. Are you coming to New York?"
"Over spring break."
"Great! I'll give you my number and we can go out four of us. I date a couple of actors I know…mostly as friends. You must come and see Harry's new play. He's going to be absolutely terrific."
"That sounds great," Colin said, stealing a side glance at his mother.
Her face always gave her away and it was obvious to him she was not enjoying his new friendship with Mindy. Especially if it included Leah. After a light apple dessert, Mindy made her excuses and left. Colin kept his tongue until he and his parents were seated in front of the fireplace in the living room.
"What the hell did you think you were doing? Trying to fix me up with April's friend? I'm in a committed relationship. How dare you?"
"Are you in a relationship, Colin?" Mary asked.
"Damn right I am."
"Watch your language. That's your mother," John warned.
"What right do you have to try and fix me up?"
"It's just that Leah is much older than you…if you want to have children…which I always thought you did…"
"Oh, so that's it! Leah's a couple of years older. Okay. I get it. That's nobody's business. I don't care how old she is. I love her. You can't do a damn thing about it. Get it! Stop trying to control me!"
He moved toward the front door. Mary put her hand on his arm to stop him.
"Colin, I—"
"What? What, Mom? You're sorry? You don't like Leah, don't approve of her. Fine. Then you don't have to see us…ever!"
"Don't say that! It isn't that we don't like her. She's bright, charming…but we thought someone younger might be better for you."
"I don't want someone younger. I'm tired of girls. I want a woman, a real woman. And that's what I have. I've never been happier. Why can't you be happy for me?"
"The boy's right, Mary. We shouldn't have interfered."
"I'm not a boy, Dad. I'm a man."
The silence in the living room was thick, like a London fog. John stared at the floor. Mary cast worried glances at Colin who steadfastly refused to look at her.
"You've insulted me with your disapproval…rejected the woman I love. I'm going home. We won't be seeing you this weekend." Colin marched to the front door.
"Wait! Colin! Please don't leave angry," Mary called after him.
He hesitated at the front door. "What do you want?"
"I'm sorry. Please don't tell Leah about this. Your father's right. I shouldn't have meddled. It's just that…well, never mind. We've been over that already. If you've chosen her, then we'll accept your choice."
"Great. You'll accept her. Don't bowl me over with your enthusiasm."
"Take what you can get, son. We're not used to fancy older women from the City. We'll accept her, like your mom says. She's a nice person and all. No problem there."
"You won't have to worry about her for long. She's going to Paris in a few months."
"Permanently?" Mary asked.
"To live. She's got a job designing there. She'll be taking my heart with her."
"Oh, Colin. I didn't know. I'm sorry, son," Mary said, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah? I'll bet. We're going to enjoy every minute we have together."
He bent down to pet the pugs, who were crowding him and wagging their tails.
"Of course, Colin. Please, bring her around whenever you want. We promise she'll get a warm greeting from us," John put in.
"I wouldn't be comfortable with her here anymore. It's late."
With that, Colin walked out to his car. He stopped when the door of the Davenport's house opened. Giselle stood in the door talking to a man thrown in shadow by the light from inside. She kissed the man on the cheek then he turned to go. Colin slipped into the shadows to avoid being seen. When the door closed, the streetlight shone a dim beam on the man. Colin rubbed his eyes then stared hard. Damn! That's Grey!
Chapter Twelve
Colin put Leah's suitcase in the bedroom then joined her in the kitchen. She put on the kettle to boil.
"I brought some Chai tea…thought you might like it. God, it's cold in here!"
She rubbed her hands together and stomped her feet. Colin turned up the thermostat.
"I forget you have Florida blood," he teased.
"Next time I won't need to bring a suitcase, I'll just wear everything."
"I could warm you up in the bedroom."
"But I'd have to take my clothes off first…it's too cold!"
"I can start here with your clothes on."
He came up behind her, pushed the collar of her ice blue cashmere sweater out of the way and nibbled on her neck. Leah eased back slightly, resting against his hard chest. His hands wound around her waist for a moment before moving up over her breasts.
"I've been waiting all week to do this," he breathed.
The scent of her perfume intoxicated him. The ultra-softness of the cashmere over her breasts drove him wild. Never had he touched anything so soft and so sexy at the same time. His teeth captured her earlobe, eliciting a moan from deep in her throat. She placed her hands over his to warm them.
"Getting warmer?"
She nodded.
"You look gorgeous and you feel…incredible."
His hands felt her chest rise and fall faster as his fingers found her peaks, hidden in the rich, dense wool.
"Warm enough to take something off?"
Leah broke from him, took his hand and led him into the bedroom. The whistling of the tea kettle stopped her. She looked at him.
"Tea can wait."
He switched off the stove then followed her into the other room.
****
Swaddled in the pink robe Colin had bought for her, Leah padded into the kitchen and turned on the tea kettle again. He followed wearing his navy blue robe.
"We should invite your parents over here for dinner tomorrow." She took down two mugs.
"They're tied up this weekend. Stuff with friends, I think." He cleared his throat.
"Oh, too bad. I like them. Bet I'd like the rest of your family, too."
Colin took out the milk as she placed the sugar bowl on the counter. His palms started to sweat. This was not a topic he wanted to explore. If his parents judged Leah to be too old, what would his older sister, Barbara, think? A shudder traveled through his body. He was closer to her than to Jenna, even though he and Jenna were closer in age. At least Grey was on his side. Still, this was no time to get into this with Leah. No more family visits.
"Let's be just us this weekend."
"It's going to be cold and windy, let's cook in. I make a great beef stew."
"How about tomorrow? Tonight, maybe we should pick up a pizza."
"Then we have to get dressed. Don't you have any food here?"
Leah started opening cabinets then peered into the refrigerator. She pulled out some cans and a package of hot dogs from the freezer.
"How about franks 'n beans…and a canned vegetable?"
"Great!"
As they began preparations for dinner, Colin's cell phone rang. He checked the display.
"Mac Caldwell! Kensington State."
He picked up the phone.
"Colin?"
"Hi, Dean Caldwell."
"Hey, we've just wrapped up our search for the Environmental Science professor and I wanted to call you right away."
Colin sat down on the sofa. Perspiration broke out on his forehead, his pul
se kicked up until he could feel it in his ears.
"Unfortunately, we found someone who has more college teaching experience than you do. This person was not my first choice but I was outvoted by other members of the committee. I'm so sorry. Don't lose heart."
"I understand, Dean."
"Look, there's going to be a cocktail party in New York City over spring break. I'd like you to come. Some of the other committee members will be there. I want them to meet you."
"Sure, I'll come. I haven't given up on Kensington yet."
"Glad to hear it. I've got your address. My secretary will send you a formal invite in the mail. You can bring a date, too, if you want. "
"Great. See you then, Dean."
"I look forward to it."
Colin closed his phone. Leah sat on the edge of the sofa, staring at him.
"I didn't get the job."
"Oh, Colin! I'm so sorry, sweetheart."
She moved closer, pulling him into a hug. He closed his eyes. Great, the love of my life is leaving in three months, I'm still a high school gym teacher. Life sucks.
By six thirty, Leah and Colin were sitting at the small table in his living room, eating franks and beans. The heaviness of depression sat on his shoulders, weighing down his spirit. His gaze trailed over Leah's beautiful face, down to the place where the robe crossed over, hiding her body from his view. He felt a stirring in his loins as he scooped up another spoonful.
"One of my favorite romantic movies is on tonight."
He lifted his eyebrows in response as he chewed on a piece of frankfurter.
"Serendipity. Can we watch?"
"We can watch anything your heart desires, baby."
He loved the way she lit up when he called her that. She was his baby, his one-and-only. And he was hers. She'd said so. Two weeks ago, Leah had told him she wasn't going to date anyone else but him. He smiled as he recalled the nervousness she'd displayed. Of course dating anyone else hadn't even occurred to him. So he'd laughed and agreed he would be exclusive, too. What a joke. As if I could find a woman who could even come close to her. His declaration made her grin and hug him. With just a smile and a squeeze she makes me feel like the luckiest guy in the world.
The Dating List Page 14