She called her stepdad, who looked to be the same age, a tool? What the heck was this about?
“You brought me flowers? How nice.” She took the bouquet, thank God. He felt like a dweeb, standing there with the orange petals mocking him. She pulled him close for a warm, almost desperate hug and he glanced awkwardly over her shoulder to see Kevin glowering at them. The guy gave off a strange vibe.
“Hey, what the hell? I took you to senior prom and I gave you flowers.”
“Yeah, and then you married my mother. Negates the flowers.”
“Um, is this a bad time?” Drew stepped back. Lucy threw a thick camouflage hunting jacket at Kevin before hurrying to the kitchen.
“Let me get these into some water. Kevin stopped by unexpectedly, but he’s leaving now.”
“Lucy, we need to discuss some family issues.”
The guy glared at Drew harder.
He tucked his hands into his pockets and eased by to stand near the kitchen.
“Yeah, well, you should have called first. Now isn’t a good time,” she snapped.
Drew kept quiet as Lucy dropped the flowers into a vase and placed them carefully on the middle of her kitchen table.
“But Lucy,” Kevin whined.
She rolled her eyes, her lips pinched together tight into a hard line. “No. Any family business can be done with Aunt Ruby or Becca present. And I swear, if you keep pestering me, I will default to all contact being through our lawyers. Capisce?”
She shoved him firmly to the door and he didn’t push back. He turned at the door, and she slammed it soundly in his face, pressing her forehead hard against it and breathing deep. Drew kept quiet, wondering if Kevin might try something drastic like pounding his way back in.
“There, he’s gone.” He heard the faint ding of the elevator. “So—”
“Don’t. It’s a messy situation. Really messy. How hungry are you?”
“Not starving.” The closed-off, tight look on her face made his chest hurt. He wanted to protect her from sadness, and it seemed like something was certainly coming from within the family. He rubbed his hands over her shoulders, kneading a few knots.
“Good. I want to give him a minute to clear out of the lobby. That feels amazing. Want a drink?”
She didn’t wait for his response, just led the way into the kitchen and got two shot glasses with a nice bottle of tequila.
“Oh. Tequila. That bad, huh?”
She nodded as she poured it out and sliced off two pieces of lemon. “Sorry. I haven’t seen him in a while and his visit took me by surprise. I don’t normally do pre-dinner tequila shots.”
“This situation seems to call for it.”
She offered him a glass and they both tossed it down.
Lucy rolled her shoulders back a few times, shaking out some kinks.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Curiosity was eating him up. How the hell did she have a stepfather who took her to prom?
“No. Absolutely not.” She poured out two more shots, not bothering with the lemon this time. “He was my high school boyfriend. When I went out west, he and my mother somehow hooked up. And now, I am splitting a meager inheritance with him. Sometimes he wants more than his fair share.”
“Ahh. I see.” He didn’t, but they tossed back the shots and she licked her lips, giving him a lazy, predatory once over from head to toe. The mood in the room changed from tense to electric and sexy with that look. She tilted her head to the side to rub her neck, trailing a few fingers down her collar and stroking her chest softly.
“But—” she walked slowly around the kitchen island toward him, a tequila laced roll to her hips, “—if you truly aren’t hungry, there is something you could do for me.” She reached up and met his mouth in a hot tongue-tangling kiss. Her hand drifted down to tease at the edge of his jeans, rubbing him slowly through the zipper. “I think you know what would make me feel better.”
She bowed her back and he followed her down to press into her on the island. She quickly pulled her shirt off, her bra followed. “Maybe make me forget all about my stupid family?”
Drew switched gears as soon as her tongue touched his. The need to have her clinging to him, quivering, panting, begging for release became his entire focus. She needed him as much as he needed her right now. Without his realizing it, she had stripped off his shirt and shimmied herself out of her jeans. He hooked her knees and pulled her to the edge of the table.
Her hair cascaded around her head in wild disarray, and he watched her face as he slipped a hand between her legs. Half lidded, her eyes blazed with a fascinating passion. Her mouth parted on an intake of breath.
She sighed with pleasure and he followed her silent lead and moved down to between her legs. Their eyes met in the dim light. With a flick of her tongue she licked her lips. He felt his cock jump at the deliberate, seductive move. He set himself to pleasing her every way he knew how.
“Ohhhh.... Yessss,” she hissed as he settled between her thighs, propping them both over his shoulder and tilting her to the best angle.
“Is this what you want, sugar?” He licked her slowly, her juices already slicking her.
“Mmm,” she purred, opening herself further for him.
“Is it?” He licked her firmly, propping a hand on her pelvis to hold her hips still as they bumped in time to his tongue.
“Yes, that’s it. Right there,” she whispered, and he smiled to himself. Her harsh breathing set the tempo faster and faster and he followed her lead, pushing her a little as she whimpered. She pressed her hand to the back of his head, quivering under his tongue and hand. Already he could see she liked him to take the lead, to push her where he wanted her to be.
Her body undulated, her hips jerked as he pleasured her. She whimpered and cried out as she brought a hand to her own nipple, pinching and twisting gently with her eyes closed as she crested in orgasm. Her low moan was music to his ears.
“Andy,” she sighed, and he tried to ignore the fake name.
He reached for a condom in his jeans, sheathed himself and slipped into her before she had even stopped undulating.
“Oh yes, that’s so perfect. Oh, Andy, you make me feel so good.” She pulled herself up and wrapped her legs firmly around him. He might not be able to give her the answers she needed, but he could give her so much pleasure she forgot to ask them.
“Wrap your arms around me,” he murmured harshly, breathing heavily from his energetic exertions. She squealed as he lifted her off the counter to press her back against the doorframe. She lifted her arms up over her head, gripping the doorjamb as he cupped her butt firmly. She keened at the new angle and he renewed his efforts, slipping in and out of her intoxicating heat with the mission of driving every unpleasant thought from her head.
She slipped a leg down and halted his moves with a firm hand on his chest. She pushed him into a kitchen chair and wrapped her legs over him, sinking down to take charge.
He grinned, loving the take-charge Lucy. Raising and lowering herself, she flexed her muscles, setting a deep pace that worked best for her. Drew was happy enough to follow her lead, pressing her hips up and down to help. Her breasts, tipped with rosy, pouting nipples, were right in front of his eyes as she arched back, and he took one between his lips.
“Wait.” She panted, pulling herself off and turning before resting against his chest, her back facing him. She parted her legs onto either side of his, leaned forward and slid slowly down on his cock. The view of the twin globes of her butt bouncing on him just about had him bursting before he was ready. He reached around her, pulling her back against his chest, playing with a nipple in one hand, as his other slipped between her wide-spread legs, rubbing at her clit firmly.
Her smooth movements became jerky, their sweat-covered bodies slipped together in a fierce grinding, driving motion. Her cries of pleasure echoed with his own in a rhythm they both needed. She put her arms behind his neck, arching hard into the pace. She worked as though determined to
wring every sane thought from his head. And drive any demons from her own. Drew had no problem with being used. Especially with a luscious, amazing woman like Lucy letting loose around him, and all he had to do was come along for the wild ride.
“Is this what you wanted?”
“Mmm, yes.” She quivered, and he murmured encouragement, watching her shudder. She moaned, “Yes, God, yes. Don’t stop.” She arched harder over him, and he handled her a little bit rougher.
“Is that going to make you come, my sweet Lucy? Can you come again while you’re riding me so hard?” He gasped out his words, trying to hold back his own orgasm until she had finished. She was insatiable, her body taut with tension.
She twisted in his arms, straining hard toward her own release, a low moan breaking up her hard breathing.
“You’re so beautiful.” It slipped from his lips and she started laughing just before her breath caught. She cried out, arching hard against him as they ground together.
Her internal muscles clenched hard against him, and he stroked once, twice, three times before losing himself into her body. They quivered together; he tucked his head into her shoulder, the intense feelings overwhelming him. Even with rough kitchen sex, with her demanding and riding him hard, he felt more himself, more at peace then he had with any other woman.
He groaned low in his throat. Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan here. But there was no denying it, he was falling. Hard.
Her soft purr echoed his and he pulled her roughly into his lap sideways, holding her close as they caught their breath. Her body fit perfectly against his. So perfectly. He didn’t want to pull away, he didn’t want any space. He wanted to hold her all night. He wanted to coax her secrets out. The hurt in her eyes kicked him so hard in the gut, he wanted to hold her until the hurt stopped.
The twist of wanting to do anything to keep her safe warred with knowing he would be the one to hurt her.
He felt dampness gather at the corner of his eyes as he swallowed hard, gasping for air.
“Did I hurt you?” she whispered softly, her thumb gently capturing the moisture.
He choked back a laugh. “Isn’t that my line?”
“Well, I sort of jumped you there. Are you okay?”
He gazed up at her, her hair a tangled mess, her skin gleaming. Soft concern in her chocolate-brown eyes.
“I’m fine. I’m just fine, my sweet. And I’m happy to help any time you require my services. Are you okay?”
She shifted uneasily on his lap. “My hips might be a little sore tomorrow—”
“That’s not what I meant.”
She glanced down, softly touching a scratch mark on his chest. “I know.”
Silent for a moment, he tried to figure out how to say the right thing. No words came to mind. His emotions were too close to the surface. Too raw, too fresh, and way too many complications linked to them. It must be a momentary blink of insanity. This alternate universe where he had facial hair and wore sweatpants outside his apartment. He defaulted to the only thing on his mind, besides falling in love with this beautiful, complex, fascinating woman. “Still want to grab something to eat?”
Chapter Eleven
After a quick shower, they hurried to the restaurant through the icy air. Their breaths puffed together in cold clouds as they raced through the frigid temperatures. Settled into a booth at the pub, Lucy ordered a Three Labs beer with a burger and fries. Remembering his manager’s warning to lose some weight, Drew got a grilled chicken salad and a water. Dressing on the side. Lucy cocked an eyebrow at his choice.
“So what’s the news?” She took a deep drink of the beer, and he admired the rosy flush the good loving and the outdoors gave her.
“News?”
“Yeah, remember? You called me, all excited about some news?”
Guilt choked him a little, making the brew bitter on his tongue. “Oh, I got an inside tip that the new Call of Duty was being previewed next week before it launches at Comic-Con.”
“Oh.” She frowned, fiddling with her fork. “That’s neat.”
“But that’s not the best part. I just got my tickets to Comic-Con, so I’ll be flying back for that.” At least that part was true.
“Oh. Exciting.” She didn’t look very excited and he felt like a bonehead. But he had to wait to tell her the truth, as much as he wanted to share.
“I know you don’t understand.” He dropped his hand over hers. “That’s okay. We have lots of other things in common.”
She nodded.
“Take, for instance, our mutual love of coffee. And tequila?” He winked at her, sliding a foot next to hers below the table.
“Can’t get enough of it.”
“And our similar taste in music. Classic rock?”
“It’s the best. Don’t forget outdoor sports.”
He nodded. “I was hoping you’d take me out hiking and show me some good trails.”
“And I see you’re into diving?” She motioned to his watch.
“I managed to get out a few times this year.”
She gave him a sly look. “Really? In Oregon?”
“No, I had a vacation to St. Bart’s with a bachelor party.”
Lucy stared at him. “St. Bart’s? Damn. I’ve never been anywhere that exotic. I’ve gone in a few quarries here and then my job set up a trip in conjunction with a radio station to Cozumel. It was gorgeous.” The dreamy look on her face made him smile.
“I’d love to dive in the Gold Coast just once.”
“Australia,” she sighed, nodding. “It would be so amazing.”
He spent the meal enjoying her company and trying not to talk much about the fake article in the Shepherd Express. She seemed to spend the meal diverting him from asking about her family. She did, however, insist on splitting the bill, and Drew cringed inwardly. She thought he didn’t have any money, and he couldn’t really prove her wrong. But it was easier to not make a fuss. They settled at the bar for another beer, and the next thing Drew knew, it was bar time. Laughing with Lucy sped away the hours faster and faster, especially when he wanted to slow time down and savor the moments.
Drew wrapped his arm over her shoulders, huddling her close in the brisk wind outside. She fit so perfectly into his side, he marveled that it felt so natural to be so attached to someone so quickly.
* * *
“God, I can’t get enough of you,” he groaned. The shower spray beat down on his back and he was buried deep in her, pressed up against the wall of the bathroom. She accidentally kicked over a small pile of bath scrubs and scented soaps. The lavender scent infused his pores, and he closed his eyes, soaking in the essence of Lucy.
“I know. I wish we could stay together all day,” she sighed with a hiccup as he lifted her leg a little higher.
He thrust deep and she arched her back, fusing her mouth to his, encouraging the heat between them. Wildness thrummed through him and he matched his thrusts to the primal beat. Her fingers curled deep into his hair and she cried out, her hair slicked back, her chest pink from his beard brushing against it as he laved and sucked on her pouting nipples.
He didn’t want to lie to her anymore, he wanted to bare his soul, and tell her the truth, and be honest, from start to finish. “Lucy, Lucy I, I have to tell you...” The words spilled out, unchecked. I have to tell you I love you. His heart leaped from his chest, and he nearly lost his footing as he gentled his motions.
Each thrust, he tried to convey his sincerity, his adoration for her. Maybe she felt it, he didn’t know for sure. But as her body quivered around him, he gathered her close and tried to imprint this moment on his memory. “I love you.” He mouthed the words, not able to bring himself to say it loud enough to be heard over the pounding water.
“What did you have to tell me?”
“Huh?” He cleared his throat. Shit, did she hear him? What did she think? “Um, it was just, you know, just rambling.”
She pulled out of his snug embrace to tilt her head and pull h
er lips to one side. “Rambling? Sure. “
But she tucked her head back under his chin, and he held on to her, mouthing the words again. Just for his own heart to hear. “I love you.”
* * *
“Hey, Lucy, who are the flowers from?” Becca fingered a petal as Lucy pulled on a pair of boots. They were going for dinner and a few drinks at the Dirty Goat.
Lucy sighed, knowing it was time to fess up to her dear friend.
“They’re lovely. Are they from Dell?” Becca dropped her hand like it was burning, and backed away a step.
“No. Actually they aren’t. Dell and I ended things a few days ago.”
“Oh good.” Becca let out a relieved breath, and Lucy ushered her out of the apartment. “So, wait. Are they from that mystery man you were talking about the other day?”
The elevator opened, and the cousins stepped in.
“They are, in fact. And Becca, I have to tell you, I haven’t been entirely honest with you.”
“Duh, I know. You won’t tell me his name.”
Lucy started. Since when did her cousin pay attention that closely to her emotional drama? Typically it was all about Becca, all the time.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice. I just didn’t want to pry.”
“Huh. Well. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
The elevator swished open, and Lucy linked her arm to Becca’s, hoping the contact would stop her from reacting horribly. They hurried through the lobby and down the street.
“See, the guy I’m seeing, you know him.”
“I do? How interesting.” She was quiet for a moment and Lucy tried to build up her courage.
“Is it Steve, from maintenance? He’s been—”
“Its Andy.”
“Wait. What? My Andy?” Her arm tensed and Lucy hung tight as she tried to pull away.
“Oh Becca, I deserve for you to be mad at me, but I’m just so sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I mean, I tried to tell you he hit on me, and things just sort of—”
“Andy. Huh. He does not waste any time, does he? So wait, you’re the girl he was in love with?”
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