A Father for Jesse

by Roth, Ann

  “I love hot dogs and beans.” Jess smacked his lips, and Emmy and Caroline laughed.

  “Why don’t you come home with us now?” Caroline said.

  Jess almost jumped up and down he was so excited.

  Emmy nodded. “Okay. I’ll pack your overnight bag as soon as I go home, then drop it off. We’d love to reciprocate next weekend.”

  “Yeah,” Jesse said.

  Caroline gave her driving directions. Then she, Peter and Jesse left.

  Emmy said good-night to Patty and shrugged into her coat. She barely noticed the cold and fog. Before she reached her car, eager to share the good news with Mac, she slid her cell phone from her purse.

  Chapter Twelve

  The bag of Chinese takeout on the passenger seat smelled good. Mac’s mouth watered. Despite his empty stomach, a physically taxing day and the icy fog that forced him to focus carefully on the road, he whistled cheerfully on the drive to Beach Cove Way. His second trip today.

  The hours ahead stretched before him, and a fine tension curled in his belly. His muscles felt tighter than a plumb line. A whole night alone with Emmy. Loving her, being loved. God knew, they were both more than ready. This could be his only chance to be with her until morning, and he meant to take full advantage of the situation. Which explained the fistful of condoms in his pocket.

  Eager to reach her, he turned onto Beach Cove Way faster than he should have. The road was slicker than it had been an hour ago, and the tires squealed and the van fishtailed.

  Heart hammering, Mac gripped the wheel and barely avoided sliding into a tree. “Easy, buddy,” he muttered. “You’ll get there.” He slowed to a crawl.

  Since he’d raced home, showered and shaved in record time, Emmy might not even be back yet from dropping off Jesse’s overnight bag.

  He could hardly wait to make long, slow love with her. Lying down together on a bed. No more fooling around in the Rutherfords’ living room, standing up or squeezing into a cramped space on the floor. No more settling for finger sex. Which Mac thoroughly enjoyed, and which provided a release for Emmy. She’d touched him, too, had wanted to stroke him to climax, but he wasn’t about to let her. It didn’t seem right.

  As much as Mac liked pleasuring her that way, he wanted more, needed to join with her the way he needed air to breathe.

  He rounded the bend. Emmy’s car was parked in her driveway. Soft light shone through cracks in the drapes, beckoning him. His anticipation peaked and his already high spirits soared. Strong feelings swirled in his chest, but he wasn’t about to examine them. Or wonder at the tender warmth in Emmy’s eyes whenever she looked at him. Tonight was about being together, not analyzing.

  He parked where he always did, in front of the Rutherfords’. Just in case. Not that there was much chance of anyone noticing the van. But she worried that Jesse might somehow find out, and you never knew. Why take chances?

  Whistling again, his body coiled and thrumming, he exited the van and strode toward the cottage with the takeout and a bottle of wine. The icy air penetrated his shirt, but he wasn’t cold. He stepped onto the stoop and knocked.

  Almost immediately Emmy opened the door. Jazz music softly floated in the air, rhythmic and suggestive. Perfect.

  “Hi.” She smiled shyly. Her eyebrows rose a fraction as she nodded at his Oxford-cloth shirt and slacks. “I’ve never seen you in anything but a T-shirt and jeans.”

  “Figured I’d dress up.” He combed his gaze over her, noting the way her hair curled prettily around her shoulders and her shift caressed her curves. “Looks as if we’re on the same page.”

  Blushing, she glanced down at herself as if she’d forgotten.

  His eyes dropped to her slim, shapely calves. “You look terrific.” And I can’t wait to get you naked. He entered the house and shut the door. “I like that color blue.”

  “Thanks.”

  Their eyes held a moment before she gestured at the table, which was set for two. “Hungry?”

  As empty as Mac’s belly was, at the moment he wanted only to make love with Emmy. “Oh, I’m hungry all right.” He set the takeout and wine on the table. “But not for food.”

  “It’s like that for me, too.”

  The yearning look he knew so well bloomed on her face, and the heat simmering in his veins caught fire. Mac hauled her to him and kissed her, holding nothing back. Showing her with his mouth how badly he wanted her.

  With a soft moan, Emmy circled her arms around his neck, her lips as fevered and ravenous as his own, her tongue eager and probing. Mac’s body went rock hard.

  They stood in the kitchen pressed tightly together, as close as two clothed people could get. They’d been at this point a frustrating number of times before. Still kissing her, Mac cupped her breasts through the soft fabric of her dress. He heard the familiar swift intake of her breath, smelled her woman scent.

  His blood roaring, he tore his mouth from hers to nuzzle the sensitive place below her ear. “I want you so much,” he murmured against her skin. “Making love to you is all I think about.” He nipped gently and felt her quiver. “Day and night.”

  He slipped his hands under her skirt and grasped her soft behind. And stilled. “You’re not wearing panties.” Desire raged through him, and he laughed softly. “You vixen.”

  “That I am.” She tipped her head back and gave him a sexy smile that only inflamed him more.

  He took her mouth hard and moved his hand between her legs. Gasping, she opened for him. She was already wet and hot.

  In the heat clouding his mind, any thought of making slow love together evaporated. His body demanded release. Now. A low growl rumbled from his chest. “If we don’t head for the bedroom right now, we won’t make it.”

  “There are other options.” Flushed with need, Emmy glanced over her shoulder at the kitchen counter. A fantasy of his that he’d mentioned once.

  “You sure?” he asked.

  “Why do you think I spread a bath towel over it?”

  Mac required no more encouragement. Pulse pounding in his ears, devouring her mouth, he backed her toward the counter. Lifted her and positioned her on the towel. Slid a condom from his pocket and set it beside her. He helped her unzip and remove the dress. Her lacy, beige bra quickly followed.

  He knew her whole body by touch and had gazed at her breasts, but he’d never seen her completely naked. Though he ached to plunge inside her now, he paused to study her. Flushed and soft, her eyes dark with sexual desire, she was perfect.

  His.

  Reverently he leaned down, molded her firm, heavy breasts in his palms and caressed the sensitive tips with his tongue. Emmy clutched his shoulders, her breathing sweetly ragged. Her nipples swelled and stiffened. Throbbing with need and the desire to pleasure her, Mac continued to nip and lick and suckle until she shifted restlessly.

  Eager to give her what she wanted, he mouthed his way down her belly. She tensed when he reached her curls. Widened her thighs and gripped his biceps tightly.

  By now he knew what she liked best. He opened her feminine lips. Inserted two fingers inside. Knelt before her and tongued her swollen little bud.

  “Oh,” she moaned, leaning back until her head bumped the cabinet.

  He’d barely begun to taste her before her muscles spasmed around his fingers and she came apart. Mac loved when she let go, loved that he was the one to give her this joy.

  When she went silent and still, he pulled back and pushed to his feet. She was pink-cheeked, her lips slightly parted and curled into a satisfied smile. So incredibly beautiful.

  As badly as Mac longed to be inside her, if satisfying her in this way was as far as things ever went, it would be enough.

  “You’re so passionate and responsive,” he said, kissing her mouth.

  “Thanks to you. You’re a very skilled man.”

  Praise he’d heard from women before. But until this moment, with Emmy smiling at him like he was something special, the words hadn’t carried much weig
ht. Humbled, Mac shrugged.

  “I can taste myself on your lips,” she said.

  “Does that bother you?”

  She shook her head. “I like it. But let’s not focus on me anymore.” She glanced at his erection and arched her eyebrows. “It’s your turn, Mac. If you don’t come inside me soon, I swear I’ll die.”

  “You don’t have to ask twice.”

  In seconds he’d shed his clothes. Emmy had never seen him totally naked. She silently regarded his erection.

  “Look what you do to me,” he said.

  “Oh, I’m looking.” She smiled, a vibrant, sexy woman who knew she was in control. “Let me put the condom on you,” she said, tearing open the packet.

  Mac gritted his teeth against the shock waves of pleasure detonated by her touch. His already hard groin pulsed and swelled even more. “Don’t take too long or I’ll embarrass myself,” he rasped.

  “Done. Now love me, Mac, the way we both want.” Her eyes fluttered shut and she wrapped her thighs around his waist.

  Anchoring her hips in place, Mac thrust deep, until he wasn’t sure where he ended and she began.

  “Sweet mercy,” he groaned. “You feel so damned good.”

  “I know.” His woman swallowed, then made the breathy sound that signaled arousal. “I…I’m going to come again.” Her muscles squeezed his penis. “Please, Mac. Move. Now.”

  He pushed in, pulled back, pushed again. Faster and farther and harder until Emmy cried out. An instant later he followed, the pleasure so great, he saw stars.

  When the haze lifted and he returned to the here and now, Emmy was resting against his chest and he was still cradled between her thighs. Awe and tenderness filled him. Because he’d just enjoyed the best sex of his life, he told himself. Anything more was too scary.

  “That was worth waiting for.” He kissed the crook of her shoulder and felt her shiver. “Fantastic.”

  “Even better than I dreamed. And I dreamed a lot.” She gave Mac a contented smile. “I’m so happy.”

  Mac hugged her closer. “Yeah, I know.”

  Her fingers combed through his hair, smoothing it back from his forehead. So incredibly gentle, so soothing. Mac had never felt such peace and contentment. Closing his eyes, he absently stroked the soft skin of her hips and outer thighs.

  As she stirred and responded to his touch, he knew that as soon as he recovered he’d make love with her again. Preferably in bed and more slowly. He wanted to share a shower with her, too, and maybe try—

  Suddenly Emmy’s stomach growled.

  “That sounds ominous,” he teased, pulling out of her arms.

  She looked sheepish. “Guess I’m ready for dinner.”

  “Me, too. Let’s eat that takeout.” He handed her his shirt and watched her button it.

  The thing was way too big for her, and she rolled the cuffs several times. As loose at it was, when she slid off the counter her nipples poked the cotton.

  So damned seductive. Ignoring the fresh need sweeping though him, Mac grabbed his shorts and slacks and turned toward the bathroom. “I’ll go clean up.”

  “And I’ll reheat the food.”

  When he returned to the kitchen, Emmy was at the table, pouring wine. Her hair was tucked neatly behind her ears. She looked cute having dinner in his shirt.

  Except that underneath she was naked.

  Mac’s body tightened and he wanted her even more than before. He could hardly wait to get through the meal and make love with her again.

  NOT LONG AFTER the most amazing sex of her life, Emmy dabbed her mouth, then laid her napkin on her empty plate. “That was delicious, Mac. I’m crazy about Chinese food.”

  “So I noticed.” His eyes twinkled. “The way you handled those chopsticks—I’m impressed.”

  Here she was, sitting across the table from the man she most wanted to be with. Who was more relaxed than she’d ever seen him and gloriously bare-chested. Just the two of them eating and talking as easily as if they dined this way every night. She dreamed of that. Right now she wanted to pinch herself to make sure it was real.

  “We ate a ton of Asian food in Oakland, so I’ve had lots of practice.” She nodded at Mac’s unused chopsticks. “If you want any pointers…”

  “No, thanks, I’ll stick with a fork. How about another glass of wine, or seconds of dinner?”

  Emmy shook her head. “I’ve had enough, thanks.”

  “Not me.”

  Mac helped himself to more chow mein and fried rice. His biceps flexed. Lord, what an amazing set of muscles. And that chest—broad with a smattering of hair. A flat belly and thick, powerful legs. As for his groin…well, what they said about the size of a man’s hands and a certain body part was definitely true. And, oh, the pleasure he gave with his fingers, lips and tongue…

  Emmy’s body began to hum with the now-familiar need.

  Oblivious, Mac devoured his food. Amazed at his appetite and so in love she felt drunk, Emmy shook her head. She’d never felt this way before, totally full and complete. Certainly not with Chas. He hadn’t wanted her love.

  Unfortunately neither did Mac. Like Chas, Mac’s plans excluded a woman and her son. Having learned her lesson most painfully from Chas, Emmy wasn’t going to get in Mac’s way. He would never know he owned her heart.

  For a moment her world darkened. But she wouldn’t ruin this precious time with wishful thinking. Tonight was about here and now, forging cherished memories no one could ever take from her.

  Emmy hugged herself. Mac’s shirt smelled good—spicy and clean, like him.

  Looking up from his now-empty plate, he caught her staring. His brows pulled together. “What?”

  She forced a lighthearted shrug. “Just wondering if you’ll have room for some of the chocolate cake I pulled from the freezer. There’s vanilla ice cream to go with it.”

  His eyes lit up. “There’s always room for dessert. I’ll take two scoops with my cake, please.”

  He started to stack the dishes, but Emmy stopped him.

  “Let me clear the table. You sit and finish your wine.”

  He nodded and sat back.

  She rinsed the empty takeout cartons and the plates. As she loaded the dishwasher, Mac made a low, appreciative sound she recognized—a lustful growl that sent her pulse skyrocketing. Slightly breathless, she turned around to find him staring at her through slitted eyes.

  “Have I told you how sexy you look in my shirt?”

  “Yes.” She couldn’t help thrusting out her chest, noting with satisfaction that his eyes darkened. “But feel free to tell me again.”

  His chair scraped back and he stood. “I changed my mind about what I want for dessert.”

  “Oh?” Every nerve in her body tensed. “What would you prefer?”

  “Let’s head for the bedroom and I’ll show you.”

  MAC WOKE UP early, before dawn. Emmy lay beside him, one arm flung across his belly and her face turned into the crook of his shoulder. Her hair smelled faintly of lemons and her tranquil breath fanned his chest, a brush of early-morning sweetness.

  Sometime during the night the furnace had turned down, and despite her warmth, the bedroom was cold. With his free hand, Mac tugged the covers over her shoulders.

  The bedside lamp glowed softly—he’d wanted to look into her eyes while they made love—and he briefly took in the pale yellow walls and colorful area rug over the beige carpet. Cozy, welcoming colors, a lot like Emmy. Mac smiled and pulled her closer.

  She mumbled and nestled into his side, her hand now dangerously close to his groin. His morning erection stood at attention. After what—four times?—he should’ve had enough, should feel sated. Instead, he wanted her again, more than ever.

  Emmy seemed to share his insatiable need to make love. With a wry smile, Mac noted the clothes tossed haphazardly on the floor, a testament to the frenzied passion that only seemed to grow more intense. Oh, eventually they’d managed to make slow, leisurely love. The fourth time. Th
e first three they were too impatient.

  She was the most passionate, sexy woman Mac had ever known. He wouldn’t mind a repeat tonight and the next night. And the one that followed. Would like to wake up beside her like this every morning.

  The thought terrified him.

  Uh-uh, he was not giving up his dream again. It was his turn to do exactly what he pleased—travel, then go to school full-time. Nothing would stop him. Nothing.

  Not even Emmy.

  And now he had to get the hell out of Dodge. He slid his arm from under her. “Emmy?”

  “Mmm?”

  She opened her eyes, stretched and gave him a warm, sleepy smile that made his chest hurt.

  Mac cleared his throat. “It’s almost five.” He swung his legs over the bed and showed her his back. “I should go.”

  “But I don’t have to pick up Jess until ten. Your brothers aren’t working today, are they? So you don’t have to hurry away. Surely we have time for a leisurely breakfast and—” her voice dropped seductively “—another shower.”

  If it was anything like last night’s…Mac recalled soaping each other all over and the steamy lovemaking they’d enjoyed under the water spray. Passion and pleasure he’d never forget.

  Whether he wanted more of that or not—and he did—he wasn’t about to shower again or anything else with Emmy.

  “Better not.” He stood, found his shorts near the bed and pulled them on. Did the same with his slacks. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll let myself out. Go back to sleep.”

  She propped herself on her elbow, the blanket barely covering her breasts. A siren, seducing him without even trying.

  “Are you working later today?” she asked. “Will you need me to unlock the door?”

  Mac enjoyed spending part of his Saturdays on the job, especially when the extra hours put him that much further ahead of schedule. Today he needed to stay away from the Rutherfords’ place and Emmy. Until he pulled his crap together.

  Busy with his shirt, he shook his head. “I’m only in town two more weeks. There’s a lot to do before then. Errands and cleaning out my apartment.”